Looking for a simple dump-and-go dinner that cooks in minutes? This Instant Pot Chicken Marinara Rotini is exactly that: flavorful, family-friendly, and ready fast.
Instant Pot chicken marinara pasta combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a robust marinara sauce in one pot. It’s an easy weeknight solution that can be on the table in under 30 minutes, making it a great option when time is tight but you still want comfort food.
Since I started cooking for Sofie too, the Instant Pot has become a go-to for quick family meals. This pasta is almost like chicken Parmesan without the breading and fuss—just hearty, saucy, and satisfying for both kids and adults.
What you need for this Instant Pot Chicken Marinara Pasta
- Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
- Jarred marinara sauce
- Pasta (dry)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Diced tomatoes (Italian)
- Dried basil
- Shredded Italian blend cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
How to make this Instant Pot Chicken Recipe
This recipe is straightforward: cut the chicken into bite-size pieces, add the ingredients to the Instant Pot, seal the lid, and pressure cook on high for 12 minutes. When it’s done, release the pressure, stir, top with cheese, and let it melt for a few minutes.
I prefer chicken thighs for the Instant Pot because they stay tender and are budget-friendly. After pressure cooking, perform a quick manual release, open the lid, and stir everything together.
Finish by stirring in the cheese and covering the pot briefly so the cheese melts into the pasta. You can use any pasta you like; I used a vegetable blend to add extra veggies to the dish, but regular rotini or another short pasta works great.
This recipe is flexible and forgiving—adjust the seasoning, add red pepper flakes for heat, or stir in fresh basil before serving.
Give it a try and let me know how it turns out. Enjoy!
Make sure to PIN IT!
Instant Pot Chicken Marinara Rotini
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups pasta dry
- 1 24 oz jar Marinara sauce
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 14.5 oz diced tomatoes (Italian)
- 1 tsp basil
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 1 cup water
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups Italian blend shredded cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Equipment
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Instant Pot
Method
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Cut chicken thighs into 1″ pieces.
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In the Instant Pot, heat olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic briefly until fragrant.
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Add the chicken, seasonings, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, pasta, and water. Stir to combine and distribute the pasta evenly.
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Seal and lock the lid.
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Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 12 minutes.
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When cooking completes, perform a manual release of the steam and unlock the lid.
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Stir the pasta and chicken, then top with shredded cheese.
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Cover for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt, then serve.
If you enjoy easy Instant Pot meals, try other simple recipes like Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Mac or Instant Pot Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders for more weeknight inspiration.