Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This rich and creamy Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese in a luxurious sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this one-pot meal brings comfort and satisfaction to the table. Its ease of preparation and irresistible flavors make it a family favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This dish promises not just great taste but also convenience.

• Quick Preparation: The Instant Pot allows you to cook this meal in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
• One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one pot, which means fewer dishes to wash afterward—always a plus!
• Flavor Packed: With sun-dried tomatoes and creamy Parmesan, this pasta bursts with flavor in every bite.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap out the pasta or add more vegetables based on your preferences.
• Impressive Presentation: Serve it garnished with fresh basil for an elegant touch that impresses guests.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will help streamline your cooking process for this delicious meal.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Wooden spatula
• Measuring cups
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Instant Pot: This multipurpose appliance allows for quick cooking while infusing flavors beautifully.
• Wooden spatula: Ideal for deglazing the pot without scratching its surface.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements for perfect results every time.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Pasta

• 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 and cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned.

Step 2: Add Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, 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.

Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients

Pour in the remaining chicken broth. Next, add 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 your 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 well. Mix in Parmesan cheese until melted. Then stir in heavy cream until fully incorporated.

Step 8: Add Final Ingredients

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

Step 9: Serve

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

How to Serve Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This creamy and delicious Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal experience.

Classic with Fresh Basil

• Garnish with fresh basil: Adding fresh basil not only enhances the flavor but also gives a lovely presentation.

Pair with Garlic Bread

• Serve with garlic bread: The buttery, garlicky goodness of garlic bread complements the pasta perfectly.

Add a Side Salad

• Include a side salad: A refreshing green salad balances the richness of the pasta and adds a crunchy texture.

Top with Extra Parmesan

• Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese: For cheese lovers, adding more Parmesan on top elevates the dish further.

Serve in a Bread Bowl

• Use a bread bowl: For an adventurous twist, serve the pasta in a hollowed-out bread bowl for added flavor and fun!

How to Perfect Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

To ensure your Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly every time, consider these handy tips.

• Use quality ingredients: Fresh chicken and high-quality Parmesan make a significant difference in taste.
• Don’t stir after adding pasta: This helps prevent clumping and ensures even cooking during pressure cooking.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to tweak spices based on your preference for a personalized flavor.
• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes helps thicken the sauce and enhances the flavors.
• Experiment with vegetables: Incorporate seasonal veggies like asparagus or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Complementing your Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta with delicious sides can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent choices:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort and pair well with pasta dishes.
2. Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds color and nutrition while being an easy-to-make side.
3. Roasted Asparagus: Tender, roasted asparagus drizzled with olive oil adds an elegant touch to your plate.
4. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing and croutons offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
5. Bruschetta: This Italian appetizer made from toasted bread topped with tomatoes is flavorful and light.
6. Grilled Zucchini: Simple grilled zucchini slices are healthy and provide a smoky flavor that complements the chicken pasta well.
7. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil on skewers make for an easy yet impressive side.
8. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds sweetness to balance out the savory flavors of the pasta dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking can be tricky, especially with a dish as rich as Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Using Too Much Liquid: Adding more broth than necessary can make the dish soupy. Stick to the recipe’s liquid amounts for the perfect sauce consistency.
• Skipping the Sauté Step: Neglecting to sauté the chicken and garlic first will result in less flavor. Always brown your proteins and aromatics before pressure cooking.
• Ignoring Quick Release: Allowing the pressure to release naturally may overcook the pasta. For this recipe, use quick release to maintain that ideal texture.
• Not Stirring After Cooking: Failing to mix the ingredients well after cooking can leave clumps of cheese and cream. Make sure to stir thoroughly for an even sauce.
• Substituting Ingredients Improperly: Not using recommended substitutes can alter flavors significantly. If you need alternatives, follow suggested swaps closely for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Instructions

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be stored for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Instructions

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short increments, stirring occasionally until hot; usually about 2-3 minutes depending on your microwave’s power.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if necessary to loosen the sauce, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but increase the cooking time by a few minutes. Just ensure it’s cut into smaller pieces.

How do I customize Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor. You can also adjust spices according to your taste preference.

What is Marry Me Chicken?

Marry Me Chicken refers to a creamy, flavorful chicken dish that is so delicious it’s said to inspire proposals! This pasta version brings those delightful flavors together in one pot.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute regular penne pasta with gluten-free pasta for a delightful gluten-free version of Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

Final Thoughts

Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is not only easy to prepare but also offers a rich flavor profile that everyone will love. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite ingredients. Give it a try and impress your family or guests with this comforting one-pot meal!