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Roasted chicken breast is one of my favorite things to make, but I hate heating up the house with it in the oven.  Plus, there is the time it takes to really roast a chicken.  Whether I have a half a chicken, a whole chicken, or just some bone-in chicken breasts, it takes way too much time to bother with the traditional cooking methods.  That’s why, I love my Instant Pot, and I love this healthy and easy recipe for roasted chicken breast and vegetables!

Instant Pot Chicken and Vegetables – Roasted Chicken Breast

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To start, I have to mention that creating meals like this makes my entire family happy.  The guys both love chicken and veggies, and I, of course, love something that fits so easily into my Weight Watchers plan.  This meal including veggies is only 7 SmartPoints.  I absolutely love that I can have such a satisfying meal for low-points.  That leaves me room for dessert!

Note Regarding Cook Time:  Time cooking really depends on the size of the chicken 20 minutes on the manual (high) setting is typically more than enough to cook through, but if you have an exceptionally large piece of meat, you may want to cook for longer.

4.8 from 6 reviews

Instant Pot Roasted Chicken Breast & Vegetables

 

Print

Prep time

10 mins

Cook time

25 mins

Total time

35 mins

 

Serves: 4

Ingredients

• ½ Chicken or 2 Bone-In Chicken Breasts
• 2 Cups Carrots
• 8 medium new potatoes (red or yellow)
• 1 cup pearl onions (or 1 onion chopped)
• ½ Cup Chicken Broth
• 1 Spring Rosemary
• 1 Spring Thyme
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper
2. Spread olive oil over the bottom of Instant Pot and pour chicken broth into bottom of Instant Pot
3. Place chicken on top of the broth and cover with onions, thyme, rosemary, and garlic.
4. Top with carrots and potatoes (you may wish to season with salt and pepper)
5. Place Instant Pot lid on and set to seal.
6. Set to the Manual Setting for 20 minutes.
7. Allow to NPR. Remove from Instant Pot.
8. For those who want crispy skin, remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and place under the broiler for 5 minutes.

3.5.3251

WW FreeStyle Plan SmartPoints: 3 Per Serving if eating ONLY chicken breast

SmartPoints on Beyond the Scale: 7 Per Serving

PointsPlus: 7 per serving

While I calculate the points using my own account with Weight Watchers, I am actually not affiliated with them.  However, I absolutely love how easy Weight Watchers has been for me, and having lost 40 pounds in 4 months, I know that it really does work.  Focusing on healthier eating habits have made a huge difference in how I view food.  You can also use the Weight Watchers SmartPoints Calculator if you don’t want to join the monthly program.

**Know someone who would like a Quinoa Dish? Check out the easy and simple recipe here!**

As you can see, this flavorful and moist roasted chicken breast recipe is going to be easy and delicious.  You’ll love being able to make a great meal that everyone loves with just a few minutes of prep.  That is one reason why I love my Instant Pot.  Even on super busy days, I can make meals like this without having to tend the oven or stove top.  Being healthy and full of flavor just makes it better!

More Weight Watchers Recipes:

• BBQ Apricot Chicken
• Weight Watchers Soup: Ground Turkey & Vegetable
• Weight Watchers SmartPoints Spaghetti Recipe
• Healthy Beef Stew Weight Watchers Recipe
• See more WW freestyle plans
• Learn about WW breakfast recipes

This list of WW FreeStyle Instant Pot Recipes is a perfect way to introduce yourself to using an electric pressure cooker.  With tons of delicious family-friendly recipes, this is a perfect place to start your meal plan for the week.

25 WW FreeStyle Instant Pot Recipes

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If you don’t have an electric pressure cooker yet, the Instant Pot is the most popular brand.  These aren’t your grandma’s pressure cooker. The electric option is just for cooking foods under high pressure. It is not used for canning foods.  The Instant Pot DUO60 6 quart 7-in-1 system is the most common choice.  Most of the recipes below are portioned for at least the 6-quart option.

Accessories for Your Instant Pot

Below are a few handy items that make cooking with an IP easier to manage.  Although you don’t need these items to enjoy using your pressure cooker, they do make it easier to create some recipes.

• Silicone Egg Bites Mold with Steamer Handles
• Trivet
• Silicone Pot Holders
• Stainless Steel Bowls for Pot in Pot Method
• 7″ Springform Pan
• Steamer basket

Instant Pot Breakfast Recipes

Egg Bake from Slap Dash Mom

Steel Cut Oats from Skinnytaste

Hard Boiled Eggs from Meal Planning Mommies

Cranberry Butter from Four Sisters Dish

Instant Pot Egg Bites from The Inspirational Edit

Instant Pot Soup Recipes

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup from You Brew My Tea

Italian Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup from Meal Planning Mommies

