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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Liberally coat chicken breasts with a blend of aromatic Italian herbs, ensuring an even distribution of seasoning for maximum flavor infusion.
- 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.
- 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.
- Transfer browned chicken to a temporary plate, preserving the delectable pan remnants for subsequent flavor building.
- Introduce minced garlic to the pot, allowing it to release its fragrant essence and quickly toast without burning.
- 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.
- Incorporate heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, grated Parmesan, and fresh spinach, stirring to create a luxurious, creamy sauce that will envelop the chicken.
- Gently return seared chicken to the sauce-filled pot, ensuring each piece is partially submerged in the aromatic liquid.
- Secure the Instant Pot lid, set to high pressure, and cook for precisely 8 minutes to ensure tender, perfectly cooked chicken.
- Once cooking completes, allow a natural pressure release to prevent moisture loss and maintain the chicken’s succulence.
- 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