Easy Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Easy Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Welcome to SousVideRecipe! I’m Jasmine, a home cook who fell in love with sous vide the moment I realized it could turn everyday meals into restaurant-quality dishes with perfect consistency. My goal is to make sous vide cooking approachable and fun for real home kitchens — no complicated steps, just flavorful, reliable recipes anyone can master. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, I’m here to inspire you to enjoy cooking and create unforgettable meals one perfectly cooked bite at a time.

Creating a fantastic meal in a hurry often feels like planning a heist. You wonder how to gather all your ingredients, prep, and cook under pressure while still producing a mouthwatering dish. That’s where this Easy Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta comes into play. It’s the answer to weeknight dinners that seem daunting yet rewarding. The rich combination of flavors transports you to Tuscany with every bite.

This dish captures the essence of the Italian countryside, bringing comforting tastes right to your table without the fuss. Imagine juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and the vibrant essence of sun-dried tomatoes, all intertwined with shell pasta. It’s a dish you can whip up quickly, perfect for busy evenings yet satisfying enough for special occasions. Experience how effortless it can be to serve a crowd-pleasing meal that feels gourmet.


Easy Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Fundamentals

Creating an incredible pasta dish in an Instant Pot is all about mastering the process. An Instant Pot allows for a faster cooking time and melds flavors beautifully. This recipe integrates the perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a go-to meal for any occasion.

Preparation/setup

Before you dive into cooking, prep your ingredients. Chop your onions and sun-dried tomatoes, and ensure your chicken breasts are ready. It helps to have everything at hand, making the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Ingredients

For this easy recipe, you’ll need:

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 regular boneless (skinless) chicken breasts or 4 smaller ones
  • 1 small onion (chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and roughly chopped)
  • 2 cups chicken broth (or water or veggie broth)
  • 1 cup evaporated canned milk
  • 3 cups shell pasta
  • 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
  • 1 1/2 cups parmesan (grated)
  • 4-5 cups fresh spinach

These simple ingredients create a truly remarkable dish bursting with flavor.

Directions

  1. In a large shallow bowl, combine salt, pepper, dried rosemary, dried thyme, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
  2. Toss the chicken in the seasoning mix until evenly coated.
  3. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté. Once hot, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
  4. Add the seasoned chicken to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.
  5. If needed, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot while still on Sauté mode.
  6. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Stir in the Italian seasoning and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
  8. Pour in the chicken broth, and scrape the bottom of the pot using a wooden spoon to release any brown bits.
  9. Add the shell pasta and evaporated milk, stirring gently. Place the seared chicken on top of the pasta.
  10. Seal the lid, ensuring the valve points to Sealed. Change to manual mode for 4 minutes on High Pressure.
  11. When cooking completes, perform a quick release by turning the valve to Vent. Carefully remove the lid.
  12. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside on a cutting board, covering with foil.
  13. Select Sauté mode, adding the cubed cream cheese, stirring gently for 1 minute.
  14. Incorporate the grated parmesan cheese and stir to combine until smooth.
  15. Add the spinach into the pot, mixing until wilted.
  16. Cut the chicken into cubes and return to the pot, gently stirring to combine.
  17. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parmesan cheese.

Easy Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta


Easy Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta Technique

Technique

Using the Instant Pot changes how you approach cooking. This method simplifies steps and maximizes flavor. When searing the chicken, watch for that beautiful golden color, as it enhances the flavor profile of your dish. Sautéing aromatics like onions and garlic before adding broth infuses the oil with rich flavors, making each bite delectable.

Tips/tricks

Use room temperature cream cheese when blending with the sauce. This will ensure a smooth incorporation, avoiding lumps. Similarly, fresh spinach wilts quickly, so add it at the end for a vibrant touch. If you want extra flavor, consider sautéing the spinach slightly before adding it to the pot.


Easy Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta Final Touches

Perfecting results

The best part of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to add additional vegetables, like bell peppers or mushrooms, to enhance nutrition and flavor. When cooked, ensure the pasta is al dente; it will continue to soften slightly after cooking.

Troubleshooting/variations

If you find that your pasta is too firm after cooking, you can simply add a small amount of additional broth and use the sauté function to finish cooking. If the sauce seems too thick, a splash of chicken broth or evaporated milk can loosen it to your preferred consistency. Remember, every Instant Pot varies slightly in performance, so some adjustments might be necessary.


Easy Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta Serving Suggestions

Serving/presentation

This dish not only tastes incredible but also presents beautifully. Serve it in warm bowls topped with freshly grated parmesan. A sprinkle of fresh herbs can elevate the visual appeal, making it feel like a restaurant meal right at home.

Pairings/storage

Pair your Easy Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta with a light salad for a refreshing contrast. Additionally, having some garlic bread on the side creates a delightful accompaniment. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.


This Easy Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta is an unforgettable meal perfect for any occasion. With simple, everyday ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, you will start to see this dish as a favorited staple in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the rich flavors and creamy textures, and relish the satisfaction of a home-cooked dinner that tastes like it took all day.

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Easy Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta

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A quick and flavorful Tuscan chicken pasta dish made effortlessly in an Instant Pot, featuring creamy sauce and sun-dried tomatoes.

  • Author: jasmine
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pressure Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts or 4 smaller ones
  • 1 small onion (chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and roughly chopped)
  • 2 cups chicken broth (or water or veggie broth)
  • 1 cup evaporated canned milk
  • 3 cups shell pasta
  • 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
  • 1 1/2 cups grated parmesan
  • 45 cups fresh spinach

Instructions

  1. In a large shallow bowl, combine salt, pepper, dried rosemary, dried thyme, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
  2. Toss the chicken in the seasoning mix until evenly coated.
  3. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté. Once hot, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
  4. Add the seasoned chicken to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.
  5. If needed, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot while still on Sauté mode.
  6. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Stir in the Italian seasoning and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
  8. Pour in the chicken broth, and scrape the bottom of the pot using a wooden spoon to release any brown bits.
  9. Add the shell pasta and evaporated milk, stirring gently. Place the seared chicken on top of the pasta.
  10. Seal the lid, ensuring the valve points to Sealed. Change to manual mode for 4 minutes on High Pressure.
  11. When cooking completes, perform a quick release by turning the valve to Vent. Carefully remove the lid.
  12. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside on a cutting board, covering with foil.
  13. Select Sauté mode, adding the cubed cream cheese, stirring gently for 1 minute.
  14. Incorporate the grated parmesan cheese and stir to combine until smooth.
  15. Add the spinach into the pot, mixing until wilted.
  16. Cut the chicken into cubes and return to the pot, gently stirring to combine.
  17. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parmesan cheese.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother incorporation. Feel free to add extra vegetables for more nutrition.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 54g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

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