Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

You have to try this Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor that will make you want to say “yes” to dinner every time. Honestly, it’s one of my favorite easy meals!

If you’re looking for a quick dinner that feels special but doesn’t take all day, this recipe is perfect. The Instant Pot does all the work fast, so you get tender chicken and pasta in one pot with zero stress.

I can’t wait for you to make this and fall in love with it like I did. Ready to cook something amazing?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in the Instant Pot, saving time and cleanup.
• Rich and Creamy: The sauce is smooth and cheesy with a touch of tang from sun-dried tomatoes.
• Quick Dinner: Ready in under 40 minutes from start to finish.
• Family Friendly: Mild, comforting flavors that kids and adults enjoy.
• Versatile: Easy to add fresh spinach or herbs to boost nutrition and color.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: About 35 minutes

Servings:
Makes about 6 servings — enough for a family dinner with some leftovers.

Difficulty:
Simple and easy, great for beginner cooks or anyone wanting a quick meal.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Instant Pot or Electric Pressure Cooker
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Cheese grater (optional for fresh Parmesan)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this tasty and creamy pasta dish:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 12 ounces penne pasta (uncooked)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Variations for Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy flavor.
• Use Half-and-Half: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for some heat.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-friendly.
• Extra Veggies: Stir in steamed broccoli or roasted bell peppers for more color and nutrition.

How to Make Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Chicken and Garlic

Turn your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ setting. Add olive oil and let it warm up. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for about 3-4 minutes until lightly browned but not fully cooked through. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

2. Add the Liquid and Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth. Stir to loosen any browned bits from the bottom. Add the uncooked penne pasta, dried Italian seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. Press the pasta down gently to make sure it’s mostly submerged in the broth but don’t stir.

3. Pressure Cook

Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. Once done, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release to let out the remaining steam.

4. Stir in the Creamy Ingredients

Open the lid and stir the pasta and chicken. Add the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir gently until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.

5. Add Fresh Spinach

Stir in the fresh spinach leaves. The heat from the pasta will wilt the spinach quickly. Mix until the spinach is evenly distributed.

How to Serve Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This creamy pasta is perfect on its own or paired with simple sides:

• Serve with Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread or a crusty baguette complements the rich sauce well.
• Add a Side Salad: A fresh green salad with vinaigrette adds a crisp contrast.
• Garnish: Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.

Storing Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk if the sauce thickens too much.
• Freeze: This dish freezes well. Place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t overcook the pasta during pressure cooking — 6 minutes works well for penne, but adjust for other pasta types.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smooth melting.
• If sauce is too thick after cooking, stir in a little more chicken broth or cream.
• For extra flavor, sauté the sun-dried tomatoes briefly before adding.
• Always allow a natural pressure release for a few minutes to prevent splattering.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	420 kcal
Protein	38 g
Carbohydrates	32 g
Fat	15 g
Saturated Fat	7 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	4 g
Sodium	620 mg

Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, boneless skinless thighs work great and add extra juiciness.

Q: What pasta works best?
A: Penne or other short pasta hold the sauce well. Avoid very thin pastas as they may overcook.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast.

Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Yes, spinach is great but you can also add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a simple yet rich and comforting meal that you can make any night of the week. With creamy sauce, tender chicken, and bright sun-dried tomatoes, it’s a balanced dish that feels special but cooks quickly. This one-pot recipe keeps dinner cleanup easy, making it perfect for busy cooks who want homemade flavor without the fuss.