π Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta: A Rich, Flavor-Packed Delight π½οΈπΏ
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a luxurious dish that combines tender chicken, rich sun-dried tomatoes, and velvety cream sauce with pasta. Bursting with Italian-inspired flavors, this recipe is perfect for weeknights and special occasions. Made in the Instant Pot, it’s quick, easy, and absolutely satisfying! β¨π«
Ingredients π
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts π
- 1 cup heavy cream π₯
- 1 cup chicken broth π₯£
- 4 garlic cloves, minced π§
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes π
- 2 cups fresh spinach πΏ
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese π§
- 1 lb pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite) π
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning π±
- Salt and pepper to taste π§
Instructions π
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Rub it in well for maximum flavor. ππΏ
- Brown the Chicken: Turn your Instant Pot to sautΓ© mode and brown the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden. This adds rich flavor to the dish. π₯π³
- Add Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes. Give it a quick stir. π₯£π§π
- Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and set to pressure cook for 8 minutes. When done, do a quick release. ππ¨
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and set it aside. πͺπ
- Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta to the Instant Pot. Close the lid and pressure cook for 4 minutes. Quick release again. πβ
- Mix in the Goodies: Stir in the shredded chicken, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the spinach wilts and everything is creamy and combined. π§πΏπ₯£
- Serve and Enjoy: Dish up hot, with extra Parmesan sprinkled on top! β¨π§
Why Youβll Love This Recipe β€οΈ
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in the Instant Pot! π²β¨
- Rich & Creamy: The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan creates a luxurious sauce. π₯π§
- Flavor Explosion: Sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning make every bite delicious. πΏπ π§
- Nutritious Twist: Spinach adds a boost of vitamins and freshness. π±πͺ
- Family Favorite: This crowd-pleaser is sure to be a hit at the dinner table. π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦π½οΈ
Tips for Success π
- Donβt Overcook the Pasta: Instant Pot pasta cooks quickly, so stick to the recommended time for perfect texture. πβ±οΈ
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, spinach, and high-quality Parmesan make a big difference. πΏπ§π§
- Customize Your Protein: Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs for even juicier results. πβ¨
- Extra Creaminess: Add a splash of milk or cream at the end if you want an even creamier sauce. π₯π«
FAQ β
Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Yes! Penne, fusilli, or bow ties all work well. π
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese. π₯₯π§
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to keep the sauce creamy. π₯£βοΈ
Q: Can I add other veggies?
A: Absolutely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas are great additions. ππΆοΈ