Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach come together in a rich sauce that pairs perfectly with shell pasta. It’s simple to prepare and sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 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 tablespoon olive oil
• 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 cheese, grated
• 4-5 cups fresh spinach

Instructions

1. Step 1: Make the seasoning mix by combining salt, pepper, dried rosemary, thyme, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large shallow bowl. Stir to combine.
2. Step 2: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. When hot, add 2 tablespoons olive oil.
3. Step 3: Toss the chicken in the seasoning mix until evenly coated. Add the chicken to the hot oil and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside, covering with foil to keep warm.
4. Step 4: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot if needed. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes while stirring occasionally.
5. Step 5: Stir in Italian seasoning and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking briefly to combine flavors.
6. Step 6: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits.
7. Step 7: Add the shell pasta and evaporated milk, stirring gently to combine. Place the chicken breasts on top.
8. Step 8: Close and seal the Instant Pot lid, setting the valve to Sealed. Cook on Manual High Pressure for 4 minutes.
9. Step 9: When cooking is complete, perform a quick release by moving the valve to Vent. Carefully remove the lid.
10. Step 10: Remove the chicken from the pot and place on a cutting board; cover with foil.
11. Step 11: Set the Instant Pot back to Sauté mode. Add cubed cream cheese and stir gently for 1 minute to melt and combine.
12. Step 12: Stir in grated parmesan cheese for another minute until well incorporated.
13. Step 13: Add fresh spinach and stir until wilted. Turn off the Instant Pot.
14. Step 14: Cube the cooked chicken and add it back to the pot. Give everything a gentle final stir.
15. Step 15: Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy Tuscan chicken pasta!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, use homemade chicken broth or add a splash of white wine in step 6 before adding the pasta.
• Substitute shell pasta with penne or rigatoni if desired; just ensure the pasta cooks evenly under pressure.
• Add mushrooms or bell peppers along with the onions for extra veggies.
• If you prefer less creaminess, reduce the cream cheese to 4 ounces or omit evaporated milk.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but increase the pressure cooking time to 8 minutes and allow natural pressure release for best results.

Is evaporated milk necessary, or can I substitute something else?

Evaporated milk adds richness without curdling under pressure. You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, but add them after pressure cooking to avoid curdling.

Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 100 reviews

This Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a blend of Italian herbs with pasta cooked perfectly under pressure. Cream cheese and Parmesan finish the sauce with richness, making this a quick and satisfying one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights.

• Author: Stella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Instant Pot
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seasoning Mix

• 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

Chicken and Sauté Ingredients

• 2 regular boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 4 smaller ones)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided: 1 tablespoon + 1 tablespoon)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and roughly chopped

Liquids and Dairy

• 2 cups chicken broth (or water/veggie broth)
• 1 cup evaporated canned milk
• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Greens

• 3 cups shell pasta
• 4–5 cups fresh spinach

Instructions

1. Make the seasoning mix: Combine salt, pepper, dried rosemary, thyme, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder together in a large shallow bowl and stir well to blend the seasoning evenly.
2. Select sauté: Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté function. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot.
3. Season the chicken: Coat the chicken breasts thoroughly with the seasoning mixture on both sides, ensuring even coverage.
4. Sear the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken into the hot oil in the Instant Pot. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown, then remove from the pot and cover with foil to keep warm.
5. Add oil: If needed, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil into the Instant Pot while still on Sauté mode.
6. Add onion and garlic: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened and fragrant.
7. Sauté sun-dried tomatoes: Stir in Italian seasoning and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, mixing thoroughly with the onion and garlic.
8. Add the broth: Pour in chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to avoid burning and add flavor.
9. Add pasta and evaporated milk: Gently stir in the shell pasta and evaporated milk. Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the pasta mixture in the pot.
10. Pressure cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to Sealed. Select Manual/Pressure Cook and cook on High Pressure for 4 minutes.
11. Release the pressure: When cooking finishes, perform a quick release by turning the valve to Vent. Carefully remove the lid once the pressure has fully released.
12. Set aside the chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and place them on a cutting board. Cover with foil to keep warm.
13. Add cream cheese: Turn on Sauté mode again, add the cubed cream cheese to the pot, and stir gently for about 1 minute until melted and combined.
14. Add Parmesan cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook for another minute, ensuring a creamy sauce forms.
15. Add spinach: Add fresh spinach to the pot and stir until it wilts. After this step, turn off the Instant Pot.
16. Cube the chicken: Cut the cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes and return them to the pot. Stir everything gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
17. Serve: Spoon the creamy Tuscan chicken pasta onto plates and enjoy immediately while hot.

Notes

• Use chicken broth for the most flavorful results; vegetable broth or water can be substituted if desired.
• If you prefer, substitute evaporated milk with heavy cream for an even richer sauce.
• Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy sweetness; make sure to drain them well before chopping to avoid excess moisture.
• Fresh spinach is preferred for its texture and flavor, but frozen spinach can be substituted if fresh is unavailable.
• This dish can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
• Adjust seasoning amounts according to taste preferences, especially salt and pepper.

Keywords: Instant Pot chicken pasta, Tuscan chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, one pot pasta, pressure cooker recipe, sun-dried tomato pasta