If you love the rich flavors of classic Chicken Parmesan but want to skip the long wait and messy dishes, this Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is just the answer. It’s an effortless, all-in-one dinner that combines tender, seasoned chicken, al dente pasta, tangy marinara sauce, and a melty blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This one-pot wonder not only saves you time but also fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas that make every dinner feel like a special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe lies in its simple yet crucial ingredients. Each component plays a role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the dish so satisfying and comforting.
- Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken for that perfect golden crust and adds a subtle fruitiness.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Tender, bite-sized pieces create the hearty protein base.
- Garlic powder: Adds a warm, aromatic undertone that enhances all the other flavors.
- Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant blend of herbs like oregano and basil for classic Italian charm.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning that wakes up every ingredient in the dish.
- Penne or rotini pasta: Perfect shapes for holding onto sauce and cheese with every forkful.
- Marinara sauce: The vibrant tomato base that ties the dish together with tang and sweetness.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth without overpowering the flavors.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully into a gooey, comforting blanket of cheesy goodness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty, salty kick that elevates every bite.
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness as the finishing touch.
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Start by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode and warming the olive oil. Toss in the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté the chicken just until lightly browned, about 2 to 3 minutes, so it locks in flavor while staying juicy inside. Then cancel the sauté mode — you want the chicken to finish cooking with the pasta.
Step 2: Add Pasta and Sauces
Next, add the penne or rotini pasta, followed by the marinara sauce and chicken broth. Stir gently to submerge the pasta in the liquids, but avoid stirring too vigorously to keep the pasta from sticking or clumping. This is the secret to perfectly cooked pasta in the Instant Pot.
Step 3: Pressure Cook the Pasta and Chicken
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to high pressure for 5 minutes. This quick pressure cooking cooks the pasta to al dente perfection while finishing the chicken inside, melding the flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Quick Release and Cheese It Up
Once the timer goes off, perform a quick release to let out the steam safely. Open the lid carefully and stir the pasta mixture to combine everything evenly. Then stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until melted, creamy, and oh-so-inviting. Let the pasta rest for a few minutes to thicken up the sauce just right.
How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing finishes this dish like a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley. It’s not only stunning to look at but also adds a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This hearty pasta shines alongside a crisp green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette or some roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Garlic bread is a classic sidekick that never disappoints when soaking up extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a restaurant-quality touch, transfer the cooked pasta to a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and pop it under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and bubbly. This gives a delightful crispy cheese topping that adds texture contrast to the creamy pasta below.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen after resting, making it even more enjoyable the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save portions for later, this pasta freezes well. Place it in a freezer-safe container and keep it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until warmed through without drying out the pasta or chicken.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Yes! Using shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Skip the sauté step and simply add the cooked chicken with the pasta and sauces, then reduce the Instant Pot cooking time to 4 minutes to avoid overcooking the pasta.
What type of pasta works best in this recipe?
Short pasta shapes like penne or rotini are ideal because they hold the sauce and cook evenly in the Instant Pot. Avoid long strands like spaghetti that might tangle.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is perfect for meal prep thanks to its quick cooking time and easy storage. Portion it out for grab-and-go lunches or weeknight dinners.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the mozzarella and Parmesan for vegan cheese alternatives. The dish will still be flavorful, just with a different cheese experience.
How do I avoid pasta sticking or clumping in the Instant Pot?
Be sure to stir gently just enough to submerge the pasta but not vigorously. Also, avoid layering pasta too thickly. The pasta cooking in liquid under pressure helps prevent clumping naturally.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is a total game changer when you want a cozy, homemade Italian meal that comes together with minimal fuss. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or craving a comforting dish any night of the week, this recipe delivers big on taste and convenience. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious dinner that’s sure to become a new favorite!
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Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a quick and easy one-pot dinner featuring tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese. With minimal prep and a pressure cooking method, it delivers the comforting flavors of classic Chicken Parmesan in a fraction of the time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or family meals.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Chicken: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Add the chicken pieces and season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned but not fully cooked. Then cancel sauté mode.
- Add Pasta and Liquids: Add the uncooked pasta to the pot, followed by the marinara sauce and chicken broth. Stir gently to ensure the pasta is mostly submerged, but avoid over-stirring to prevent sticking.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Once the cooking cycle completes, perform a quick release of the pressure.
- Stir and Add Cheese: Carefully remove the lid and stir the contents to combine evenly. Add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and the mixture is creamy.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the pasta sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly. Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley before serving for added flavor and color.
Notes
- For a crispy cheese topping, transfer the cooked pasta to a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and broil for 2–3 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- To save time, substitute shredded rotisserie chicken for fresh chicken breast. Skip the sauté step and reduce the pressure cooking time to 4 minutes accordingly.
