Turkey Tuesday: Instant Pot Cheesy Turkey Penne Pasta

This recipe is a turkey riff on an Instant Pot recipe I saw recently titled “Crack Chicken Pasta.” And with turkey, plenty of cheese (including cream cheese), and bacon … well, it’s easy to see how this dish could become addicting. 

This is also a great option for your busy weeknights … a one-pot wonder thanks to the Instant Pot.  I’m really enjoying using my Instant Pot now — I’d say I take it out at least once a week and try new recipes with it. My initial fear of the unknown with a pressure cooker has morphed into an appreciation for a very useful tool in my kitchen.

My boys loved this recipe, too, so if you try it, let me know what you think!

xoxo – Lara

Note – I am not compensated to be a part of Jennie-O’s Switch Circle except for the occasional complimentary turkey products to try. Opinions are my own.

Instant Pot Cheesy Turkey Penne Pasta

• 1-lb JENNIE-O® Oven Roasted Turkey Breast, cubed
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 (1-oz) package Original Ranch dressing mix
• 1/4 cup bacon, chopped
• 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese
• 1 pound dry penne pasta
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups (8-oz) shredded cheddar cheese
  

Preheat Instant Pot on “Sauté” setting; saute the bacon until crispy (5-7 minutes). Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate.Add oil, turkey breast cubes, and ranch packet, stirring to coat. Cook turkey 2–3 minutes. (The turkey is already pre-cooked so this step just warms it up and helps coat it with the Ranch seasoning.)

Add pasta, broth, and water to pot. Close lid, lock pot, select “Manual” setting and 4 minutes time. Cook pasta until time is up, then quick release and open Pot. Stir in cream cheese, cheddar cheese and cooked bacon until combined; let pasta set 5 minutes to thicken. Serve immediately.

Adapted from Plain Chicken recipe

Note: You can also use leftover cooked turkey breast with this recipe, or buy these JENNIE-O® Extra Lean Boneless Turkey Breast Tenderloins and saute them in olive oil in the Instant Pot until fully cooked at 165 degrees F. – after the bacon and before you add the Ranch seasoning.