Cheat Day Casserole

Cheat Day Casserole–a creamy, protein-packed Instant Pot dish made with Banza rotini, tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and garlic, all tossed in a flavorful tomato and Boursin cheese sauce.

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Cheat Day Casserole

This pasta dish seems like something you’d want to eat on your cheat meal because it’s creamy, savory pasta. However, it may not be that far off of your diet goals because it is gluten free, made with high protein pasta and has a good amount of fiber in each serving. With over 40 grams of protein and 9 grams of fiber in each serving this dish will keep you full for a long time so you’re less likely to get snacky in between meals. It comes together quickly with the help of your Instant Pot. Enjoy!

Ingredients/Substitution Ideas

• Olive oil–or butter
• Shallot–or ¼ cup diced onion
• Mushrooms–I used button
• Garlic cloves–or 1 tsp garlic powder
• Chicken broth
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Poultry seasoning
• Balsamic vinegar
• Banza rotini pasta–this is chickpea high protein pasta. You can also use regular pasta.
• Cooked chopped chicken–like rotisserie chicken
• Tomato sauce–or a can of diced tomatoes for a chunkier sauce
• Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese–look for it in the specialty cheese or deli section at the grocery store
• Mozzarella cheese or parmesan cheese–for topping

Steps

Turn Instant Pot to saute setting. When display says HOT add in the oil and swirl around. Add in the shallot and mushroom and saute for 3 minutes. Add in the garlic and saute for 30 seconds. 

Pour in the broth and scrape bottom of pot so that nothing is sticking. Turn off Instant Pot.

Add in salt, pepper, poultry seasoning and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle in the pasta. Dump chicken and tomato sauce on top. 

Cover Instant Pot and secure the lid. Make sure valve is set to sealing. Set the manual/pressure cook button to 3 minutes. When time is up let pot sit for 10 minutes and then move valve to venting. Remove the lid. 

Stir in the Boursin cheese (you can stir in half of the container or the whole thing depending on how creamy you want it). 

Scoop onto plates and top each serving with a bit of mozzarella or parmesan cheese. 

Notes/Tips

• Serve with a caesar salad or a green salad and a slice of garlic bread.
• Can I use a different pasta shape, or does it have to be rotini? You can use another short cut pasta like penne (increase cooking time to 5 minutes).
• Banza pasta is a healthier alternative to regular pasta because it’s higher in protein (13-14g vs. 7-8g) and fiber (5-8g vs. 2-3g), making it more filling and better for blood sugar control. It also has fewer net carbs, is naturally gluten-free, and contains more nutrients like iron and magnesium. Since it’s made from chickpeas, it offers a more balanced, nutrient-dense option compared to traditional refined wheat pasta.
• This recipe is gluten free (as long as you use Banza pasta).
• Can I use cream cheese instead of Boursin? Yes you can but you may need to add garlic, herbs, and a splash of cream to match the flavor and texture.
• Can I add raw chicken and cook it in the Instant Pot? Yes you can. Cut up 1 pound of boneless skinless thighs or breasts into cubes and place them in the pot. They will cook in the same amount of pressure cooking time as the cooked chicken.
• I used my 3 quart Instant Pot*. You can also make this in a 6 or 8 quart pot.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container* in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Other recipes you can make with mushrooms are Carol’s Casserole and Johnny Cash Rice.

Did you know you can filter the recipes on my website to search by meat type, IP or Crockpot, low carb, gluten free, etc.? Use the filter to find exactly what you are looking for. 

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Don’t have an Instant Pot? You can also make this recipe on the stovetop…

Stovetop Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Cook the Banza rotini according to package directions until al dente. Drain (reserve a half cup of the pasta water) and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics & Mushrooms

   • In a large skillet or pot, heat 1 Tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the diced shallot and mushrooms and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
   • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

3. Make the Sauce

   • Pour in only a half cup of pasta water and use a spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
   • Stir in the salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, and balsamic vinegar.
   • Add the tomato sauce and cooked, chopped chicken, stirring to combine.
   • Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.

4. Combine Everything

   • Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Boursin cheese (start with half and add more if desired).
   • Once the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy, add the cooked pasta and toss to coat.

5. Finish & Serve

   • Scoop onto plates and sprinkle with mozzarella or parmesan cheese.
   • Serve warm and enjoy!

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More Instant Pot chicken pasta recipes…

*Karen Petersen is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.