Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and roughly chopped) - 2 cups fresh spinach - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish For this dish, I choose each ingredient with care. The chicken breasts are the star. Boneless and skinless, they cook quickly and stay tender. Olive oil adds a rich taste and helps the chicken brown nicely. Italian seasoning brings a burst of flavor. It mixes herbs like oregano and basil, which are key to a Tuscan vibe. Garlic powder gives the dish depth without the fuss of fresh garlic. Salt and pepper are your friends. They enhance all flavors nicely. Chicken broth adds moisture and a savory base. Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and velvety. Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy kick. They are perfect for balancing the creaminess. Fresh spinach brings color and nutrition. It wilts beautifully into the sauce, adding a vibrant touch. Grated Parmesan cheese gives that umami punch. It melts right into the sauce, making it even creamier. Finally, fresh basil leaves are a must for garnishing. They add a lovely aroma and a hint of freshness. With these ingredients, you create a dish that is both comforting and elegant. Each bite transports you to the sunny hills of Tuscany. First, you need to set up your Instant Pot. Turn it on to 'Sauté' mode. Pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Let the oil heat for about one minute. Next, season your chicken breasts. Use 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and add salt and pepper to taste. Rub the seasoning all over the chicken. This adds great flavor. Now it's time to sear the chicken. Place the chicken breasts in the pot. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. If your pot is small, cook in batches. Once the chicken is seared, take it out and set it aside on a plate. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot. This helps remove any brown bits left from the chicken. Put the chicken back into the Instant Pot. Close the lid and make sure the vent is sealed. Now, set the pot to cook on 'Manual' for 8 minutes. After cooking, carefully do a quick release to let the steam out. Open the lid and take out the chicken again. Switch the Instant Pot back to 'Sauté' mode. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is melted and combined. Add 2 cups of fresh spinach to the pot. Stir until the spinach wilts. Return the chicken to the pot and coat it with the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve your dish hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a nice touch. Enjoy your meal! To make your Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken shine, adjust the seasoning to your liking. Taste your sauce before serving. If it needs more salt or pepper, add just a pinch. Each ingredient packs flavor, so a small tweak can make a big difference. Cooking time is key for chicken. For smaller pieces, reduce the time to 6 minutes. For larger breasts, you may want to increase it to 10 minutes. This ensures the chicken stays juicy and tender. Achieving the best sear starts with a hot pot. Make sure your olive oil shimmers before adding the chicken. Sear each side for about 4-5 minutes. This creates a nice crust and locks in flavor. If your pot is crowded, sear in batches to avoid steaming. The quick release method is simple. Once the cooking time is up, carefully turn the vent to release steam. Stand back to avoid hot steam. This method helps keep the chicken moist and the sauce creamy. Always ensure the pot is sealed before starting to cook. {{image_2}} You can switch out heavy cream for other options. For a lighter dish, use half-and-half or coconut cream. If you prefer a dairy-free option, try using cashew cream. It adds a nice texture and flavor. When it comes to greens, spinach is great, but you can use kale or Swiss chard. Both options give a nice crunch and different taste. They also add more nutrients to the dish. Feel free to add other veggies to the mix. Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms work well. They add color and nutrition. Just chop them small so they cook quickly. If you like heat, increase the spice level. Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne. You can start with a small amount and taste as you go. Adjust until you find your perfect balance. To keep your Instant Pot creamy Tuscan chicken fresh, refrigerate it right away. First, let it cool down a bit. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors intact and ensures safety. For best results, store the chicken in glass or BPA-free plastic containers. These materials are safe and do not affect the taste. Make sure to label your container with the date. This way, you can track how long it has been stored. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating properly is key. The microwave is a quick option. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel. This helps keep it moist. Heat in 30-second bursts to avoid overcooking. Stir between bursts for even warming. If you prefer another method, try reheating on the stovetop. Add a little chicken broth to a pan. Heat over low until warmed through, stirring gently. This method also keeps the sauce creamy and flavorful. Enjoy your tasty meal! Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Instead of 8 minutes, cook for about 10-12 minutes. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. How do I make this recipe dairy-free? To make this dish dairy-free, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or any plant-based cream. You can also use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy. What sides pair well with Tuscan Chicken? Tuscan chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Garlic bread for a nice crunch. - A fresh salad with greens and a light vinaigrette. - Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. - Pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs for a filling meal. This blog post explores how to make a delicious Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and useful tips to perfect your dish. I shared variations and storage tips to help you enjoy leftovers. Lastly, we answered common questions to clarify your doubts. Now, you can confidently create this creamy and flavorful meal in your kitchen. Enjoy the cooking process and make it your own!$

Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Indulge in a delicious, creamy dinner with this Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe! This quick and easy dish features tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich sauce of sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, topped with grated Parmesan. Perfect for busy weeknights, it takes just 35 minutes to prepare. Click to discover the full recipe and impress your family with this comforting meal! #InstantPot #CreamyChicken #TuscanChicken #DinnerRecipes

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Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and roughly chopped)

2 cups fresh spinach

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Turn the Instant Pot on to the 'Sauté' mode. Add olive oil and allow it to heat up for a minute.

Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken in the pot. Sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. You may need to do this in batches.

Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate. Add the chicken broth to the pot, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to deglaze and remove any brown bits.

Place the chicken back into the Instant Pot. Close the lid and ensure the vent is sealed. Set the Instant Pot to cook on 'Manual' (high pressure) for 8 minutes.

Once the cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick release. Open the lid and remove the chicken once again.

Switch the Instant Pot back to 'Sauté' mode. Stir in heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.

Add the fresh spinach to the sauce, stirring until wilted. Return the chicken to the pot, coat it with the creamy sauce, and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4