Instant Pot Italian Tomato Chicken & Penne Pasta: The Ultimate One-Pot Comfort Meal

**(This Instant Pot Italian Tomato Chicken & Penne Pasta is a one-way ticket to memory lane. A hearty meal just like the one my Nana would make, but even simpler with the Instant Pot! Make this Instant Pot chicken & pasta dish tonight, you can thank me later!)**

A steaming bowl of Instant Pot Italian Tomato Chicken and Penne Pasta, garnished with fresh basil.

Growing up, there was nothing quite like a visit to my Nana’s for dinner. Her kitchen was a sanctuary of warmth, laughter, and the most incredible aromas. To this day, she remains entirely incapable of cooking for anything less than an army, and honestly? With her cooking, I always brought my army-sized appetite!

One of my absolute favorite meals she used to make, a dish I still crave regularly, was her hearty Italian tomato chicken and penne pasta. The rich, savory sauce, the tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta – it was pure culinary magic. However, traditional Italian cooking, while incredibly rewarding, often takes time. Time that, let’s be honest, many of us simply don’t have after a long day of work, endless errands, or shuttling kids between what feels like two hundred sports practices.

Once I welcomed an Instant Pot into my kitchen, I knew immediately that Nana’s beloved recipe was a prime candidate for a pressure cooker conversion. The idea of recreating that cherished taste in a fraction of the time, and with minimal fuss, was too exciting to resist. So, I embarked on a journey of culinary experimentation, tweaking and refining until I finally achieved perfection. What I’m sharing with you today is the absolute perfect Instant Pot Italian Tomato Chicken & Penne Pasta recipe!

Why the Instant Pot is a Game-Changer for This Italian Classic

If you’ve never made pasta in an Instant Pot before, you might be raising an eyebrow right now. The thought of pressure cooking pasta often conjures images of mushy, overcooked noodles. Rest assured, that’s a common misconception, and thankfully, it couldn’t be further from the truth with this recipe!

The beauty of the Instant Pot lies in its ability to cook food under pressure, significantly reducing cooking times while locking in flavor and moisture. For pasta, this means a few key advantages:

Perfectly Al Dente Every Time: When done correctly, the Instant Pot cooks pasta to a delightful al dente texture. The trick is the precise water-to-pasta ratio and cooking time, allowing the pasta to absorb just enough liquid to become tender without turning to mush. You’ll be amazed at how consistently perfect your penne turns out, just like my Nana’s!
One-Pot Wonder: Forget separate pots for chicken, sauce, and pasta. This entire meal comes together in a single pot. This not only saves you precious time during cooking but also drastically cuts down on cleanup – a win-win in any busy kitchen.
Deep Flavor Infusion: By cooking the chicken, tomatoes, and pasta all together under pressure, the flavors meld and intensify beautifully. The pasta absorbs the rich tomato and Italian dressing flavors as it cooks, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious dish than when components are cooked separately.
Incredible Speed: What used to be a longer, multi-step process is now ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish. This makes it an ideal solution for those hectic weeknights when you crave a hearty, home-cooked meal but feel short on time and energy.

This Instant Pot Italian Tomato Chicken & Penne Pasta is the quintessential comfort food, perfect for whenever you need a delicious and satisfying meal in a hurry. Did you have a particularly rough day at work? Are you completely exhausted after navigating the chaotic schedule of chauffeuring kids to countless activities? Feeling overwhelmed and wishing time would just slow down? This Instant Pot chicken and pasta recipe is your culinary hug in a bowl!

A close-up shot of the Instant Pot Italian Tomato Chicken and Penne Pasta, showing the tender chicken and sauce-coated pasta.

Doesn’t that just look like pure home-cooked goodness? Do yourself (and your family!) a huge favor and put this Instant Pot Italian tomato chicken and penne pasta on your dinner menu tonight. Seriously, you can thank me later!

Before we dive into the recipe, a quick tip: a good quality wooden turner or spoon is incredibly helpful for anyone who uses an Instant Pot regularly, especially for stirring and scraping the bottom of the pot without scratching it. I personally use mine pretty much every single day, and it’s a true game-changer for dishes like this.

The Recipe: Instant Pot Italian Tomato Chicken & Penne Pasta

This recipe is designed for maximum flavor and minimal effort. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delightful, heartwarming meal on your table in no time!

Serves 6 generous portions of Instant Pot Italian Tomato Chicken & Penne

Freestyle SmartPoints: Approximately 2 Points per serving (Points may vary based on specific brands of pasta and ingredients used. Always check your own calculations for accuracy.)

