When it comes to weeknight dinners that are both easy and incredibly flavorful, this Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken truly takes the cake. Bursting with creamy goodness, sun-dried tomatoes, and vibrant spinach, this dish is a fantastic representation of Italian-inspired cooking that’s achievable in your own kitchen without the fuss. Thanks to the Instant Pot, you can have succulent, tender chicken ready to serve in no time, making it a great choice for busy evenings or when you’re entertaining guests.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
This Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken is not only quick to prepare but also delivers on taste and presentation. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and creamy sauce transforms simple chicken breasts into a gourmet meal that everyone will love. The fact that you can make it all in one pot means less clean-up, leaving you more time to enjoy your meal. Plus, you can customize it to suit your family’s tastes, making it a versatile addition to your dinner repertoire!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil from the jar
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 pounds (900 grams) chicken breasts, skinless and boneless
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves
How To Make Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Start by selecting the sauté function on your Instant Pot. Add the sun-dried tomato oil and butter to the pot. Once melted and bubbly, season the chicken breasts with ½ teaspoon of salt and the black pepper. Place the chicken in the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes on each side, just until they are browned. You don’t need to cook them all the way through. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
In the same pot, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pot
Pour in the chicken stock, scraping the browned bits off the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. This adds a depth of flavor to your dish. Then, stir in the Italian seasoning, chili flakes, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Return the browned chicken to the pot, placing it on top of the garlic mixture. Sprinkle the chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken.
Step 5: Pressure Cook
Close the lid of the Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to sealing. Pressure cook on high for 8 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, do a quick release of the pressure.
Step 6: Make the Creamy Sauce
Once all the pressure is released and the lid is safely removed, take the chicken out of the pot and place it on a cutting board. Add the heavy cream and parmesan cheese to the pot, stirring well to combine until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Step 7: Add Spinach
Finally, stir in the baby spinach leaves until they are wilted and incorporated into the sauce. You can slice the chicken into pieces or serve it whole, drizzling the creamy sauce over the top.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken over a bed of rice, pasta, or with crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy this delightful dish with your family and friends!
Expert Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and Italian herbs for a few hours before cooking.
- Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot thoroughly to avoid the burn notice when pressure cooking.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of chili flakes according to your spice preference.
- Leftover Tuscan Chicken can be reheated easily, making it a great meal-prep option.
Variations and Customizations
- Swap the chicken breasts for chicken thighs for a richer flavor and juicier texture.
- Add other vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms for more color and nutrients.
- For a lower-calorie option, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream.
- Replace the parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative that still offers a cheesy flavor.
How to Store Leftovers
This Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken stores well in the refrigerator. Allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will last for up to 3 days in the fridge. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. If you plan to store it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Make sure to keep it in a freezer-safe container and thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you will need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes. It’s best to add an additional 2-3 minutes for frozen chicken breasts.
What can I serve with Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or polenta. Crusty bread is also a great option for scooping up the creamy sauce.
How spicy is this dish?
The spiciness comes from the chili flakes, which can be adjusted based on your preference. If you prefer a milder taste, you can reduce or omit them altogether.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Tuscan chicken in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat it when you’re ready to serve for a quick and easy meal.
Conclusion
Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken is a sumptuous dish that never fails to impress while being incredibly simple to prepare. The creamy, garlicky sauce combined with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach makes it a true delight. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply feeding your family, this recipe offers the flavors of Italy in a quick, convenient way. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a meal that brings everyone together. So, grab your ingredients, fire up that Instant Pot, and get ready to serve a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil from the jar
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 pounds chicken breasts skinless and boneless
- 1 teaspoon salt divided
- 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 0.5 cup chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.25 teaspoon chili flakes
- 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté the Chicken - Select the sauté function on your Instant Pot. Add the sun-dried tomato oil and butter to the pot. Once melted and bubbly, season the chicken breasts with ½ teaspoon of salt and the black pepper. Place the chicken in the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes on each side, just until they are browned. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Step 2: Cook the Aromatics - In the same pot, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Step 3: Deglaze the Pot - Pour in the chicken stock, scraping the browned bits off the bottom of the pot. Stir in the Italian seasoning, chili flakes, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt.
- Step 4: Add Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomatoes - Return the browned chicken to the pot, placing it on top of the garlic mixture. Sprinkle the chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken.
- Step 5: Pressure Cook - Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing. Pressure cook on high for 8 minutes. Once done, do a quick release of the pressure.
- Step 6: Make the Creamy Sauce - Once the pressure is released, take the chicken out and add the heavy cream and parmesan cheese to the pot, stirring until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Step 7: Add Spinach - Stir in the baby spinach leaves until wilted and incorporated into the sauce. Slice the chicken or serve whole, drizzling the sauce over the top.
- Step 8: Serve and Enjoy! - Serve over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread for dipping.
Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Mixing Bowl