Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Creamy, Dreamy & Done in One Pot!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Cost per Serving: ~$2.80
Calories per Serving: ~525 kcal
Let Me Tell You About This Marry Me Chicken Pasta :
If a pasta could say “I love you,” this would be the one. This Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is creamy, rich, and packed with bold, comforting flavors — like something you’d order at a restaurant, but made at home in under 30 minutes. Yes, really.
I make this on nights when I want something a little special, but don’t have time for a million steps. The sun-dried tomatoes, creamy parmesan sauce, and that touch of paprika and Italian herbs? Total flavor bomb. And my girls? They’re obsessed. It’s one of the few meals we all agree on — and that’s a big deal in a house full of picky eaters!
Let’s cook, mama-style.
Table of Contents
How to make Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients – you will need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavorful Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta, plus a few quick notes to make it work for you:
- Chicken breast – I used boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into 1-inch pieces. You can easily swap for chicken thighs if you prefer something a bit juicier — both work beautifully in the Instant Pot.
- Olive oil – Just a tablespoon to sear the chicken and build flavor at the base. I like using extra virgin, but any neutral oil will do in a pinch.
- Garlic – Freshly minced garlic brings out a warm, savory aroma. You can sub with garlic paste or pre-minced garlic if time is tight (been there, mama!).
- Chicken broth – I go with reduced-sodium to keep the flavors balanced, especially with the parmesan later on. Homemade or bouillon cubes dissolved in water work too!
- Penne pasta – I love using penne because it holds onto the sauce so well, but rotini or rigatoni would also be great options.
- Italian seasoning – A mix of dried herbs (like basil, oregano, thyme) that instantly adds depth. You can adjust based on what you have in your pantry.
- Paprika – Just a touch to warm things up and enhance the richness of the dish — it’s subtle but worth it.
- Black pepper – Adds a little gentle kick. Feel free to add salt if needed, depending on your broth.
- Parmesan cheese – I used grated parmesan for a salty, nutty flavor that melts right into the sauce. Freshly grated is best if you have the time!
- Heavy cream – This gives the sauce that irresistible creamy texture. You can swap with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free version.
- Sun-dried tomatoes – These are the flavor stars of the dish. I use the ones packed in oil, drained and roughly chopped. They add richness and just a hint of sweetness.
- Fresh spinach – I stir it in right at the end so it wilts perfectly without overcooking. Baby spinach works best, but regular chopped spinach is totally fine too.
- Fresh basil (optional) – A few leaves on top really brighten the dish and make it feel extra special. Totally optional but lovely if you have it on hand.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the chicken
Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add the olive oil, then toss in the chicken. Cook for 2–3 minutes until lightly browned. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Add pasta & broth
Turn off Sauté mode. Pour in 3 ½ cups of the chicken broth. Add the uncooked pasta on top, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, paprika, and pepper. Do not stir — this helps avoid the burn warning.
Step 3: Pressure cook
Seal the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Cook on High Pressure for 6 minutes. When done, do a quick release.
Step 4: Make it creamy
Give everything a good stir. Add the remaining ½ cup broth, parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes rich and creamy.
Step 5: Add veggies
Fold in the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. The heat from the pasta will wilt the spinach perfectly. Garnish with fresh basil if using.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving — it thickens beautifully!
Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Tips for busy Moms
Because real life is not Pinterest-perfect — here are my go-to shortcuts and tips to make this recipe work even on the craziest of days:
- Use pre-cut chicken if you’re short on time. Many grocery stores now sell it ready to go — a total game changer for weeknights.
- No fresh garlic? Garlic paste or even garlic powder will do the trick when you’re in a rush.
- Sun-dried tomatoes in oil? No need to rinse — just drain them quickly and chop. The little bit of oil adds great flavor.
- Don’t skip the spinach. If your kids usually avoid greens, chop it small and stir it in last — it wilts down and blends into the sauce like magic.
- Make it ahead. You can cook everything, skip the cream and cheese, and finish it the next day — perfect for school nights when every minute counts.
- Add broth or milk when reheating. It brings back the creamy texture and keeps it from drying out.
Mom tip: I always make a double batch and pack the leftovers in thermoses for my daughters’ lunch the next day — they love it just as much cold as hot!
