Instant Pot Chicken and Pasta in Homemade Enchilada Sauce

This is pretty quick to make and so, so delicious!  The flavors are absolutely wonderful and the dish is quite filling.  Yes, you can use store bought enchilada sauce, but my homemade version comes together quickly (around 10 minutes) and the taste doesn't even compare. So, go ahead and make it.  It's worth it. Enjoy this delicious dish!

Ingredients:

For the sauce (makes 2 cups):

-3 Tbs extra virgin olive oil

-3 Tbs flour

-1 Tbs chili powder

-1 tsp ground cumin

-1/2 tsp garlic powder

-1/4 tsp dried oregano leaves

-2 tsp salt

-2 tsp pepper

-a pinch of cinnamon

-2 Tbs tomato paste

-2 cups chicken broth

-1 tsp apple cider vinegar

For the dish:

-1 Tbs extra virgin olive oil

-4 chicken breasts, skinless, boneless, cut into chunks

-1 tsp salt

-1 tsp pepper

-1 tsp dried minced onions

-1 tsp ground cumin

-1 tsp garlic powder

-1 lb pasta (we like garden rotini, but any small pasta works great)

-2 cups water

-2 cups homemade enchilada sauce

-1 cup heavy cream

-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

Let's quickly make the sauce.

Heat the oil in medium saucepan. In a bowl, combine the flour, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and cinnamon. Mix well and add to hot oil.  Whisk until nice and smooth and cook for 1 minute.  Add the tomato paste and mix until smooth.  Add chicken broth and whisk until smooth. Bring to a simmer and let it cook over medium-low heat for 5-6 minutes or until it starts to thicken. Remove pan from stove and stir in the vinegar.

Once the sauce is done, heat the oil for the dish in your Instant Pot set on saute.  Once heated, add the chicken chunks and season with the salt, pepper, onion, cumin, and garlic powder.  Give it a good stir and cook for 4-5 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. 

Turn off the IP and add the pasta, water, and enchilada sauce. Secure the lid on top with the valve in the sealed position. Set to pressure on HIGH for 4 minutes.

Do a quick release and turn off the IP.  Stir in the cream and cheese.  Mix until smooth.  Serve and enjoy! YUM!