Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Recipe

If you’re searching for a cozy, restaurant-worthy meal that’s secretly so easy, you’re going to fall in love with this Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Juicy chicken simmered with sun-dried tomatoes, a rich parmesan cream sauce, and fresh spinach—one bite and you’ll understand why this dreamy dinner is a true weeknight hero!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken only seems fancy, but its ingredient list is down-to-earth and filled with pantry favorites. Each component plays its part—creamy, tangy, savory, and just a little bit bright from the veggies—making this dish sing with flavor and color.

• Olive oil: For sautéing and a touch of fruity undertone that sets up our flavor base.
• Diced onion: Sweet, aromatic, and key for building a savory backbone to the sauce.
• Minced garlic: Don’t skimp—the robust fragrance brings everything together.
• Chicken broth: Used for deglazing and simmering, it adds depth to both the chicken and the sauce.
• Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose your favorite—thighs stay tender, breasts are lean and classic.
• Italian seasoning: The one-stop herb blend gives that unmistakable Tuscan character.
• Cream cheese, softened: This is what makes the sauce so rich, creamy, and comforting.
• Half and half, warmed: Blends seamlessly into the sauce for that luxurious, smooth texture.
• Cornstarch: The secret to thickening without extra flour (and keeping it gluten-free!).
• Parmesan cheese, grated or shredded: Adds some salty, nutty depth—and it melts like a dream.
• Sun-dried tomatoes, rinsed, drained, and chopped: These bring a sweet-tart pop of flavor and an iconic Tuscan look.
• Fresh spinach, coarsely chopped: Wilts down and adds a gorgeous leafy green freshness at the end.
• Salt and pepper: Seasoning to taste—essential for balancing all those bold flavors.

Variations

The magic of Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken is that it’s endlessly adaptable, so don’t be afraid to make it your own. Whether you’re working with what’s on hand or catering to special diets, a few tweaks can personalize this creamy wonder for everyone at your table.

• Low-Carb Swap: Use heavy cream instead of half and half, and skip the cornstarch and sun-dried tomatoes for a keto-friendly version. Serve over cauliflower rice for a hearty but carb-smart option.
• Lighter Dairy: Light cream cheese and milk can be substituted for a lighter (but still delightful) sauce—just thicken with a touch more cornstarch if needed.
• Extra Veggies: Toss in mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or even artichoke hearts for more Tuscan flair and veggie goodness.
• Protein Variation: Swap for turkey cutlets or even cooked white beans for a vegetarian spin—just shorten the pressure cooking time if needed.

How to Make Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Step 1: Sauté the Onion & Garlic

Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” and let it heat up until the display reads HOT. Add the olive oil and gently swirl it to coat the bottom, then toss in the diced onion. Cook, stirring often, until the onion starts to turn translucent and golden—about 4-5 minutes. Add in the garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds, being careful not to let it burn. This quick step infuses the dish with a deep, savory base right from the start!

Step 2: Deglaze & Add the Chicken

Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits clinging to the pot—these are flavor gold! Nestle your chicken thighs or breasts into the broth, making sure each piece gets a little cozy in the liquid. Sprinkle everything with Italian seasoning for a burst of herby brightness that’ll echo through the whole dish.

Step 3: Pressure Cook

Seal up your Instant Pot, set the valve to “sealing,” and press the manual (or “pressure cook”) button. Set the timer for 12 minutes for chicken breasts or 15 minutes for thighs (add two more minutes if your chicken is frozen solid!). When the timer beeps, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes—this helps the chicken stay ultra-juicy—then carefully vent any remaining steam and remove the lid.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board with tongs. Switch your Instant Pot back to “Sauté.” Stir the softened cream cheese directly into the hot, broth-infused liquid until it melts into a glorious creamy swirl. In a small bowl, combine the warmed half and half with cornstarch, whisking until smooth, then slowly pour it into the pot. Heat gently, stirring, until the sauce thickens and becomes irresistibly silky. Finally, stir in the parmesan cheese for that signature nuttiness.

Step 5: Finish with Vegetables & Chicken

Shred or slice the cooked chicken, then return it to the pot. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Watch as the spinach wilts and the tomatoes add gorgeous pops of flavor and color! Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Your Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken is ready to enjoy—don’t be surprised if everyone gathers in the kitchen, drawn by the aroma.

How to Serve Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Garnishes

Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken looks absolutely stunning with a final flourish of freshly grated parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil, or a few extra sun-dried tomato slivers over the top. For a pop of color, a quick swirl of extra-virgin olive oil adds shine and an enticing aroma.

Side Dishes

Spoon the creamy Tuscan chicken generously over a bed of fluffy rice, buttery egg noodles, or mashed potatoes for pure comfort food bliss. If you want a lighter touch, cauliflower rice, sautéed zucchini ribbons, or steamed green beans are perfect, especially if you’re going low-carb.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party wow factor, serve this chicken over toasted, crusty bread as an open-face sandwich with a drizzle of the creamy sauce. Or plate each serving in a shallow bowl with lots of sauce and extra greens, Italian trattoria-style, and finish with cracked black pepper for a rustic, cozy vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken keeps beautifully in the fridge! Let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then pack in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and the flavors will only get cozier as they mingle together.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, simply transfer the cooled chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Note that the creamy sauce may separate a little upon thawing, but it’s still delicious—just stir well as you reheat.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a saucepan over low heat, or microwave in short intervals, stirring between bursts to keep the sauce smooth. If the sauce is a bit thick, add a splash of half and half or broth to bring back its creamy glory.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken truly has a little bit of everything—comfort, elegance, plenty of color, and layers of bold, balanced flavor. Treat yourself to an Italian-inspired night in, and let this dish become your new go-to for warmth, ease, and big family smiles. I hope it becomes a favorite at your table, too!

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