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
Scale
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.