Chicken Taco Chili from Skinnytaste

Instant Pot Beef and Barley Soup from Slender Kitchen

Instant Pot Main Dish Recipes

Southern Chicken and Dumplings from You Brew My Tea

Al Pastor from You Brew My Tea

Chicken Burrito Bowls from The Skinnyish Dish

Chicken Fried Rice from Meal Planning Mommies

Corned Beef and Cabbage from Skinnytaste

Sweet and Sour Chicken from Midlife Healthy Living

Lo Mein from Slap Dash Mom

Salsa Ranch Shredded Chicken from Meal Planning Mommies

Instant Pot Chicken Mango Salad from The Inspirational Edit

Eggroll in a Bowl from You Brew My Tea

Best Ever Pot Roast from You Brew My Tea

Chicken and Black Bean Taquitos from Midlife Healthy Living

Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken from Food n Service

Instant Pot Side Dish Recipes

Hummus from Slap Dash Mom

Baked Beans from You Brew My Tea

Deviled Eggs with Shrimp from The Inspirational Edit

How Instant Pot Helps Your WW Journey

While an Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker isn’t necessary to succeed with WW, it is a great resource.  I even included it in my list of WW FreeStyle Must Have’s for Success to help you start and stay on track.  The ability to make a meal faster and easier is a huge part of success with any dietary change.

Tip: Check out this list of Weight Watchers Snacks for even more ways to stay on track with delicious foods!

One of the additional ways the Instant Pot helps you stay on track, is that you can easily make bulk batches of lean proteins and legumes.  Adding a few chicken breasts and a jar of salsa to the Instant Pot is a super fast way to have a zero point meal option all week long.  Another great thing with WW FreeStyle is the introduction of beans as a zero point food item.  Dry beans and broth with seasonings cook in under an hour in the pressure cooker and a perfect side dishes, or the base of a burrito bowl, soup, or wrap. Of course, you have to include how easy hard boiled eggs are to make, and how versatile they are throughout your week for meals and snacks.

This Instant Pot Italian Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe is a wonderful meal that your whole family is going to love.  Easy, affordable, and delicious – this was a hit when Emilee made it for her family!  Since I am no longer eating meat, she has been helping me create great Weight Watchers recipes for you, and this is one of her latest!

Instant Pot Italian Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe

This post contains affiliate links.  I earn a small commission from purchases made via these links. 

One of my favorite things to make has always been a simple pasta dish.  Just because you are eating healthier and following Weight Watchers SmartPoints plan doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy pasta.  This recipe shows you just how delicious you can make mealtime while still staying within your points plan!  Plus, this is an excellent Instant Pot recipe to impress anyone who wonders if an Instant Pot is a good investment.  I love my Instant Pot Duo60.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed

16oz box penne pasta

2 cups chicken stock (or water)

2 Roma tomatoes, diced

½ red onion, diced

1 cup mushrooms, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced (can use equivalent garlic powder if you prefer)

2 teaspoons Italian seasonings

1 cup low-fat part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded

½ cup fat-free cream cheese

Directions for Italian Creamy Chicken Pasta 

Add all ingredients to Instant Pot liner, except for cheeses.

Mix well so that pasta is covered in liquid and everything is well combined. (This means that everything has been coated, but not that it is floating in water. So, stick with just the 2 cup measurement)

Place lid and set to seal.

Set to high pressure (manual) for 9 minutes. Once done, allow to NPR (natural pressure release) for 5 minutes.

Once pressure has released, remove the lid and stir in cheeses until well combined and melted.

Serve with additional Parmesan or parsley as desired.

4.4 from 5 reviews

Instant Pot Italian Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe

 

Print

Prep time

10 mins

Cook time

15 mins

Total time

25 mins

 

Makes 8 Servings 1½ cup per serving 8 SmartPoints per serving

Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed
• 16oz box penne pasta
• 2 cups chicken stock (or water)
• 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
• ½ red onion, diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (can use equivalent garlic powder if you prefer)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasonings
• 1 cup low-fat part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup fat-free cream cheese

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to Instant Pot liner, except for cheeses.
2. Mix well so that pasta is covered in liquid and everything is well combined.
3. Place lid and set to seal.
4. Set to high pressure (manual) for 9 minutes. Once done, allow to NPR (natural pressure release) for 5 minutes.
5. Once pressure has released, remove the lid and stir in cheeses until well combined and melted.
6. Serve with additional Parmesan or parsley as desired.

3.5.3228

10 PointsPlus

6 SmartPoints on FreeStyle or Flex Plans

8 SmartPoints per Serving on Beyond the Scale

Alternate Stovetop Cooking Method: 

This could also be cooked easily on the stove top if you prefer.  To cook on the stove top, you would need to cook the pasta on the stove top according to package directions.  Next, you would add a bit of oil to a large stockpot, cook the vegetables and chicken until done, then combine with already cooked pasta and cheese.

This easy Instant Pot Italian Creamy Chicken Pasta is a great meal that is super kid-friendly.  Make this and portion out for your lunches to stay on track with your Weight Watchers diet plan, or divide up and enjoy a family meal that everyone loves.  Pasta is a great easy meal that can add to your meal plan with just a few minutes prep work!

