Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

This Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is creamy, comforting, and bursting with flavor—all in under 30 minutes. If you’re looking for a weeknight meal that’s easy to throw together but still has a touch of elegance, this one’s for you. The combination of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a rich, cheesy sauce makes this dish unforgettable. Plus, cooking it in the Instant Pot means you get all that slow-cooked flavor in a fraction of the time!

this RECIPE

🍲 A cozy story behind this recipe

The first time I made Marry Me Chicken Pasta, I was skeptical. “Marry Me” anything sounds a little over the top, right? But one bite and I understood the hype. The rich sauce clings to every piece of pasta, while the sun-dried tomatoes bring just enough tanginess to keep things interesting. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate—and as soon as I served it, my family was in love. Now, it’s become a staple in our rotation, especially on those nights when we want something extra comforting but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

The origin story of “Marry Me” recipes

The “Marry Me” label on recipes usually refers to dishes so delicious they’re rumored to make anyone who tastes them fall in love on the spot. The idea has been around for years, often attached to rich, comforting dishes that bring people together. Marry Me Chicken is typically made with a creamy, herb-infused sauce that elevates simple ingredients into something special. Over time, creative cooks started adapting the concept, adding pasta and new flavors—like in this Instant Pot version! By cooking it all together in the Instant Pot, you get incredible depth of flavor in a fraction of the time.

Let’s talk ingredients: what’s essential and what’s flexible

• Chicken: The heart of this dish, chicken brings protein and a mild flavor that soaks up all the delicious sauce. I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breast, but you could swap in thighs if you prefer a juicier texture. Just keep the pieces small for even cooking.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a savory depth. If you’re out, garlic powder works in a pinch, but fresh garlic really brings the best flavor.
• Chicken broth: This liquid base helps cook the pasta and infuses everything with a savory depth. Go for reduced-sodium so you can control the salt levels better. If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth will work as well.
• Penne pasta: Penne holds up well in the Instant Pot, staying al dente while absorbing all that sauce. Feel free to substitute with any short pasta you have on hand, like rotini or rigatoni.
• Italian seasoning: This blend of dried herbs gives the dish a lovely, fragrant base. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, try a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme.
• Paprika and pepper: A touch of paprika adds subtle warmth, while pepper rounds out the flavors. Smoked paprika is a fun twist if you want a hint of smokiness.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, creating a luscious, cheesy base. If you’re dairy-free, you could try nutritional yeast for a savory flavor boost.
• Heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce so silky and indulgent. You can swap it for half-and-half if you’re looking to lighten it up, though it won’t be as rich.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: These gems add a burst of tangy sweetness. Be sure to drain them well; too much oil will make the sauce greasy. If you’re not a fan, try roasted red peppers as an alternative.
• Fresh spinach: A handful of spinach adds a pop of color and freshness. Kale works too, but spinach wilts beautifully into the sauce.
• Basil: Fresh basil sprinkled on top adds a lovely, bright finish. It’s optional, but it’s the perfect touch if you have some on hand.

Kitchen gear: what you’ll need (and what you can skip)

• Instant Pot: This recipe is all about ease, and the Instant Pot is the star here. It lets you cook everything together, making the pasta perfectly al dente and the chicken juicy.
• Tongs: Handy for stirring the chicken while it browns. If you don’t have tongs, a wooden spoon works just fine.
• Grater: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and has more flavor. You can use pre-grated, but trust me—grating your own is worth the little extra effort.
• Spatula: Great for scraping up the browned bits from the pot after cooking the chicken. Those bits add extra flavor to the sauce!

Step-by-step: making Instant Pot marry me chicken pasta

1. Sauté the chicken
   Start by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode. When it says “hot,” add the olive oil. Toss in the chicken pieces and cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re lightly browned. They don’t need to be cooked through at this stage, just a little golden on the outside. (Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pot, or the chicken will steam instead of browning.)
2. Add garlic and deglaze
   Stir in the minced garlic, letting it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in ½ cup of chicken broth and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom—these add so much flavor to the sauce!
3. Add pasta and seasonings
   Pour in the rest of the chicken broth, then add the uncooked penne pasta. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, paprika, and pepper over the top. Don’t stir; just let the seasonings sit on top of the pasta.
4. Pressure cook
   Secure the Instant Pot lid and set it to manual high pressure for 4 minutes. Make sure the valve is set to sealing. After the cooking time is up, do a quick release by carefully turning the pressure release valve to venting.
5. Stir in the cheese and cream
   Once the pressure is released, open the lid and give everything a good stir. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts into the pasta, creating a creamy base. Then add the heavy cream, stirring until smooth.
6. Finish with tomatoes and spinach
   Add the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, stirring until the spinach wilts and everything is well combined. The spinach adds a lovely color and freshness to the dish.
7. Serve and garnish
   Spoon the pasta into bowls and sprinkle a bit of fresh basil on top for that finishing touch. Serve hot and enjoy!

Variations to try: make it your own!

• Vegetarian version: Skip the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. You could even throw in some chickpeas for added protein.
• Dairy-free: Use coconut milk or a cashew cream in place of the heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
• Low-carb: Try substituting the pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets. Adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking these tender veggies.
• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the paprika for a bit of heat. You could also top with some sliced fresh chili peppers if you like things spicy.
• Herby twist: Add a handful of fresh basil, parsley, or even arugula just before serving for a peppery, herbaceous finish.

How to serve and present your Marry Me chicken pasta

To make this meal feel extra special, serve it in shallow pasta bowls and garnish with a few extra sun-dried tomatoes and a sprinkle of Parmesan. You can also top each bowl with a small sprig of fresh basil. Pair it with a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette and some warm, crusty bread for a complete, satisfying meal.

beverage pairings

This pasta dish is rich and creamy, so something light and refreshing is ideal to balance it out:

• Sparkling water with lemon: The bubbles and citrus will cut through the richness of the sauce.
• Iced tea with fresh mint: Adds a refreshing, cooling contrast to the warm flavors in the pasta.
• Homemade lemonade: A little sweet, a little tart—lemonade is a classic choice with pasta.
• Ginger ale: The gentle spice and sweetness of ginger ale complements the Italian seasonings nicely.

Storing and reheating tips

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the pasta in an airtight container, and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk when reheating to bring back the creaminess. Avoid freezing, as the pasta can become mushy, and the sauce might separate.

Adjusting for different serving sizes

This recipe serves about four people, but it’s easy to scale up or down. For a larger batch, increase the ingredients proportionally, but keep the cooking time the same. If you’re halving the recipe, make sure you still use enough liquid to cook the pasta properly—at least 2 cups of broth.

Troubleshooting tips: avoid these common issues

• Pasta too mushy? Make sure not to overcook. Stick to the 4-minute high-pressure time.
• Chicken sticking? Use enough oil and wait until the Instant Pot is hot before adding the chicken.
• Sauce too thick? Stir in a bit more broth or cream at the end if needed.

Give this Instant Pot marry me chicken pasta a try!

This Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a true keeper. Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or just treating yourself, it’s the perfect dish to make anyone feel cared for. Enjoy it as is, or put your own spin on it—you can’t go wrong. Happy cooking!

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, just thaw and cut it into 1-inch pieces first. Cooking frozen chicken in the Instant Pot can affect the texture.

2. Can I make this with gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free pasta like penne or rotini, but check the package instructions for cooking time adjustments.

3. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half for a lighter sauce or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

4. How can I add more veggies?
Toss in some mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini along with the spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.

5. Can I make this on the stovetop instead?
Yes! Brown the chicken in a large pot, add the pasta and broth, and cook until the pasta is tender. Finish with cheese, cream, and veggies.

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