Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting yet sophisticated dish that’s easy to pull together on a weeknight, this Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken is about to be your new best friend. This creamy, garlicky recipe, with tender chicken and a luscious sauce, will make you feel like you’re dining in a cozy Italian restaurant. The best part? It’s all made in the Instant Pot, so you can enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for busy nights, or when you’re just craving something warm and indulgent!

this RECIPE

🍲 A cozy memory of my first Tuscan chicken experience

The first time I tried Tuscan chicken was at a small family-run Italian restaurant. I still remember how cozy the atmosphere was, with soft music playing, the aroma of garlic and cream in the air, and flickering candles on each table. When my dish arrived, I was entranced by the creamy sauce draped over the chicken, with bits of sun-dried tomatoes and bright green spinach peeking through. That first bite was pure magic—the savory cream sauce, the juicy chicken, and the pop of tangy tomatoes. I knew I had to recreate that experience at home, and after a bit of trial and error, I found that this Instant Pot version hits all the same notes. Now, I get to enjoy a little taste of Italy anytime I want!

Tuscan chicken origins: A modern Italian-American favorite

Though you might think of Tuscan chicken as an old Italian classic, it’s actually a more modern creation, largely popularized by Italian-American cuisine. The combination of chicken, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach isn’t something you’d typically find in traditional Tuscan cooking. However, the flavors do pay homage to Italian staples—garlic, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning all have deep roots in Italian cuisine. This recipe blends those classic ingredients into a creamy, comforting sauce, capturing the spirit of Italian cooking but with an American twist.

Key ingredients: Making each component count

This recipe only uses a handful of ingredients, but each one adds something special:

• Chicken breasts: These make the dish protein-packed and lean. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and stay tender in the Instant Pot. If you prefer, you can swap in chicken thighs for a richer flavor—just adjust the cooking time.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: These bring a burst of tanginess and umami to the creamy sauce. Look for the ones packed in oil, as they’re softer and more flavorful. If you’re out, roasted red peppers can work as a mild substitute, though the flavor will be a bit different.
• Heavy cream: This is the base of the luxurious sauce. If you’re looking to lighten things up, half-and-half can work in a pinch, though the sauce won’t be as rich.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, savory note that balances the creaminess. Freshly grated Parmesan is best here for both flavor and texture.
• Fresh baby spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a nice earthy flavor. Kale can be used if that’s what you have, but it may need a few extra minutes to wilt.

Kitchen gear: Essential tools for perfect Tuscan chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Instant Pot Tuscan chicken as effortless as possible:

• Instant Pot: This is the star of the show! It takes care of all the heavy lifting, making the chicken tender and allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Any multi-cooker with a sauté and pressure cook setting will work.
• Tongs: Handy for flipping the chicken without splattering or tearing the meat.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Use this to deglaze the pot after sautéing the chicken. Scraping up those browned bits adds tons of flavor to the sauce.
• Microplane grater: If you’re grating your own Parmesan (highly recommended!), a microplane makes it easy to get a fine, fluffy texture that melts seamlessly into the sauce.

Step-by-step: How to make Instant Pot Tuscan chicken

Let’s get cooking! Follow along, and I’ll share some tips and tricks I’ve picked up along the way.

