Easy Instant Pot Crack Chicken Spaghetti Casserole (with Velveeta). Creamy, cheesy, salty, and delicious, this casserole has it all! Wonderfully irresistible cheese sauce combined with chicken and spaghetti to make an unforgettable comfort casserole!

Why This Recipe Works

So Many Flavors!- This casserole isn’t just chicken and spaghetti, there are layers of complex flavors and textures that will make you crave this chicken all week long! There are notes of cream, ranch, chicken, salt, and smoke all in this one delicious dish!
Weeknight Wonder- One of the best things about this recipe is how quick and easy to prepare it is! You can work this into your weeknight rotation because it has virtually no prep work. Just throw everything together and you’re set! You can even use leftover chicken so this is a real grocery bill saver, too!
Terrific Turkey Bacon- Undeniably delicious turkey bacon adds some crunch and delightful interest to the casserole. The smoky flavor combined with the crunch texture will keep you coming back for another bite of this tasty Crack Chicken Spaghetti Casserole!

Here’s How You Make It

Recipe Ingredients

Chicken breast- This recipe gives you options! If you have raw chicken and time on your hands you can cook the chicken in the Instant Pot in moments for perfectly fresh chicken for this casserole.
If you don’t have raw chicken don’t sweat it! Use last night’s chicken to save time and money. Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this, because of the herbs and spices, but really any plainly seasoned whole chicken or chicken breast will do.
Water- Liquid is the trick to why meat always comes out so juicy when cooked in the Instant Pot. The steam from the water will help cook the chicken while allowing it to retain its wonderfully tasty juices!
Spaghetti- The shape and bite of spaghetti are perfect for this dish, but you can optionally choose a different shape of pasta. You can also substitute regular spaghetti for whole wheat or gluten-free as a 1:1 substitution.
Ranch Dressing- Creamy ranch has the most irresistible blend of buttermilk and savory seasonings to turn this chicken into a craveable masterpiece! To keep things lighter, swap traditional ranch for the low-fat version.
Turkey Bacon- This savory treat brings a smoky flavor with less grease than pork bacon.
Water or Chicken Broth- To cook the pasta. The pasta will take on the flavor of the broth, so using broth can add a lot to this dish. Choosing low-sodium broth is always a healthier bet!
Velveeta Cheese- Creamy and distinct Velvetta adds the velvety good cheese flavor that will keep you coming back. Be sure to cube the Velveeta to ensure even melting.
Cream Cheese- Delicious cream cheese adds even more cheesy flavor and texture to this amazing chicken spaghetti!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Place the chicken breast in the inner pot. Add in four cups of water. Push the pressure cooker setting and set the temperature to HI and set the timer to fourteen minutes. Quick release when done.
Shred the chicken into big pieces. You don’t want a finely shredded chicken.
Break the spaghetti into two and put it in the inner pot. Make sure that the spaghetti is not adhering to each other. You can do this by holding the spaghetti on both ends and breaking it in the middle then dropping it in the inner pot.
Add in the water or chicken broth.
Place the pot in the Instant pot base and cover with a pressure cooker lid. Push the pressure cooker button setting and set the temperature to HI. Set the timer to eight minutes and quick release.
When done, cancel the pressure cooker button setting. Push the ‘saute’ button immediately and add in ranch dressing and cream cheese, and Velveeta cheese. Add the remaining half cup of water. Mix gently but quickly to melt the cheeses. Transfer the spaghetti to the serving dish immediately to not overcook.

Equipment

Note that I am using my 8 Qt Instant Pot Duo Crips Plus Air Fryer Lid in this recipe. Every model is different, so make sure that you check your manual for instructions.

How to Serve Instant Pot Crack Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

This dish is a showstopper! It is a rustic and satisfying presentation that will make everyone at the table hungry. Serve this casserole in personal crocks or bowls, or go family style and let everyone serve themselves from a large casserole dish.
To really elevate this weeknight favorite, serve it with some tasty green veggies. Not only do they work well together but it’s a great way to add some color to the plate! Finish the feast with garlic bread for an over-the-top yet easy classic!

How to Store Instant Pot Crack Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

Allow the casserole to cool completely then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days.

How to Reheat Instant Pot Crack Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

There are several great ways to reheat Crack Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, use these tips to help you:

Oven- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Transfer the casserole to an oven-safe casserole dish and cover with foil. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling.
Microwave- Transfer casserole to a microwave-safe dish, loosely cover, and microwave on standard setting for up to 2 minutes. Heat in 30-second intervals and stir at each stop to ensure the dish is heating evenly.
Stovetop/Instant Pot on “Saute-Low”- Preheat the Instant Pot or place a saucepan over low heat, add the desired amount of casserole, and heat for up to 5 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning, and optionally add a splash of stock or cream if the casserole seems to be drying. Heat just until pleasantly warm.

Ranch Isn’t my Favorite. Is There Something Else That Works?

Yes, you can substitute ranch if it is not your favorite flavor. Try using plain greek yogurt and some fresh dill or parsley.

Can Leftover Chicken be Used for This Recipe?

Absolutely! That is one of the things that makes this recipe such a favorite of mine. You don’t have to worry about wasted food or doing extra cooking, just throw in some leftover rotisserie chicken and you’re ready to go!

If you are using leftover chicken skip step 1 and start the recipe from step 2.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Allow the cooked chicken to cool somewhat before shredding, and use forks or tongs to protect yourself from burns.
Be sure not to shred the chicken too finely. You want to really see and taste the chicken, so try to keep some big chunks.
This recipe lets you choose water or broth for cooking pasta, and I love broth! It adds so much flavor, but if you’re watching your sodium use half water and half broth.

For more Noodles Recipe on the blog:

Easy Instant Pot Crack Chicken Spaghetti Casserole (with Velveeta)

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Servings: people

Calories: 299kcal

Author: Shobee

Equipment

1 instant pot duo crisp plus air fryer 8 quart

Ingredients

2 pieces chicken breast equivalent to 2 cups precooked (you can use leftover rotiserie chicken)
4 1/2 cups water divided
16 oz spaghetti
2 oz ranch dressing
12 pieces bacon use turkey bacon so that it's not too fatty
4 oz Velveeta cheese slice into small sizes so that it will melt quickly once added.
4 oz cream cheese slice into small sizes so that it will melt quickly once added.

Instructions

Place the chicken breast in the inner pot. Add in four cups of water. Push the pressure cooker setting and set the temperature to HI and set the timer to fourteen minutes. Quick release when done. DON'T DISCARD THE LIQUID.
Shred the chicken into big pieces. You don't want a finely shredded chicken.
Fry the bacon and drain excess oil. Set aside.
Break the spaghetti into two and put it in the inner pot. Make sure that the spaghetti is not adhering to each other. You can do this by holding the spaghetti on both ends and breaking it in the middle then dropping it in the inner pot.
Add in the water or chicken broth from the chicken breast.
Place the pot in the Instant pot base and cover with a pressure cooker lid. Push the pressure cooker button setting and set the temperature to HI. Set the timer to eight minutes and quick release.
When done, cancel the pressure cooker button setting. Push the saute' button immediately add in ranch dressing and cream cheese, and Velveeta cheese. Mix gently but quickly to melt the cheeses. Mix gently but quickly to melt the cheeses. Transfer the spaghetti immediately to not overcook.

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Hi, my name is Shobee. Welcome to The Skinny Pot, where we cook Easy Recipes from the available ingredients from our pantry and fridge! We’re your go-to source for simple and delicious recipes that make the most of what you already have at home. Talk about the pantry challenge. Read more...