Effortless Instant Pot & Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara: Your Ultimate Guide to a Quick, Delicious Weeknight Meal

When time is of the essence and you need a meal on the table fast, this incredible Chicken Marinara recipe is your perfect solution! Designed for ultimate convenience, it requires minimal prep – often less than 10 minutes – and delivers maximum flavor. This isn’t just an easy dinner; it’s a culinary hack for busy weeknights, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, comforting dish that feels like it took hours to make. Forget complicated cooking processes; this recipe embraces the “set-it-and-forget-it” philosophy, allowing you to toss everything into an Instant Pot or slow cooker and walk away until it’s time to gather around the table and enjoy.

Chicken Marinara served in a bowl over pasta, topped with basil and served with grissini breadstick on the side.

Imagine coming home after a long day and having a hearty, flavorful chicken and pasta dish practically cook itself. This recipe makes that dream a reality. Whether you choose the speed of an Instant Pot or the gentle simmer of a slow cooker, you’re guaranteed tender, juicy chicken enveloped in a vibrant marinara sauce, ready to be served over your favorite pasta. It’s truly beyond easy to make and oh so tasty, making it a staple in any busy household looking for delicious, stress-free meals.

Looking for the full recipe details? Use the JUMP TO RECIPE button at the top of the post, or scroll to the bottom of the post to see the complete recipe card with ingredient measurements and instructions.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Marinara

This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary meals. Here’s why this Instant Pot Chicken Marinara (or slow cooker version) will quickly become a family favorite:

Unbelievably Easy: With minimal active cooking time, it’s perfect for beginner cooks or those with demanding schedules.
Versatile & Customizable: Easily adapt it to your taste preferences or what you have on hand – different types of chicken, marinara, or pasta.
One-Pot (or Two-Pot) Wonder: The chicken and sauce cook together, minimizing cleanup. Just boil some pasta separately!
Kid-Friendly: A classic combination of chicken and pasta in a savory tomato sauce is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
Meal Prep Dream: It reheats beautifully, making it excellent for lunch leftovers or preparing meals in advance.
Wholesome & Hearty: Packed with protein from the chicken and nutrients from the tomatoes, it’s a satisfying and well-rounded meal.

Simple Ingredients for Maximum Flavor

Ingredient lists don’t get much simpler or more approachable than this one, yet the resulting flavor is anything but basic. You need just a handful of core components to bring this delightful dish to life. Let’s break down each one:

Chicken Breasts: We opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick cooking and easy shredding. Their lean nature absorbs the marinara flavors beautifully.
Marinara Sauce: This is the heart of the dish. Whether you prefer the rich, homemade taste of your own marinara or the convenience of a high-quality jarred variety, both work wonderfully. Choose a sauce with robust tomato flavor and minimal added sugar.
Diced Tomatoes: A can of diced tomatoes adds extra body, texture, and a burst of fresh tomato flavor to the sauce. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes are especially recommended for an added smoky depth that elevates the entire dish.
Pasta: Any pasta you have on hand or personally love will do! From classic spaghetti or penne to more fun and unique shapes like the one pictured (often found at specialty stores like Trader Joe’s), the choice is yours. Feel free to use gluten-free pasta if needed.
Parmesan Cheese: A generous dusting of grated Parmesan cheese is the perfect finishing touch, adding a salty, umami kick that complements the tangy marinara.
Fresh Basil (Optional but Recommended): A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves not only adds a beautiful pop of color but also a fragrant, herbaceous note that brightens the whole dish.
Kosher Salt & Fresh Cracked Black Pepper: These essential seasonings are crucial for enhancing the chicken’s natural flavor before it cooks in the Instant Pot or slow cooker. Don’t skimp!

Ingredients needed to make Chicken Marinara.

Use the JUMP TO RECIPE button at the top of the post, or scroll to the bottom of the post to see the full recipe card with ingredient measurements and instructions.

