Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta [Instant Pot]

There’s something about the winter that draws me into comfort cooking. This just hit the spot and warmed us up from the cold. I made a popular recipe on my site and adjusted it so I could make it in our Instant Pot. The result was fantastic! My Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta was made in just one pot in a fraction of the time. This perfectly al dente pasta dish has a creamy marsala and mushroom sauce with seasoned chicken scattered throughout. Heavenly, I tell you.

My son was reluctant to try this because it wasn’t covered in a red sauce. But after he took a bite, he couldn’t get enough. My husband enjoyed this just the same. This made plenty, enough for leftovers!

The only thing about making pasta in the Instant Pot is that it can get messy. Cooking pasta somehow causes the steam to be a bit frothy, so when doing a quick release of the pressure after it’s cooked, it’s a good idea to have a kitchen towel over the setting knob on top so you don’t have a big kitchen mess on your hands.

If you do a natural release, the pasta may get mushy so it’s best to do a quick release when it’s done.

Overview Of Chicken Marsala Pasta

Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta is a popular Italian-American dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful mushrooms, and al dente pasta in a creamy sauce made with Marsala wine. The dish is traditionally prepared on the stovetop or in the oven. However, with the invention of the Instant Pot, it has become even easier to make at home.

Origin Of Chicken Marsala Pasta

The origins of Chicken Marsala can be traced back to the Italian island of Sicily, where Marsala wine is produced. Wine was first exported to England in the late 18th century, and by the mid-19th century. It then had become a popular ingredient in Italian cuisine. Chicken Marsala, as we know it today, is believed to have been created in the United States by Italian immigrants in the early 20th century.

In terms of cultural significance, Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta is a beloved dish in Italian-American communities. They often serve it at family gatherings and special occasions. It is also a popular menu item at Italian restaurants across the United States.

Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta

recipe adapted from America’s Test Kitchen

Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces sliced mushrooms (white or cremini)
• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts; cut into bite sized pieces
• salt and pepper to your tastes
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 pound of dry penne pasta (I used whole wheat penne)
• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 3/4 cup Marsala wine
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or half & half
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese + more for serving
• 3-5 tablespoons unsalted butter (use up to 5 if you want it rich!)
• salt and pepper to taste
• chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta Recipe Instructions

1. Plug in the IP and add the oil.
2. Press SAUTE and add the onions, garlic and mushrooms. Cook, until softened. 
3. Meanwhile, season cut up chicken breast with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
4. When onion and mushroom mixture have softened, add chicken to the pot and saute until slightly browned.
5. When the chicken has slightly browned, add the dry penne pasta and chicken broth. Stir.
6. Secure the lid of the IP and ensure the valve is set to SEALING.
7. Press MANUAL and adjust the time to 4 minutes on HIGH pressure.
8. The display will reflect ON while the IP comes to pressure. Allow a few minutes for your IP to come to pressure.
9. Once at pressure, the display will reflect 4 (the number of minutes you initially set) and will begin to countdown to 0 minutes.The IP will then beep after pressure cooking for 4 minutes.
10. When the IP beeps after pressure cooking for 4 minutes, place a kitchen towel on top of the setting knob and carefully turn the setting on top of your IP to VENTING. Doing so allows the IP to quickly release pressure (also known as QRP or QR). Note – it may get messy, which is why I use a kitchen towel over the setting to reduce spray from the IP. I also use a wooden spoon to carefully turn the setting to avoid close contact with the potential steam. You may also want to turn your IP away from cabinets to allow the released steam to escape freely. The pin at the top of your IP will drop when all pressure has been released and it’s safe to open.
11. Open up your IP when the pin has dropped (allow a few minutes for this to happen).
12. Stir in 3 tablespoons of butter and Marsala wine. (Add 5 tablespoons of butter if you like it rich)
13. Then stir in 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese and heavy cream (or half & half if using).
14. The residual heat from the pasta will warm up the cream and melt the cheese as it slowly thickens. If it is too thin for your preferences, you can press SAUTE to speed it up.
15. To serve, season with salt and pepper to your tastes, top with more additional Parmesan cheese if desired and a garnish of chopped parsley.

Benefits of Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta

Saves time: Cooking in an Instant Pot is much faster than traditional stovetop or oven methods. The pressure cooking function of the Instant Pot can cook pasta and chicken in just a few minutes. It results in a delicious and satisfying meal in less time.

Retains nutrients

Cooking in an Instant Pot requires less liquid than traditional methods, which helps to retain the nutrients in the food. This means that pasta and chicken retain more of their nutritional value, making it healthier options.

Infuses flavors

The high-pressure cooking method of the Instant Pot infuses the flavors of the ingredients, resulting in a more flavorful dish. This is especially true in the case of Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta, where the chicken, mushrooms, and Marsala wine are all able to infuse their flavors into the pasta.

Easy to clean

Cooking in an Instant Pot requires less cleanup than traditional stovetop or oven methods. The inner pot of the Instant Pot is easy to clean, and there are fewer pots and pans to wash.

Versatile

The Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen tool that can be used to prepare a wide variety of dishes, including Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta. You can use it to cook other types of pasta, as well as soups, stews, and other one-pot meals.

Tips For Making Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta in an Instant Pot

Sauté the onions, garlic, and mushrooms first: Sautéing these ingredients in butter before adding the other ingredients will help to enhance the flavors of the dish.

Brown the chicken

Browning the chicken before pressure cooking it will help to seal in the juices and keep it moist.

Use enough liquid

Make sure to use enough liquid to cook the pasta, but not too much that it becomes too soupy. A general rule of thumb is to use about 1 1/2 to 2 cups of liquid for every 8 ounces of pasta.

Use high-quality ingredients

Since this dish is fairly simple, it’s important to use high-quality ingredients to make it taste the best it can. Use fresh mushrooms, good quality chicken, and a high-quality Marsala wine for the best results.

Release pressure carefully

When the cooking time is up, release the pressure carefully by using the quick-release method or the natural release method, depending on the recipe. Be careful when releasing the pressure, as the steam can be very hot.

Add cream at the end

To prevent the cream from curdling or separating, add it to the pot after the pressure has been released and the pasta and chicken are fully cooked. Stir it gently.

Adjust seasonings to taste

Taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding salt, pepper, or additional herbs and spices to suit your preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Conclusion: Try Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta in an Instant Pot!

Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta made in an Instant Pot is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a classic Italian-American dish. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking function allows you to cook the pasta and chicken in a fraction of the time it would take to cook on the stove or in the oven, while still infusing the flavors of the ingredients into the dish. Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta is a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It is also a great option for meal prep or entertaining. By making it in an Instant Pot, you can save time and effort in the kitchen while still enjoying a delicious and satisfying meal.

In addition, the Instant Pot method of cooking helps to retain the nutrients in the food. It makes it a healthier option than traditional cooking methods. Overall, trying Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta in an Instant Pot is a great way to experiment with new cooking techniques, flavors, and ingredients, and to expand your culinary horizons.