Instant Pot Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup

Instant Pot Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup with pasta, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan for a rich and comforting weeknight meal.

I always thought there's nothing better than a warm bowl of tomato soup, but this Instant Pot marry me chicken soup comes pretty close because it's basically tomato soup made richer and creamier with so much more going on. The name might sound ridiculous, but honestly, it's earned that title in our house because my husband requests it constantly and my kids actually eat every drop without complaining.

The way this soup combines all these Mediterranean flavors in one creamy, satisfying bowl will easily win you over. The Instant Pot helps make it fast and easy, which is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something good but won't take much of your evening. It takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. The pasta even cooks right in the soup, so there's even more minimal cleanup. 

This has collectively become a family comfort food, and my sister has been making it herself, constantly telling me how amazing it is. That just proves this recipe is a must-try because when someone starts making your recipe and raving about it to you, you know you've got a recipe worth sharing. She's even started bringing it to potlucks and getting requests for the recipe.

My kids always get excited because they know they'll be eating satisfying comfort food, and I'm very much aware that they'll be requesting second servings. It’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary weeknight dinner into something everyone looks forward to.

If you love creamy flavors, you're in luck - I do too. You have to try my Sun-dried Tomato Chicken, Marry Me Tofu, and Sun-dried Tomato Chicken Casserole too! We also love this Marry me pasta salad variation, which somehow feels a bit more virtuous. They all play on that creamy, sundried tomato chili flakes flavor combo.

Ingredients

Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create this rich, creamy base that's comforting without being too thick or heavy. I love using freshly grated Parmesan because it melts smoother and has sharper flavor, though pre-shredded works fine if you want convenience.

Sun-dried tomatoes bring concentrated, tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce and adds this Mediterranean flavor that makes the soup more interesting. Fresh spinach wilts right into the soup and adds color plus freshness that balances all the richness.

Chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces cooks quickly in the Instant Pot while soaking up all the flavors from the broth and cream. Rotini pasta makes this a complete meal because its ridges grab onto the creamy sauce, though you could use penne or any short pasta you have.

See the recipe card for exact quantities.

Step-by-step Instructions

This Instant Pot marry me chicken soup brings together creamy broth, tender chicken, pasta, and sun-dried tomatoes in a one-pot meal. It’s simple to prepare and comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Sauté the Garlic and Onion

Drizzle the avocado or olive oil into the Instant Pot and press the Sauté button, setting it to medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, cooking for 2–3 minutes. Stir often until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant.

Wilt the Spinach

Add the fresh spinach directly into the pot. Stir gently and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until the leaves shrink down and wilt.

Build the Soup Base

Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, chicken pieces, chicken broth, heavy cream, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and uncooked pasta. Mix everything together so the flavors begin to combine.

Pressure Cook the Soup

Secure the Instant Pot lid, making sure the vent is set to Sealing. Set the cooker to High Pressure for 8 minutes. The pot will take a few minutes to build pressure before the timer starts.

Release Pressure and Add Cheese

When the cooking time is done, carefully switch the vent to Quick Release to let out the steam. Once the pressure has fully dropped, open the lid and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts into the soup.

Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and finish with extra Parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately while hot.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the pasta has absorbed too much liquid. This soup doesn’t freeze well since the cream and pasta can change texture, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days. If you love rich, creamy comfort food made with minimal effort, you’ll also love this TikTok viral dumpling bake that’s baked in a coconut curry sauce.

Recipe