Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This creamy and cheesy Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is packed with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a rich Parmesan sauce. Made in just one pot, this dish is an easy and comforting meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Meal – Minimal cleanup required
• Quick & Easy – Perfect for busy weeknights
• Rich & Creamy – A luscious Parmesan sauce coats every bite
• Customizable – Adjust spices, add veggies, or swap pasta types
• Crowd-Pleaser – Loved by both kids and adults

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Preparation & Tools Needed

Essential Tools

• Instant Pot (6-quart or larger) – Ensures even cooking and quick pressure release
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula – Helps scrape the pot to prevent burning
• Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accurate ingredient portions
• Sharp Knife & Cutting Board – To prep the chicken and vegetables

Preparation Tips

• Cut the Chicken Evenly: This ensures even cooking
• Use Fresh Garlic: Enhances the depth of flavor
• Drain Sun-Dried Tomatoes Well: Too much oil can alter the sauce consistency
• Grate Parmesan Fresh: Pre-packaged cheese may not melt as smoothly

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Ingredients

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

Optional Garnish: Fresh basil

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté the Chicken

• Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat olive oil
• Add the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned

2. Add Garlic

• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds

3. Deglaze the Pot

• Pour in ½ cup of chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom

4. Layer the Ingredients

• Add the remaining chicken broth
• Place the pasta on top
• Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, paprika, and black pepper
• Do not stir—this prevents a burn warning

5. Pressure Cook

• Close the lid and set the valve to Sealing
• Cook on High Pressure for 4 minutes

6. Quick Release

• Once done, carefully turn the valve to Venting for a quick release

7. Make it Creamy

• Open the lid and stir
• Mix in the Parmesan cheese until melted
• Stir in the heavy cream

8. Final Additions

• Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach until combined

9. Serve & Enjoy

• Garnish with fresh basil, if desired
• Serve immediately

Serving Suggestions

This Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that pairs well with a variety of sides to balance the meal. Here are some great options:

• Garlic Bread – Crispy and buttery, perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce
• Caesar Salad – A crisp, refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta
• Steamed Broccoli – Adds a nutritious, fresh element to the plate
• Roasted Asparagus – Lightly seasoned with Parmesan for a complementary flavor
• Lemon Green Beans – A bright and zesty side that enhances the overall dish
• Sautéed Mushrooms – Adds a deep, earthy taste that pairs well with creamy sauces
• Mashed Potatoes – A comforting and hearty addition for extra indulgence
• Bruschetta – A light and tangy tomato-based appetizer that keeps the meal balanced

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Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

1. Skipping the Deglazing Step

Failing to deglaze the pot after sautéing the chicken can lead to a burn warning. Always scrape the bottom of the pot to remove any stuck bits before adding the pasta and broth.

2. Using Pre-Grated Parmesan

Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and flavor.

3. Overcooking the Chicken

Since the chicken continues to cook under pressure, it only needs a brief sauté to develop flavor. Cooking it too long before pressure cooking can make it dry.

4. Not Doing a Quick Release

Allowing the pasta to sit too long after pressure cooking can cause it to become mushy. Perform a quick release immediately after cooking to preserve the perfect texture.

5. Stirring the Pasta Before Cooking

Resist the urge to mix the pasta with the liquid before pressure cooking. Layering the ingredients as instructed prevents burning and ensures even cooking.

6. Adding Dairy Too Early

Heavy cream and Parmesan should be added after pressure cooking to prevent curdling. Stir them in at the end for a smooth, creamy sauce.

7. Using the Wrong Type of Pasta

Not all pasta shapes cook the same way under pressure. Stick to penne, rigatoni, or bowtie pasta for the best texture and cooking results.

8. Not Adjusting the Sauce Consistency

If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of extra chicken broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let the pasta sit for a minute before serving to allow it to absorb some of the liquid.

Recipe Tips for the Best Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Freshly grated Parmesan, garlic, and spinach enhance the dish’s flavor.
• Adjust the Seasonings – Add red pepper flakes for heat or extra Italian seasoning for a stronger herb flavor.
• Let the Sauce Thicken – If the sauce appears thin after cooking, let the pasta sit for a minute before serving.
• Experiment with Additions – Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or even cooked bacon for extra depth.
• Make it Lighter – Substitute half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigeration

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• The sauce may thicken as it sits, so add a splash of broth or cream when reheating.

Freezing

• Freeze in a sealed, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• If planning to freeze, omit the spinach and add fresh spinach when reheating.

Reheating

• Microwave: Heat in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Reheat over low heat, adding a little extra broth or cream to restore the sauce consistency.
• Instant Pot: Use the “Sauté” mode and stir until heated evenly.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, rigatoni, bowtie, or rotini work well, but cooking times may vary slightly.

2. How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Do not stir before pressure cooking. Layering the pasta over the broth prevents sticking and burning.

3. Can I make this dairy-free?

Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

4. How can I make this spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

5. What if my sauce is too thick?

Stir in a little extra chicken broth or heavy cream to loosen the consistency.

6. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but increase the pressure cooking time to 8 minutes and ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but be careful not to exceed the Max Fill line of your Instant Pot.

8. Can I substitute sun-dried tomatoes?

If you prefer, use cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile.

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Conclusion

This Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful, and easy-to-make one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy nights or special occasions. With its rich Parmesan sauce, tender chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you are cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a delicious and convenient choice. Try it out and let us know how it turned out in the comments!