Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is made with perfectly cooked penne pasta, tender chunks of chicken, a rich marinara sauce, and a cheesy topping.
If you’re a fan of the classic chicken parmesan and love the convenience of one-pot meals, you will love this Instant Pot chicken parmesan pasta recipe. Just wait until you take that first bite. It’s perfection!

Cooking classic chicken parmesan often takes up a lot of time and can get a bit messy. To make things easier for those busy weeknights I started using this recipe instead. It tastes great with less hassle than the classic recipe.
Helpful Tips
- Be cautious not to overcook the chicken during sautéing. It will continue to cook under pressure.
- A flavorful marinara sauce makes a significant difference in taste. Opt for a brand you love or consider making your own.
- Refrain from stirring the pasta and sauce before pressure cooking. Stirring might cause the pasta to clump or stick to the bottom.
- When mixing in cheese, stir gently to prevent breaking the pasta.
- For a softer pasta texture, reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes. For firmer pasta, add 1-2 minutes.
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Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 26 ounce marinara sauce
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese shredded
- fresh basil and thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Turn the Instant Pot on saute mode. When hot, add the oil. Then add the chicken breast, garlic powder, and salt, and saute until cooked through, about 5 minutes. Turn off.
- Pour in the marinara sauce. Add the pasta on top. Do not stir.
- Pour the water into the pot and make sure the pasta is submerged. Do not stir.
- Secure the lid and set the vent to sealing (if necessary for your model).
- Set to cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. When done, immediately release the pressure. Remove the lid and stir. The sauce will be watery when you open the lid. That’s how it should be.
- Add in the cheeses and stir.
- Turn off the pot and set the lid on the pot. Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Garnish with fresh basil and thyme and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Angela’s passion for discovering and experimenting with new flavors and recipes is at the heart of her culinary philosophy. Residing in a quaint Oregon town, she finds joy and inspiration in her kitchen. Angela has a lot of expertise in cooking and she eagerly shares her discoveries and unique creations with you.
