Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This rich and creamy Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is not only a delightful dish that’s easy to prepare but also perfect for any occasion—from cozy family dinners to impressing guests. The combination of tender chicken, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious Parmesan sauce makes it a standout meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s made entirely in the Instant Pot, ensuring minimal cleanup and maximum flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• One-Pot Wonder: Cooking everything in the Instant Pot means less clean-up and more time to enjoy your meal.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a deliciously rich sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this dish with your favorite pasta or add extra veggies for more nutrition.
• Impressive Presentation: Serve it garnished with fresh basil for a beautiful dish that looks as good as it tastes.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you’ll need a few essential tools. These help streamline the cooking process and ensure perfect results every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Instant Pot: This multifunctional device speeds up cooking time while enhancing flavors through pressure cooking.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavors.

Ingredients

This rich and creamy Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is packed with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan in a luscious sauce. Made entirely in the Instant Pot, it’s an easy and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for any night of the week!

For the Main Dish

• 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
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and roughly chopped
• 1 cup fresh spinach

For Garnish

• Fresh basil (optional)

How to Make Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Press Sauté on the Instant Pot. Once hot, add the olive oil. Stir in the chicken pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are lightly browned.

Step 2: Add Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds while stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pot

Pour in ½ cup of the chicken broth. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to avoid burning during pressure cooking.

Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients

Pour in the rest of the chicken broth. Place the uncooked penne pasta on top without stirring. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, paprika, and pepper over the pasta.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Close and lock the lid of the Instant Pot. Ensure that the pressure valve is set to Sealing. Cook on Manual High Pressure for 4 minutes.

Step 6: Quick Release

Once cooking is complete, carefully turn the pressure release valve to Venting for a quick release of steam.

Step 7: Finish the Sauce

Unlock the lid and stir everything together well. Mix in grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Then stir in heavy cream until fully combined.

Step 8: Add Final Ingredients

Stir in fresh spinach and chopped sun-dried tomatoes until everything is well combined.

Step 9: Serve

Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta!

How to Serve Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Serving Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta can be a delightful experience. This dish is not only rich in flavor but also versatile, making it perfect for various occasions. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Pair with Fresh Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and creamy dressing complements the richness of the pasta.
• Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze add a refreshing touch to your meal.

Add Some Crusty Bread

• Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce of the pasta.
• Focaccia: Soft and fluffy focaccia with herbs can enhance the Italian theme of your dinner.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Basil Garnish: Adding freshly chopped basil on top gives a burst of flavor and color to your dish.
• Parsley Sprinkle: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds brightness and freshness to each bite.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

To ensure that your Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta turns out delicious every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Cooking Time: Make sure to cook the pasta for exactly 4 minutes under pressure for perfect texture.
• Bold Sautéing Chicken: Sear the chicken well during sautéing; this enhances flavor and creates a lovely base for the sauce.
• Bold Use of Broth: Opt for reduced-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels while still packing in flavor.
• Bold Stirring Ingredients: Avoid stirring after adding the pasta before cooking; this helps prevent sticking.
• Bold Quick Release: Use quick release after cooking to maintain the texture of the pasta and prevent overcooking.
• Bold Experimenting with Cream: If you prefer a lighter sauce, consider using half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Pairing side dishes with Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted with garlic adds nutrition and flavor.
2. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a vibrant color contrast and balances the richness.
3. Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, serve zucchini noodles alongside for extra veggies without the heaviness.
4. Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables makes for an enjoyable appetizer before the main dish.
5. Risotto Cakes: Crispy risotto cakes offer texture variation while keeping in line with Italian cuisine themes.
6. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a summertime favorite that pairs well with creamy pastas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta, avoiding common mistakes can make all the difference in achieving a perfect dish.

• Skipping the Sauté Step: Sautéing the chicken first adds depth to the flavor. Always brown your chicken before pressure cooking.
• Not Deglazing the Pot: Failing to scrape up browned bits can lead to a burn notice. Always deglaze after sautéing to prevent this issue.
• Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking pasta under pressure can be tricky. Stick to the recommended pressure cooking time for best results.
• Ignoring Seasonings: Under-seasoning can leave your dish bland. Don’t forget to sprinkle seasonings over the pasta before cooking.
• Forgetting to Stir After Cooking: Skipping this step may result in unevenly mixed ingredients. Always stir well after releasing the pressure for a creamy sauce.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It lasts for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Keep it frozen for 2-3 months for optimal taste.

Reheating Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short increments, stirring occasionally, until warmed evenly.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of broth and heat over medium-low, stirring until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy pasta dish made with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, all cooked in one pot.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just increase the pressure cooking time by 2 minutes and ensure it’s cut into smaller pieces for even cooking.

How do I make it healthier?

For a healthier version of Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta, consider using whole grain pasta and reducing the amount of heavy cream.

What should I serve with it?

This dish pairs well with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal experience.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers or zucchini, or swap out proteins for shrimp or turkey.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is not only rich and creamy but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or adjust it according to dietary preferences. Give it a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!