Ingredients

2 lbs. boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 sachet (approx. 1 oz / 28g) dry Italian dressing mix
1 can (28 oz / 794g) crushed tomatoes
1 ½ cups dry penne pasta
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 cup water (for the sauce base) + additional water for pasta (see instructions)
1 stackable inner pot (stainless steel recommended)
Optional garnishes: Fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes

Instructions

Prepare the Pasta: In your stackable inner pot, combine the dry penne pasta, olive oil, and enough water to cover the pasta completely, plus about ¼ inch extra over the top. Stir gently to ensure all pasta is submerged and coated with oil, then secure the lid on the stackable pot. This method ensures your pasta cooks perfectly al dente without absorbing the chicken and tomato flavors directly, which we’ll combine later.
Season the Chicken: Lightly sprinkle the dry Italian dressing mix evenly over the chicken pieces. You can do this directly in the Instant Pot liner or in a separate bowl. This dressing mix is key to the delicious, authentic Italian flavor!
Layer the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken pieces evenly at the bottom of the main Instant Pot liner.
Add Tomatoes & Water: In a separate bowl or measuring cup, mix 1 cup of water with the crushed tomatoes. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the Instant Pot. Do not stir the chicken and tomatoes together at this stage; we want distinct layers to prevent a “Burn” notice.
Insert Stackable Pot: Carefully place the stackable inner pot (containing the pasta and water) on top of the chicken and tomato mixture in the main Instant Pot liner. Ensure it sits securely.
Pressure Cook: Cover and lock the Instant Pot lid. Make sure the steam release valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
Quick Release: Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure by carefully turning the steam release valve to the “Venting” position. Stand clear of the steam.
Remove & Reserve: Once the float valve drops, carefully open the lid. Using heat-resistant mitts, remove the stackable inner pot containing the pasta and set it aside. Then, carefully remove the cooked chicken from the main pot and set it aside as well, leaving the remaining liquid (which is now a flavorful broth) in the Instant Pot.
Create the Sauce: Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode (Normal or Medium setting). Bring the liquid in the pot to a boil. Allow it to simmer, stirring occasionally, to boil off any excess water and thicken it into a rich, luscious sauce. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on how thick you prefer your sauce.
Combine & Serve: Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, add the cooked pasta back into the Instant Pot with the sauce. Mix well to ensure the pasta is fully coated. Serve the pasta mixture alongside the tender cooked chicken. Garnish with fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 295 cal
Fat: 14 g
Carbohydrates: 5 g
Protein: 34 g

Tips for the Perfect Instant Pot Italian Tomato Chicken & Penne Pasta

Pasta Don’t Mush: The key to non-mushy pasta in the Instant Pot is the right cook time. For al dente penne, 10 minutes at high pressure works perfectly with our method. For other pasta shapes, cooking time is usually half the package recommended time minus one minute.
Preventing the “Burn” Notice: Layering is crucial! Do not stir the tomatoes into the chicken layer before pressure cooking. The thick consistency of crushed tomatoes can settle at the bottom and trigger the “Burn” warning. By keeping them separate with the chicken on the bottom, you avoid this issue.
Choosing Your Chicken: Both boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs work wonderfully. Thighs tend to be more forgiving and stay juicier, while breasts offer a leaner option. Ensure pieces are roughly 1-inch for even cooking.
Stackable Pot Necessity: While some Instant Pot pasta recipes cook pasta directly with the sauce, using a stackable inner pot for the pasta ensures perfect al dente results and prevents any risk of pasta sticking or getting mushy from overexposure to the sauce during pressure cooking. It’s a small investment for a big payoff in texture.
Adjusting Sauce Thickness: Don’t rush the sauté step. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer. If it becomes too thick, you can always add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out to your liking.

Variations & Customizations to Savor

This Instant Pot Italian Tomato Chicken & Penne Pasta recipe is a fantastic base, but don’t hesitate to make it your own! Here are a few ideas to customize your meal:

Add More Veggies: Sauté some chopped onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms with a little olive oil before adding the chicken to the main pot. Or, stir in fresh spinach during the final sauté step for a boost of greens.
Make it Creamy: For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in a quarter cup of heavy cream or a block of cream cheese (cut into cubes) during the final sauté phase, allowing it to melt and combine.
Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato mixture before pressure cooking, or sprinkle them on top when serving.
Extra Cheesy: Stir in some shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese at the end, allowing it to melt into the warm pasta and sauce for an extra gooey, cheesy experience. A sprinkle of fresh grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano is always a welcome addition!
Fresh Herbs: Beyond basil, consider adding fresh oregano or parsley to the sauce during the final sauté step for a burst of fresh flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Instant Pot Italian Tomato Chicken & Penne Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides:

Crusty Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious tomato sauce.
Simple Side Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
Steamed Green Beans or Broccoli: A quick and healthy addition to round out your meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen chicken?: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs. You may need to increase the pressure cooking time slightly, by about 2-3 minutes, to ensure the chicken is cooked through. Make sure the chicken pieces are separated before adding them to the pot.
Do I have to use a stackable inner pot for the pasta?: While it’s highly recommended for the best texture, if you don’t have a stackable pot, you can try cooking the pasta directly with the sauce. If doing so, ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid and reduce the water slightly, as the pasta will absorb the sauce directly. You may need to adjust the cooking time (usually about 4-6 minutes for penne) and perform a quick release, followed by careful stirring.
Can I substitute other types of pasta?: Absolutely! Medium-sized pasta shapes like rotini, ziti, or farfalle would also work well. Adjust the water amount in the stackable pot to ensure the pasta is just covered, and consult the package cook time, usually halving it and subtracting a minute for Instant Pot pressure cooking.

If you aren’t making this Instant Pot Italian tomato chicken & penne pasta for dinner tonight, make sure you pin this post so you can easily come back to it when you’re ready for a truly effortless and delicious meal!