Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This rich and creamy Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is packed with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan in a luscious, flavorful sauce. Made entirely in the Instant Pot, this easy, one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
• One-Pot Meal – Minimal cleanup required.
• Creamy & Flavorful – Parmesan, heavy cream, and sun-dried tomatoes create an irresistible sauce.
• Customizable – Adjust seasonings, swap pasta, or add extra veggies.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Instant Pot (6 or 8-quart model) – Ensures even cooking and fast results.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – Prevents scratching the Instant Pot liner.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient portions.
• Sharp knife and cutting board – To dice the chicken and chop the sun-dried tomatoes.
• Grater – For freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Preparation Tips

• Pre-cut ingredients before starting to make the cooking process smoother.
• Use room-temperature cream to prevent curdling when added to the hot dish.
• Drain and chop sun-dried tomatoes beforehand for easy mixing.
• Grate fresh Parmesan instead of using pre-packaged cheese for the best texture.

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Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth, divided
• 16 oz uncooked penne pasta
• 1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Creamy Sauce Additions

• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ cup heavy cream

Additional Ingredients

• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and roughly chopped
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Sauté the Chicken

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

2. Add Garlic

• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

3. Deglaze the Pot

• Pour in ½ cup of the chicken broth and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.

4. Add Remaining Ingredients

• Pour in the remaining chicken broth, then add the pasta on top.
• Sprinkle Italian seasoning, paprika, and black pepper over the pasta. Do not stir.

5. Pressure Cook

• Close and lock the lid, ensuring the pressure valve is set to Sealing.
• Cook on Manual High Pressure for 4 minutes.

6. Quick Release

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

7. Finish the Sauce

• Unlock the lid and stir well.
• Mix in the Parmesan cheese until melted, then stir in the heavy cream.

8. Add Final Ingredients

• Stir in the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes until combined.

9. Serve

• Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve warm.

Serving Suggestions

This Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich and creamy dish that pairs well with lighter sides to balance the flavors. Here are some serving ideas:

• Garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and extra flavor.
• Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Pair with a fresh salad to add some crunch and brightness.
• Top with extra Parmesan cheese for a richer, cheesier taste.
• Drizzle with a little olive oil or balsamic glaze for added depth.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

Pasta Sticking to the Pot

Mistake: Stirring the pasta before cooking, causing it to stick to the bottom.
Solution: Layer the pasta on top of the broth and seasonings without stirring.

Burn Notice on Instant Pot

Mistake: Failing to deglaze the pot after sautéing the chicken.
Solution: After cooking the chicken, add ½ cup of broth and scrape off any browned bits before proceeding.

Sauce Too Thin

Mistake: The sauce seems watery after cooking.
Solution: Let the pasta sit for a few minutes before serving, allowing the sauce to thicken. If needed, stir in extra Parmesan cheese to help with consistency.

Overcooked Chicken

Mistake: Chicken becomes dry or rubbery.
Solution: Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking and avoid using overly lean cuts like chicken breast without some fat content.

Using Pre-Grated Parmesan

Mistake: Pre-shredded Parmesan does not melt smoothly into the sauce.
Solution: Use freshly grated Parmesan for a creamy, silky sauce.

Heavy Cream Curdling

Mistake: Adding cold heavy cream directly into the hot dish.
Solution: Let the heavy cream sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before adding it, and stir it in gradually.

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Side Dish Recommendations

1. Garlic Bread

A classic side that pairs perfectly with creamy pasta. Serve warm with butter and fresh herbs for extra flavor.

2. Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, croutons, and creamy Caesar dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Roasting vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus enhances their natural sweetness and adds a great texture to the meal.

4. Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze bring light and fresh flavors that complement the pasta beautifully.

5. Bruschetta

Crispy toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil adds a refreshing bite to balance the creamy sauce.

6. Steamed Broccoli

A simple, nutritious side that pairs well with rich pasta dishes. Lightly season with salt and lemon juice for extra flavor.

7. Minestrone Soup

Starting the meal with a warm bowl of minestrone soup adds depth to your Italian-inspired dinner.

8. Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts roasted with Parmesan cheese and garlic create a crunchy, flavorful side that complements the dish’s creaminess.

Let me know if you need additional modifications or recommendations.

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Recipe Tips

• Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor. Pre-grated Parmesan contains additives that prevent smooth melting.
• Let the pasta sit for a few minutes after pressure cooking to allow the sauce to thicken naturally.
• Adjust the seasoning based on taste. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
• If using a different pasta shape, adjust the pressure cooking time slightly. Smaller pasta may cook faster, while larger ones may need an extra minute.
• For extra protein, stir in cooked and crumbled bacon or diced prosciutto before serving.

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing Leftovers

• Let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Instructions

• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk if needed to restore creaminess.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little broth or cream to bring back the sauce’s consistency.
• Instant Pot: Use the “Sauté” function and stir gently until heated evenly.

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FAQs

What is “Marry Me” Chicken Pasta?

It is a creamy, flavorful dish made with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and heavy cream. The name comes from its irresistible taste—some say it is so good, it could inspire a marriage proposal.

Can I Make This Without an Instant Pot?

Yes. Cook the pasta separately according to package instructions. In a large skillet, cook the chicken, garlic, and seasonings, then add the broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and heavy cream. Mix in the cooked pasta and Parmesan at the end.

Can I Use Frozen Chicken?

Yes, but you will need to increase the pressure cooking time to 8-10 minutes and ensure the chicken is cut into small pieces before cooking.

Can I Make It Dairy-Free?

For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a vegan Parmesan alternative. The sauce will have a slightly different taste but will still be creamy and flavorful.

What Other Vegetables Can I Add?

Mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or peas all work well in this dish. Add them during the sautéing step for best results.

Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Yes. Use a gluten-free pasta brand that holds up well under pressure cooking, such as lentil or chickpea pasta. You may need to slightly adjust the cook time.

How Do I Prevent a Burn Notice on the Instant Pot?

Always deglaze the pot after sautéing the chicken by adding a small amount of broth and scraping off any browned bits. Also, make sure not to stir the pasta before pressure cooking.

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Conclusion

This Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is an easy, creamy, and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. With tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and a rich sauce, this dish is both comforting and satisfying.

Whether you serve it with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables, this pasta is sure to impress. Try it today and see why everyone loves it.