Swoon-Worthy Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Chicken transforms from ordinary to extraordinary with this irresistible marry me chicken pasta recipe that promises pure culinary magic.

Tender pieces of chicken swim in a creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce that melts hearts and sparks joy.

The instant pot works its miracles, delivering restaurant-quality flavors in mere minutes.

Parmesan cheese and herbs elevate every single bite to a heavenly experience.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet impressive meal.

You’ll fall head over heels for this comforting pasta dish that comes together faster than you can say “I do.” Prepare to be swept off your feet by this delectable creation that’s sure to become a permanent fixture in your recipe rotation.

What Makes This Marry Me Chicken Pasta So Good

• Instant Pot transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy pasta dish with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
• One-pot meal eliminates multiple pans and complicated steps, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want incredible flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Combines creamy parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender chicken into a comfort food masterpiece that satisfies multiple taste preferences in a single dish.
• Easily customizable for different dietary needs by swapping proteins or adding extra vegetables, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken Pasta

• Chicken: A protein-packed base that adds hearty flavor to the pasta dish.
• Penne Pasta: The core carbohydrate that forms the foundation of this creamy meal.

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth cooking surface and adds a subtle rich flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid for the pasta and chicken.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers a luxurious, velvety texture to the final sauce.

• Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Black Pepper: Spices that build depth and complexity in the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty undertone to the creamy sauce.
• Fresh Spinach, Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Introduce color, nutrition, and bright flavor bursts.
• Fresh Basil: A final garnish that provides a fresh, aromatic finish.

Cooking Steps for Creamy Marry Me Pasta

Step 1: Create a Flavor Base

Heat the Instant Pot on sauté mode.

Drizzle olive oil and add chicken pieces.

Brown the chicken for 2-3 minutes, developing a rich golden color that locks in delicious flavors.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Add minced garlic to the pot.

Stir quickly for about 30 seconds until the kitchen fills with a mouthwatering fragrance.

Be careful not to let the garlic burn.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Foundation

Pour chicken broth into the pot.

Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the delicious browned bits from the bottom.

These flavor-packed pieces will create a deep, rich sauce.

Step 4: Prepare Pasta Layer

• Penne pasta
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Black pepper

Carefully distribute the seasonings over the pasta without stirring.

Step 5: Pressure Cook to Perfection

Secure the Instant Pot lid with the valve set to sealing.

Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.

Perform a quick release by carefully switching the valve to venting.

Step 6: Create Creamy Goodness

Open the lid and stir the contents thoroughly.

• Grated parmesan
• Heavy cream

Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and luxurious.

Step 7: Add Fresh Finishing Touches

• Fresh spinach
• Chopped sun-dried tomatoes

The residual heat will perfectly wilt the spinach.

Step 8: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the pasta to serving plates.

Sprinkle fresh basil on top for a burst of color and additional flavor.

Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Tips for a Rich and Flavorful Pasta Dish

• Ensure chicken develops a golden-brown crust by patting it dry before sautéing and avoiding overcrowding the pot, which prevents proper caramelization and locks in delicious flavor.
• Avoid stirring pasta during pressure cooking to stop it from clumping together, creating a perfectly separated and evenly cooked pasta dish every time.
• Adjust sauce thickness by adding extra cream or reserving some pasta water to create your desired consistency, making the dish lighter or richer according to your preference.
• Add spinach at the very end and stir gently to prevent overcooking, maintaining its vibrant green color and preserving essential nutrients while keeping a fresh texture.
• Taste and adjust seasoning carefully since parmesan and broth already contain salt, preventing an overly salty final dish that could overwhelm the delicate flavors.

Best Way to Store and Reheat This Chicken Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers, leaving slight space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dishes with cream-based sauces as they might separate upon thawing.
• Place pasta in microwave-safe dish. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water or extra broth to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Pour pasta into skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of chicken broth or water. Stir gently and frequently to prevent sticking. Warm until heated through, about 5-7 minutes, maintaining creamy texture.

Pairing Favorites for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the creamy pasta's richness and complement the sun-dried tomatoes' tangy profile.
• Enhance with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's creamy texture and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich dish.
• Match with Garlic Bread Crostini: Prepare thin, crispy garlic bread slices topped with fresh parmesan to add extra crunch and absorb the delicious sauce, elevating the overall dining experience.
• Complement with Sparkling Water with Lemon: Serve chilled sparkling water with a fresh lemon wedge to cleanse the palate between bites and provide a light, zesty accompaniment to the creamy pasta.

Pasta Add-ins and Saucy Twists to Explore

• Gluten-Free Pasta Delight: Swap regular penne with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour to accommodate gluten sensitivities without losing flavor.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace pasta entirely with spiralized zucchini noodles for a vegetable-packed, low-carbohydrate alternative that keeps the creamy sauce intact.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, maintaining the recipe's rich, savory profile while making it meat-free.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Use coconut cream instead of regular cream and nutritional yeast in place of parmesan cheese to create a lactose-free version that still delivers robust, comforting flavors.

FAQs

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Penne is recommended, but you can also use other short pasta shapes like rigatoni or ziti that hold sauce well and cook quickly in the Instant Pot.

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh basil?

Yes, absolutely! If you don’t have fresh basil, you can substitute with 1-2 teaspoons of dried basil or simply skip the garnish without significantly impacting the dish’s flavor.

• Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free penne pasta and ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

• How can I make this dish more protein-rich?

You can increase protein by using grilled chicken breast or adding cooked shredded chicken directly into the pasta. Alternatively, you could incorporate some white beans or extra parmesan cheese for additional protein content.

Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 14 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta promises romance on a plate, blending tender chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and a luscious parmesan sauce. Hearty comfort meets Italian-inspired elegance, pulling you into a culinary love story that satisfies deeply.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 16 ounces (453 grams) uncooked penne pasta
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and roughly chopped
• 1 cup fresh spinach

Seasoning and Herbs:

• 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh basil for garnish

Liquid and Oil Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

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Instructions

1. Prepare the instant pot by activating sauté mode at high temperature. Allow the pot to heat thoroughly before introducing olive oil.
2. Sear chicken pieces until they develop a golden-brown exterior, approximately 2-3 minutes, creating a robust flavor foundation.
3. Introduce minced garlic and quickly stir for 30 seconds, releasing aromatic compounds without risking burning.
4. Deglaze the cooking surface by pouring chicken broth, carefully scraping accumulated browned fragments from the pot’s bottom.
5. Layer uncooked penne pasta into the pot, then distribute Italian seasoning, paprika, and pepper across the surface without stirring.
6. Secure lid, ensuring pressure valve is sealed, and program the instant pot to high pressure for 4 minutes.
7. Execute a quick pressure release by carefully shifting the valve to venting position once cooking completes.
8. Thoroughly incorporate grated parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and integrate with the cooking liquid.
9. Stream heavy cream into the mixture, stirring until a smooth, cohesive sauce develops.
10. Gently fold fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes into the pasta, permitting residual heat to wilt the greens.
11. Transfer to serving dishes, garnishing with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Boost Flavor Depth by browning chicken thoroughly, allowing a golden-brown crust to develop which creates rich, complex taste profiles.
• Prevent Pasta Sticking by avoiding stirring during pressure cooking, letting pasta settle naturally for even cooking and preventing clumping.
• Customize Dietary Needs by substituting heavy cream with coconut milk for dairy-free version or using gluten-free penne for celiac-friendly adaptation.
• Enhance Protein Options by swapping chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken, tofu, or plant-based chicken alternatives for versatile meal preparation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 547
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 460 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 83 mg