If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that comes together in a flash, this Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. It combines tender chicken breasts, flavorful Italian herbs, gooey melted cheeses, and perfectly cooked penne pasta all in one pot. The beauty of this recipe is how it takes the classic flavors of chicken parmesan and transforms them into a creamy pasta dish that’s both satisfying and incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re feeding a family or craving leftovers for the week, this dish will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, ensuring every bite bursts with richness, texture, and that unmistakable Italian charm.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps marry the flavors beautifully.
- 4 skinless boneless chicken breasts: The star protein, tender and juicy after cooking under pressure.
- 1½ teaspoons garlic powder: Brings a warm, aromatic base flavor to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Offers a subtle sweetness that enhances the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste): Balances all the savory elements perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds just enough bite without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon dried basil: Brings fresh Italian herb notes to the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Deepens the traditional Italian flavor profile.
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary: Adds a fragrant, woody touch that lifts the chicken’s taste.
- 8 ounces penne pasta, uncooked: Holds sauce beautifully and ensures tender pasta with no fuss.
- 1½ cups marinara sauce: The vibrant tomato base that enriches the entire dish.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Gives depth to the pasta and prevents it from becoming dry.
- ¼ cup zesty Italian dressing: Offers a tangy punch that brightens the flavors.
- ¾ cup mozzarella cheese: Creates that irresistible gooey, melty texture.
- ½ cup parmesan cheese: Adds the iconic sharpness and umami of classic chicken parmesan.
- Chopped parsley (optional garnish): For a fresh, vibrant finish that makes each plate pop.
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry; this helps the seasonings stick better. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, basil, oregano, and rosemary. Rub this flavorful blend evenly over each chicken breast to create a seasoned base that will infuse every bite.
Step 2: Sauté Chicken and Butter
Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting and melt the butter. Once sizzling, add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for about 3 minutes on each side until they get a light golden-brown crust. This step locks in flavor and gives a lovely texture before pressure cooking.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Liquids
Pour the uncooked penne pasta around and on top of the chicken. Then, combine the marinara sauce, chicken broth, and zesty Italian dressing in a measuring cup and pour evenly over the pasta and chicken. Do not stir; just let the liquid spread naturally. This layering prevents the “burn” error on the Instant Pot and ensures even cooking.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to manual high pressure for 8 minutes. The magic of the Instant Pot does its work here, cooking the chicken to juicy perfection while the pasta absorbs all those rich flavors. When the timer goes off, allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes before quickly releasing the remaining steam.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish
Carefully remove the lid and sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses over the hot pasta and chicken. Stir gently to melt the cheeses into a creamy, gooey sauce that ties everything together. If needed, season with a pinch more salt or pepper to suit your taste buds.
How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley sprinkled on top adds a bright, herbaceous note and a splash of green that elevates the dish’s presentation. For an extra touch, you can also add a few shavings of parmesan.
Side Dishes
This chicken parmesan pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp Caesar salad or garlic bread. The crispiness and acidity from these sides cut through the creamy pasta, creating a balanced meal that satisfies on every level.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party or family gathering, serve your Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets, topped with a sprig of fresh basil and a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. It’s a simple touch that makes the dish feel special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb more sauce overnight, resulting in an even richer flavor profile the next day.
Freezing
If you want to stash away portions for the future, this recipe freezes beautifully. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to leave some space for expansion.
Reheating
Reheat the frozen or refrigerated pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth if the dish seems dry. This keeps the pasta moist and maintains the creamy texture beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works best for holding sauce, you can swap it out for rigatoni, fusilli, or even bowties depending on your preference. Just be sure to adjust cooking times slightly if using a different shape.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe can be made gluten-free by substituting the penne pasta with a gluten-free variety. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as gluten-free pasta tends to cook a bit faster or softer.
Can I use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used for a richer flavor and more tender texture. The cooking time remains the same, but you might find the thighs offer extra juiciness.
What if I don’t have Italian dressing?
You can easily substitute Italian dressing with a mix of olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and Italian herbs. The zesty element is important to brighten the sauce, so try to mimic that tang if you don’t have bottled dressing.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, omit the butter and cheeses, or use dairy-free alternatives. The dish will still be delicious but lose some of its signature creaminess and cheesy goodness.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and satisfying about this Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe that makes it a go-to weeknight meal. It’s easy, bursting with flavor, and incredibly versatile. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience how seamlessly it brings classic Italian flavors into one pot with minimal effort. Happy cooking!
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Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe is a delicious and easy one-pot meal combining tender chicken breasts, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a flavorful blend of marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese, this dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that comes together quickly using an Instant Pot.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 skinless boneless chicken breasts
- 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 ounces penne pasta, uncooked
- 1½ cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup zesty Italian dressing
Cheese and Garnish
- ¾ cup mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, dried basil, oregano, and rosemary to infuse flavor.
- Sauté the Chicken: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and melt the unsalted butter. Place the seasoned chicken breasts inside and brown them on both sides for about 2-3 minutes per side to lock in the juices and add flavor.
- Add Pasta and Sauce: Pour the uncooked penne pasta over the chicken breasts. Then add marinara sauce, chicken broth, and zesty Italian dressing, spreading the liquid evenly over the pasta without stirring, to ensure even cooking.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Once the timer goes off, allow for a 5-minute natural pressure release before performing a quick release to remove any remaining pressure.
- Add Cheese and Mix: Carefully open the lid and sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the pasta and chicken. Gently stir to combine the melted cheese into the sauce and pasta, making the dish creamy and cheesy.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve the Chicken Parmesan Pasta hot for a comforting and hearty meal.
Notes
- You can substitute penne with any short pasta like rigatoni or rotini.
- For extra heat, add crushed red pepper flakes during seasoning.
- If you prefer less sauce, reduce the chicken broth slightly.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to avoid drying out the pasta.