1. Start with sauté mode: Set your Instant Pot to the SAUTE setting. Add a tablespoon of oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes—this adds extra flavor! Then, melt the butter in the pot. You want it sizzling but not smoking.
2. Sear the chicken: Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and place them in the pot. Let them cook on one side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. This sear locks in flavor, so don’t rush it! Flip and cook for another 2 minutes. If the chicken is browning too fast, just adjust the heat slightly.
3. Add the garlic: Once your chicken is nicely browned, add the minced garlic to the pot. Stir it around for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn—garlic cooks fast!
4. Deglaze with broth: Pour in the chicken broth and use your spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits on the bottom of the pot. This step prevents the “BURN” warning on your Instant Pot and adds depth to your sauce.
5. Season and pressure cook: Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, a little more salt, pepper, and the crushed chili flakes for a hint of heat. Secure the lid, set the vent to SEALING, and choose the PRESSURE COOK/MANUAL setting. Cook for 5 minutes on high pressure (or 8 minutes if using bone-in chicken thighs). The pot will take a few minutes to reach pressure.
6. Quick release and remove the chicken: When the cooking time is up, do a quick release of the pressure. Carefully remove the lid, then take the chicken out and set it aside on a plate.
7. Finish the sauce: Switch back to SAUTE mode, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan. This is when the sauce thickens into a silky dream! Add the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, then turn off the SAUTE setting and let the spinach wilt in the residual heat.
8. Return the chicken: Place the chicken back in the pot, spoon the creamy sauce over it, and you’re done! Serve over buttered pasta or rice, with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if you like.

Variations to make this dish your own

There’s so much you can do with this recipe! Here are some ideas to adapt it:

• Make it dairy-free: Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version. It’ll change the flavor slightly but will still be deliciously creamy.
• Low-carb option: Serve over zoodles (zucchini noodles) or cauliflower rice instead of pasta or rice.
• Add mushrooms: For an earthy twist, add a cup of sliced mushrooms in with the garlic. They’ll soak up the creamy sauce and add extra heartiness.
• Spice it up: If you’re a fan of heat, add more chili flakes or even a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Seasonal veggies: Depending on the season, you could add fresh cherry tomatoes, kale, or even artichoke hearts. Each adds a unique twist that keeps the dish fresh and interesting.

How to serve and garnish for a perfect presentation

For a beautiful plate, spoon the chicken and sauce over a bed of pasta or rice and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese. Garnish with a few fresh basil leaves for a pop of color, and maybe even a little extra crushed chili if you like things spicy. A side of garlic bread or a simple green salad makes a perfect pairing. For a more rustic presentation, serve it family-style, with the chicken and sauce in one big dish so everyone can dig in.

beverage pairings

This creamy Tuscan chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of drinks:

• Sparkling water with lemon: The bright, zesty flavor of lemon cuts through the richness of the cream sauce, refreshing your palate.
• Iced herbal tea: Try a rosemary or chamomile tea to complement the Italian flavors in the dish. Serve it chilled with a lemon wedge.
• Ginger ale: The slight sweetness and spiciness of ginger ale adds a lovely contrast to the creamy, savory sauce.

Storing and reheating leftovers

Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back the saucy consistency. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the chicken a bit tough.

Scaling the recipe for a crowd (or just yourself)

If you’re cooking for a smaller group, you can easily halve this recipe. For a larger gathering, double the ingredients but be cautious not to overcrowd the Instant Pot. You might need to sear the chicken in batches. The pressure cooking time remains the same, though the pot might take longer to reach pressure.

Troubleshooting: Tips for common issues

• Burn warning: This usually means there are bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Make sure you fully deglaze with broth before pressure cooking.
• Sauce too thin: If the sauce isn’t thick enough, add a bit more Parmesan or let it simmer on SAUTE mode until it reduces.
• Chicken overcooked: To prevent this, be sure to quick release the pressure immediately when cooking time is up.

Give it a try and make it yours!

This Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken is rich, comforting, and so simple to make. With its creamy sauce and vibrant ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite. Customize it, share it, and enjoy a little taste of Italy in the comfort of your own home!

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully! Just cook for 8 minutes at high pressure if using bone-in thighs.

2. Can I make this without an Instant Pot?
Absolutely. Sear the chicken in a skillet, prepare the sauce, and let it simmer on the stove until the chicken is cooked through.

3. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter sauce or use coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

4. How do I avoid the BURN warning?
Make sure to deglaze the pot thoroughly with broth to release any browned bits before pressure cooking.

5. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, but note that cream sauces can separate when frozen. Reheat gently on the stove and add a splash of cream to help the sauce come together.

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