Easy Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe

If you’re searching for a rich, flavorful Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe that’s quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight dinners, you’ve come to the right place. This dish brings together tender chicken breast cooked to perfection in an aromatic blend of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and creamy sauce, all made effortlessly in your Instant Pot. The creamy texture and bold Tuscan flavors make this recipe an absolute crowd-pleaser, satisfying both family and friends with minimal prep and maximal taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Speedy convenience: Ready in under 30 minutes thanks to the Instant Pot’s pressure cooking magic.
  • Creamy indulgence: A luscious sauce that feels decadent without being overly heavy.
  • One-pot wonder: Minimal cleanup as everything cooks right in the Instant Pot.
  • Versatile meal: Perfect served over pasta, rice, or enjoyed alongside fresh veggies.
  • Family-friendly flavors: A comforting dish that appeals to all ages with its savory, balanced taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken uses simple, yet essential ingredients that come together to create a delightful harmony of flavors and textures. Each component adds a special touch to make the dish vibrant and irresistible.

  • Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for quick cooking and easy shredding or slicing.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes: Provide a tangy, concentrated burst of flavor that defines the Tuscan profile.
  • Fresh spinach: Adds a pop of color and a mild, earthy flavor that balances the richness.
  • Garlic and onion: Build the aromatic base essential for depth in the sauce.
  • Heavy cream: Creates the silky, creamy texture that coats every bite.
  • Chicken broth: Infuses the chicken with moisture and extra savoriness.
  • Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty taste that enriches the sauce.
  • Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings classic Tuscan flavor notes.
  • Olive oil: Used for sautéing and adds a fruity foundation to the dish.
  • Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate every ingredient.

Variations for Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Feel free to make this recipe your own! The Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken is extremely adaptable, so whether you want to tweak the ingredients, adjust for dietary preferences, or add your own spin, it’s all incredibly easy.

  • Make it keto: Skip the pasta and serve over zoodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
  • Use turkey or pork: Swap chicken with turkey breasts or pork tenderloin for a different protein.
  • Go dairy-free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
  • Add mushrooms: Toss in sliced cremini or button mushrooms for earthiness and extra texture.
  • Spice it up: Include red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a subtle heat kick.

How to Make Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics

Begin by turning your Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add olive oil and sauté finely chopped garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent, around 2-3 minutes. This step builds the savory base that the sauce relies on.

Step 2: Brown the chicken

Add seasoned chicken breasts to the pot and sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Browning seals in flavors and locks moisture inside the chicken.

Step 3: Add liquids and flavorings

Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle Italian seasoning. Stir gently to combine without displacing the chicken too much.

Step 4: Pressure cook the chicken

Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to high pressure for 8 minutes. Once finished, carefully perform a quick release to keep everything moist and tender.

Step 5: Finish with spinach and Parmesan

Open the lid, stir in fresh spinach until wilted, then mix in grated Parmesan cheese to thicken and enrich the sauce. Let it sit for a minute to reach perfect creaminess.

Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken

  • Even chicken thickness: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
  • Use low-sodium broth: Control the saltiness of the dish by selecting a low-sodium chicken broth.
  • Don’t skip browning: Searing adds great flavor and texture to the finished chicken.
  • Quick-release pressure: This prevents overcooking and keeps the chicken moist.
  • Customize cream levels: Add extra cream or broth to adjust sauce thickness as desired.

How to Serve Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley or basil brightens up the dish with a burst of color and a fresh herbal note. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan right before serving adds a final touch of cheesy goodness.

Side Dishes

Classic choices include buttery mashed potatoes, al dente fettuccine, or fluffy rice for soaking up every drop of the creamy sauce. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad can help balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the creamy chicken over polenta or creamy risotto for an elegant twist. You can also stuff the mixture into puff pastry or use it as a filling for savory crepes, elevating the presentation for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully overnight.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well—store portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs provide a juicier, more flavorful alternative and cook wonderfully in the Instant Pot, although cooking times may vary slightly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken is naturally gluten-free, just be sure your chicken broth and seasonings don’t contain gluten additives.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients, but ensure there’s enough room in your Instant Pot and adjust cooking times as needed for thicker chicken pieces.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

You can substitute with roasted red peppers or omit them, but sun-dried tomatoes are key for that distinct Tuscan flavor.

Can this recipe be made dairy-free?

Yes, swap heavy cream for coconut cream or a creamy dairy-free alternative and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast to keep it creamy and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a go-to recipe when you’re craving a comforting, restaurant-quality meal that comes together effortlessly. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant flavors, it’s sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly your kitchen fills with irresistible aromas and how quickly this satisfying dish disappears from the plate.

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Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken


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  • Author: Lina
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a quick, easy, and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich and creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish offers a luscious Tuscan flavor with minimal prep and cleanup, ideal for serving over pasta, rice, or vegetables.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

Liquids & Dairy

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings & Oils

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté the aromatics: Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add olive oil and sauté finely chopped garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. This builds the savory base for the sauce.
  2. Brown the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add them to the pot and sear each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown to lock in moisture and flavor.
  3. Add liquids and flavorings: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir gently to combine without moving the chicken too much.
  4. Pressure cook the chicken: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to high pressure for 8 minutes. After cooking, carefully perform a quick release to maintain the chicken’s moisture and tenderness.
  5. Finish with spinach and Parmesan: Open the lid, stir in the fresh spinach until wilted, then mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce sit for a minute to thicken and become perfectly creamy.

Notes

  • Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the dish’s saltiness.
  • Don’t skip browning the chicken; it enhances flavor and texture.
  • Quick-release after pressure cooking prevents overcooking and keeps chicken moist.
  • Adjust cream or broth quantity to achieve desired sauce thickness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Instant Pot Pressure Cooking
  • Cuisine: Tuscan, Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg

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