Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

This Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta combines all the classic flavors of chicken parmesan with the convenience of a one-pot pasta dish. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and melty cheese come together in a rich marinara sauce that’s seasoned to perfection. Best of all, it’s ready in just 25 minutes, making it the ultimate weeknight dinner solution when you’re craving something hearty and delicious without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Time-Saving Wonder: From prep to plate in just 25 minutes! The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting while you relax.
• One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks together, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor as the pasta absorbs all those wonderful seasonings.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love this dish! The familiar flavors of chicken parmesan in an approachable pasta format is always a hit.
• Restaurant Quality: This dish tastes like something you’d order at your favorite Italian restaurant, but you can make it at home for a fraction of the cost.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Butter: Creates a rich base for browning the chicken and adds a velvety texture to the final sauce.
• Chicken breasts: The star protein that becomes tender and flavorful as it cooks with the pasta and sauce.
• Seasoning blend (garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, dried basil, oregano, and rosemary): This Italian-inspired herb blend creates the perfect flavor foundation.
• Penne pasta: The ideal pasta shape that traps sauce in its tubes and cooks perfectly in the pressure cooker.
• Marinara sauce: Provides that classic tomato base that brings everything together.
• Chicken broth: Adds depth of flavor while providing the necessary liquid for cooking the pasta.
• Zesty Italian dressing: The secret ingredient that adds tang, herbs, and a flavor boost unlike anything else.
• Mozzarella cheese: Creates that stretchy, melty, irresistible cheese pull we all love.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that defines chicken parmesan.
• Parsley: Optional but recommended for a fresh color and flavor contrast.

Variations

Protein Swaps

Substitute chicken thighs for breasts for even juicier results. Or try Italian sausage for a more robust flavor profile.

Cheese Options

Replace the mozzarella with provolone for a stronger flavor, or use pepper jack for a spicy kick. For extra indulgence, stir in some ricotta or cream cheese at the end.

Pasta Alternatives

Any medium pasta shape works well – try rotini, ziti, or bow ties. For a healthier option, use whole wheat pasta (you might need to adjust cooking time slightly).

Sauce Experiments

Try a spicy arrabbiata sauce, a vodka sauce, or a creamy tomato sauce variation. Each will give the dish a completely different character.

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Season and Brown the Chicken

Turn on the Instant Pot to sauté mode and melt the butter. Mix all the seasonings together and rub them generously on the chicken breasts. Brown the chicken on both sides for 1-2 minutes each—just enough to sear, not fully cook.

Step 2: Add Pasta and Liquids

Cancel the sauté function. Add uncooked penne, marinara sauce, chicken broth, and zesty Italian dressing on top of the chicken. Stir everything well, ensuring all pasta is submerged in liquid.

Step 3: Pressure Cook

Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to high pressure for 6 minutes. When cooking time ends, perform a slow release for 5 minutes by partially opening the valve, then quick release any remaining pressure.

Step 4: Finish with Cheese

Remove the chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces or shred it, and return to the pot. Stir to combine with the pasta. Sprinkle both cheeses evenly over the top, close the lid (no pressure, just to melt the cheese), and set to warm until cheese is perfectly melty.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Give everything a final stir to combine the melted cheese throughout the dish. Serve in bowls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Skip the Browning: This quick step adds tremendous flavor to both the chicken and the sauce.
• Perfect Pasta: For al dente pasta, reduce pressure cook time by 1 minute. For softer pasta, add 1 minute.
• Cheese Strategy: Reserve some cheese to stir into the pasta for a creamier result, using the rest on top for that classic baked appearance.
• Deglazing Magic: After browning the chicken, add a splash of broth to scrape up those flavorful bits from the bottom before adding other ingredients.
• Layering Matters: Always put the pasta in after the chicken, and make sure liquid ingredients go in last to prevent the dreaded “burn” notice.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This hearty dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some garlic bread for mopping up the extra sauce.

Presentation Ideas

Serve in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the saucy pasta and cheese. A fresh basil leaf and extra parmesan shavings on top elevate the presentation.

Wine Suggestions

A medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Montepulciano complements the tomato sauce perfectly. For white wine lovers, try a crisp Pinot Grigio.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as the pasta absorbs more of the sauce.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well! Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce. Microwave in 1-minute intervals if you’re in a hurry, stirring between each interval.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Skip the browning step and add about 2-3 minutes to your pressure cooking time. The seasonings can be added directly to the pot instead of as a rub.

Why did I get a “burn” notice on my Instant Pot?
This typically happens when there’s not enough liquid or when thick sauces settle on the bottom of the pot. Make sure to stir well after adding all ingredients and always have your thinner liquids (broth) at the bottom, with thicker sauces layered on top.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly (usually 1 minute less), as gluten-free pasta can cook faster and become mushy if overcooked.

How can I make this recipe lower in calories?
Try using reduced-fat cheese, lean chicken breast, and whole wheat pasta. You can also reduce the butter to 1 tablespoon and use a lighter Italian dressing. These swaps will maintain the flavor while cutting down on calories.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta brings together convenience and classic Italian flavors in one irresistible package. It’s the kind of recipe that proves you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something truly delicious. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for a busy week ahead, this dish delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Give it a try tonight – I’m betting it will quickly become a regular in your dinner rotation!

Print