If you’re craving a comforting meal that’s bursting with Italian flavors but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a game-changer—combining tender, perfectly seasoned chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and cheesy pasta all cooked together in one pot. The result is an incredibly hearty and satisfying dish that feels like a fancy dinner but comes together in a fraction of the time. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a last-minute dinner plan, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for delicious, fuss-free Italian comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of simple ingredients, this recipe keeps things straightforward without sacrificing flavor. Each element plays a crucial role: the spices build a fragrant base on the chicken, the pasta soaks up the savory sauce, and the cheeses bring that irresistible gooey finish every chicken Parmesan lover dreams of.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- 4 skinless boneless chicken breasts: The hearty protein that soaks up all the seasoning and sauce.
- 1½ teaspoons garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with classic Italian aromatics.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the depth of flavor in the meat and sauce.
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste): Brings out all the savory notes perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a gentle kick that balances the richness.
- ½ teaspoon dried basil: A fragrant herbal touch that hints at fresh summer gardens.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Brings that unmistakable Italian flavor characteristic of chicken Parmesan.
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary: Adds earthiness and complexity to the dish.
- 8 ounces penne pasta, uncooked: The perfect pasta shape for soaking up sauce and cheese.
- 1½ cups marinara sauce: The heart of the dish, rich and tangy tomato goodness.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Provides the necessary liquid for cooking pasta and deepens flavor.
- ¼ cup zesty Italian dressing: Adds a splash of tang and herbs that brighten the overall taste.
- ¾ cup mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey perfection, making every bite heavenly.
- ½ cup parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty finish that complements the mozzarella.
- Chopped parsley (optional garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant touch when serving.
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry and coating them evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, basil, oregano, and rosemary. This blend of herbs and spices will give your chicken that signature Italian flavor. Don’t rush this step—it’s where your flavor foundation is built.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and melt the butter. Once it’s hot, carefully add the chicken breasts and brown them on both sides. This step locks in moisture and adds a golden, appetizing crust. Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t fully cooked through yet; it will finish cooking with the pasta.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Liquids
Once the chicken is seared, it’s time to add the uncooked penne pasta around the chicken. Pour in the marinara sauce, chicken broth, and zesty Italian dressing. These liquids will cook the pasta perfectly while infusing the dish with layers of flavor. Give everything a gentle stir to combine.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on high pressure for about 8 minutes. This timing allows the chicken to finish cooking and the pasta to become tender all at once. The magic of the Instant Pot means you get that slow-cooked taste in a fraction of the time.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese
After releasing the pressure carefully, sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses over the top while the dish is still hot. Then close the lid for a few minutes on the sauté setting or let it rest with the lid off to let the cheese melt into a creamy, bubbly topping.
How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley on top adds a vibrant pop of color and a hint of freshness that cuts through the rich cheese. If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes will wake up your taste buds beautifully.
Side Dishes
This pasta dish is hearty enough on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with balsamic vinaigrette balances the meal wonderfully. Some garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in shallow bowls topped with extra parmesan and a drizzle of good olive oil. Or spoon it over a bed of sautéed spinach to sneak in some greens and add texture. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts can also be a delightful surprise crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors deepen even more after sitting overnight, making for a tasty next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to save meals for busy weeks ahead, freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to keep the texture intact.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. This keeps the chicken tender and the cheese melty, just like when first cooked.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in the Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully here, you can swap in rigatoni, rotini, or even bow tie pasta. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if the pasta shape you choose varies significantly.
What if I don’t have zesty Italian dressing?
No problem. You can substitute it with regular Italian dressing or even mix some olive oil, vinegar, and herbs you have on hand. The dressing adds tang and herbs but the dish will still be flavorful without it.
Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and tend to stay juicier. The cooking time remains the same, but thighs add a bit more richness to the dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Definitely. Simply use dairy-free butter or oil to sauté the chicken and skip the cheese or use your favorite non-dairy cheese alternatives. The pasta will still have great flavor and texture.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you enjoy a bit more heat, add crushed red pepper flakes during seasoning or stir in a spoonful of spicy marinara sauce. A dash of hot sauce at the table is also an easy way to customize the spice level.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is a heartfelt favorite that brings comfort, speed, and flair to your dinner table. It’s the kind of dish that pleases everyone around the table while giving you plenty of freedom to tweak ingredients and sides. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a beloved staple in your cooking rotation.
Print
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 combines the rich flavors of classic chicken Parmesan with the convenience of one-pot cooking. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned with Italian herbs and sautéed, then cooked together with penne pasta, marinara sauce, and zesty Italian dressing for a hearty, cheesy meal that’s ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
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
- ¾ cup mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, dried basil, oregano, and rosemary to infuse them with classic Italian flavors.
- Sauté Chicken in Instant Pot: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and melt the butter. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned but not fully cooked through. This step locks in flavor and creates a tasty crust.
- Add Pasta and Liquids: Remove the chicken briefly and add uncooked penne pasta over the sautéed bits in the pot. Pour in the marinara sauce, chicken broth, and zesty Italian dressing. Stir gently to combine and spread the pasta evenly.
- Return Chicken to Pot: Place the browned chicken breasts on top of the pasta mixture, ensuring some sauce covers the chicken for moist cooking.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. This cooks the pasta perfectly while gently cooking the chicken through.
- Release Pressure and Add Cheese: After cooking, carefully quick release the pressure. Open the lid and sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheeses evenly over the hot pasta and chicken. Close the lid and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes using the warm setting.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot for a comforting, cheesy meal that combines the best of chicken Parmesan and pasta in one pot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts briefly in the Italian dressing before cooking.
- Use low sodium chicken broth to better control salt content.
- Feel free to swap penne for other pasta shapes like rigatoni or rotini.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the microwave.
- Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give this dish a nice spicy kick.
