Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This creamy and flavorful Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich and satisfying one-pot meal, packed with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and a velvety sauce. The Instant Pot makes it incredibly easy, delivering restaurant-quality flavors in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or cooking for a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Convenience – No need for multiple pots or extra cleanup.
• Quick & Easy – Ready in less than 30 minutes.
• Rich & Creamy – Made with Parmesan cheese and heavy cream for a luxurious sauce.
• Flavor-Packed – Sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning add a bold taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for weeknight meals, date nights, or meal prep.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Instant Pot (6-quart or larger) – Ensures even cooking and pressure control.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon – Helps with sautéing and stirring.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accurate ingredient portions.
• Knife & Cutting Board – For prepping chicken and vegetables.
• Grater – For freshly grating Parmesan cheese.

Preparation Tips

• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan – It melts better and creates a smoother sauce.
• Drain Sun-Dried Tomatoes Well – Too much oil can alter the consistency of the sauce.
• Cut Chicken into Even Pieces – Ensures uniform cooking.
• Layer the Pasta, Do Not Stir – This prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• Deglaze the Pot – Scrape up any browned bits after sautéing to avoid the burn warning.

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Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, 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

For the Creamy Sauce

• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and roughly chopped
• 1 cup fresh spinach

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh basil leaves
• Extra Parmesan cheese

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Sauté the Chicken

1. Select the Sauté function on the Instant Pot.
2. Add olive oil and let it heat for about 30 seconds.
3. Stir in the chicken pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until lightly browned.

2. Add Garlic & Deglaze the Pot

4. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
5. Pour in ½ cup of chicken broth and use a spatula to deglaze the bottom of the pot (scrape up any browned bits to prevent the burn warning).

3. Add the Remaining Ingredients

6. Pour in the remaining chicken broth.
7. Add uncooked penne pasta on top—do not stir.
8. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, paprika, and black pepper.

4. Pressure Cook

9. Secure the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.”
10. Select Pressure Cook (High) for 4 minutes.

5. Quick Release & Finish the Sauce

11. Once cooking is done, carefully turn the valve to “Venting” to do a quick release.
12. Open the lid and stir well.
13. Add Parmesan cheese and mix until fully melted.
14. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine.

6. Final Touches & Serve

15. Add sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, stirring until the spinach is wilted.
16. Serve warm and garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired.

Once your Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is ready, pairing it with the right sides and avoiding common mistakes can take your meal to the next level. Below are the best ways to serve this dish and ensure you achieve perfect results every time.

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Serving Suggestions

This creamy pasta dish pairs well with a variety of sides that add texture and balance to the meal. Here are some great options:

Bread and Rolls

1. Garlic Bread – Crunchy, buttery, and perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
2. Rosemary Focaccia – A flavorful Italian bread that complements the rich pasta.

Salads

3. Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce with Parmesan and a tangy dressing to balance the creaminess.
4. Caprese Salad – Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze.

Vegetables

5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts – A slightly crispy and caramelized side that adds depth to the meal.
6. Steamed Broccoli – A simple, healthy option that pairs well with creamy pasta.

Lighter Options

7. Bruschetta – A fresh and zesty appetizer with tomatoes and basil on toasted bread.
8. Grilled Asparagus – Adds a smoky, slightly charred flavor that contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding these mistakes will ensure the best possible results when making this recipe:

Cooking Mistakes

• Not deglazing the pot – Failing to scrape up browned bits after sautéing the chicken can trigger the Instant Pot burn warning. Always deglaze with a bit of broth.
• Stirring the pasta before cooking – Layering the pasta and broth correctly prevents it from sticking or becoming mushy.
• Using pre-shredded Parmesan – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents, which can make the sauce grainy. Always use freshly grated Parmesan.
• Overcooking the pasta – Four minutes of pressure cooking results in perfect al dente pasta. Letting it sit too long after pressure release can cause it to soften too much.

Ingredient Adjustments

• Skipping the sun-dried tomatoes – They add depth and a slight tanginess. If substituting, use roasted cherry tomatoes for a similar effect.
• Using too much liquid – The Instant Pot retains moisture, so adding extra broth or cream can make the sauce too thin. Stick to the recommended measurements.

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How to Perfect This Recipe

• Use high-quality Parmesan – Aged Parmesan adds the best depth of flavor.
• Balance the flavors – If the sauce tastes too rich, add a small splash of lemon juice for brightness.
• Let the dish rest for a minute after cooking – This allows the sauce to thicken slightly for the best consistency.
• Customize the protein – Substitute shrimp, Italian sausage, or even tofu for a variation on the recipe.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing Leftovers

• Refrigerator – Store the pasta in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer – Freeze in a sealed, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When freezing, allow the pasta to cool completely before storing to prevent ice crystals from forming.

Reheating Instructions

• Stovetop – Warm over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth, milk, or heavy cream to refresh the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through.
• Microwave – Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating. Add a small amount of liquid if needed to maintain the creamy texture.
• Instant Pot (Reheat Function) – Use the “Sauté” function on low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes. Substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast and use coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative. The texture will be slightly different, but the dish will still be flavorful.

2. What pasta alternatives can I use?

Penne works best, but you can substitute with rigatoni, rotini, or fusilli. Keep in mind that pasta shapes with ridges hold the sauce better.

3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes. Use gluten-free pasta, but reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes to avoid overcooking. Stir carefully to prevent breakage.

4. How can I make this dish spicier?

For extra heat, add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce while seasoning the pasta.

5. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes, but the flavor will be milder. If using fresh tomatoes, consider roasting them beforehand for a deeper taste.

6. What protein alternatives can I use?

You can swap the chicken for shrimp, Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

7. Why did my Instant Pot show a burn warning?

This usually happens if food sticks to the bottom of the pot. Always deglaze with broth after sautéing and avoid stirring pasta before pressure cooking.

8. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes. Spinach is already included, but you can also add mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or peas. Add delicate vegetables after pressure cooking to prevent overcooking.

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Conclusion

This Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful, and easy one-pot meal that is perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and quick cooking time, it is an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. By following the tips on storage, reheating, and ingredient variations, you can enjoy this dish anytime with minimal effort.

Try this recipe today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.