High School Casserole–a creamy chicken and veggie pasta dinner that is a dump-and-go Instant Pot dinner with simple pantry ingredients you probably already have at your house.
High School Casserole
It’s back to school time of year! Skyler is back to high school for his senior year. Since he is a senior he has a lot more flexibilty and pops in at home for lunch several days a week. He told me to make a huge pasta dish so he could have the leftovers. This is what I came up with. He just took a leftover portion now and loves it. I love this recipe because it’s one of those magical dump-and-go Instant Pot dinners that you can get going in no time. Plus it uses ingredients you might already have on hand. The leftovers are perfect for lunches or second dinner for Skyler.
Ingredients/Substitution Ideas
- Water
- Better than Bouillon Chicken Base
- Cavatappi pasta–or macaroni
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs–or breasts
- Poultry seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Seasoned salt
- Black pepper
- Smoked paprika
- Cream cheese
- Frozen mixed veggies–mine had carrots, peas, green beans and lima beans
- Cheddar cheese–I like using sharp
- French fried onions–like the kind you put on green bean casserole
Notes/Tips
- Serve with a green salad and garlic bread.
- Cavatappi works great, but macaroni, rotini, or penne will all work too.
- You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs if that’s what you have. I like thighs because they stay more moist and tender than thighs.
- If you don’t have it, you can use chicken broth instead of the water + bouillon combo.
- Any frozen mixed vegetables work here…peas, carrots, corn, or even broccoli. Toss them in at the end so they don’t get mushy.
- Cheddar is classic, but pepper jack or colby jack would be amazing if you want a little kick.
- Add in a splash of milk after the pressure cooking time if you want it a little more creamy and to loosen it up.
- I used my 6 quart Instant Pot*. You can also make this in a 3 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 frozen mixed vegetables are Instant Pot 3-Item Beef Stew and Get in my Belly Supper.
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.
High School Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes (plus 10 minute NPR)
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
A creamy chicken and veggie pasta dinner that is a dump-and-go Instant Pot dinner with simple pantry ingredients you probably already have at your house.
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 Tbsp Better than Bouillon Chicken Base
- 8 oz cavatappi pasta or macaroni
- 16–20 oz boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite size pieces
- 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 1/4 tsp seasoned salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Dash of smoked paprika
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 2 cups frozen mixed veggies
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup french fried onions
Instructions
- Pour water into Instant Pot. Stir in the Better than Bouillon. Sprinkle in the pasta. Spread chicken evenly over pasta. Sprinkle the chicken with poultry seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, pepper and paprika, Place cream cheese into the pot.
- Cover Instant Pot and secure the lid. Make sure valve is set to sealing. Set manual/pressure cook button to 4 minutes. When time is up let pot sit for 5-10 minutes and then move valve to venting.
- Cook vegetables in the microwave according to package directions.
- Remove Instant Pot lid. Stir in the vegetables and cheddar cheese. Sprikle french fried onions on top and serve.
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Instant Pot
More Instant Pot chicken and pasta recipes…
Pennsylvania Chicken Casserole
A creamy chicken penne pasta dinner with sneaky veggies. Make it fast in the Instant Pot!
Amish Savior Sunday Supper
A creamy chicken and noodle dish made in your Instant Pot or slow cooker. It’s the kind of easy dinner that makes everyone happy!
Yankee Doodle Casserole
A creamy, cheesy Instant Pot chicken and noodle dish with tangy tomatoes and artichokes (or mushrooms) for a quick and easy meal.
Hungry Romance Casserole
Cavatappi pasta with chicken, ham, swiss cheese and a crispy panko topping. It’s like chicken cordon bleu in a pasta form!
*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.
Hello,
I’d like to cook the pasta separately because I always seem to burn it somehow. If I just cook the chicken thighs in the instant pot, how long should I cook it? I’m thinking I’ll do a double batch for my family and someone else as well. Thank you. Love your recipes. You’re very helpful.
I would use the same cooking time but only add in a half cup of liquid instead of the 2 cups.