Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is rich, creamy, and packed with tender chicken, sun dried tomatoes, and spinach. It cooks in one pot, so you get bold flavor fast with barely any cleanup.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta makes weeknight dinner feel special. Because it cooks under pressure, the pasta absorbs all the savory flavor from the broth and seasonings. Meanwhile, the chicken stays juicy and tender.
One Pot Convenience for Easy Cleanup
First, you sauté the chicken right in the Instant Pot. Then you pressure cook everything together. As a result, you wash fewer dishes and spend less time in the kitchen.
Ready in About 30 Minutes from Start to Finish
Although it tastes like it simmered all day, this recipe comes together in about 30 minutes. Since the chicken cooks in small pieces, it finishes quickly and evenly.
Creamy, Savory, and Family Friendly
The parmesan melts into the broth and cream, so the sauce turns smooth and silky. In addition, the sun dried tomatoes add a slightly sweet, tangy bite.
Even picky eaters usually love this meal. Meanwhile, the spinach blends into the sauce and adds color without overpowering the flavor.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
This dish makes several generous servings, so you can enjoy leftovers the next day. Also, it reheats well, which makes it great for busy weeks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta uses simple, everyday ingredients. However, each one plays an important role in building flavor and texture.
Protein and Pasta
Boneless skinless chicken forms the hearty base of this dish. Because you cut it into small pieces, it cooks quickly and stays tender under pressure.
Penne pasta works beautifully here. Its tube shape holds onto the creamy sauce, so every bite feels rich and satisfying.
Creamy Sauce Ingredients
Chicken broth creates the flavorful cooking liquid. As the pasta cooks, it absorbs the broth and becomes infused with savory taste.
Grated parmesan cheese melts into the hot pasta and adds salty, nutty depth. Meanwhile, heavy cream brings everything together and turns the sauce smooth and luscious.
Seasonings and Flavor Boosters
Fresh garlic adds warmth and aroma right from the start. Dried Italian seasoning layers in herbs that give the dish classic comfort food flavor.
Paprika adds subtle warmth and color. Black pepper gives a gentle kick that balances the creamy sauce.
Garnishes and Optional Additions
Sun dried tomatoes bring a concentrated, slightly sweet tang. They brighten the richness of the cream and cheese.
Fresh spinach softens quickly in the hot pasta and adds a pop of green. Finally, fresh basil on top adds a light, fragrant finish that makes the dish feel extra special.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
You can easily adjust Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta to fit what you have on hand.
Choosing the Right Chicken
Boneless skinless chicken breasts work well because they cook quickly and stay lean. However, chicken thighs also work and add extra richness.
Broth Options and Salt Control
Reduced sodium broth helps keep the salt level balanced. If you use regular broth, taste the sauce before adding any extra salt.
Pasta Shape Substitutions
Penne is ideal, but similar shapes like rigatoni or ziti also work. Just choose sturdy pasta that holds sauce well.
Heavy Cream Alternatives
If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can use half and half or whole milk. However, the sauce will be thinner and slightly less rich.
Adding Extra Vegetables or Spice
You can stir in sliced mushrooms or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Meanwhile, extra spinach boosts the veggie content without changing the overall flavor.
How to Make Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Step by Step
Follow these simple steps and you will have Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta ready in no time.
Sauté the Chicken and Garlic
First, turn the Instant Pot to sauté and heat the olive oil. Once it is hot, add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned.
Then stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant. This step builds flavor right from the beginning.
Deglaze to Prevent the Burn Warning
Next, pour in a splash of chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits.
This step matters because it helps prevent the burn notice during pressure cooking.
Add Pasta, Broth, and Seasonings
Add the remaining broth and the uncooked penne. Gently press the pasta into the liquid without stirring.
Then sprinkle the Italian seasoning, paprika, and black pepper evenly over the top.
Pressure Cook for Perfectly Tender Pasta
Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for a few minutes.
