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
Scale
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.
