Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Recipe

This creamy Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken is a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in just 40 minutes! With tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich sauce filled with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something impressive without hours in the kitchen. The Italian-inspired flavors will transport you straight to Tuscany!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken breasts: The star protein that soaks up all the amazing flavors. They stay incredibly tender thanks to the pressure cooking method.
• Italian seasoning: Provides that classic herb blend that gives this dish its Tuscan character without having to measure multiple herbs.
• Butter and olive oil: The dynamic duo for sautéing that adds richness and prevents the chicken from sticking.
• Garlic: Brings essential aromatic flavor – don’t skimp here! Fresh is definitely best.
• Chicken broth: Creates steam for pressure cooking while adding depth to the sauce. The low-sodium version lets you control the salt.
• Heavy cream: The foundation of that luscious sauce that coats every bite. It brings everything together with velvety richness.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: These intensely flavored gems add a sweet-tart punch and beautiful color contrast. They’re like little flavor bombs throughout the dish.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds saltiness, umami depth, and helps thicken the sauce. Always go for freshly grated for the best melting.
• Spinach: Sneak in some greens that wilt perfectly into the sauce. They add color, nutrients, and a subtle earthy balance.
• Fresh herbs: Optional but recommended for a pop of color and fresh flavor that elevates the whole dish.

Variations

Protein Swap

Try boneless chicken thighs for even juicier results, or go completely different with Italian sausage or even shrimp (though you’d need to significantly reduce cooking time for seafood).

Veggie Additions

Transform this into a more complete one-pot meal by adding mushrooms when sautéing the garlic, or toss in artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers with the spinach.

Heat Level

Add red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix if you prefer a dish with some kick. Start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust to your preference.

Dairy-Free Option

Substitute full-fat coconut milk for the heavy cream. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious with a subtle coconut undertone.

How to Make Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Pat your chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels – this is crucial for good browning! Season both sides generously with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, pressing the seasonings into the meat.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Set your Instant Pot to Sauté and wait until it reads “Hot.” Add butter and olive oil, then carefully place your seasoned chicken breasts in. Let them sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful golden crust. Work in batches if needed – overcrowding is the enemy of good browning! Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Build Flavor Base

Add minced garlic to the pot and stir constantly for just 30 seconds until fragrant but not burned. Immediately pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom – this is flavor gold and also prevents the dreaded “burn” notice!

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Cancel the Sauté function, return the chicken to the pot, secure the lid making sure the valve is set to “Sealing,” and set to Pressure Cook for 4 minutes. Once cooking completes, allow a 10-minute natural release before carefully releasing any remaining pressure.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce

Remove the chicken to a plate and switch back to Sauté mode. Pour in the heavy cream, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and spinach. Stir constantly as the sauce bubbles and thickens, watching the spinach wilt and the cheese melt into the sauce – about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Once your sauce has reached the perfect consistency, cancel the Sauté function, return the chicken to the pot, and spoon the sauce over it. Let it sit for a minute to reheat the chicken in the sauce, then garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This creamy Tuscan chicken begs to be served over something that will catch all that amazing sauce! Try it with:

• Pasta (fettuccine or pappardelle are excellent choices)
• Fluffy mashed potatoes
• Cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option
• Crusty bread for sopping up every last bit of sauce

Side Dishes

Balance the richness with simple sides like:

• Roasted asparagus or green beans
• A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Garlic bread for a restaurant-style experience
• Steamed broccoli

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dish actually tastes even better the next day! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop as it sits.

Freezing

While cream-based sauces aren’t always ideal for freezing, this one holds up surprisingly well. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwaving works in a pinch – use 50% power and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken is weeknight cooking at its finest – quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. The combination of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and that creamy Parmesan sauce creates a restaurant-quality meal that will have everyone thinking you spent hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a special date night or just want to elevate your family dinner, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Give it a try tonight, and watch it become a regular in your meal rotation!

Print