The Creamiest Instant Pot Creamy Italian Chicken Recipe Ever

My culinary adventures with instant pot creamy italian chicken never fail to spark excitement around the dinner table.

Comfort meets convenience in this one-pot wonder that simplifies weeknight cooking.

Italian herbs and tender chicken come together effortlessly, creating a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Creamy sauces can intimidate home cooks, but this recipe breaks down those barriers with straightforward steps.

Rich, velvety textures blend perfectly with robust flavors that dance across your palate.

Each bite promises a delightful experience that transports you to a cozy kitchen in tuscany.

She will love how quickly you can craft this delectable dish that looks like it took hours to prepare.

Creamy Chicken with Italian Flavor Base

• Chicken Breasts: Tender, lean protein that absorbs rich Italian flavors and creates the base of the dish. Choose fresh, boneless, skinless breasts for best results.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning: Classic spice blend that adds depth and traditional Italian flavor profile to the chicken.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides a subtle heat and warmth to the dish. Optional for those who prefer milder flavors.
• Fresh Basil: Bright, aromatic herb for garnishing and adding fresh finish. Use fresh leaves for maximum flavor.

• Cream Cheese: Creates rich, smooth texture and adds tangy backdrop to the sauce. Softened cheese melts easily.
• Heavy Cream: Provides luxurious, velvety consistency to the sauce. Full-fat version recommended for best results.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty notes and helps thicken the sauce. Freshly grated preferred over pre-packaged.

• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances overall savory profile. Low-sodium version allows better seasoning control.
• Olive Oil: Helps with searing chicken and prevents sticking. Extra virgin provides best flavor.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Introduces concentrated, slightly sweet tomato flavor. Packed in oil works best.
• Spinach: Adds nutritional value and bright green color. Fresh leaves wilt quickly and look vibrant.

Instant Pot Creamy Italian Chicken Instructions

Step 1: Prepare And Season Chicken

Heat olive oil in Instant Pot using Sauté mode.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning

Brown chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden.

Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Liquid Base

Pour chicken broth into the pot.

Use a wooden spoon to scrape up delicious browned bits from bottom, releasing maximum flavor.

Step 3: Combine Chicken With Aromatic Ingredients

Return chicken to Instant Pot.

• Minced garlic
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Red pepper flakes

Close lid, ensure valve is sealed, and cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes.

After cooking, allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then quickly release remaining pressure.

Step 4: Transform Into Creamy Sauce

Remove chicken from pot.

• Cream cheese
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese

Blend until sauce becomes silky smooth.

Incorporate fresh spinach, stirring until leaves wilt completely.

Step 5: Final Assembly And Serving

Slice or shred chicken and return to sauce.

Sprinkle fresh basil on top.

Serve alongside pasta, rice, or cauliflower rice for a delightful meal.

Italian Chicken Tips Using The Instant Pot

• Brown chicken thoroughly to develop rich, deep tastes that enhance the overall dish's complexity.
• Natural pressure release helps prevent chicken from becoming dry, ensuring tender and juicy meat.
• Soften cream cheese at room temperature beforehand to create smoother, lump-free sauce consistency.
• Reduce or increase red pepper flakes according to personal heat preference without compromising the recipe's authentic Italian profile.
• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lower-fat or dairy-free alternatives that maintain creamy richness.

Creamy Chicken Pasta That Keeps Its Silkiness

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer chicken to freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months for maximum flavor preservation.
• Place chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out and maintain sauce consistency.

Light Sides For Italian Chicken

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a medium-bodied white wine with buttery notes that complement the creamy sauce and cut through the richness of the chicken.
• Serve with Garlic Parmesan Focaccia: Bake a crusty Italian bread with garlic and Parmesan to soak up the delicious sauce and add textural contrast to the meal.
• Create Zesty Side Salad: Toss mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes, and shaved Parmesan to provide a fresh, tangy counterpoint to the creamy chicken dish.
• Match with Roasted Asparagus: Prepare tender asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper to add a light, green vegetable element that balances the richness of the main course.

Creamy Italian Chicken Styles

• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a creamy, lactose-free version that maintains rich flavor.
• Low-Carb Champion: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to create a keto-friendly meal that keeps the Italian chicken's essence intact.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, using the same seasonings and cooking method for a plant-based protein alternative that delivers robust taste.
• Spicy Herb Variation: Increase red pepper flakes and add fresh rosemary or thyme to elevate the dish's heat and aromatic profile, creating a bolder Italian-inspired experience.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by 3-4 minutes and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

• What if I don't have an Instant Pot?

You can make this recipe in a slow cooker or Dutch oven. For slow cooker, cook on low for 6-7 hours. For Dutch oven, bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your chicken broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free to maintain the dietary requirement.

• Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Yes, you can use half-and-half, whole milk, or coconut cream as alternatives. Each will slightly change the sauce’s richness and flavor profile.

Creamy Italian Chicken In Instant Pot That’s Full Of Flavor

• Quick Weeknight Savior: Whip up a gourmet meal in under 30 minutes with minimal effort using the Instant Pot's magic cooking technology.
• Flavor Explosion: Packed with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, and creamy cheeses that create a restaurant-quality dish bursting with rich, tantalizing tastes.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable for different diets by serving over pasta, cauliflower rice, or zucchini noodles, making it perfect for diverse family preferences.
• Minimal Cleanup Hero: Uses just one pot for cooking and creating sauce, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time on dishwashing after a busy day.

Instant Pot Creamy Italian Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Instant Pot Creamy Italian Chicken brings classic Mediterranean flavors into a comforting one-pot meal. Rich parmesan, tender chicken, and herbs create a luxurious dinner that welcomes you to savor each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Liquid and Dairy Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by generously coating it with a blend of aromatic seasonings, ensuring each piece is evenly covered with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs.
2. Activate the Instant Pot’s sauté function and heat olive oil until shimmering, then carefully place the seasoned chicken into the pot, creating a golden-brown exterior by searing for 2-3 minutes on each side.
3. Remove the seared chicken and deglaze the pot with chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to lift and incorporate the flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom.
4. Return the chicken to the pot and introduce minced garlic, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and a hint of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
5. Securely close the Instant Pot lid, positioning the valve to sealing, and initiate high-pressure cooking for 10 minutes to infuse the chicken with deep, rich flavors.
6. Allow the pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure to prevent overcooking.
7. Extract the chicken and transform the cooking liquid into a luxurious sauce by whisking in cream cheese, creating a velvety base that will envelop the meat.
8. Incorporate heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and perfectly melted.
9. Gently fold in fresh spinach leaves, allowing them to wilt and integrate seamlessly into the creamy sauce.
10. Slice or shred the tender chicken and reintroduce it to the sauce, ensuring each piece is generously coated.
11. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil and serve over your preferred accompaniment, such as pasta, rice, or a low-carb alternative.

Notes

• Optimize chicken seasoning by letting it sit with spices for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor penetration.
• Use fresh chicken breasts at room temperature to ensure even cooking and prevent tough, dry meat.
• Pat chicken dry before searing to achieve a golden-brown crust and better caramelization.
• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, diet-friendly alternatives without compromising creamy texture.
• Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent over-seasoning.
• Customize heat by adjusting red pepper flakes or adding smoked paprika for deeper flavor complexity.
• Prevent sauce separation by adding cheese gradually and stirring continuously during incorporation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Pressure Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 51 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg