Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dish that combines creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, the Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the recipe for you. This dish is a twist on the classic Marry Me Chicken, which has earned its name for being so delicious that it’s rumored to inspire marriage proposals! With a creamy, garlicky sauce and sun-dried tomatoes, this version made in the Instant Pot is quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight dinners.

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

This recipe checks off all the boxes for a great weeknight meal:

Quick and Easy: Thanks to the Instant Pot, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when you need a tasty dinner fast.
Flavorful: The creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic create a rich, comforting flavor profile that pairs perfectly with chicken and pasta.
One-Pot Meal: Everything is cooked in the Instant Pot, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Versatile: Whether you’re using chicken breasts, thighs, or even a different protein, this recipe is flexible and can be easily adjusted to suit your preferences.

The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, creamy cheese, and herbs takes this dish to the next level, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Ready to make this mouthwatering recipe? Let’s dive in!

What You’ll Need for Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients for the perfect dish:

Olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and garlic to bring out rich flavors.
Chicken: You’ll need either boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts. I recommend thighs for their juiciness, but either will work.
Seasonings: A blend of paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes will create the perfect balance of heat and flavor.
Butter: Adds a creamy richness to the sauce.
Garlic: Fresh, minced garlic adds depth to the dish.
Chicken broth: Provides the base for the sauce and helps cook the pasta.
Pasta: I recommend penne or fettuccine for this dish, but any pasta of your choice will work.
Milk: Adds creaminess to the sauce. Almond milk is a good option for a lighter version.
Cheeses: A blend of Laughing Cow cheese wedges (garlic and herb flavor) and Parmesan cheese brings richness and creaminess to the sauce.
Sun-dried tomatoes: These are the star of the show, adding a tangy sweetness that elevates the entire dish.

Once you have all your ingredients ready, you’re just a few steps away from enjoying this amazing dish.

How to Make Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to start cooking! The beauty of the Instant Pot is that it simplifies the cooking process, allowing you to create a delicious, restaurant-quality meal in no time.

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add olive oil to the pot. Allow the oil to heat up for a couple of minutes.
Season the chicken with the spice mixture: paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. This seasoning blend will infuse the chicken with flavor and create a lovely base for the sauce.
Add the chicken to the Instant Pot and sear on both sides for about 2-3 minutes per side until the chicken is browned. You don’t need to cook it all the way through since it will finish cooking later with the pasta and broth.

Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the Instant Pot and set it aside on a plate. Turn off the sauté function to prevent burning.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Add Butter

Add butter to the Instant Pot and let it melt. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. This step builds flavor and creates a fragrant base for the sauce.
After the garlic has sautéed, deglaze the pot by pouring in chicken broth. Use a spatula to scrape any flavorful brown bits off the bottom of the pot. These bits are packed with flavor and will help create a delicious sauce.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Sauce Ingredients

Add the pasta (penne or your choice) into the Instant Pot. Make sure to stir it into the liquid so it’s well coated. This helps the pasta absorb all the rich, flavorful broth as it cooks.
Pour in milk, followed by the Laughing Cow cheese wedges and Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until the cheese starts to melt into the sauce, making it creamy and luscious.
Finally, add in the sun-dried tomatoes, which will infuse the sauce with a burst of tangy, sweet flavor.

Step 4: Pressure Cook the Chicken and Pasta

Place the chicken on top of the pasta mixture, pressing it gently into the sauce. The chicken will cook to perfection as the pasta cooks underneath.
Secure the lid of the Instant Pot, making sure the valve is set to sealing.
Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook for 5 minutes on high. The combination of the broth, milk, and cheese will cook the pasta while the chicken finishes cooking. You’ll get a creamy, rich sauce that coats every piece of pasta.

Step 5: Release Pressure and Finish the Dish

Once the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for about 3 minutes. Then, carefully switch the valve to venting to release any remaining steam.
Once the pressure is fully released, open the lid and stir the contents. The chicken will be tender and juicy, and the pasta will be perfectly cooked with a creamy sauce.
Shred the chicken with two forks, or serve it whole on top of the pasta. You can either stir everything together or leave the chicken on top as a nice presentation.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Serve the Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta hot with a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice for extra zest and a finishing touch of flavor.
Pair this dish with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfecting Your Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

To make sure your Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta turns out perfect every time, here are a few expert tips and tricks to elevate your cooking:

Key Tips for Success

Use Thin Chicken: Chicken cutlets work best for this recipe because they cook quickly and evenly. If you use chicken breasts, slice them thin to ensure they cook properly in the Instant Pot.
Sauté the Chicken: Don’t skip the searing step! It creates a delicious browned exterior on the chicken, which enhances the flavor of the sauce. Make sure the pot is hot before adding the chicken to get that crispy sear.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: The pasta will cook quickly under pressure, so be sure to use the correct amount of liquid and don’t overcook it. The key is to let the pasta sit in the sauce after cooking, allowing it to soak up all the flavors.
Use Low-Sodium Broth: To avoid the dish being too salty, use low-sodium chicken broth. If you’re using regular broth, you may need to adjust the seasoning towards the end of cooking.
Avoid Overcrowding the Pot: If you’re making a larger batch, cook the chicken in batches to ensure each piece is seared properly. Overcrowding the Instant Pot can prevent the chicken from developing a crispy exterior.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to make it your own:

Change the Protein: If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can easily substitute shrimp in place of the chicken. Adjust the cooking time accordingly—shrimp cooks much faster than chicken, and pork may require a little more time.
Add Veggies: For extra nutrition, toss in some chopped spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers along with the pasta. These veggies will cook quickly in the Instant Pot and add color and texture to the dish.
Dairy-Free Version: For a dairy-free version, replace the cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative or use more sun-dried tomatoes for richness. You can also replace the milk with coconut milk for a creamy, dairy-free option.
Spicy Kick: If you love spice, add a jalapeño or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for an extra burst of heat. You can also increase the red pepper flakes to your liking.

What to Serve with Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This dish is a full meal on its own, but here are a few great side options to round it out:

Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette will balance the richness of the pasta.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, carrots, or asparagus add a nutritious and colorful side dish.
Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully with the creamy chicken and pasta.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is unlikely because this dish is so delicious!), you’re in luck. Here’s how to store and reheat:

Storing: Let the pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: This dish also freezes well. To freeze, portion it into freezer-safe containers and store it for up to 2 months. Be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
Reheating: To reheat, microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, or reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

This Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish made with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and rich cheeses, all cooked in one pot for a quick and easy dinner.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings: 4

Course: Instant Pot

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 430

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken cutlets
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
4 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup chicken broth low-sodium
6 ounces dry pasta penne
1 cup unsweetened almond milk or any milk of your choice
2 Laughing Cow garlic and herb cheese wedges
2 tablespoons reduced-fat Parmesan cheese
¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Lime wedges optional, for garnish

Method

Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add olive oil. Once heated, season the chicken with the spices and sear the chicken cutlets for about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Add butter to the pot and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth and deglaze the pot by scraping the bottom with a spatula.
Add pasta, almond milk, cheese wedges, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir to combine and press the pasta down to ensure it’s covered in liquid.
Place the seared chicken on top of the pasta. Close the Instant Pot, set to sealing, and cook on pressure cook mode for 5 minutes.
Once cooking is complete, let the Instant Pot sit for 3 minutes, then release the pressure.
Stir everything together, shred the chicken, and serve with cilantro and lime wedges.

Notes

Chicken: You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Milk: If you prefer a richer sauce, you can use heavy cream instead of almond milk.
Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your taste for more or less heat.