If you’re searching for a rich, comforting meal that’s effortlessly impressive, then you’re in for a treat with this Easy Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Recipe. It combines tender chicken breasts with a dreamy creamy sauce enriched by sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach—all whipped up in a fraction of the time you’d expect. Trust me, it’s a weeknight game-changer you’ll want to make again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick and Easy: Ready in just about 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy days without compromising on flavor.
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in your Instant Pot, meaning less cleanup and more time to relax.
- Bursting with Flavor: Sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan build layers of richness you’ll adore.
- Customizable Comfort: Easy to tweak with your favorite herbs or add veggies for your perfect cozy dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Recipe lies in its simple yet soul-satisfying ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in crafting that luscious sauce and juicy chicken, turning everyday staples into a crowd-pleaser.
- Sun-dried tomato oil (or olive oil): Adds a subtle tangy depth and richness as the cooking fat.
- Chicken breasts (boneless and skinless): Tender protein that cooks to juicy perfection under pressure.
- Salt and ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the best flavors.
- Garlic (minced): Gives the sauce its aromatic foundation and savory punch.
- Chicken stock (or vegetable stock): Adds moisture and layers of savory flavor to the sauce.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb blend that ties the Italian-inspired flavors together.
- Chili flakes (optional): For just a hint of heat if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped): The star ingredient that brings tang and chewiness to the sauce.
- Heavy cream: Creates the lush, silky texture that makes this dish feel indulgent.
- Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): Adds salty, nutty, cheesy goodness gooey into every bite.
- Baby spinach leaves (or chopped spinach): Provides fresh earthiness and vibrant green color.
Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Variations
The great thing about the Easy Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Recipe is how adaptable it is—allowing you to tweak it effortlessly based on what you have in your pantry or your dietary preferences.
- Use Bone-In Chicken Thighs: Swap chicken breasts for thighs for juicier meat and a richer flavor; just increase the pressure cooking time a bit.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or cauliflower steaks; add extra seasoning for a robust bite.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free parmesan substitute to keep it creamy without dairy.
- Spice It Up: Add more chili flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for an extra kick and deeper smoky flavor.
How to Make Easy Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by setting your Instant Pot to the SAUTE mode and heating the sun-dried tomato oil. Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear each side for 2-3 minutes until they develop that gorgeous golden-brown crust. This step locks in flavor and texture. Once browned, remove and set aside—don’t skip this step; it’s the foundation of a perfectly tasty dish!
Step 2: Cook the Garlic and Deglaze the Pot
Next, toss your minced garlic into the pot and sauté it for about 30 seconds until fragrant, filling your kitchen with that irresistible aroma. Then, pour in the chicken stock to deglaze—scrape up all those little browned bits from the bottom. Those bits are pure gold, packed with concentrated flavor that you want incorporated into the sauce.
Step 3: Add Seasoning and Pressure Cook
Stir in your Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and chili flakes if you’re using them. Return the seared chicken to the pot. Secure the lid, set the valve to SEALING, and pressure cook for 5 minutes (or 8 if you bumped to bone-in thighs). Once time’s up, release the pressure manually—it’s exciting how quickly everything comes together here!
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Carefully remove the chicken breasts and set them aside. Switch the Instant Pot back to SAUTE mode and pour in your heavy cream and freshly grated parmesan. Stir continuously until that cheese melts into the cream, creating the most velvety, lush sauce you can imagine.
Step 5: Add Veggies and Finish
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and baby spinach. Watch the spinach wilt and blend into the sauce, adding color and fresh flavor. Finally, nestle the chicken back into this divine sauce, spooning it over every piece. Now, you’re ready to serve and impress!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Recipe
- Don’t Skip Searing: It creates a caramelized crust that adds intense flavor and texture to the chicken.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: It melts smoother and adds a richer, fresher flavor than pre-grated cheese.
- Adjust Cooking Time for Chicken Type: Bone-in thighs take a bit longer but offer juicier results—8 minutes works wonders.
- Avoid Overfilling the Pot: Maintain at least half the pot free to ensure proper pressure cooking and avoid burning.
How to Serve Easy Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley or basil sprinkled on top instantly brightens the dish and adds a herbal freshness that complements the creamy sauce. You can also add a few extra shavings of parmesan for a bit of salty, nutty crunch right at the end.
Side Dishes
This Tuscan chicken pairs beautifully with simple buttery pasta like fettuccine, or even garlic mashed potatoes to soak up every bit of that creamy sauce. For a low-carb option, steamed cauliflower rice or roasted veggies make a perfect match.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken sliced over a bed of creamy polenta or even tucked inside a toasted ciabatta roll for a gourmet Tuscan-inspired sandwich. Individual small cast iron skillets also make a charming presentation for intimate dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your meal, you can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, so you might find it even tastier the next day!
Freezing
This dish freezes quite well—just make sure the chicken and sauce cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can last up to 3 months frozen, ready for a comforting meal on demand.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to maintain the creamy texture, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of cream, milk, or stock to loosen it back up.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Bone-in thighs will take about 8 minutes under pressure to cook fully, but they offer a juicier, more flavorful alternative to breasts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
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Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative. The dish will still be creamy and delicious without any dairy.
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What’s the best way to reheat leftover Tuscan chicken?
Reheat leftovers gently on low heat in a pan, stirring occasionally. To prevent the sauce from drying out, add a splash of cream or chicken stock to keep the sauce silky smooth.
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Can I prepare this recipe without an Instant Pot?
While the Instant Pot speeds up cooking and simplifies clean-up, you can make a similar Tuscan chicken on the stovetop by searing chicken in a pan and simmering it in the sauce until cooked through—just allow extra time for the chicken to cook properly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a meal that tastes fancy but feels like a warm hug—and this Easy Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. I genuinely hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this one as much as I do. Get ready for a new weeknight favorite that’s as comforting as it is delicious!
PrintEasy Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Recipe
This Easy Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy, flavorful sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan cheese. Cooked quickly using the Instant Pot, this comforting dish features vibrant baby spinach and Italian seasoning for a rich and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil (or olive oil)
- 2 lbs (900 grams) chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- 1 tsp salt (divided)
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
Broth and Spices
- 1/2 cup chicken stock (or vegetable stock)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves (or chopped spinach)
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Set the Instant Pot to SAUTE mode and heat the sun-dried tomato oil. Season the chicken with half the salt and black pepper. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Cook Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the Instant Pot and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the chicken stock and scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom to incorporate the rich flavors into the sauce.
- Season: Stir in the Italian seasoning, remaining salt, black pepper, and chili flakes if using.
- Pressure Cook: Return the chicken breasts to the pot. Secure the lid, set valve to SEALING, and pressure cook on HIGH for 5 minutes. Once done, manually release the pressure before opening the lid.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Remove the chicken and set it aside. Switch the Instant Pot back to SAUTE mode and stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add Vegetables: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and baby spinach leaves to the sauce. Stir until the spinach wilts and is fully incorporated.
- Serve: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the pot and spoon the creamy Tuscan sauce over them. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or your preferred side dish with additional parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute bone-in chicken thighs; increase pressure cooking time to 8 minutes accordingly.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though sauce may be less rich.
- Sun-dried tomato oil can be replaced with olive oil if unavailable.
- Serve with cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread to complement the creamy sauce.
- Make sure to manually release the pressure carefully to avoid steam burns.
