Instant Pot Chicken Pasta

a black fork with a bite of chicken and cooked penne pasta on top of an instant pot.

This Instant Pot Chicken Pasta is a reader favorite! All the flavors of chicken parmesan are combined with pasta, to make the easiest instant pot meal, that is ready in under 30 minutes. So so good!

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Keyword instant pot chicken parmesan pasta, instant pot chicken pasta

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 13

Total Time 23

Servings Servings

Calories 427kcal

Author Maria Doss

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 and ¼ cups marinara sauce I used Prego, tomato, basil and garlic
¾ cup water
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ to ¾ teaspooon salt, refer notes I used ¾ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2-3 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite sized chunks
8 ounces penne pasta
½ cup grated mozzarella cheese
3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
chopped parsley or basil, to garnish (optional)

Instructions

Set Instant pot to saute setting. When hot, add olive oil and then chopped onion and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently for 1 to 2 minutes, or translucent.
Press cancel and then add marinara sauce, water, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and chicken.Stir well to combine.
Add the pasta on top and gently press it into the sauce, using the back of a spoon, making sure that they are mostly immersed into the sauce.
Pro tip: Don't stir the pasta! Placing the pasta on top of the sauce will help prevent triggering the "Burn" warning. The sauce acts as a protective layer between the bottom of the pot and the pasta, reducing the risk of scorching.
Close instant pot, making sure that the valve is set to sealing, and cook for 5 minutes on manual mode and then let it be in warm mode for 4 minutes.
Turn valve to vent and release all remaining pressure, open instant pot and sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan on top. Close with the lid for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the cheeses to melt. Stir to combine.
Pro tip: Give a good stir before serving! This allows the cheese to combine with the pasta, redistribute all ingredients, and bring the flavors together.

Video

Notes

Use any medium sized pasta instead of penne.

Use boneless breasts instead of thighs.

Adjust salt based on your taste and the type of marinara sauce used. I used Prego, tomato, basil and garlic and found ¾ teaspoon to be perfect.

Nutrition