Instant Pot® Chicken Florentine Pasta

Pesto, spinach, Parmesan cheese, and chicken are a winning combination in this Italian-inspired Florentine pasta dish cooked in the Instant Pot®.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Calories: 559 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 pint heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups water, or as needed
• 6 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 (10 ounce) bag baby spinach leaves
• ½ medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, or to taste
• 1 (16 ounce) package whole grain penne pasta
• 1 ½ pounds cubed boneless chicken breast
• 2 ½ tablespoons basil pesto

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place chicken in a bowl and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Stir until coated.

Step 2

Turn on a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot®), add olive oil, and select Saute function. Add seasoned chicken to the hot oil and saute, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes. Add onion and continue to saute until chicken is no longer pink in the center, about 5 minutes longer. Stir to scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pot.

Step 3

Pour dry pasta on top of chicken and add water just until pasta is barely covered. Place spinach on top of pasta and cancel Saute function.

Step 4

Close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 1 minute. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.

Step 5

Release pressure carefully using the quick-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid, and stir to combine ingredients.

Step 6

Switch to Saute function. Add whipping cream and then add basil pesto; stir to combine. Stir in Parmesan cheese and close the lid. Cook, covered, until cheese melts, about 5 minutes. Remove lid, stir to combine, and serve.