“Marry Me” Chicken has become one of those legendary recipes that people swear is irresistible—and I can see why! This rich, creamy, and downright dreamy pasta dish is perfect for date nights, family dinners, or any time you want a comforting meal that tastes like it took way more effort than it actually did. With tender chicken, luscious cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, it’s no wonder the dish earned its swoon-worthy name. Plus, this recipe is made in the Instant Pot, meaning you’ll have it on the table in about 30 minutes. Trust me, after one bite, your guests (or significant other) will be smitten. 💘

Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

My first encounter with “Marry Me” chicken pasta

The first time I tried “Marry Me” Chicken, I was skeptical. I mean, could one dish really be that life-changing? But as soon as I took my first bite, I got it. The creamy sauce, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta create a beautiful balance of flavors that feels indulgent without being heavy. Making it in the Instant Pot was a revelation—the pasta was perfectly cooked, and the flavors had melded together so well. I knew right away this was a keeper, the kind of recipe you whip up when you want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen.

A little backstory on “Marry Me” chicken

“Marry Me” Chicken is a relatively modern recipe, but the concept goes back ages—food that’s so good, it supposedly has the power to elicit a marriage proposal! This dish has its roots in Italian-American cuisine, combining classic Italian flavors like sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan with an American love for creamy, rich sauces. The pasta version is a natural evolution, combining the original flavors with a carb-lovers’ dream. The Instant Pot adaptation keeps all the romance but cuts the cooking time way down, making it an easy weeknight treat that’s sure to win hearts.

Let’s talk ingredients: key players in this love story

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is easy to work with and cooks up tender in the Instant Pot. If you’re in a pinch, boneless thighs work too—they add a bit more richness.
Garlic: Two cloves of minced garlic add a fragrant, slightly spicy undertone that’s essential for that “just like Nonna made” flavor. Fresh is best, but in a pinch, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder can work.
Chicken broth: Using reduced-sodium broth helps control the saltiness, letting you adjust as needed. If you’re out of chicken broth, vegetable broth is a fine substitute.
Pasta: Penne pasta is ideal for this dish since it holds onto the creamy sauce so well. But feel free to use any sturdy pasta shape you have on hand, like rigatoni or fusilli.
Italian seasoning & paprika: Italian seasoning brings in a medley of herbs like oregano, basil, and rosemary, while paprika adds a subtle warmth. Don’t skip these—they add depth to the sauce.
Parmesan cheese: The Parmesan adds that nutty, umami kick that really ties the sauce together. Freshly grated is best, but pre-grated works if that’s what you have.
Heavy cream: For that signature creaminess. If you want to lighten it up, you can substitute half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be quite as luxurious.
Sun-dried tomatoes: These gems add a pop of sweetness and tang. Look for oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for maximum flavor.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a bit of color and balances the richness. You can use baby kale if you prefer a different green.
Basil: Fresh basil as a garnish makes everything look gorgeous and adds a fragrant finish. No basil? Try a sprinkle of parsley for freshness.

Essential kitchen tools: Keep it simple

You really only need a few tools to make this dish, and the Instant Pot does most of the heavy lifting:

Instant Pot: The star of the show! The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking makes this a quick one-pot meal with minimal cleanup.
Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching the Instant Pot’s surface.
Microplane: If you’re grating your own Parmesan, a microplane gives you the perfect fluffy texture.
Chef’s knife and cutting board: For chopping your chicken, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes.

Step-by-step: My foolproof method for Instant Pot “Marry Me” chicken pasta

Get started with sauté mode: First, set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. When it reads “hot,” add the olive oil. This little bit of oil prevents the chicken from sticking and gives it a nice sear.
Brown the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until they’re starting to brown. Don’t worry if they’re not cooked through; they’ll finish cooking under pressure.
Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds. Be sure to stir constantly so the garlic doesn’t burn—that can leave a bitter taste.
Deglaze with broth: Pour in ½ cup of chicken broth, then use your spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This prevents the “burn” warning and adds great flavor.
Add the pasta and seasonings: Pour in the remaining chicken broth, then add the pasta. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, paprika, and pepper over the top—no stirring needed here!
Pressure cook: Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 4 minutes. Make sure the release valve is set to sealing.
Quick release: Once the timer goes off, carefully turn the valve to venting to release the pressure. Be careful—steam can be intense!
Stir in the cheese: Unlock the lid, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. This is when the magic happens and the sauce thickens beautifully.
Add cream, spinach, and tomatoes: Pour in the heavy cream, and add the spinach and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir until everything is combined and the spinach wilts.
Serve: Dish up your pasta, sprinkle with fresh basil, and get ready for compliments!

Variations and adaptations to suit any taste

This recipe is versatile, so you can easily make it fit your dietary preferences or mix it up with different flavors:

Make it gluten-free: Use a sturdy gluten-free pasta, like chickpea or lentil pasta. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
Go dairy-free: Substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The flavor will be a bit different, but still delicious.
Add veggies: Throw in some mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra veggies. Sauté them with the chicken for the best flavor.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings for a hint of heat.
Swap the greens: If spinach isn’t your favorite, try baby kale or arugula for a slightly peppery kick.

Serving suggestions: Bring on the romance

For a date-night-worthy presentation, plate the pasta in shallow bowls and top with a little extra Parmesan and a few basil leaves. A side of garlic bread or a simple green salad would be perfect for balancing the richness of the dish. If you’re feeling extra fancy, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts on top for a bit of crunch!

Drink pairings: Sip something special

This creamy, savory pasta pairs beautifully with a light to medium-bodied wine. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay would complement the creamy sauce and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. If you’re more of a red wine lover, try a Pinot Noir or Sangiovese for a smoother pairing. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with a splash of lemon or a cold glass of kombucha adds a refreshing contrast.

Storing and reheating tips

If you have leftovers, lucky you! Store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to bring the sauce back to life. Microwave on medium power in 30-second bursts, stirring between each round until heated through.

Scaling the recipe for a crowd (or just you!)

This recipe is super easy to adjust. If you’re cooking for one, halve all the ingredients and cook as directed. For a larger crowd, you can double everything, but make sure not to fill the Instant Pot past the “Max” line. You may need to add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure the pasta is cooked through.

Troubleshooting: Common questions

Why did my pasta stick to the bottom? Make sure to deglaze the pot well after browning the chicken. Scraping up those bits helps prevent sticking.

Can I use frozen chicken? It’s best to use thawed chicken for this recipe, as frozen chicken may throw off the cooking time and water ratio.

Why is my sauce too thick? If your sauce is thicker than you’d like, stir in a bit more broth or cream until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I skip the cream? You can, but the dish won’t be as creamy. You could substitute with a non-dairy milk, though the flavor will change slightly.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes? Roasted red peppers can work as a substitute, but you’ll lose some of the tanginess.

Time to dive in and make “Marry Me” chicken pasta!

This Instant Pot “Marry Me” Chicken Pasta is bound to become a regular in your recipe rotation. It’s easy, packed with flavor, and perfect for impressing someone special—or just treating yourself! Give it a try, and feel free to make it your own with your favorite twists.

Instant Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe