Introduction
Indulge in a delightful pasta dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. This recipe features juicy chicken breasts simmered in a rich marinara sauce, topped with gooey mozzarella cheese, and served over spaghetti. It’s an easy and flavorful meal that will satisfy your cravings while being a breeze to prepare in the Instant Pot.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
24 ounces marinara sauce (1 jar)
1½ cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
1 pound cooked spaghetti for serving (1 box)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
This delicious chicken marinara dish is not only hearty but also quick to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights. Enjoy the combination of flavors and textures as you dig into this comforting meal!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Ensure the chicken breasts are thin. If needed, slice them in half to create thinner pieces, or place them between parchment paper or plastic wrap and pound them thin.
Step 2: Rub with Oil
Rub the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
In a gallon-sized sealable plastic bag, combine the flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Add the chicken to the bag, seal it, and shake to coat.
Step 4: Sauté the Chicken
Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the Instant Pot and press the Sauté button. Once heated, sauté the chicken breasts for a couple of minutes on each side until browned. It’s best to do this in two batches, adding more oil if needed between batches. Remove the chicken from the pot.
Step 5: Deglaze the Pot
Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot, scraping up the brown bits at the bottom with a wooden spoon.
Step 6: Add Marinara Sauce
Stir in the marinara sauce.
Step 7: Return Chicken to the Pot
Return the chicken to the pot, nestling it into the sauce.
Step 8: Pressure Cook
Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
Step 9: Quick Release
Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure.
Step 10: Add Cheese
Open the lid and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken.
Step 11: Melt the Cheese
Close the lid again (without sealing) and let the residual heat melt the cheese for about 5 minutes.
Step 12: Serve
Serve the chicken over cooked spaghetti.
Notes
Cooking in Batches
Sauté the chicken in batches to ensure even browning, adding additional oil as needed.
Cheese Alternatives
Feel free to use other types of cheese if desired, such as provolone or fontina.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
1. Slicing Chicken
Ensure chicken breasts are thinly sliced for even cooking. If needed, cut them in half or use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness.
2. Coating Chicken
Rub chicken with olive oil before adding it to a mixture of flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt in a sealable plastic bag to achieve a flavorful coating.
3. Sautéing
Use the Sauté function on the Instant Pot to quickly brown chicken breasts in olive oil. This step adds depth of flavor through the Maillard reaction.
4. Deglazing
After sautéing, deglaze the Instant Pot by adding chicken broth and scraping up any browned bits. This enhances the sauce’s flavor.
5. Pressure Cooking
Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure to ensure the chicken becomes tender and flavorful while absorbing the marinara sauce.
6. Melting Cheese
After cooking, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken and close the lid for a few minutes to allow the residual heat to melt the cheese perfectly.
FAQ
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth or even water, but the flavor may be less rich.
Can I use different cheese instead of mozzarella?
Yes, you can substitute with provolone, cheddar, or a blend according to your preference.
Is it necessary to brown the chicken before pressure cooking?
While it’s not mandatory, browning adds flavor and creates a more appealing color.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat in the Instant Pot when ready to serve.
Is it possible to use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but you will need to increase the cooking time when using frozen chicken. Adjust to about 15-20 minutes on high pressure.
Conclusion
The chicken marinara dish prepared in the Instant Pot is not only flavorful but also an effortless meal that combines protein and rich sauce over a bed of spaghetti. The cooking method ensures that the chicken remains moist and tender while the melted mozzarella adds a delightful creaminess. This dish is perfect for a quick family dinner or a gathering with friends, making it a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken Alfredo
Sauté chicken with garlic, then whisk up a creamy Alfredo sauce to serve over fettuccine.
Vegetable Stir-Fry
Use your favorite vegetables and protein like tofu or shrimp, tossed in a savory soy-ginger sauce.
Beef Bolognese
Ground beef cooked slowly in marinara with red wine for a rich sauce served over pappardelle.
Pesto Pasta
Toss your choice of cooked pasta with fresh basil pesto and grilled chicken for a refreshing meal.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Fill bell peppers with a mix of seasoned rice, ground turkey, and marinara sauce, topped with cheese and baked.
