Description

A quick and delicious one-pot meal combining tender chicken, flavorful spices, creamy cheeses, and al dente pasta, all cooked effortlessly in an Instant Pot. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 skinless boneless chicken breasts
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

For the Pasta

8 ounces penne pasta, uncooked
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup zesty Italian dressing

For the Topping

3/4 cup mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Chopped parsley (optional garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Sauté the Chicken
Turn the Instant Pot on the sauté setting and add the butter, allowing it to melt. Meanwhile, mix garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, basil, oregano, and rosemary to prepare a spice rub. Rub this over the chicken breasts thoroughly. Place the chicken in the Instant Pot and brown both sides for 1–2 minutes per side. Do not cook all the way through.
Add Pasta and Liquids
Press “Cancel” to turn off the sauté mode. Add the uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, chicken broth, and Italian dressing over the chicken. Stir well, ensuring the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid.
Cook Under Pressure
Close the Instant Pot lid securely and ensure the valve is sealed. Set to cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. Once done, perform a slow pressure release by keeping the valve halfway open for about 5 minutes, then finish with a quick release.
Shred Chicken and Add Cheeses
Carefully remove the chicken, then cut into cubes or shred. Return the chicken to the Instant Pot and stir it into the pasta mixture. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheeses over the pasta.
Melt the Cheese and Serve
Close the lid again and set the Instant Pot to “Warm.” Wait until the cheese melts, then plate and serve. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for an extra touch. Enjoy warm!

Notes

Avoid leaving the sauté function on too long to prevent the butter from burning.
Add more cheese if desired—feel free to experiment with cheddar or pepper jack for added flavor.
Replace the chicken broth with beef or vegetable broth for customization.
Experiment with different pasta sauces to vary the flavor.
Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts for a juicier texture.
If using salted butter, adjust the additional salt as needed.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 430
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 870mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 100mg