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- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 12 oz penne pasta - 1 cup heavy cream - Italian seasoning - Red pepper flakes - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Olive oil - Garlic - Chicken broth - Sun-dried tomatoes - Fresh spinach - Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper For this dish, the main ingredients shine through. I use one pound of chicken breasts. I cut them into small pieces for quick cooking. The penne pasta, which weighs twelve ounces, holds the creamy sauce well. I always add one cup of heavy cream for a rich taste. Next, seasonings and flavor enhancers make this dish pop. I love Italian seasoning for its herbs and spices. Red pepper flakes give a little heat. Fresh basil leaves add a nice touch on top. The additional ingredients are just as important. I use two tablespoons of olive oil to sauté the chicken. Garlic, minced finely, gives a wonderful aroma. The chicken broth, four cups, helps cook the pasta. The sun-dried tomatoes give a sweet tang. I throw in two cups of fresh spinach to add color and nutrients. Parmesan cheese, half a cup, brings a salty, creamy texture. Lastly, I always season with salt and pepper to taste. Each ingredient plays a role in making this dish a creamy Tuscan delight! First, set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. When the oil is hot, add 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like a kick. Sauté the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. Look for a golden brown color on the chicken. This step adds great flavor and texture. Next, add 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté the garlic for another 1 to 2 minutes. You want to cook it until the garlic smells great. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. Once the chicken is ready, pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. Then, stir in 12 ounces of penne pasta. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. This helps the pasta cook evenly. Next, close the lid and seal the vent. Set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 5 minutes. This will cook the pasta perfectly while soaking up all the flavors from the chicken and broth. When the cooking time is up, perform a quick release of the pressure. Carefully turn the vent to release steam. Once the pressure is gone, open the lid. You will see a delicious mix of chicken and pasta. Now, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and 2 cups of fresh spinach. The spinach will wilt quickly, adding vibrant color and nutrients. Mix in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and well combined. Finally, taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy your creamy Tuscan chicken pasta! To get the most from your Instant Pot, avoid common mistakes. One mistake is overfilling the pot. Always follow the fill line to ensure safe cooking. Another tip is to use the right amount of liquid. This helps the pot build pressure. To ensure even cooking, cut ingredients into similar sizes. This allows them to cook at the same rate. Stir ingredients after sautéing to mix flavors well. Adjust spice levels to suit your taste. If you enjoy heat, add more red pepper flakes. For a milder dish, you can leave them out. You can also make ingredient substitutions. Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor. If you need a pasta swap, try bowtie or fusilli. Adding herbs and spices can boost flavor. Fresh basil leaves add a lovely touch. You can also try oregano or thyme for variety. For garnishing, consider using grated Parmesan cheese on top. It adds creaminess and richness. A drizzle of olive oil can also enhance the dish’s appeal. {{image_2}} You can easily adapt this creamy Tuscan chicken pasta to meet dietary needs. - Gluten-free options: Use gluten-free penne pasta. Brands like Barilla or Banza offer great choices that taste delicious. - Dairy-free adaptations: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor. Feel free to mix and match ingredients to suit your taste. - Different pasta types: Try fusilli or farfalle instead of penne. Each pasta shape adds a unique twist to the dish. - Alternative proteins: You can use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken. Both options bring different flavors and textures. Adding your favorite veggies can make this dish even better. - Adding different vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms work well. Just sauté them with the chicken for extra flavor. - Incorporating other sauces: A splash of pesto or a bit of Alfredo sauce can change the flavor profile. Experiment to find your favorite combo! To store leftover pasta, let it cool before placing it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for longer. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream. This helps restore moisture and keeps it creamy. For meal prep, you can freeze the creamy Tuscan chicken pasta. Allow it to cool completely before freezing. Place it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can stay good for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove over low heat. Stir in a bit of cream for extra creaminess. In the fridge, your pasta lasts about three days. After that, the quality starts to drop. Look for signs of spoilage like an off smell, mold, or changes in texture. If you see any of these signs, it's best to toss it. Always trust your senses; they guide you well in the kitchen! Yes, you can. If you don't have penne, try fusilli, farfalle, or rigatoni. These shapes can hold sauce well, adding flavor to every bite. Just remember to adjust cooking times slightly. Smaller pasta cooks faster, while larger shapes may need a bit more time. To stop sticking, stir the pasta well after adding it to the pot. Make sure the pasta is mostly covered by the broth. Adding a bit of olive oil can also help. After cooking, quick-release the pressure to prevent overcooking and sticking. Absolutely! You can prepare most of the dish ahead. Cook and cool the chicken and pasta, then store them in the fridge. When ready to eat, just warm them up and mix in the creamy sauce. This way, you save time on busy nights. This blog post provided a clear recipe for a creamy chicken pasta dish. We covered all the key ingredients, cooking steps, and useful tips. By following these simple instructions, you can create a tasty meal easily. Remember, you can customize the flavors and adapt the recipe for your needs. Enjoy making this dish and feel free to explore different variations. Simple cooking can lead to great meals!

Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Indulge in the rich flavors of Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta made effortlessly in your Instant Pot. This quick and easy recipe combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a creamy sauce that will wow your taste buds. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is ready in just 30 minutes! Click to discover the full recipe and bring this delightful meal to your table tonight.
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

4 cups chicken broth

12 oz (340g) penne pasta

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

2 cups fresh spinach

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Set the Instant Pot to the sauté mode and add the olive oil. Once heated, add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Sauté until the chicken is golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.

    Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

      Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the penne pasta, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Close the lid, seal the vent, and set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 5 minutes.

        Once the cooking time is complete, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure. Open the lid and stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese until the spinach wilts and the sauce is creamy and well combined.

          Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

            Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves on top.

              Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4