Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Delight
Are you ready to whip up a delicious meal in just minutes? My Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Delight packs flavor with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and creamy sauce. This dish is simple and perfect for busy weeknights. Follow my easy guide to create a meal that will impress anyone. Let’s dive in and make your new favorite pasta dish today!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
The main ingredients create the base of this dish. Olive oil adds flavor and helps cook the chicken. Chicken breasts bring protein and heartiness. Garlic gives a strong, tasty aroma. Italian seasoning adds warmth and spice, while red pepper flakes offer a kick, if you like heat.
Pasta and Vegetables
– 12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup baby spinach
The pasta is the star of the show. I prefer fettuccine for its texture. Penne works well too. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. Baby spinach brings freshness and nutrients. These veggies help balance the rich creaminess.
Cream and Cheese
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and velvety. Parmesan cheese adds depth and saltiness. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. These ingredients blend together to create a delicious sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
First, set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and let it heat. Cut 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. When the oil is hot, add the chicken. Season it with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it turns brown on all sides. Stir in 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until it smells amazing.
Cooking in the Instant Pot
Next, pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. Make sure to scrape any brown bits off the bottom of the pot. This helps keep the flavor. Add 12 ounces of uncooked fettuccine or penne pasta and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Close the lid tightly. Set the Instant Pot to Manual mode and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. When the time is up, carefully turn the valve to release the steam quickly.
Final Touches
Once all the steam is gone, open the lid and stir in 1 cup of baby spinach and 1 cup of heavy cream. The spinach will wilt nicely in the hot pasta. Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and mix until the sauce is creamy. If the sauce is too thick for your liking, just add a bit more chicken broth. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. Your dish is now ready to serve!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Chicken
To keep your chicken juicy, avoid overcooking. Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces. This helps it cook evenly. Season with salt and pepper before cooking. Use the Sauté mode to brown it well. This adds great flavor. Cook just until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Pasta Cooking Tips
When choosing pasta, fettuccine or penne works best. These shapes hold sauce well. If you prefer another pasta, adjust your cooking time. Thin pasta like angel hair cooks faster, so reduce the time to 3 minutes. For thicker pasta, like rigatoni, you may need to add an extra minute.
Making It Creamy
To make your sauce rich, add heavy cream at the end. This gives a wonderful texture. Stir it in after cooking. If you want more flavor, taste and add salt or pepper. For a twist, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice. This brightens the flavors. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it.
Variations
Protein Swaps
You can swap out the chicken for other meats. Shrimp works great for a seafood twist. Just cook shrimp for about 3-5 minutes. You can also try sausage. Slice it up and add it when you sauté the chicken. This gives a nice, rich flavor.
Vegetarian Options
If you want a meatless dish, use plant-based proteins. Try chickpeas or lentils for texture. Tofu is another great choice. You can sauté it just like the chicken. Make sure to season it well for flavor. Adding more veggies, like zucchini or bell peppers, can also boost the dish.
Flavor Twists
To change up the taste, play with seasonings. Try adding lemon zest for brightness. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can add depth. You can also toss in different veggies. Mushrooms and artichokes can add a fun twist. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if you add more vegetables.
Storage Info
Refrigeration
To store leftovers, let the pasta cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it well to prevent drying out. If you have extra sauce, store it separately. This way, you can add it back when reheating.
Freezing the Dish
To freeze the dish, make sure it is completely cool. Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the container with the date. The pasta can stay good for about 2-3 months in the freezer. Avoid freezing if you used heavy cream. The texture may change when thawed.
Reheating Tips
When reheating, use low heat on the stove for best results. Add a splash of chicken broth or water. This helps to loosen the sauce. Stir often to prevent sticking. You can also use the microwave; cover the dish and heat in short intervals. Stir between each interval to ensure even heating. Enjoy your creamy pasta just like new!
FAQs
How long to cook pasta in the Instant Pot?
To cook pasta in the Instant Pot, follow this rule: cook for half the time listed on the package. For example, if the package says to cook pasta for 10 minutes, set your Instant Pot for 5 minutes. This method prevents soggy pasta. Always remember to keep the pressure release quick. This helps maintain the right texture.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken in this recipe! Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. If your Instant Pot is set to Manual, cook the chicken for about 8-10 minutes instead of 5. Ensure you check that the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. This way, you stay safe while enjoying a great meal.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you need a substitute for heavy cream, try using half-and-half or whole milk mixed with butter. You can also use coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Another good choice is Greek yogurt. Just mix it in at the end for creaminess. These options help keep your sauce rich and smooth without missing out on flavor.
This blog post covered easy and delicious recipes using simple ingredients. We explored chicken breasts, pasta, and tasty veggies. The Instant Pot made cooking quick and easy, with tips to avoid dry chicken and perfect pasta. You can try different proteins or go vegetarian for variety. Don’t forget how to store leftovers or reheat them well. Now you have all you need to enjoy a yummy meal in no time. Get cooking and enjoy every bite!