More Weight Watchers Recipes: 

• Instant Pot Eggroll in a Bowl
• Best Pot Roast Recipe for Instant Pot
• Chicken and Bean Soup Instant Pot Recipe
• Instant Pot Roasted Chicken Breast and Vegetables
• 35 Easy Weight Watchers Soup Recipes
• Weight Watchers SmartPoints Meal Plan
• Weight Watchers Recipes Freestyle
• Weight Watchers Breakfasts Menu
• Buffalo Chicken Pasta

A few months ago, I discovered my love for al pastor tacos at our local taqueria.  That resulted in me working hard to create these Instant Pot Al Pastor Recipe.  Instead of slow cooking for hours, I can quickly mix this recipe together and have it on the table in under an hour.  For busy nights, that is a must!

Instant Pot Al Pastor Recipe

One of the best parts of this recipe is that it can easily be a low point option on Weight Watchers.  This recipe is also very easy to adjust for your preference in heat level.  We prefer things mild, so only add a bit of the chipotle sauce into the sauce.  If you like spicy, you can add more.

Note:  A fresh pineapple is best for this recipe.  To make it easier, I use this pineapple corer and slicer.  It is the best kitchen investment I have ever made for helping me eat fresh fruit!  It also makes this recipe much easier to manage.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Al Pastor Recipe

2 pounds pork loin, cut into 1″ chunks

1 fresh pineapple, cut into chunks

1 small onion, cut into chunks

1/2 cup orange juice

1/4 cup white vinegar

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1/2 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon salt

1 chipotle chile, plus 1 tablespoon adobo from canned chiles in adobo (can lessen or increase the amount to your heat preference)

If making tacos:

Corn Tortillas

Cilantro

Lettuce

Tomato

Diced Onion

Cheese

Directions for Instant Pot Al Pastor Recipe

Cut a 2-pound pork loin into 1″ chunks and place into the bottom of your Instant Pot liner.

Core and cut your pineapple into chunks.  Divide and set aside 1 cup pineapple for sauce, dice the rest into small pieces to add to tacos, or for use in other recipes.

In a blender (we use the Ninja Professional Countertop Blender), add 1 cup pineapple, onion, orange juice, vinegar, chipotle chile, adobo sauce, chili powder, garlic, salt, oregano, and cumin.  Pulse for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until pureed and smooth.

Cover the cubed pork with the sauce mixture and stir to coat.

Place the lid onto the Instant Pot and set to seal.

Set manual for 22 minutes.

When cook time ends, allow to naturally pressure release for 5 minutes, then safely release the remaining pressure.

Remove and serve in tacos, over rice, or alone with your favorite sides.

Instant Pot Al Pastor Recipe

 

Print

Prep time

10 mins

Cook time

25 mins

Total time

35 mins

 

Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 2 pounds pork loin, cut into 1" chunks
• 1 fresh pineapple, cut into chunks
• 1 small onion, cut into chunks
• ½ cup orange juice
• ¼ cup white vinegar
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 chipotle chile, plus 1 tablespoon adobo from canned chiles in adobo (can lessen or increase the amount to your heat preference)
• Your preferred taco toppings

Instructions

1. Cut a 2-pound pork loin into 1" chunks and place into the bottom of your Instant Pot liner.
2. Core and cut your pineapple into chunks. Divide and set aside 1 cup pineapple for sauce, dice the rest into small pieces to add to tacos, or for use in other recipes.
3. In a blender (we use the Ninja Professional Countertop Blender), add 1 cup pineapple, onion, orange juice, vinegar, chipotle chile, adobo sauce, chili powder, garlic, salt, oregano, and cumin. Pulse for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until pureed and smooth.
4. Cover the cubed pork with the sauce mixture and stir to coat.
5. Place the lid onto the Instant Pot and set to seal.
6. Set manual for 22 minutes.
7. When cook time ends, allow to naturally pressure release for 5 minutes, then safely release the remaining pressure.
8. Remove and serve in tacos, over rice, or alone with your favorite sides.

3.5.3251

6 SmartPoints per serving on Weight Watchers FreeStyle, Flex, Your Way, Beyond the Scale Plans

8 PointsPlus per serving

Al Pastor Tacos

My little secret is that I always use the Mission Tortilla Thin Corn Tortillas for tacos.  They are authentic in flavor and texture, but only 1 SmartPoint per tortilla.  That means I can indulge a bit more without the guilt.  We love adding lettuce, tomato, cilantro, and a bit of the fresh pineapple to our al pastor tacos.  You can load them however you prefer.  You could even add a bit of nonfat Greek yogurt or fat-free sour cream if you wish!

This is such a delicious Instant Pot al pastor recipe.  It is simple, delicious, and versatile.  Just what you want in a healthy meal option for your family!  The authentic flavors make you feel like a pro in the kitchen, and the lean pork makes it a healthier choice for dinner!

If you want to have a great support group for your weight loss journey, make sure to join our Weight Watchers Facebook Group!

More Instant Pot Recipes

Instant Pot Kung Pao Chicken

Instant Pot Homemade Baked Beans Recipe

Instant Pot Italian Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe

Instant Pot Eggroll in a Bowl

Best Pot Roast Recipe for Instant Pot

Chicken and Bean Soup Instant Pot Recipe

Instant Pot Roasted Chicken Breast and Vegetables