Instant Pot Chicken Marinara

Imagine a mouthwatering dinner that's not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor in under 30 minutes.

That's what you get when you cook Instant Pot Chicken Marinara. This versatile appliance takes this classic dish to new heights, infusing the chicken with the rich taste of marinara sauce while preserving its juicy tenderness.

Plus, Instant Pot recipes are a huge time-saver, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick yet satisfying meal.

Vertical image of Chicken Marinara served on a plate with sliced bread.

The Magic of Instant Pot Cooking

The Instant Pot is more than just a pressure cooker; it's a revolutionary way to cook. It's designed to make your life easier by cooking food faster and more efficiently, all while locking in nutrients and flavors that can often be lost with traditional cooking methods.

From stews to soups, pasta to poultry, the Instant Pot can do it all. And the best part?

It's incredibly easy to use, making it ideal for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.

Choosing the Right Instant Pot Size

When it comes to cooking Chicken Marinara, we recommend using an 8-quart Instant Pot. This size is perfect for this recipe, providing ample space for the ingredients to mix and cook evenly.

However, if you're cooking for a larger crowd or want to double the recipe so you can use it for make ahead meals , a 10-quart model would be more suitable.

It's important to note that the size of your Instant Pot will also depend on the amount of food you typically cook for your family or household.

Best Ingredients for Your Chicken Marinara

Quality ingredients are key to a delicious Chicken Marinara.

Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the best texture.
Use a quality Marinara sauce, real Parmesan cheese, fresh garlic and parsley will enhance the flavor of your marinara sauce.

Recipe Prep

Boil and cook 1 lb. of pasta following the directions on the box.

Chicken Marinara Ingredients

Below is a quick look at the ingredients and directions. You can find the entire ingredient amounts and step by step directions in the recipe card below. P. S. You can also save your favorite recipes to your personal recipe box! ⬇️

👇See the step by step directions below!

Olive oil: This is an essential ingredient not just for this recipe, but for countless others. We recommend using extra virgin olive oil for its robust flavor and high heat point. It's used to sauté the chicken and garlic before pressure cooking, which helps to seal in the juiciness of the chicken and bring out the flavors of the vegetables.
Skinless, boneless chicken thighs. 2 lbs. is perfect for serving four people and the thigh meat remains tender and juicy under pressure cooking.
Chicken stock: is added to the Instant Pot to provide enough liquid for pressure cooking and to infuse the chicken with a deeper flavor.
Minced garlic: is essential to add a hint of aromatic pungency that complements the rich taste of the marinara sauce.
Marinara sauce: is the main flavor base of this dish. Pour it over the chicken in the Instant Pot to ensure every piece is coated and infused with its hearty, robust flavor.
Seasonings: salt, pepper, parsley and Italian seasoning, these will blend nicely with the marinara sauce and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Cooked pasta: is served alongside the chicken marinara. Choose a pasta type that can hold the sauce well, rigatoni or penne pasta.
Garnish your dish with shredded Parmesan cheese and minced parsley. The cheese adds a delightful tangy, nuttiness and the parsley provides a fresh, herbaceous note, making your Chicken Marinara not only taste outstanding but look inviting too.

Step by Step Directions

Step 1: Start by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add olive oil and once hot, add the chicken pieces. Sauté until they're browned on all sides.

Step 2: Remove the chicken and set aside. Turn the sauté function off. In the same pot, Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and ground pepper. Stir well.

Mixing the garlic and spices together in the pot.

Step 3: Pour the jar of marinara sauce into the pot and stir to combine with the seasonings.

Step 4: Put the chicken back into the pot and toss to coat with the sauce. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 15 minutes.

Step 5: After the pressure cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Open the venting valve and release any steam.

A cooked piece of chicken marinara on a serving spoon.

Step 6: Serve your Chicken Marinara over the cooked pasta with your preferred side dish and enjoy!

Chicken Marinara served over rigatoni in a baking dish.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Marinara is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides. Here are some ideas:

Over pasta
With a side of steamed vegetables
On a bed of fluffy rice
Inside a warm bread roll, as a sandwich

Chicken thighs cooked in marinara sauce served over pasta.

Storing and Freezing Your Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Marinara can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

If you want to freeze it, make sure it's cooled completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
It will last for up to 3 months and makes a great freezer meal for meal planning. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What other side dishes go well with Chicken Marinara?

Chicken Marinara pairs well with a variety of side dishes. You could opt for a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar to balance out the richness of the marinara.
Steamed vegetables such as broccoli or asparagus also make a healthy side.
If you prefer starches, consider a side of garlic bread for a classic combination, or a serving of roasted potatoes.

For a twist, try pairing it with a creamy polenta or a refreshing cucumber salad.

Chicken Marinara Recipe FAQS

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

While you can use frozen chicken, the cook time will need to be adjusted. We recommend using fresh or thawed chicken for best results.

How do I reheat the frozen leftover Chicken Marinara?

For best results, thaw the leftovers in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave. You can also add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out during reheating.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can make a large batch and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

📌Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Chicken Marinara

Pat your chicken dry before sautéing for a better sear.
You can use a mix of chicken breasts and thighs for varied texture.
Feel free to add other spices like red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
For a creamier sauce, stir in a little heavy cream or cream cheese at the end.
To make this dish vegetarian, substitute chicken with your favorite vegetables or tofu.

Serving chicken marinara with French bread.

A Must-Try Recipe for Effortless Dinners

With its rich flavors, ease of preparation, and the magic of the Instant Pot, this Chicken Marinara recipe is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.

Give it a try, and we guarantee you'll be reaching for your Instant Pot more often!