Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
If you’re looking for a creamy, comforting dinner that comes together quickly, this Instant Pot creamy Tuscan chicken pasta recipe is about to become one of your favorite recipes. Made with simple ingredients like chicken broth, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning, it’s a delicious one-pot meal that your whole family will love.
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Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this dish combines tender chicken with a flavorful sauce that’s rich, creamy, and loaded with taste. Plus, it only takes a few minutes of prep time and your electric pressure cooker does the rest!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
This instant pot Tuscan chicken pasta is the kind of comfort food that tastes like it took all day, but it’s ready in under 30 minutes. The creamy sauce coats every bite of pasta, and the combination of garlic, fire-roasted tomatoes, and Italian herbs brings out bold, savory flavor. This is one of those pasta dishes that tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (bow tie, penne pasta, elbow macaroni noodles, or any kind of pasta will work)
- 4 cups chicken broth or chicken stock
- ½ cup heavy cream (or light cream cheese if you prefer)
- 1 can fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 tsp salt
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning or Italian herbs
- 4 cloves minced garlic or substitute garlic powder
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach or fresh spinach
- Grated parmesan cheese for topping
- Optional: chili flakes, red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers for added flavor
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta in the Instant Pot
Add Ingredients to the Inner Pot
Pour your pasta into the bottom of the pot. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, fire-roasted tomatoes, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. Stir to combine well.
Add the Cream Cheese and Chicken
Place the cream cheese cubes on top. Then lay the boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) over the mixture. Season the top of the pasta and chicken with extra salt and pepper.
Pressure Cook the Pasta
Close the lid, set the pressure valve to sealing, and hit the pressure cook button. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
Natural Release and Add Spinach
Once it’s done, allow a natural release for 7 minutes before using a quick release of the pressure. Carefully open the lid and remove the chicken. Stir in the fresh baby spinach so it can wilt on low heat (use the warm setting).
Shred and Return the Chicken
Use kitchen shears or a fork to shred the tender chicken into smaller pieces, then return it to the pot. Stir well to create a thick, flavorful sauce.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot, topped with grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil or basil leaves.
Tips for the Best Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
- Don’t skip the cream cheese: It’s what makes the sauce extra creamy and rich. You can use less cream cheese or substitute with light cream cheese if needed.
- Add-ins: Try mixing in sun-dried tomatoes, red peppers, or even leftover bell peppers for more depth.
- Next time: Try a different pasta shape like uncooked campanelle pasta or even instant pot spaghetti!
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container or freezer bags. Reheat gently with a splash of extra water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
- Avoid excess oil: Trim any fat from your chicken beforehand to keep things light.
- Freezing tip: This creamy chicken pasta freezes well. Let it cool completely before storing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Yes! This recipe is super flexible. You can use any kind of pasta—penne, elbows, campanelle, or whatever you have on hand.
How do I avoid burning the bottom of the pot?
Make sure all ingredients are well stirred before placing the chicken on top. Don’t mix again after adding the chicken.
Can I make this in a 6-quart Instant Pot Duo?
Yes! This recipe fits perfectly in a standard 6-quart instant pot.
What if my pasta isn’t fully cooked?
If the pasta is a little firm, you can turn the pot to sauté mode and add a splash of water to help it finish cooking.
Conclusion
This instant pot creamy Tuscan chicken pasta recipe is one of the tastiest things you can make with your electric pressure cooker. It’s rich, full of flavor, and makes a delicious meal the entire family will enjoy. Whether you’re trying it for the first time or adding it to your regular rotation of great recipes, this dish is bound to become a family favorite.
Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- 6-quart Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Kitchen shears or forks (for shredding chicken)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Airtight container (for leftovers)
Ingredients
- 12 oz bow tie pasta or any kind of pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 14.5 oz can fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 8 oz cream cheese cubed
- 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Grated parmesan cheese for serving
Optional Add-ins:
- Chili flakes
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Bell peppers
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Add pasta to the bottom of the Instant Pot. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, fire-roasted tomatoes, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. Stir well to combine.
- Add cream cheese cubes on top of the mixture. Do not stir after adding the cream cheese.
- Place the chicken on top of the mixture and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
- Close the lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the Pressure Cook button and set it to 8 minutes on high pressure.
- Allow the pot to naturally release for 7 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to venting to quick release any remaining pressure.
- Remove the chicken and stir in the fresh spinach. Let it sit on the Keep Warm setting until the spinach wilts.
- Shred the chicken using kitchen shears or two forks, then return it to the pot and stir everything together.
- Serve hot with grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.
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