Get ready to fall in love with a comfort food classic made weeknight-easy: The Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is everything you crave in a hearty pasta bake, but made right in your pressure cooker with just one pot and minimal cleanup. Tender bites of seasoned chicken, melty cheese, saucy pasta, and fresh herbs come together in less than 30 minutes—and the whole family will beg for seconds! This dreamy recipe gives you all the flavor and coziness of traditional chicken parmesan, but with half the effort and none of the fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the very best things about this Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is how you can pull it together with pantry staples and a few fresh favorites. Each ingredient has an important part to play, so here’s how they work together to bring you maximum flavor in minimum time.

Olive oil: Provides richness and helps brown the chicken, which means loads of flavor right from the start.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Turns the dish into a true protein-packed meal; cutting into bite-sized pieces ensures even, speedy cooking.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that boost all the other flavors in the pot.
Italian seasoning: Balances the chicken with herby notes reminiscent of your favorite Italian restaurant.
Garlic: Three cloves guarantee real depth and heartiness—don’t skip the garlic if you want restaurant-level flavor!
Marinara sauce: Use a good-quality jarred sauce; it brings tanginess, moisture, and classic red-sauce Italian vibes.
Chicken broth: Helps the pasta cook perfectly while adding another savory layer to the dish.
Penne or rotini pasta (uncooked): Short pasta shapes work best for capturing all that cheesy, saucy deliciousness.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty depth and a salty kick—the soul of any chicken parmesan recipe.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Delivers gooey, melty joy in every bite; don’t skimp if you love those glorious cheese pulls!
Chopped fresh basil or parsley: Brings brightness and fresh color to the finished dish, making it as pretty as it is tasty.

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Start by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode and letting the olive oil heat up. Add the chicken pieces, sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they’re lightly golden but not fully cooked—this step locks in flavor and gives the chicken a nice base.

Step 2: Add Garlic

Next, toss in the minced garlic and stir just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. This quick burst on the heat brings out all that savory aroma without letting the garlic burn, making your kitchen smell absolutely mouthwatering.

Step 3: Layer in Sauce, Broth, and Pasta

Now it’s time to cancel the sauté mode and pour in your marinara sauce and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir, then add the uncooked pasta. Make sure to gently press the pasta down so it’s fully submerged—this ensures even cooking and that every piece gets coated in sauce.

Step 4: Cook Under Pressure

Secure the lid and set your Instant Pot to Manual (High Pressure) for 5 minutes. The cooking magic happens fast here! When the time is up, do a quick release to let out any remaining pressure. You’ll see perfectly cooked pasta, juicy chicken, and a beautiful, saucy base all ready for the next step.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese

Give everything a gentle stir, then sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and top with the shredded mozzarella. Close the lid (no need to turn the Instant Pot back on) and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and gooey.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, brighten the dish with plenty of chopped basil or parsley. A sprinkle of fresh herbs makes everything pop and turns that hearty bowl of pasta into a dinner you’ll want to cozy up with again and again.

How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of finishing touches! For that classic restaurant-worthy flair, sprinkle your Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe with extra Parmesan cheese, a little more fresh basil or parsley, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat. The herbs bring gorgeous color and a fresh kick, while more cheese never hurt anybody.

Side Dishes

Keep sides simple so the pasta stays the star: garlic bread is a no-brainer for soaking up all that extra sauce, and a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the main course. Roasted vegetables—think broccoli or zucchini—are another light, wholesome pairing that will round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family dinner, serve straight from the pot for a rustic, homey vibe. If you’re entertaining or want to elevate things a little, scoop the pasta into individual oven-safe bowls, sprinkle on extra mozzarella, then run them under the broiler for a crispy, bubbly cheese top. You can even portion leftovers into lunch containers for a meal prep win that reheats like a dream!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to 3 days and makes a fantastic heat-and-eat lunch. Just let the pasta cool before sealing up, so it keeps its best texture.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this recipe: allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It should last in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best results.

Reheating

For the tastiest leftovers, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen things up. Stir occasionally until steaming hot and the cheese is melty once again—almost as good as fresh!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Definitely! Chicken thighs add even more flavor and stay juicy, just cut them into bite-sized pieces as you would with chicken breasts, and follow the recipe steps as written.

What pasta shapes work best in this Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe?

Short shapes like penne and rotini are ideal because they cook quickly and hold onto the sauce and cheese, but you can swap in ziti, rigatoni, or mostaccioli for equally great results.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely—just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and make sure your marinara sauce is gluten-free as well. Check the pasta packaging, as some brands may need a minute less of cooking time to avoid mushiness.

How do I get a crispy cheese topping like traditional chicken parmesan?

For that irresistible golden top, transfer the finished pasta to an oven-safe dish, top with mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan, and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until bubbly and browned. Keep a close eye—it goes from perfect to toasty fast!

Can I double this Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe?

Yes! Just double all the ingredients, but be mindful not to fill your Instant Pot above the max fill line. Give it a good stir before and after pressure cooking, and you’ll have plenty to feed a crowd (or fill up lunchboxes for the week).

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as smitten with this Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe as my family is—it’s comfort food at its easiest! If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner hero or a dish to impress guests without breaking a sweat, give this one a try. I promise it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation!

Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 26 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a quick and easy one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, pasta, marinara sauce, and gooey cheese for a comforting and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Pasta:

1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
2 cups chicken broth
8 ounces penne or rotini pasta, uncooked
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in the Instant Pot on sauté mode. Add chicken, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning; sauté until lightly browned. Add minced garlic and stir.
Cook the Pasta: Cancel sauté mode. Pour in marinara sauce and chicken broth, then stir in uncooked pasta. Cook on Manual (High Pressure) for 5 minutes. Quick release pressure.
Finish the Dish: Stir in Parmesan cheese, sprinkle mozzarella on top, and close the lid for cheese to melt. Garnish with basil or parsley before serving.