Effortless Cooking Method: Instant Pot or Slow Cooker

I wasn’t kidding when I said this recipe was BEYOND EASY. The beauty of this Chicken Marinara lies in its simplicity and the magic of modern kitchen appliances. Whether you opt for the speed of an Instant Pot or the low-and-slow approach of a slow cooker, the steps are straightforward and designed for minimal fuss.

Instant Pot Instructions:

Season the Chicken: Begin by seasoning your chicken breasts generously on both sides with kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper. This is your primary opportunity to infuse flavor directly into the meat, and flavors tend to be dulled slightly in pressure cooking, so be liberal.
Combine Ingredients: Place the seasoned chicken breasts directly into the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Pour your favorite marinara sauce over the chicken, followed by the can of diced tomatoes (fire-roasted if you have them!).
Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, making sure the sealing valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Cook on manual high pressure for 12 minutes.
Natural Release: Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 20 minutes. This crucial step helps the chicken stay incredibly tender and juicy. After 20 minutes, carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.
Remove & Shred Chicken: Carefully open the lid and remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot. Transfer them to a cutting board or a separate bowl. Now for the fun part: shredding! You can easily do this with two forks, or for an even quicker and perfectly shredded result, place the chicken in your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. It will be perfectly shredded in about 30 seconds.
Return to Sauce: Once shredded, toss the chicken back into the marinara sauce in the Instant Pot. Stir well to coat all the chicken in that rich, flavorful sauce. Let it simmer on the “Sauté” setting (or just keep warm) for a few minutes while you prepare your pasta, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Seasoned Chicken, marinara and diced tomatoes add to the bowl of an instant pot.

Chicken after cooking and before shredding.

Chicken after cooking and after shredding.

Shredded chicken added back to the tomatoes before serving over cooked pasta.

Slow Cooker Instructions:

If you prefer the gentle, hands-off cooking of a slow cooker, this recipe adapts beautifully. Follow the same seasoning and combining steps as for the Instant Pot. Then, cook the mixture on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours. The chicken will be fork-tender and ready to shred right in the slow cooker before serving.

Cook your favorite pasta according to the package directions, ensuring it’s al dente. Serve the rich and savory Chicken Marinara generously over the hot, cooked pasta. Top it with lots of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a scattering of fresh basil leaves for a final touch of elegance and flavor. You’ll be amazed at how such an easy recipe can look and taste so impressive, allowing you to show off your culinary skills with absolute ease!

Expert Notes & Tips for the Best Chicken Marinara

To ensure your Chicken Marinara is absolutely perfect every time, keep these key tips in mind:

Generous Seasoning is Key: As mentioned, season the chicken on both sides with kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper before cooking. This is your primary chance to flavor the meat itself, and pressure cooking or slow cooking can sometimes mute flavors, so be generous.
Don’t Skimp on Natural Release: For Instant Pot users, allowing the full 20 minutes of natural pressure release (NPR) is vital. It prevents the chicken from drying out and ensures it’s incredibly tender.
Quality Marinara Makes a Difference: While any marinara works, a good quality sauce (homemade or store-bought) will elevate the dish significantly. Look for brands with natural ingredients and a robust tomato base. Victoria Sauce is a personal favorite for its rich flavor.
Perfect Pasta: Cook your pasta al dente. It will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce. Drain it well, but don’t rinse it; the starch helps the sauce cling.
Fresh Garnishes: Don’t underestimate the power of fresh Parmesan and basil. They add brightness, depth, and a beautiful presentation to the finished dish.

