Creamy Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Recipe: Dreamy Dinner Magic

Whipping up a mouthwatering Instant Pot Tuscan chicken dish might seem daunting, but trust me, it’s easier than you think.

Creamy and packed with vibrant flavors, this recipe brings Italian-inspired comfort right to your kitchen.

Sundried tomatoes and spinach create a luxurious backdrop for tender chicken that practically melts in your mouth.

Busy home cooks will appreciate how quickly this meal comes together with minimal prep work.

Rich parmesan and herbs infuse each bite with irresistible depth and warmth.

Fragrant garlic and subtle Italian seasonings dance together, promising a restaurant-quality experience without leaving home.

You’ll want to bookmark this game-changing recipe that turns weeknight dinners into something special.

Tuscan Chicken from the Instant Pot Feels Like Fine Dining at Home

• Quick Weeknight Miracle: Transforms bland chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal in just 20 minutes with minimal effort.
• Hands-Off Cooking Magic: Instant Pot does the heavy lifting, allowing you to prep side dishes or relax while dinner cooks perfectly without constant monitoring.
• Flavor-Packed Comfort: Creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach delivers gourmet taste that feels indulgent yet surprisingly simple to prepare.
• One-Pot Wonder: Eliminates multiple cooking dishes, reducing cleanup time and making this recipe a stress-free solution for busy families or quick entertaining.

Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the base of the dish, best when fresh and boneless.

• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Adds robust flavor and enhances the chicken's natural taste.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Creates a rich foundation and helps brown the chicken with deep flavor.

• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and depth to the sauce, adds extra savory notes.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Creates a luxurious, creamy texture and adds rich, tangy flavor.

• Garlic, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Spinach: Brings complex layers of sweetness, acidity, and nutrition.

• Fresh Parsley or Basil: Adds bright color and fresh herbal notes to finish the dish.

Tuscan Chicken Instant Pot Method

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Breasts

Grab your chicken breasts and generously coat them with a blend of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Make sure each piece is well-seasoned for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown

Fire up the Instant Pot’s saute function and add a combination of butter and olive oil.

Once the mixture is hot and bubbling, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the pot.

Brown each side until they develop a beautiful golden color, then transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Aromatics and Deglazing

Toss minced garlic into the same pot and let it dance around for a moment.

Pour in chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh spinach

Let everything mingle and create a luxurious, velvety sauce.

Step 5: Cook to Perfection

Gently return the browned chicken breasts to the pot.

Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 8 minutes of cooking magic.

Step 6: Release and Rest

Once the cooking cycle completes, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure.

This helps keep the chicken tender and juicy.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Plate the chicken and spoon that incredible sauce over the top.

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and extra flavor.

Creamy Chicken Tips for Instant Pot Tuscan Flavor

• Add extra Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme to enhance the chicken's taste profile.
• Use room temperature heavy cream to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth, silky sauce texture.
• Swap chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs for a more tender and juicy alternative that absorbs flavors better.
• Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to manage salt content and customize seasoning according to personal preference.
• Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter, dairy-free or lower-fat version that maintains creamy consistency.

How to Keep Tuscan Chicken Juicy

• Store leftover Tuscan chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Carefully transfer chicken to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months without compromising flavor or texture.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Gently warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out and maintain the creamy sauce's consistency.

Tuscan Chicken Matches From the Instant Pot

• Elevate Creamy Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay to complement the rich, creamy sauce and cut through the chicken's heaviness.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Side Dish: Prepare garlic-roasted Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant to enhance the Tuscan flavor profile and add colorful nutrition.
• Crusty Bread Accompaniment: Serve warm, crusty Italian bread or focaccia to soak up the delicious, creamy sauce, providing a perfect textural contrast and additional flavor absorption.
• Refreshing Salad Complement: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan to balance the dish's richness and provide a fresh, zesty counterpoint.

Tuscan Chicken Made Easy: Try These Flavor Spins

• Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace cream with coconut cream and use cauliflower rice instead of regular sides to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for similar flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, keeping the same seasoning and cooking method for a plant-based protein option.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Enhance the recipe by adding fresh rosemary, oregano, and thyme to intensify the Italian-inspired flavor while maintaining the core cooking technique.

FAQs

• What ingredients give Tuscan Chicken its signature flavor?

Italian seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese create the authentic Tuscan taste profile, delivering a rich and aromatic Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s packed with bold flavors.

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but increase the cooking time to 10-12 minutes and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety. Thawing beforehand is still recommended for more even cooking.

• Is an Instant Pot necessary for making this recipe?

While an Instant Pot provides quick and tender results, you can adapt this recipe to a skillet and oven. Simply brown the chicken in a skillet, then bake in the oven at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.

• How can I make this recipe more protein-rich?

Add more protein by incorporating additional ingredients like sliced grilled chicken sausage, white beans, or extra Parmesan cheese during the cooking process to boost the protein content of the dish.

Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy instant pot tuscan chicken brings Italian countryside comfort right to dinner tables with rich sun-dried tomato and spinach sauce. Hearty protein and silky textures combine for a quick meal that whisks diners straight to Mediterranean culinary bliss.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cooking Fats and Aromatics:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Dairy Components:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Garnishes:

• 8.5 ounces (240 grams) sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 1 cup (30 grams) baby spinach, chopped
• Fresh parsley or basil, optional, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Liberally coat chicken breasts with a blend of aromatic Italian herbs, ensuring an even distribution of seasoning for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Activate the Instant Pot’s sauté mode and create a rich cooking foundation by combining butter and olive oil until they shimmer and blend harmoniously.
3. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the heated oil mixture, developing a golden-brown exterior by searing each side to lock in moisture and create depth of flavor.
4. Transfer browned chicken to a temporary plate, preserving the delectable pan remnants for subsequent flavor building.
5. Introduce minced garlic to the pot, allowing it to release its fragrant essence and quickly toast without burning.
6. Pour chicken broth into the pot, using liquid to gently scrape and incorporate all caramelized bits from the bottom, creating an intensely flavored cooking liquid.
7. Incorporate heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, grated Parmesan, and fresh spinach, stirring to create a luxurious, creamy sauce that will envelop the chicken.
8. Gently return seared chicken to the sauce-filled pot, ensuring each piece is partially submerged in the aromatic liquid.
9. Secure the Instant Pot lid, set to high pressure, and cook for precisely 8 minutes to ensure tender, perfectly cooked chicken.
10. Once cooking completes, allow a natural pressure release to prevent moisture loss and maintain the chicken’s succulence.
11. Unveil the lid and marvel at the creamy, vibrant Tuscan-inspired dish, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a final touch of brightness.

Notes

• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for more tender, juicy meat that absorbs flavors better.
• Use dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and nutritional yeast to make the recipe vegan-friendly.
• Reduce cooking time to 6 minutes for smaller or thinner chicken pieces to prevent overcooking and drying out.
• Add red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat and depth of flavor in the creamy sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 43g
• Cholesterol: 175mg