Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta with creamy parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. Ready in 20 minutes with easy cleanup!

Hi, I’m Linda, and welcome to Tasty at Home—where bold flavors meet everyday kitchens. Last winter, my neighbor knocked on my door with tears in her eyes. Well, not sad tears—happy ones! She’d just made this Instant Pot marry me chicken pasta for her boyfriend, and he proposed that very evening. Coincidence? Maybe. Delicious dinner that seals the deal? Absolutely.

You know what makes this recipe so special? It transforms simple pantry staples into restaurant-quality comfort food. After testing this recipe fifteen times—yeah, I burned the bottom twice and learned the hard way about pressure release timing—I’ve perfected every detail. Whether you’re cooking for date night or feeding hungry teenagers, this creamy, flavor-packed pasta delivers every single time.

The aroma alone fills your kitchen with garlic, herbs, and that irresistible smell of melting parmesan. Moreover, everything cooks in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying your perfectly cooked meal. Let me tell you, this isn’t just dinner—it’s your secret weapon for creating unforgettable moments.

What Makes This Marry Me Chicken Pasta So Special

This instant pot pasta recipe combines tender chicken pieces with perfectly cooked penne in a luscious cream sauce. Furthermore, the pressure cooking method infuses every ingredient with deep, complex flavors that typically take hours to develop. The secret lies in layering flavors correctly and understanding how pressure cooking transforms ingredients.

The technique I use here draws inspiration from Thomas Keller’s approach to building flavor bases. First, we brown the chicken to create fond—those beautiful caramelized bits that become our flavor foundation. Next, we deglaze with chicken broth, capturing every bit of that delicious browning. This method ensures maximum flavor development in minimum time.

Essential Ingredients Table

Shopping Tips for US Grocery Stores

When shopping at major chains like Kroger, Safeway, or Publix, look for chicken thighs if you want extra juiciness. However, breast meat works perfectly and cooks faster. Additionally, check the pasta aisle for bronze-cut penne—brands like Barilla and De Cecco offer excellent options that hold sauce beautifully.

For sun-dried tomatoes, skip the expensive specialty aisle. Instead, most stores stock quality oil-packed versions near the olives and pickles. Meanwhile, fresh parmesan from the deli counter costs less than pre-packaged and tastes infinitely better.

Bold Add-ins and Creative Variations

Want to customize your instant pot easy recipes? Try these flavor boosters:

• Mediterranean twist: Add kalamata olives and artichoke hearts
• Spicy kick: Include red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños
• Protein boost: Substitute half the chicken with Italian sausage
• Veggie power: Throw in bell peppers or mushrooms during browning

Essential Equipment and Preparation

Equipment You’ll Need

Your 6-quart or 8-quart Instant Pot handles this recipe perfectly. Additionally, you’ll need a wooden spoon for stirring and a sharp knife for prepping ingredients. Don’t worry if you don’t have an Instant Pot—any electric pressure cooker works with minor timing adjustments.

Pro tip from my kitchen disasters: Keep a wooden spoon handy specifically for scraping up fond. Metal spoons can scratch your pot’s bottom, and trust me, those scratches become food-trapping nightmares later.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Heat and Brown

Press the sauté button on your Instant Pot. When the display reads “hot”—usually after 2-3 minutes—add olive oil. The oil should shimmer but not smoke. Next, add chicken pieces in a single layer. Brown them for 2-3 minutes without moving them around. This creates beautiful caramelization that builds incredible flavor.

Oops! Here’s my biggest mistake: I used to stir the chicken immediately. However, moving it too early prevents proper browning. Let those pieces sit undisturbed until they release easily from the bottom.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Stir in minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds. Garlic burns quickly, so keep it moving constantly. The smell should be fragrant, not bitter. If you smell burning, reduce heat immediately.

Step 3: Deglaze Like a Pro

Pour in ½ cup chicken broth and scrape up every brown bit from the bottom. This step prevents the dreaded “burn” message later. Moreover, those caramelized bits contain concentrated flavor that makes this dish extraordinary. Julia Child always emphasized this technique—never waste those precious fond pieces.

Step 4: Layer Remaining Ingredients

Add the remaining chicken broth, then carefully add pasta. Here’s the crucial part: sprinkle Italian seasoning, paprika, and pepper over the top. Do not stir! The seasoning creates a protective layer that prevents pasta from sticking.

Step 5: Pressure Cook to Perfection

Close and lock the lid. Press manual high pressure and set timer for 4 minutes. Ensure the pressure release valve points to “sealing.” The pot will take about 8-10 minutes to come to pressure, then cook for 4 minutes.

Step 6: Quick Release and Finish

When cooking finishes, carefully turn the pressure release valve to “venting.” Steam will rush out—keep your hands and face away! Once pressure releases completely, unlock the lid and give everything a good stir.

Step 7: Create the Creamy Magic

Stir in grated parmesan until completely melted. Next, add heavy cream and stir until smooth. Finally, fold in spinach and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. The spinach wilts instantly from residual heat, while tomatoes add bursts of concentrated flavor.

Expert Tips for Perfect Results Every Time

Timing and Texture Secrets

Man, oh man, getting pasta texture right in a pressure cooker took me months to master! The key is using exactly 4 minutes for penne. Additionally, quick release prevents overcooking—never let pressure release naturally for pasta dishes.

For creamier results, let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes after stirring in cheese and cream. This allows flavors to meld and sauce to thicken naturally. Furthermore, if your sauce seems thin, press sauté again and simmer for 1-2 minutes.

Storage and Make-Ahead Magic

Creative Serving Suggestions

This instant pot pasta with chicken pairs beautifully with crusty garlic bread and a simple Caesar salad. Additionally, try serving it alongside Mediterranean orzo salad for a complete Italian-inspired feast.

For entertaining, present it family-style in a large serving bowl with extra parmesan and fresh basil on the side. The presentation alone makes guests think you spent hours in the kitchen!

Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free penne pasta and reduce cooking time to 3 minutes. Brands like Barilla and Tinkyada work wonderfully.

Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce parmesan to ¾ cup. The dish remains creamy but cuts calories significantly.

Dairy-Free Alternative: Coconut milk and nutritional yeast create surprisingly creamy results. However, add these after cooking to prevent curdling.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Why Did My Pasta Turn Mushy?

Natural pressure release overcooks pasta every time. Therefore, always use quick release for these slow cook instant pot recipes. Additionally, using too much liquid creates mushy results—stick to the measurements exactly.

My Sauce Isn’t Creamy Enough

Room temperature cream integrates better than cold cream straight from the fridge. Moreover, freshly grated parmesan melts smoother than pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents.

The Bottom Burned – What Went Wrong?

Insufficient liquid or inadequate deglazing causes burning. Always scrape up every fond bit and ensure pasta sits in liquid, not oil. Furthermore, don’t skip the ½ cup broth for deglazing—it’s crucial for success.

Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta FAQs

Final Thoughts – Your New Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This instant pot marry me chicken pasta transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into something truly special. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and luxurious cream sauce creates comfort food magic that brings families together around the dinner table.

Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for two or feeding a hungry crowd, this recipe delivers consistent, restaurant-quality results. Moreover, the one-pot cooking method means you’ll spend more time enjoying your meal and less time washing dishes.

Try pairing it with a crisp white wine and some fudgy browkies for dessert. Better yet, invite friends over and watch them fall in love with your cooking skills. Who knows? You might just witness your own proposal story!

Don’t forget to tag us @tastyathome when you share your creations on social media. We love seeing how our recipes bring joy to kitchens across America. After all, the best recipes aren’t just about ingredients—they’re about the memories we create while sharing them.

What variation will you try first? The spicy version with jalapeños or perhaps the Mediterranean twist with olives? Whatever you choose, this instant pot pasta with chicken will quickly become your family’s new favorite comfort food tradition.

Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—tender chicken, creamy parmesan sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach all come together in just 20 minutes with one-pot easy cleanup.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 6 servings

Equipment

• Instant Pot (6 or 8 quart)
• wooden spoon
• Sharp knife

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon Olive oil extra virgin for best flavor
• 1½ pounds Boneless chicken cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cloves Garlic minced fresh
• 4 cups Chicken broth reduced-sodium preferred
• 16 ounces Penne pasta bronze-cut recommended
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon Paprika sweet paprika recommended
• ¼ teaspoon Black pepper freshly ground
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
• ½ cup Heavy cream room temperature
• 1 cup Sun-dried tomatoes oil-packed, drained and chopped
• 1 cup Fresh spinach baby spinach preferred
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

 

• Press sauté on the Instant Pot, heat olive oil, and brown chicken pieces for 2–3 minutes until caramelized.
• Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Deglaze with ½ cup chicken broth, scraping up all fond from the bottom.
• Add remaining broth, penne, Italian seasoning, paprika, and pepper. Do not stir.
• Seal lid and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Quick release when done.
• Stir in parmesan until melted, then add heavy cream, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. Fold until creamy and well combined.
• Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.

Notes

For a Mediterranean twist, add olives and artichoke hearts. For spice lovers, mix in red pepper flakes. Always quick release pressure for pasta to avoid mushiness.

Keyword chicken pasta, Instant Pot