Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is pure weeknight magic—creamy, dreamy, and loaded with flavor, all in one pot! With tender bites of chicken, decadent sun-dried tomatoes, and luscious parmesan cream sauce, this pasta has everything you want in a cozy dinner, and it’s unbelievably easy thanks to your Instant Pot.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

• One-Pot Wonder: Less mess and more flavor—all you need is your trusty Instant Pot!
• Restaurant-Worthy Results: The combination of parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and cream creates a decadent sauce that tastes like a dish from your favorite Italian restaurant.
• Lightning Fast: From prep to plate in about 30 minutes, Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is your secret weapon on busy evenings.
• Perfect for Everyone: It’s as loved on a romantic date night as it is at a casual family dinner, making it truly versatile for any occasion.

Ingredients & Substitutions

What I absolutely love about Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is how simple yet essential each ingredient is—together, they create a creamy, colorful, and flavor-packed dish. Here’s what brings this magic together (and how you can mix and match to suit your taste):

• Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
• Boneless skinless chicken: The star protein—cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
• Garlic: For that irresistible savory aroma and flavor base.
• Reduced-sodium chicken broth: Keeps everything moist while letting you control the saltiness; use your favorite broth here!
• Penne pasta: Holds the creamy sauce perfectly, but you can swap in rotini or rigatoni in a pinch.
• Dried Italian seasoning: The classic spice blend that gives this dish its signature herby note.
• Paprika and black pepper: Adds depth, warmth, and a gentle kick.
• Parmesan cheese (grated): Melts into the sauce for a nutty, cheesy flavor explosion.
• Heavy cream: Lends silky richness—swap with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter touch.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Little bursts of sweet-tangy flavor and gorgeous color—use oil-packed or dried (just rehydrate first).
• Fresh spinach: Brightens everything up while slipping in a touch of veggie goodness.
• Fresh basil: The finishing touch—fresh and fragrant for that chef’s kiss at the end.

How to Make Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and let it heat up until it says “hot.” Drizzle in the olive oil, then add your chicken pieces. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden and start to caramelize—this step locks in flavor.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Stir in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds. Be sure to stir constantly so that the garlic becomes fragrant but doesn’t burn—this simple move adds so much flavor to your finished Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta!

Step 3: Deglaze and Layer

Pour in ½ cup of chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This not only prevents a burn notice but infuses extra flavor!

Step 4: Add Pasta and Seasonings

Pour the rest of the chicken broth over the chicken, then scatter in the uncooked penne pasta. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, paprika, and black pepper over the top. Don’t stir—leaving the layers intact helps prevent sticking and ensures the pasta cooks evenly.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Secure the lid, set the valve to “sealing,” and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. The Instant Pot takes a few minutes to come to pressure, but your patience will be rewarded with perfectly al dente pasta and juicy chicken!

Step 6: Quick Release and Finish the Sauce

Once the cooking time ends, carefully turn the valve to “venting” for a quick pressure release (watch for steam!). Unlock the lid, give everything a generous stir, then add in the parmesan cheese and watch it melt into creamy dreaminess. Pour in the heavy cream, then gently fold in spinach and sun-dried tomatoes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes are mixed throughout.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta into bowls and finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil. The result is a bowl of pasta so irresistible, don’t be surprised if you get a few marriage proposals around the table!

How to Serve Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

Don’t skip that finishing sprinkle of chopped fresh basil—it brightens up the dish and beautifully contrasts with the creamy sauce. A final dusting of extra parmesan cheese is always welcome, or even a few twists of freshly cracked pepper for a little extra zing.

Side Dishes

This pasta really shines alongside a crisp green salad tossed with Italian vinaigrette, buttery garlic bread, or even oven-roasted veggies. A light side helps balance the indulgence of Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta, making your meal feel complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For a romantic dinner, mound the pasta into shallow bowls and top with a basil leaf and a sun-dried tomato ribbon. Serving to a crowd? Pour the pasta into a large rustic platter, shower with parmesan, and let everyone dig in family-style—don’t forget the wine!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Simply transfer leftovers to an airtight container once cooled, and the flavors will continue to meld and develop overnight (almost making it better the next day!).

Freezing

For longer storage, portion into freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Creamy pastas can sometimes change texture slightly after freezing, but a gentle reheat and a splash of fresh cream can revive that luscious sauce beautifully.

Reheating

To reheat Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream, broth, or milk as needed to loosen the sauce and bring back that rich, creamy texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a recipe that’s hearty, fool-proof, and destined to become the star of your dinner table, you’ve got to try Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or just indulging in a quick bowl of comfort, you’ll fall in love with every bite—so grab your Instant Pot and let the flavor swoon begin!

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