You know that feeling when you take the first bite of something so delicious, it’s like falling in love all over again? That’s what “Marry Me” chicken is all about. And if you’ve been looking for a quick and easy way to impress someone (or just spoil yourself a little), this Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe might just be the answer. Creamy, savory, and packed with flavors like sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan, this dish is a dreamy blend of comfort food and restaurant-level goodness.

One of the best parts? It’s all done in your Instant Pot, so you can skip the mountain of dishes and keep things stress-free. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or just want to feel fancy on a Tuesday, this recipe is here to turn up the romance… with food.

Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

A Love Story (With a Dish to Match)

The first time I made Marry Me Chicken, I was skeptical of the name. Could a dish really be that good? But after one bite, I was fully on board with the hype. The sauce was rich and creamy, and the sun-dried tomatoes added just the right tangy-sweet punch. I decided to try combining it with pasta to make it a full meal, and it was a hit from the start. Now, when I’m craving something indulgent without hours in the kitchen, I turn to this Instant Pot version. It’s fast, easy, and just the right amount of fancy.

Where Did Marry Me Chicken Come From?

Marry Me Chicken gets its name from the idea that the dish is so irresistibly delicious, it might just make someone want to propose on the spot. Its roots are a bit murky, but the recipe has made the rounds on blogs and in kitchens for years, always with the promise of “love at first bite.” It’s usually made as a skillet dish with chicken breasts in a creamy, tomato-infused sauce. This Instant Pot adaptation turns it into a one-pot pasta wonder—perfect for weeknights, date nights, or anytime you want a little taste of romance.

Let’s Talk Ingredients: Flavorful and Flexible

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best here, cut into 1-inch pieces for even cooking. If you’re in a pinch, turkey breast works too, though it has a slightly different flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for that deep, aromatic flavor. Don’t skip it—it adds a layer of warmth that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Chicken broth: The broth helps to cook the pasta and build the base of the sauce. I go for reduced-sodium so it’s not too salty, but regular broth works if that’s what you have.
Penne pasta: The pasta cooks right in the Instant Pot, absorbing all the delicious flavors. If you’re out of penne, any short pasta shape like rigatoni or rotini will work.
Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs like basil, oregano, and rosemary that gives the dish a classic Italian flavor. If you don’t have a pre-made mix, you can use a pinch of each herb.
Paprika and pepper: These add a hint of warmth and a little spice, balancing the creaminess.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty richness to the sauce. Freshly grated is best, but pre-grated is fine too.
Heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce luxuriously creamy. For a lighter version, you could try half-and-half, but it won’t be quite as rich.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Tangy and sweet, they bring a burst of flavor that makes this dish memorable. Try to find the kind packed in oil; they’re softer and easier to chop.
Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully into the sauce, adding color and a bit of nutrition. If you prefer, you can swap it with kale or arugula.
Fresh basil: The perfect garnish to brighten the final dish. A little goes a long way!

Essential Kitchen Tools for This Recipe

This recipe keeps things simple on the equipment front, but here’s what you’ll need for the best results:

Instant Pot: This is the star of the show, of course. Any electric pressure cooker will do, but make sure it has a “sauté” function.
Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring and scraping up any browned bits after sautéing the chicken.
Cheese grater: Freshly grated parmesan has better texture and melts more smoothly than the pre-grated stuff.
Chef’s knife: To chop the sun-dried tomatoes and basil. A good sharp knife makes this part easy!

Step-by-Step: Foolproof Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Let’s dive into the cooking process! You’re about to see just how easy this is.

Start with a sizzle: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and let it heat up until it reads “hot.” Drizzle in the olive oil, and once it’s shimmering, add the chicken. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes until lightly browned. This step builds flavor, so try not to rush it!
Garlic time: Toss in the minced garlic and stir constantly for about 30 seconds. You’ll start to smell that delicious aroma—just don’t let it burn.
Deglaze the pot: Pour in about ½ cup of the chicken broth, and use your spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. These little pieces are packed with flavor and will melt into the sauce.
Add pasta and seasonings: Pour in the remaining broth, then add the uncooked penne. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, paprika, and pepper on top, but don’t stir! This helps the pasta cook evenly.
Pressure cook: Close and lock the lid, making sure the pressure valve is set to sealing. Set your Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 4 minutes. Once it’s done, carefully switch the valve to venting for a quick release.
Stir in the good stuff: Unlock the lid and give everything a good stir. Add the grated parmesan and stir until it melts into the sauce. Then pour in the cream, stirring until smooth and creamy.
Finish with spinach and tomatoes: Fold in the fresh spinach and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. The heat from the pasta will wilt the spinach just perfectly.
Garnish and serve: Serve each plate with a sprinkle of fresh basil on top for a pop of color and flavor.

Variations to Suit Every Taste

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pasta. Just check the cooking time, as some gluten-free pastas can turn mushy if overcooked.
Low-Carb/Keto: Swap the pasta for cauliflower florets or spiralized zucchini. You may need to reduce the broth to avoid a watery sauce.
Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add more veggies—like mushrooms, bell peppers, or artichokes.
Extra Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped fresh chili when you add the garlic.
Herb Lovers: Toss in a handful of fresh parsley or oregano along with the basil for an extra herbaceous flavor.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

For a lovely presentation, serve this pasta in wide, shallow bowls. Sprinkle a little extra parmesan and a small basil leaf on each serving for color. You can also drizzle a bit of good-quality olive oil on top—it adds a lovely sheen and even more richness. Pair this pasta with a simple side salad, maybe some warm garlic bread, and you’re all set!

Drink Pairings: What Goes Best with Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

A chilled glass of white wine, like a buttery Chardonnay or a bright Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully with the creamy, garlicky sauce. If you prefer red, a light-bodied Pinot Noir would work too—it’s not too overpowering and complements the flavors nicely. For non-drinkers, try a sparkling water with a twist of lemon to keep things refreshing.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This pasta is best fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen up the sauce. Warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally so it heats evenly.

Scaling the Recipe for Different Servings

If you’re cooking for two, halve all the ingredients and reduce the cooking time by a minute. For a crowd, you can double the ingredients, but be careful not to exceed the Instant Pot’s max fill line. You may need to stir a bit longer at the end to ensure the cheese and cream are evenly distributed.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, but I’d recommend thawing it first for even cooking. If you use frozen, it might release extra water, which could thin out the sauce.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Substitute coconut milk for the cream and use a vegan parmesan alternative.

Q: What if my pasta is undercooked?
A: If it’s a bit too al dente, just let it sit on warm for a few extra minutes, and it should soften up.

Q: How can I add more veggies?
A: Mushrooms, bell peppers, or even zucchini would be great. Add them in when you add the chicken so they sauté together.

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Sure! Just check the cooking time, as smaller or larger shapes may need a little adjustment.