Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Irresistible Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy and irresistible marry me chicken pasta bursts with flavors that’ll make anyone fall head over heels.

Tender chicken nestles perfectly among al dente noodles in this dreamy one-pot wonder.

Garlic, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes create a magical combination that feels like a culinary love letter.

Parmesan cheese melts into a silky sauce, promising pure comfort with every single bite.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade that feels both elegant and effortless.

Quick preparation means you can enjoy this restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Savor each forkful and watch as this recipe becomes your new favorite go-to meal that impresses everyone at the table.

What Makes Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Great

  • Crush Kitchen Complexity: Perfect for beginners with simple step-by-step instructions that guarantee delicious results without intimidating cooking techniques.
  • Speed Demon Dining: One-pot wonder that delivers restaurant-quality meal in minimal preparation time, reducing kitchen cleanup and maximizing flavor potential.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with creamy textures, rich Parmesan, and tender chicken that appeals to both adults and kids, making it an ideal family dinner solution.
  • Versatile Meal Champion: Adaptable recipe allowing easy ingredient swaps or additions to match dietary preferences or pantry availability, ensuring consistent deliciousness every single time.

What’s Inside Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken: Tender protein that forms the heart of this delicious pasta dish.
  • Pasta: Provides the perfect base for absorbing the rich, creamy sauce.
Liquid and Dairy Components:
  • Chicken Broth: Creates moisture and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty depth and helps create a creamy texture.
  • Heavy Cream: Brings richness and smoothness to the pasta sauce.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil, Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Black Pepper: These ingredients work together to build a complex and aromatic flavor profile.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Provides a tangy and sweet Mediterranean-inspired taste.
  • Spinach: Adds a fresh, nutritious green element to the dish.
  • Fresh Basil: Optional garnish that brings a bright, herbal finish to the pasta.

How To Make Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat the Instant Pot and drizzle olive oil into the bottom. Drop in chicken pieces and let them dance and brown for a few minutes until they develop a golden exterior. The sizzling sound means magic is happening!

Step 2: Awaken the Garlic

Toss minced garlic into the pot and let it release its aromatic charm for about 30 seconds. The kitchen will start smelling incredible.

Step 3: Create Flavor Foundation

Pour chicken broth into the pot and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious brown bits clinging to the bottom. These little flavor bombs will make your dish extraordinary.

Step 4: Build the Pasta Tower

Add remaining chicken broth, then carefully layer pasta on top. Sprinkle these seasonings:
  • Italian seasoning
  • Paprika
  • Black pepper

Keep everything untouched – no stirring allowed!

Step 5: Pressure Magic

Secure the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and let the Instant Pot work its magic on high pressure for 4 minutes.

Step 6: Release the Steam

Once cooking completes, quickly release the pressure by turning the valve to Venting.

Step 7: Create Creamy Goodness

Open the lid and stir everything together. Fold in Parmesan cheese until it melts into silky ribbons, then swirl in heavy cream for ultimate richness.

Step 8: Final Flavor Boost

Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, letting them mingle and become part of the delicious sauce.

Step 9: Serve with Love

Sprinkle fresh basil on top if desired and dive right in while it’s hot and steamy!

Helpful Hints For Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

  • Quick Chicken Browning: Achieve golden-brown chicken by patting it dry before sautéing, ensuring maximum flavor and perfect texture.
  • No-Stir Pasta Trick: Avoid stirring pasta during pressure cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking throughout the dish.
  • Cheese Melting Magic: Remove the Instant Pot from heat when adding Parmesan to prevent cheese from becoming grainy or separating.
  • Spinach Freshness Hack: Add spinach at the very end to maintain its vibrant color and prevent wilting, keeping the dish looking fresh and appetizing.
  • Cream Consistency Control: If the sauce seems too thick, splash in a little extra chicken broth to reach your desired creamy consistency.

Fun Twists On Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

  • Gluten-Free Pasta Variation: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free penne or chickpea pasta for a celiac-friendly option.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate intake.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese for lactose-intolerant individuals.
  • Vegetarian Protein Version: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, maintaining the same seasoning and cooking method.

What To Serve With Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

  • Pair Perfectly with Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy, sun-dried tomato richness of the pasta, cutting through its heaviness with bright, acidic notes.
  • Create a Fresh Side Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, adding fresh parmesan shavings and toasted pine nuts to echo the dish's Italian-inspired flavors and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Balance with Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread with herbs to soak up the delicious sauce, offering a crunchy texture that perfectly complements the creamy pasta's smooth consistency.

How To Store Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the pasta remains fresh and tasty.
  • Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
  • Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or extra cream to prevent dryness. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
  • Pour pasta into a skillet, add a splash of chicken broth or cream. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring gently to restore moisture and prevent sticking.

Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta FAQ Guide

  • What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Penne or rigatoni are ideal because they hold sauce well and cook evenly in the Instant Pot, ensuring perfect texture and even cooking.

  • Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work perfectly. Just ensure they are cut into similar-sized pieces for consistent cooking and trim any excess fat.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This Marry Me Chicken Pasta reheats wonderfully and stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Simply add a splash of broth when reheating to restore moisture.

  • How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and follow the same cooking method for a delicious vegetarian version.

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Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe


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4.7 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy marry me chicken pasta seduces taste buds with Italian-inspired flavors that promise culinary romance. Tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese meld perfectly in this quick, irresistible one-pot wonder you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese

Starches and Pasta:

  • 16 ounces uncooked penne pasta

Herbs, Spices, and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • Optional garnish: Fresh basil

Instructions

  1. Warm the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil, creating a golden surface for the chicken to develop rich caramelization within 2-3 minutes.
  2. Introduce minced garlic to the chicken, allowing its aromatic essence to bloom for 30 seconds while releasing fragrant notes.
  3. Splash chicken broth into the pot, expertly loosening any concentrated flavor fragments clinging to the bottom using a wooden spoon.
  4. Strategically construct layers by adding remaining broth, positioning pasta atop the liquid without disturbing the arrangement, then sprinkle Italian seasoning, paprika, and black pepper across the surface.
  5. Secure the lid, engage the sealing valve, and activate high-pressure cooking for precisely 4 minutes to transform ingredients into a harmonious dish.
  6. Execute a swift pressure release by carefully transitioning the valve to venting position, allowing immediate steam dissipation.
  7. Unveil the pot and integrate Parmesan cheese, watching it melt into a luxurious texture, then introduce heavy cream for enhanced silkiness.
  8. Fold sun-dried tomatoes and spinach into the pasta, creating vibrant color and additional nutritional complexity.
  9. Embellish with fresh basil if desired and serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and textural integrity.

Notes

  • Perfectly Brown Chicken: Pat the chicken dry before sautéing to ensure a golden, crispy exterior that locks in maximum flavor without steaming.
  • Prevent Pasta Sticking: Layer pasta on top of liquid without stirring to create a barrier that prevents burning and ensures even cooking throughout the dish.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a delicious vegan alternative that maintains creamy texture.
  • Quick Flavor Boost: Crush sun-dried tomatoes slightly before adding to release more intense, concentrated tomato flavor that elevates the entire pasta dish.
  • Prep Time: 6 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Pressure Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 45 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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