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Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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
  • 45 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