Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Recipe

There’s something so comforting about a creamy, flavor-packed chicken dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes. This Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken is one of those recipes that feels indulgent, but comes together quickly and easily. With tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce, dotted with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, it’s the kind of meal that feels fancy but fits perfectly into a busy weeknight.

I first stumbled upon Tuscan chicken at a small Italian bistro on a trip, and the creamy, garlicky sauce was unforgettable. The magic of that dish was in its simplicity—quality ingredients combined with classic Italian flavors. This Instant Pot version captures all that magic in a fraction of the time. Plus, the Instant Pot makes it a breeze to get everything done in one pot, which means fewer dishes (a win for any home cook!).

this RECIPE

My Story with Tuscan Chicken and Why I Love This Recipe

Years ago, I tried to recreate Tuscan chicken in a slow cooker. The flavors were there, but it always ended up a bit watery, and the chicken would fall apart more than I wanted. Enter the Instant Pot. Now, with pressure cooking, you get the tender, juicy chicken and thick, creamy sauce without the wait. This recipe is my go-to for cozy dinners, especially when friends or family come over. Nothing beats setting this in the Instant Pot and knowing that I’ll have a delicious, hearty dish with minimal effort.

When you make this, your kitchen fills up with the warm, savory aroma of garlic and Italian herbs, which always transports me back to that bistro. And the best part? It’s super customizable, so you can play with flavors to make it your own.

What Exactly Is Tuscan Chicken?

Tuscan chicken is an Italian-American dish that’s often made with chicken breasts in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, typically featuring sun-dried tomatoes and spinach for that “Tuscan” vibe. While it’s not a traditional Italian dish, it draws from classic Italian flavors—think garlic, Parmesan, and tomatoes. Over time, this dish has become a favorite in American kitchens, especially when paired with pasta, rice, or crusty bread for soaking up all that dreamy sauce.

Let’s Talk Ingredients: The Stars of This Recipe

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in creating a rich, layered flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: Using the oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes gives an extra boost of flavor and saves an ingredient. If you’re out, olive oil works, but that tomato-infused oil is magic.
• Chicken Breasts: I love using boneless, skinless breasts because they cook quickly and soak up the sauce nicely. You can also use thighs if you prefer a juicier cut (just adjust the cook time slightly).
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential here—five cloves may sound like a lot, but it mellows out in the sauce.
• Italian Seasoning and Chili Flakes: These add a touch of herbiness and a hint of heat to balance the creaminess.
• Heavy Cream and Parmesan: This is where the richness comes in. Parmesan thickens the sauce and adds a nutty flavor, while heavy cream gives it that luscious texture.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Tangy and slightly chewy, they add a burst of umami that complements the creaminess.
• Baby Spinach: For a pop of color and a bit of freshness. It wilts right into the sauce, balancing out the heaviness.

Must-Have Kitchen Tools for This Recipe

To make this dish a breeze, here are the tools you’ll want on hand:

• Instant Pot: The star of the show. It allows you to sauté and pressure cook all in one pot, making clean-up easy.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping the chicken without breaking it apart.
• Microplane Grater: For grating fresh Parmesan. Freshly grated cheese melts better and adds more flavor to the sauce.
• Ladle: For spooning that lovely sauce over the chicken once you’re ready to serve.

While these tools make the process smoother, you can always work with what you have on hand.

Step-by-Step Guide: Making Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken

This recipe is straightforward, but I’ll walk you through it with a few extra tips I’ve learned along the way.

1. Heat the Oil and Butter
   Start by setting your Instant Pot to the SAUTE setting. Add the sun-dried tomato oil and butter. Let the butter melt, mixing it into the oil. This combination adds a rich base layer for the chicken.
2. Season and Sear the Chicken
   Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them in the pot and let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes on each side. You want a golden crust; this helps seal in the juices. If they start browning too quickly, adjust the heat slightly.
3. Add Garlic and Deglaze
   Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Then pour in the chicken stock. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom—these bits are flavor gold and prevent the BURN message.
4. Add Seasonings and Pressure Cook
   Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, remaining salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Secure the lid, set the vent to SEALING, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. If you’re using bone-in chicken, increase the cook time to 8 minutes.
5. Quick Release and Remove the Chicken
   Once the cooking cycle is done, do a quick release by carefully turning the vent to release the steam. Take the chicken out and set it aside on a plate.
6. Make the Cream Sauce
   With the SAUTE function on, add the heavy cream and Parmesan to the pot. Stir until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Toss in the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, then turn off the heat. The spinach will wilt nicely without overcooking.
7. Return the Chicken and Serve
   Place the chicken back in the sauce, spooning the sauce over the top. Serve it over pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes for a complete meal. Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy!

Variations to Make It Your Own

This Tuscan chicken is incredibly versatile! Here are a few ideas:

• Keto-Friendly: Skip the pasta and serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to keep it low-carb.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with mushrooms or tofu. Portobello mushrooms work particularly well in absorbing that sauce.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and vegan Parmesan. Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh.
• Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to throw in sliced bell peppers or mushrooms along with the spinach for a heartier dish.
• Lighter Option: Swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt. The sauce will be thinner, but still creamy.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

For a restaurant-style presentation, plate the chicken over a bed of pasta, rice, or creamy polenta. Drizzle the sauce generously over the top and sprinkle with a bit more Parmesan. A garnish of fresh basil or parsley gives a pop of color and a hint of freshness. This dish also pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread to mop up any extra sauce.

Drink Pairings

This Tuscan chicken pairs well with a crisp white wine like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc—the acidity cuts through the creaminess perfectly. For red wine lovers, a light Chianti works well without overpowering the flavors. If you’re in the mood for a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with a splash of lemon to refresh your palate.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken stock or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving if possible; it can make the chicken rubbery.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easy to double if you’re feeding a crowd, just make sure not to overcrowd the Instant Pot. If scaling down, keep the sauce quantities as they are (trust me, you’ll want extra sauce!).

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Bone-in thighs add extra flavor, just increase the cook time to 8 minutes.

2. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?
Fresh tomatoes work but will release more juice, which can thin the sauce. Stick with sun-dried if you can.

3. Is there a dairy-free substitute for heavy cream?
Yes, coconut cream works as a great alternative. It will add a slight coconut flavor, but it’s delicious!

4. How do I prevent the BURN message on my Instant Pot?
Make sure to deglaze thoroughly after searing the chicken by scraping up all the browned bits.

5. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the dish ahead and reheat gently, but add the spinach right before serving to keep it fresh.

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