Instant Pot® Tuscan Chicken

An Italian pasta dish loaded with a creamy Parmesan and cream cheese sauce, with bites of spinach, basil, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender chicken. A single pot meal prepared quickly in the Instant Pot®. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Calories: 763 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ¾ cup half-and-half
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• ⅓ cup minced onion
• ⅛ teaspoon pepper
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Release pressure carefully using the quick-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, about 5 minutes.

Step 2

Combine paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl and season chicken tenders on both sides.

Step 3

Turn on a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot®) and select Saute function. Add olive oil. Brown chicken tenders in the hot oil for about 2 minutes. Remove to a plate. Add butter to Instant Pot®. Stir in onion and garlic; cook and stir for 1 to 2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth, scraping off browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Mix in penne pasta, half-and-half, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.

Step 4

Return chicken tenders back to the pot; close and lock the lid. Select High pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 5 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.

Step 5

Remove chicken to plate and cover with foil. Immediately stir penne to separate them from the sauce. Mix in cream cheese, stirring until sauce is smooth. Add Parmesan cheese, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, stirring well. Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces, return to the pot, and stir to combine with the sauce. Toss basil in right before serving.