Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Introduction to Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta
If you’re looking for a dish that brings love to the dinner table, look no further than Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta! This delightful recipe combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and hearty pasta, making it a perfect meal for family gatherings or a cozy night in. It’s quick to prepare and packed with flavors that are sure to impress, all thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot.
A Personal Story Behind My Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Journey
I still remember the first time I made this dish. It was a chilly evening, and I wanted something warm and comforting. I found this recipe and decided to give it a try. As the aromas filled my kitchen, my family gathered around, eager to taste what was cooking. The smiles on their faces when they took the first bite were priceless. This dish became a staple in our home, often requested for special occasions and family dinners.
What Makes This Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Special?
What sets this recipe apart is the combination of convenience and flavor. The Instant Pot cooks the chicken and pasta to perfection in mere minutes, while the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach add a burst of color and nutrition. The creamy sauce, enriched with parmesan cheese, creates a luxurious texture that elevates this simple dish into something truly special. Plus, it’s versatile; you can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or spices!
The Full Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 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
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and roughly chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Once it reads “hot,” add the olive oil.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until browned, about 2-3 minutes. This step helps to develop rich flavors.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour in ½ cup of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to enhance flavor.
- Add the remaining chicken broth and then the uncooked penne pasta. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the broth.
- Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, paprika, and pepper over the top. Do not stir, as this helps the pasta cook evenly.
- Close and lock the lid of the Instant Pot. Set it to manual high pressure and adjust the cooking time to 4 minutes. Ensure the pressure release valve is set to sealing.
- Once the cooking time is complete, carefully turn the pressure release valve to venting to release the pressure. Be cautious of the steam!
- Unlock the lid and give everything a good stir. This will mix all the flavors beautifully.
- Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until it melts into the pasta, creating a rich and creamy sauce.
- Add the heavy cream and mix well to incorporate the creaminess.
- Finally, stir in the spinach and chopped sun-dried tomatoes until everything is combined and the spinach wilts slightly.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil for a lovely presentation.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta
This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a lighter version, feel free to replace the heavy cream with half-and-half. Want to add more veggies? Bell peppers or zucchini work great as additions, providing extra nutrition and flavor. You can also experiment with different pasta types if penne isn’t your favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
No, it’s best to use fresh chicken for even cooking. Frozen chicken may require adjustments in cooking time.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the penne pasta with a gluten-free alternative, and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free as well.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Instant Pot Ensures quick cooking and easy cleanup.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1.5 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
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and roughly chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Once it reads “hot,” add the olive oil.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until browned, about 2-3 minutes. This step helps to develop rich flavors.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour in ½ cup of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to enhance flavor.
- Add the remaining chicken broth and then the uncooked penne pasta. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the broth.
- Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, paprika, and pepper over the top. Do not stir, as this helps the pasta cook evenly.
- Close and lock the lid of the Instant Pot. Set it to manual high pressure and adjust the cooking time to 4 minutes. Ensure the pressure release valve is set to sealing.
- Once the cooking time is complete, carefully turn the pressure release valve to venting to release the pressure. Be cautious of the steam!
- Unlock the lid and give everything a good stir. This will mix all the flavors beautifully.
- Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until it melts into the pasta, creating a rich and creamy sauce.
- Add the heavy cream and mix well to incorporate the creaminess.
- Finally, stir in the spinach and chopped sun-dried tomatoes until everything is combined and the spinach wilts slightly.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil for a lovely presentation.