Once the cooking cycle ends, carefully release the pressure. Then open the lid and stir the pasta mixture thoroughly.
Stir in Parmesan and Cream
Immediately add the grated parmesan and stir until it melts. Next, pour in the heavy cream and mix until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
You will see the sauce thicken as it blends with the hot pasta.
Fold in Sun Dried Tomatoes and Spinach
Add the chopped sun dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts and everything combines evenly.
Because the pasta stays hot, the greens soften quickly.
Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh basil if desired. Serve the Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta warm and enjoy its creamy, comforting flavor.
Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Pasta Every Time
Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta turns out best when you follow a few simple tips.
How to Avoid the Burn Notice
Always scrape the bottom of the pot after sautéing. In addition, make sure the pasta sits mostly under the liquid.
Why You Shouldn’t Stir the Pasta Before Cooking
If you stir before pressure cooking, starch can settle at the bottom. As a result, the pot may trigger a burn warning.
So instead, gently press the pasta down without mixing.
Cutting Chicken for Even Cooking
Cut the chicken into small, even pieces. Because the cook time is short, uniform pieces help everything cook through properly.
Adjusting Sauce Thickness
If the sauce looks thin at first, let it sit for a few minutes. It thickens as it cools.
However, if it becomes too thick, stir in a splash of broth or milk.
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta pairs well with simple sides.
Fresh Green Salads
A crisp green salad adds freshness and balances the creamy sauce. Meanwhile, a light vinaigrette keeps the meal from feeling too heavy.
Garlic Bread or French Bread
Warm garlic bread or soft French bread helps soak up the extra sauce. As a result, nothing goes to waste.
Breadsticks or Garlic Knots
Breadsticks or garlic knots make the meal feel fun and comforting. Kids especially enjoy this combination.
Simple Roasted Vegetables
Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add texture and color. So you get a well rounded plate with very little extra effort.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating
Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta stores well, so you can enjoy it later.
Refrigerating Leftovers for Up to 4 Days
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. Then reheat gently when ready to eat.
Can You Freeze Creamy Pasta?
You can freeze this dish, although the pasta may soften after thawing. If you plan to freeze it, cook the pasta slightly firm.
Best Ways to Reheat Without Drying Out
Add a splash of broth or milk before reheating. Stir halfway through so it warms evenly and stays creamy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common Instant Pot mistakes to avoid?
Avoid skipping the deglazing step, overfilling the pot, or forgetting to set the valve to sealing before pressure cooking.
What to season chicken with for marry me chicken pasta?
Italian seasoning, paprika, black pepper, and garlic create the classic flavor. Parmesan also adds savory depth.
Is it possible to overcook pasta in an Instant Pot?
Yes, it is. Therefore, stick to the recommended short pressure cook time and release the pressure promptly.
What foods should not be cooked in an Instant Pot?
Very delicate dairy sauces and crispy fried foods do not work well. However, creamy pasta dishes like Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta cook beautifully when you add dairy after pressure cooking.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- Creamy Cajun Chicken
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadilla
- Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe
- Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken
- Oven Roasted Chicken Breast
- Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
Final Thoughts
Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta brings comfort and bold flavor together in one simple meal. Because it cooks quickly and uses everyday ingredients, you can make it anytime.
If you love creamy chicken dinners, save more ideas on my Pinterest page at pinterest. Then come back and make this Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta again soon.
Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker Used for sautéing and pressure cooking
- Wooden spoon For stirring and scraping the bottom of the pot
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups reduced sodium chicken broth, divided
- 16 ounces uncooked penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sun dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté and heat the olive oil. Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned. Stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Pour in a small amount of the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits.
- Add the remaining broth and the uncooked penne. Gently press the pasta into the liquid without stirring. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, paprika, and black pepper over the top.
- Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Once done, carefully perform a quick release and open the lid. Stir the pasta mixture thoroughly.
- Stir in the grated parmesan until melted. Add the heavy cream and mix until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Fold in the sun dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
