Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

If comfort had a flavor, it would be this Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta—creamy, cheesy, and loaded with bright sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Not only is it weeknight-friendly, but every bite delivers those “where have you been all my life?” vibes that make everyone at the table swoon (and maybe beg for seconds).

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s magical about Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is how such simple staples transform into something swoon-worthy. Each ingredient brings its own flair—tender chicken, punchy sun-dried tomatoes, creamy sauce, and of course, generous handfuls of parmesan make every forkful special.

• Olive oil: Helps brown the chicken and adds a subtle, fruity richness as your flavor base.
• Boneless skinless chicken: Cut into bite-sized pieces for juicy, flavorful bites that stay tender under pressure.
• Garlic: A couple of cloves lend aromatic depth to the sauce—don’t skip it!
• Chicken broth: Using reduced-sodium lets you control seasoning—this is the backbone of your savory sauce.
• Uncooked penne pasta: Penne holds up beautifully in the Instant Pot, soaking in every bit of creamy sauce.
• Dried Italian seasoning: This blend brings herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to elevate the whole dish.
• Paprika: Just a touch for extra color and a sweet-smoky kick.
• Pepper: Fresh black pepper brightens up the flavors and enhances the parmesan.
• Parmesan cheese (grated): Delivers salty, nutty, creamy goodness that ties everything together.
• Heavy cream: Makes the sauce ultra-lush and silky—this is where the magic happens!
• Sun-dried tomatoes (drained & chopped): They lend concentrated tang and a gorgeous pop of color.
• Fresh spinach: A handful stirred in at the end brings freshness and a lovely green contrast.
• Fresh basil (for garnish): Scattered on top for a burst of summery, herbal aroma.

Variations

One of my favorite things about Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is how easily it adapts to your pantry and your cravings! Don’t be shy about mixing things up or making it suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs.

• Swap the greens: Try chopped kale or arugula in place of spinach for a fun twist and extra nutrients.
• Add a kick: Stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper or a diced jalapeño if you love a little heat.
• Go dairy-light: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a slightly lighter (but still creamy!) sauce.
• Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken, use veggie broth, and toss in extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers.
• Switch the pasta: Any short pasta works—try rotini, rigatoni, or even fusilli for a fun texture change.

How to Make Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken and Garlic

Start by pressing the sauté function on your Instant Pot. Once it reads “hot,” drizzle in the olive oil and add your bite-sized chicken pieces. Let them brown for 2-3 minutes for incredible flavor, then stir in the minced garlic—just 30 seconds until fragrant is perfect, so it doesn’t burn.

Step 2: Deglaze and Build Your Base

Pour in ½ cup of the chicken broth and use your spoon to really scrape up every tasty browned bit from the bottom. This step not only avoids the dreaded “burn” warning but packs tons of flavor into your sauce.

Step 3: Layer in the Pasta and Seasonings

Add the rest of the chicken broth, then scatter uncooked penne on top. Sprinkle on the Italian seasoning, paprika, and pepper—resist the urge to stir! This layering helps the pasta cook evenly while soaking in the seasoned broth.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Lock the lid, set the pressure release valve to sealing, and select manual high pressure for just 4 minutes. Trust the process—your pasta and chicken will come out perfectly cooked, tender, and flavorful.

Step 5: Finish with Creaminess & Color

When the timer beeps, carefully vent the steam and unlock the lid. Stir in the parmesan until it melts into a dreamy sauce, then add the cream. Finish by folding in the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Top with fresh basil for that signature Marry Me Chicken finish!

How to Serve Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta shines simply finished with lots of freshly torn basil and a loving flurry of extra parmesan on top. You can also add a grind of black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil to really highlight its creamy sheen.

Side Dishes

This pasta craves a crunchy side—a big Italian salad with crisp veggies, or garlicky homemade bread for swooping up all that dreamy sauce. Roasted broccoli or asparagus also makes a colorful, fresh side that balances the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta in shallow bowls with a big basil sprig and a few sun-dried tomatoes artfully scattered. You can also plate it family-style in a big pasta bowl and let everyone serve themselves, or spoon smaller portions into ramekins for a cozy, bistro-style feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, and the sauce stays creamy—just give it a quick stir before serving again.

Freezing

This pasta is best fresh, but you can freeze it in portions if you have a lot left. Cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and bring back its silky finish. A fresh sprinkle of parmesan always helps revive the magic!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a fuss-free, flavor-packed meal that brings people happily to the table—this Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta has your name on it. Give it a try and watch the smiles (and second helpings!) roll in. Enjoy every creamy bite, and don’t forget the extra sprinkle of parmesan!

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