Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This rich and creamy Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is your new go-to dish for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an impressive date night meal, this one-pot wonder combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan in a luscious sauce. The ease of preparation and the delightful flavors will make it a favorite on your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe is made entirely in the Instant Pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan creates a creamy sauce that’s bursting with taste.
• Quick Cooking Time: With only 28 minutes from start to finish, you can have dinner ready in no time.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap out pasta shapes or add vegetables based on your preference.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight meal or special gathering, this dish impresses every time.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are the essentials you’ll need to prepare your Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Wooden spatula
• Measuring cups
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Instant Pot: This versatile appliance allows you to sauté, pressure cook, and more all in one pot, saving time.
• Wooden Spatula: Perfect for scraping the bottom of the pot without damaging its surface while deglazing.
• Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements ensure balanced flavors in your creamy sauce.

Ingredients

For the 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

For the Sauce

• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and roughly chopped
• 1 cup fresh spinach

• Optional garnish: Fresh basil

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How to Make Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Press Sauté on the Instant Pot. Once hot:
1. Add the olive oil.
2. 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 30 seconds while stirring constantly.

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:
– Place the pasta on top without stirring.
– Sprinkle Italian seasoning, paprika, and pepper over the pasta.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Close and lock the lid:
– Ensure that the pressure valve is set to Sealing.
– Cook on Manual High Pressure for 4 minutes.

Step 6: Quick Release

When cooking is complete:
– Carefully turn the pressure release valve to Venting for a quick release.

Step 7: Finish the Sauce

Unlock the lid:
– Stir everything well.
– Mix in Parmesan cheese until melted, then stir in heavy cream.

Step 8: Add Final Ingredients

Stir in spinach and chopped sun-dried tomatoes until fully combined.

Step 9: Serve

Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta!

How to Serve Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is not only delicious but also versatile in how you can serve it. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some great serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Pair with Garlic Bread

• Garlic Bread: This classic side is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. Simply spread butter and minced garlic on slices of baguette and toast until golden.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Fresh Basil: Sprinkle chopped basil over the pasta for a burst of freshness that complements the dish’s rich flavors.

Add a Side Salad

• Caesar Salad: A light Caesar salad adds crunch and balance. The crisp romaine and creamy dressing pair well with the creamy pasta.

Serve with Roasted Vegetables

• Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus roasted until tender makes a healthy and colorful addition to your plate.

Include Extra Cheese

• Parmesan Shavings: For cheese lovers, add extra grated Parmesan on top before serving for an extra layer of flavor.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

To make your Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips that enhance both flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality sun-dried tomatoes will elevate the overall taste of your dish.
• Adjust Seasonings: Don’t hesitate to tweak the spices according to your preference; adding red pepper flakes can give it a nice kick.
• Let it Rest: Allowing the pasta to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps thicken the sauce and improves texture.
• Experiment with Cheeses: Mixing Parmesan with mozzarella will create a wonderfully gooey topping when melted.
• Add Protein Variations: Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp or sausage for different flavor profiles.
• Garnish Creatively: Beyond basil, consider pine nuts or arugula for added texture and flavor contrast.

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Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Complementing your Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta with the right side dishes can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Caprese Salad: A fresh mix of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provides a refreshing contrast.
2. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a nutritious touch that’s easy to prepare alongside your main dish.
3. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes offer comfort and pair beautifully with the savory chicken pasta.
4. Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, spiralized zucchini lightly sautéed can be an excellent alternative to traditional pasta.
5. Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Roasting Brussels sprouts until crispy adds a delightful crunch that complements creamy dishes.
6. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs makes a great base for soaking up any extra sauce from the pasta.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Avoid these pitfalls for the best results.

• Skipping the Sauté Step: Failing to sauté the chicken first can lead to less flavor. Always brown your chicken to enhance taste.
• Overcrowding the Pot: Adding too much pasta or chicken can create uneven cooking. Stick to the recipe amounts for best results.
• Not Deglazing: Ignoring the deglazing step can result in a burnt taste. Always scrape up browned bits after sautéing.
• Forgetting to Lock the Lid: Leaving the lid unlocked will prevent pressure from building. Double-check before starting the pressure cook cycle.
• Using Regular Sodium Broth: Using regular broth may make your dish too salty. Opt for reduced-sodium broth for better control over salt levels.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
• Freeze within 2 hours of cooking for best results.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish covered with foil and heat until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring in between until hot throughout.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy as it warms.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy dish made with chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and pasta, all cooked in one pot for convenience.

How can I customize this recipe?

You can customize this dish by adding different vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or swapping out pasta shapes based on your preference.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it ahead and store it in the fridge or freeze it for later. Just follow storage guidelines provided above.

Is there a vegetarian version of Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian meal.

Final Thoughts

This rich and creamy Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or pasta types! Give this delightful dish a try for dinner tonight!