Perfect Pairings – Keep It Simple, Keep It Cozy
This Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is already a full meal on its own, but if you want to round it out or make it stretch for guests, here are a few no-fuss ideas that match the heart of our kitchen: easy, family-friendly, and full of comfort.
- Quick side salad – I usually throw together some romaine, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes with a drizzle of balsamic. It’s fresh, fast, and gives the perfect balance to the creamy pasta.
- Garlic toast or cheesy breadsticks – Because every saucy pasta deserves something to dip into it. Store-bought or homemade, both are perfect.
- Roasted broccoli or green beans – Toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt, then roast at 425°F while the pasta cooks. They’re crisp, colorful, and kid-approved.
- A little something sweet – End the meal with our Mocha Chocolate Mousse Cupcakes — they’re easy to prep ahead and the perfect bite of chocolate after a cozy dinner.
This is the kind of meal that doesn’t just feed your family — it brings everyone together around the table. And honestly, that’s what it’s all about.
FAQ – You Asked, I Answered!
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving in the Instant Pot. Just make sure they’re boneless and cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep everything in advance and just stir in the cream, cheese, and spinach when reheating. It’s perfect for batch cooking or meal prep.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half works great if you want a lighter version. For a dairy-free option, try full-fat coconut milk — it gives a different flavor, but still creamy.
Does this recipe freeze well?
It does! Let it cool completely, portion into containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat with a splash of broth or milk to bring back that creamy texture.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Of course! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas would be great. Just sauté them with the chicken or stir in frozen veggies after cooking.
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes — rotini, rigatoni, or cavatappi work great. Avoid thin pastas like spaghetti or angel hair as they tend to overcook in the Instant Pot.
Have another question? Leave a comment below or tag me @SavorAtHome — I’m always here to help!
Print
Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor — and best of all, it comes together in just 20 minutes. Tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and a hint of paprika come together in a velvety sauce that will have your family asking for seconds. It’s a one-pot, weeknight-friendly recipe that feels like a cozy date-night dinner — and it’s 100% kid-approved!
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 black 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 (optional)
Instructions
Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 2–3 minutes until lightly browned. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds more. Cancel Sauté mode. Pour in 3½ cups of chicken broth and add the uncooked pasta on top. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. Do not stir. Seal the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Pressure cook on High for 6 minutes, then perform a quick release. Stir the pasta and chicken, then add the remaining ½ cup broth, grated parmesan, and heavy cream. Stir until the sauce becomes creamy. Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, and stir gently until spinach wilts. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use pre-cubed chicken or garlic paste to save time.
Swap the cream for half-and-half or coconut milk if needed.
Reheat leftovers with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
Rotini or rigatoni can be used instead of penne.
This recipe is perfect for meal prep — it stores well and reheats beautifully.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Instant Pot / Pressure Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 525Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: instant pot marry me chicken pasta, marry me chicken recipe, creamy pasta instant pot, one pot pasta, quick chicken pasta, family friendly pasta
Final Thoughts – Comfort That Tastes Like Childhood
This Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is more than just a quick dinner — it’s the kind of meal that brings me back to those cozy family nights growing up. You know the ones… when the house smelled like garlic and cheese, and dinner meant everyone gathered around the table, no phones, just laughter and seconds being served.
Back then, my mom used to make a creamy chicken pasta that felt like a warm hug. She never had fancy tools, but somehow, it always came out perfect — full of love, full of flavor. Now, with the Instant Pot, I can recreate that same feeling in half the time — and pass it on to my own girls.
They love this recipe just as much as I did at their age — and that’s what makes it so special. It’s comfort food made simple. It’s a modern version of something timeless. And it’s exactly the kind of meal that turns an ordinary night into a memory.
I’d love to know — did this dish remind you of your childhood too? Tag me @SavorAtHome and share your moment. From my heart (and kitchen) to yours — enjoy
If you loved the flavors in this Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you might also fall for our Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. It’s another cozy, creamy, weeknight favorite — a huge hit with my girls and just as quick to make.
And if you’re craving something warm and spoonable, I highly recommend this comforting Marry Me Chicken Soup over at Bold Bites Hub — it’s like a hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly days or when you need a little extra comfort.
Yum
★★★★★