If you are searching for a dish that instantly lifts your dinner game with creamy, savory, and vibrant flavors, this Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, all made effortlessly in your Instant Pot. Whether you want a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each bringing a unique touch that builds layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the hearty chicken breasts to the bright sun-dried tomatoes and creamy Parmesan cheese, you don’t need a long list to create something extraordinary.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A classic blend that adds herbal depth and brightness.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing every flavor in the dish.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Offers rich creaminess and helps to brown the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a lovely fruity note while searing the chicken.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Provides an aromatic punch that infuses the sauce.
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth: Gives moisture and depth without overpowering other flavors.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the silky, velvety sauce that makes the dish irresistible.
- 8.5 ounces sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped): Brings a sweet and tangy intensity to brighten the sauce.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce delivering a nutty, savory richness.
- 1 cup baby spinach (chopped): Adds freshness and a beautiful pop of color to the creamy sauce.
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish): A fragrant final touch to elevate presentation and flavor.
How to Make Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Then, generously season both sides with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This simple seasoning creates a flavorful base for the creamy Tuscan sauce to shine.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté mode and add butter and olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken breasts in batches if needed, allowing each side to brown beautifully for 2-3 minutes. This caramelization not only locks in juices but also adds a fantastic depth of flavor. Remove the browned chicken and set aside for the next step.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Deglaze
Next, add minced garlic to the pot and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, then carefully scrape the bottom of the pot to lift all those delicious browned bits. This deglazing step is crucial as it infuses the sauce with concentrated flavor from the seared chicken.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Chicken
Return the chicken pieces to the pot, seal the lid securely, and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook for 4 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. This gentle cooking method ensures the chicken stays tender and juicy.
Step 5: Prepare the Tuscan Cream Sauce
After removing the chicken, switch your Instant Pot back to Sauté mode. Stir in the heavy cream, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped spinach. Cook while stirring until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts, forming a luscious, creamy sauce that perfectly complements the savory chicken.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Turn off the Instant Pot, then return the cooked chicken to the pot, spooning the velvety Tuscan sauce over each piece. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and herbaceous aroma. Your comforting and elegant Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil make a wonderful finishing touch, providing not only a lovely visual contrast but also a fresh, bright flavor that cuts through the richness of the sauce. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan can also boost the savory impact if desired.
Side Dishes
This Tuscan chicken pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even buttery pasta to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad also add lovely textures and balance the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant presentation, slice the cooked chicken and fan it out over a bed of risotto or creamy polenta, then drizzle generously with the Tuscan sauce. Another fun option is serving the chicken over garlic toasted bread for a rustic, hearty meal that’s perfect for soaking up the sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prep or next-day dinners that still taste fantastic.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this dish later, freeze the chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container. It’s best consumed within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture. Be sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also use a microwave, but be sure to heat in intervals and stir in between to prevent the sauce from separating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and can add extra juiciness and flavor. Adjust cooking time to 6 minutes on high pressure for best results.
Do I need to soak the sun-dried tomatoes first?
If your sun-dried tomatoes are packed in oil, draining and chopping as instructed is perfect. If they are dry, soaking them briefly in warm water before chopping will soften them and release more flavor into the sauce.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free creamer, and use a vegan parmesan alternative. Keep in mind it will slightly change the flavor but still be delicious.
Is it okay to skip the Parmesan cheese?
While Parmesan adds a lovely depth and nutty flavor, you can omit it if needed. Consider adding a bit more seasoning or nutritional yeast as a substitute to maintain richness in the sauce.
How spicy is this Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Recipe?
This recipe is mild and comforting, focusing on creamy and savory flavors rather than heat. If you like, you can add a pinch of red chili flakes during the sauté step to add a gentle kick.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Recipe whether you’re cooking for your family or craving a special, satisfying meal. It’s a delightful combination of creamy, tangy, and herbal notes wrapped around tender chicken — plus, it’s all made with ease in your Instant Pot. Give it a try and enjoy a warm, flavorful hug in every bite!
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Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked in a creamy sauce loaded with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick yet flavorful weeknight dinner, this dish combines rich Italian flavors with the convenience of pressure cooking.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Sauté Base
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (â…› stick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8.5 ounces sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped (approximately 1 jar)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Sauté the chicken: Set the Instant Pot to the Sauté setting. Once hot, add the unsalted butter and olive oil. Place the chicken breasts in the pot (in batches if necessary to avoid crowding) and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until each side is golden brown. Remove the browned chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic and deglaze: Add the minced garlic to the Instant Pot and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pot to avoid the burn warning. Turn off the Sauté function once done.
- Pressure cook the chicken: Return the browned chicken breasts back to the pot. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 4 minutes. After the cooking cycle ends, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure manually.
- Prepare the creamy Tuscan sauce: Remove the chicken breasts and set them aside. Turn the Instant Pot back to the Sauté function. Stir in the heavy cream, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped baby spinach. Cook the sauce, stirring frequently, until the spinach wilts and the Parmesan melts completely, forming a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Combine and serve: Turn off the Instant Pot. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the pot and spoon the luscious Tuscan sauce over them to coat thoroughly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil if desired. Serve immediately for the best taste.
Notes
- Use fresh baby spinach for the best texture and flavor in the sauce.
- If sun-dried tomatoes are packed in oil, drain them well before chopping to avoid excess oil in the sauce.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the garlic sauté step.
- Make sure to brown the chicken well to develop maximum flavor before pressure cooking.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch slurry during step 5 and cook until thickened.
- Can be served over cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
