Get ready to fall in love with an easy weeknight dinner that feels like a warm hug in a bowl: the Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe. Imagine all the iconic flavors of chicken parmesan—juicy seasoned chicken, velvety marinara, perfectly cooked pasta, and gooey, melty cheese—coming together in a fraction of the time, without sacrificing comfort or taste. This recipe delivers a one-pot wonder with rich Italian flavors the whole family will crave, and it’s all done in under 30 minutes thanks to the magic of pressure cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this recipe shine is its straightforward ingredient list—each component brings something special to the table. These essential items guarantee big, bold flavors, creamy texture, and beautiful color in every bite of your Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken cut into chunks soaks up seasonings and cooks up juicy and tender in the Instant Pot.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken and aromatics for a deeper flavor base.
- Salt and black pepper: The simple backbone for perfectly seasoned chicken and pasta every time.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses each bite with classic Italian aroma and flavor.
- Onion: Diced onion brings sweetness and depth to the sauce as it cooks down.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic wakes up the whole dish with its signature aroma.
- Penne pasta: Uncooked penne holds up perfectly in pressure cooking and captures the cheesy sauce in every tube.
- Marinara sauce: A jar of your favorite sauce forms the tangy, tomato-rich base of the recipe.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory flavor and ensures your pasta cooks up perfectly al dente.
- Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts into stringy, irresistible creaminess throughout.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated or pre-grated, it adds salty richness and that unmistakable “parm” finish.
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional): Chopped herbs make your finished pasta look and taste incredibly fresh and vibrant.
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and swirl in the olive oil. Toss in your chicken chunks, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes. The chicken should be lightly browned on the outside but not cooked through—just enough to start building those delicious layers of flavor.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Next, add your diced onion and minced garlic straight into the pot with the chicken. Cook everything together for another 1 to 2 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen is filled with an irresistible, savory aroma (and your mouth starts watering!).
Step 3: Layer the Pasta and Liquids
Turn off sauté mode. Now, scatter the uncooked penne pasta right over the chicken and vegetables. Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth next. There’s no need to stir—just press down gently with a spoon so the pasta is mostly submerged. This helps everything cook evenly without clumping.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Seal the Instant Pot lid, make sure the valve is set to sealing, then select high pressure and cook for 5 minutes. Once the timer goes off, let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes, followed by a quick release to finish. The pasta will be tender, chicken juicy, and everything perfectly saucy.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish
Lift the lid and give everything a good stir. Sprinkle in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, then stir until they melt into a creamy, cheesy sauce that coats every piece of pasta and chicken. For a pop of color (and a little extra flavor), top with chopped basil or parsley before serving your Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe hot and fresh!
How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A generous flourish of fresh basil or parsley on top adds brightness and makes your pasta pop with color. For extra oomph, grate a bit more Parmesan right before serving—the salty, nutty finish takes this classic over the top.
Side Dishes
Keep it Italian with a crispy green salad tossed in zesty vinaigrette or serve warm garlic bread alongside to mop up all that cheesy sauce. Roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or simple sautéed greens also pair beautifully for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try portioning your Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe into small ramekins, topping each with extra cheese, and broiling for a crispy, bubbly crust. Or, serve family-style right from the Instant Pot for a fuss-free dinner that lets everyone dive in!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making this a fantastic make-ahead lunch or dinner.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, let the pasta cool completely, then spoon it into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place your Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe in a covered skillet or microwave-safe bowl with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Heat gently until warmed through, stirring occasionally so the cheese stays silky.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more flavor and stay juicy throughout cooking. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces as you would the breasts and follow the recipe as written.
Can I make this Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the regular penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta—just check the pasta’s instructions as some gluten-free blends may cook a touch faster or slower.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No worries. Mix together a pinch each of dried basil, oregano, and thyme as a quick substitute, or use whatever Italian herbs you have on hand.
Can I double this recipe in a 6-quart Instant Pot?
If you have an 8-quart model, doubling should be fine. With a 6-quart, there’s a risk of overfilling, so stick to the original quantities or make a batch and a half with caution.
How can I make the topping extra crispy like classic chicken Parmesan?
After finishing the dish in the Instant Pot, transfer it to a baking dish, sprinkle with more mozzarella and Parmesan, and pop it under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. This creates a golden, bubbly crust without any extra fuss.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a meal that’s equal parts comforting, crowd-pleasing, and insanely easy, this Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is sure to become a new staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and savor all the Italian flavors you love—made simple, speedy, and delicious!
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Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delicious and easy Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta that brings together tender chicken, savory marinara sauce, and cheesy goodness in a single pot. This recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Pasta:
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups uncooked penne pasta
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
For Finishing:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Chicken: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Cook the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until lightly browned.
- Add Ingredients: Add diced onion, garlic, penne, marinara sauce, and chicken broth without stirring.
- Pressure Cook: Seal the lid and pressure cook on high for 5 minutes. Allow natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release.
- Finish: Stir well, add cheeses, and mix until creamy. Top with basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a crispy topping, transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheese, and broil for 2–3 minutes.
- Use rotini or rigatoni as a pasta substitute.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