![- 1 lb (450g) flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 inch ginger, grated - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional) - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - Cooked jasmine rice, for serving - Sesame seeds, for garnish - Green onions, sliced, for garnish The flank steak is key to this dish. It cooks fast and stays tender. When you slice it against the grain, you get a nice, soft bite. Broccoli adds crunch and bright green color. The red bell pepper brings sweetness and color, making it look great. Garlic and ginger provide a warm, aromatic flavor that makes your dish shine. Soy sauce adds saltiness and umami. Oyster sauce, if you choose to use it, gives a rich depth. Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce. Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor to finish it off. For the best flavor, choose fresh, high-quality flank steak. Look for a nice, bright red color with good marbling. Fresh broccoli should be bright green, firm, and not wilted. When choosing bell peppers, look for ones that are firm and shiny. Fresh garlic and ginger can make a big difference in taste. Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option. If you can, find a good-quality oyster sauce. Finally, use pure sesame oil for the best flavor. Each ingredient plays a role in making your Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry delicious. Check the [Full Recipe] for more detailed cooking steps. To start, you want to make the beef tender and tasty. Take 1 pound of flank steak and slice it thinly. Slice against the grain for the best texture. In a medium bowl, mix the sliced beef with 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce (if you like), and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Make sure all the beef is coated well. Let it sit for 15 minutes. This step makes a big difference in flavor. While the beef marinates, it’s time to prep the broccoli. Grab 2 cups of broccoli florets. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the broccoli and blanch it for 2 minutes. This keeps the broccoli bright and crisp. After 2 minutes, put the florets in an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain the broccoli and set it aside. This step ensures the broccoli stays green and crunchy. Now, let’s get cooking! Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil once it's hot. Next, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until it turns brown. Remove the beef and set it aside. In the same pan, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 inch of grated ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until it smells great. Then, add the red bell pepper and your blanched broccoli. Stir for another 2 to 3 minutes. Finally, return the beef to the pan. Pour in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Stir everything together and cook for 2 more minutes. This helps the flavors mix well. Taste your stir-fry and add more soy sauce if you want. Serve it hot over jasmine rice. Don’t forget to garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an extra touch. For the full recipe, check the details above. To get tender beef, choose flank steak. Slice it thinly against the grain. This helps break down tough fibers. Marinate the beef for at least 15 minutes. Use soy sauce and cornstarch for extra tenderness. The cornstarch creates a nice coating that locks in juices. Don't cook the beef too long. Just 2-3 minutes in a hot pan will do. Remove it quickly to keep it tender. For bright green, crisp broccoli, blanch it first. Boil water and add the florets for 2 minutes. This softens them but keeps their color. After boiling, quickly transfer them to an ice bath. This stops the cooking and keeps the crunch. Stir-fry the blanched broccoli for just a few minutes. This will make it hot without losing its color or texture. To boost flavor, add garlic and ginger when cooking. These ingredients bring a strong, fresh taste. You can also add red bell pepper for sweetness. If you want a richer taste, use oyster sauce. Just a tablespoon can add depth. Taste your dish before serving. If it needs more saltiness, add extra soy sauce. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions on top adds a nice touch. For the detailed recipe, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can switch beef for other proteins. Chicken works great in this dish. You can also use shrimp or tofu for a different taste. Each choice brings its own flavor and texture. Try marinating them the same way. This keeps the dish simple and tasty, just like the Full Recipe. Feel free to add more veggies for color and taste. Carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms can enhance the dish. Just chop them up and toss them in with the broccoli. They will cook quickly, adding crunch and nutrition. If you need a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. For a vegan meal, replace the beef with tofu or seitan. You can also skip the oyster sauce or use a vegan version. This way, you can enjoy a delicious meal while meeting your dietary needs. To keep your beef and broccoli stir-fry fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let the dish cool down to room temperature before sealing it. Place the container in the fridge and eat the leftovers within three days. This helps maintain flavor and quality. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them in a pan. Add a splash of water or broth to avoid drying out the meal. Heat on medium until warm, stirring often. You can also use the microwave. Cover the dish and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This ensures even heating. If you want to freeze your stir-fry, first let it cool completely. Portion it into freezer bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This method preserves taste and texture well. For the full recipe, check out the Beefy Broccoli Bonanza. Making Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry takes about 30 minutes. This time includes prep and cooking. You will spend 15 minutes prepping the ingredients and marinating the beef. The cooking process will take about 15 minutes. This quick time makes it perfect for busy weeknights. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Frozen broccoli is convenient and saves time. It also cooks quickly, which fits well with stir-frying. Just make sure to thaw it before use. Drain any excess water to avoid sogginess in your dish. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry pairs well with jasmine rice. This rice soaks up the savory sauce nicely. You can also serve it with noodles for a different twist. Adding spring rolls or dumplings makes it a complete meal. For a fresh touch, include a side salad with crisp greens. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas! Beef and broccoli stir-fry is simple and fun to make. You learned about key ingredients and best cooking practices. I offered tips for tender beef and tasty broccoli. You can also try different proteins and some easy swaps. Lastly, I explained how to store leftovers well. Enjoy this dish tonight or any night. It fits any table and delights many tastes. Your kitchen will shine with this easy recipe!](https://dailydishly.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/c1b8a640-846d-4588-a3be-4e7860c53d8e-768x768.webp)
. Pasta Primavera is a colorful dish packed with fresh veggies and flavor. You learned how to pick the right pasta, sauté vegetables, and balance seasonings. Plus, we covered ways to customize for your taste and diet needs. Remember, storing leftovers properly keeps your meals fresh. Try new veggie swaps and protein options for fun twists. Enjoy creating your own Pasta Primavera masterpiece!](https://dailydishly.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1202f33f-9285-4746-af91-946a78d77e80-768x768.webp)