Versatile Substitutions to Fit Your Needs

This recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing for various substitutions to suit your dietary needs or what you have on hand:

Chicken Variations: Chicken breasts are my go-to for their lean profile and ease of shredding. However, you can absolutely use chicken thighs instead! Bone-in or boneless chicken thighs will work, but I would highly recommend skinless for the best texture in a marinara sauce. If you remove the skin, don’t waste it – use it for a delicious recipe like crispy chicken cracklings.
Marinara Sauce Alternatives: My personal favorite jarred marinara sauce is Victoria Sauce, known for its authentic flavor. But if you have a cherished homemade marinara recipe, that’s even better! Feel free to use any brand you love or even a simple crushed tomato sauce for a milder flavor.
Tomato Options: If you don’t have or prefer not to use diced tomatoes, you can simply increase the amount of marinara sauce. However, diced tomatoes, especially fire-roasted ones, add a lovely texture and a subtle smoky depth that truly enhances the sauce. Any style of diced tomatoes will work, so feel free to experiment.
Pasta Flexibility: I love experimenting with fun pasta shapes, like the funky one I picked up at Trader Joe’s, which adds a unique visual appeal. But this Chicken Marinara can be served over ANY pasta you prefer – spaghetti, penne, rotini, fettuccine, or even smaller shapes like orzo. To keep the recipe gluten-free, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Dairy-Free Adaptation: If you need to keep this recipe dairy-free, simply omit the grated Parmesan cheese. You can also serve the cheese on the side, allowing individuals to add it to their preference, or offer a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

While Chicken Marinara over pasta is a complete meal on its own, a few additions can elevate the experience:

Crusty Bread: A warm loaf of crusty Italian bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious marinara sauce.
Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a refreshing counterpoint to the rich pasta dish.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini tossed with olive oil and garlic would make an excellent side.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This Chicken Marinara is fantastic for meal prep! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm portions in the microwave or gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

More great Chicken Dishes

Crispy Chicken Wings

Southern Fried Chicken & Waffles

Individual Chicken Pot Pies

Parmesan Chicken Sandwich

Greek Chicken Salad

Chicken Shawarma

Pollo Asado Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Did you make this recipe? Let me know by leaving a review or comment! And be sure to sign up for my newsletter, and follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!

📖 Recipe

Yield: about 8 cup chicken

Chicken Marinara

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
35 minutes

Total Time:
40 minutes

When you only have 10 minutes to prep a meal, let this Chicken Marinara be your go-to! Beyond easy to make and oh so tasty.

Ingredients

4, 6-ounce Chicken Breasts
Kosher Salt, Morton’s
Fresh Cracked Black Pepper
20 ounces of Marinara Sauce, use your favorite
1, 15-ounce can Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes
1 pound Pasta, any kind you like
Grated Parmesan Cheese, for serving

Instructions

Season the chicken on both sides with a dusting of salt and pepper.

Place the chicken, marinara, and fire-roasted tomatoes in the bowl of an instant pot.

Place the lid on the pot and close the valve. Cook on manual high pressure for 12 minutes and let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes.

Remove the chicken from the bowl and shred it either by hand or in a stand mixer.

Return the chicken to the sauce and simmer everything together for 5 minutes.

While the chicken cooks, boil your favorite pasta to the package directions.

Serve the cooked chicken in sauce over the pasta and top with lots of parmesan cheese and some basil if you have or enjoy it.

Notes

Notes & Tips

Be sure to season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper. This is your one opportunity to add flavor to the actual meat so don’t skimp on it. Also, flavors are dulled when cooked in an instant pot, so season the meat generously.

If you want to use a slow cooker as opposed to an instant pot, cook the mixture on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours.

Substitutions

Chicken breasts are my go-to for this recipe. You could also use chicken thighs, and those can be bone-in or boneless, either work. I would just suggest they be skinless. Take the skin off and use it for THIS RECIPE.

My personal favorite jarred marinara sauce is Victoria Sauce. But if you make your own marinara you can use that too.

You could bulk up your marinara if you don’t have or want to use diced tomatoes. You can also use any style of diced tomatoes, I just like the added flavor of the fire-roasted tomatoes.

I love a fun pasta, I picked this funky one you see in my images up at Trader Joe’s. But you can serve this Chicken Marinara over ANY pasta. Keep the recipe gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free pasta.

And finally, if you need to keep this recipe dairy-free, don’t serve it with cheese or keep it on the side for anyone who might like it.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

Rustic Marinara Chicken