Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

 

This is one of the tastiest recipes to make in your instant pot, and it's so EASY! It's deliciously creamy, amazingly hearty and just perfectly satisfying. Chicken optional.  As always, adjust seasonings to taste.  A recipe you'll want on repeat; great for leftovers

Ingredients

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken (or veggie) broth
• 1/2 cup oil packed sun-dried tomatoes with herbs, drained and dab excess oil off with paper towels, chopped
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 Tbsp. minced garlic
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1 lb. (4 cups) dry pasta (I prefer Rotini, Bow Tie or Farfalle)
• 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes (frozen [easier to cut] or 2 large cans of chicken breast is OK too)

ADD after cooking pasta mixture:

• 5 oz. chopped spinach (I apply the "more veggie theory" and use 12 oz. frozen chopped spinach, thaw or microcook 5 minutes, drain or press liquid out)
• 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, cut into cubes and softened
• 1 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese (fresh shredded tastes best)

Instructions

1. In an Instant Pot (I use my 6 or 8 qt.) stir together broth, tomatoes, Italian seasoning, garlic, and black pepper (season with more at the end if needed).

2. Stir in chicken and pasta (press down to submerge into broth).

3. Secure the lid in place, be sure pressure valve is set to "sealing" position. Select the "manual" setting on high pressure and set to 5 minutes.

4. After the time is up select "cancel" then use the quick release method to release pressure (which is to carefully turn the valve to "venting" position and step back as steam will release for approximately 2-3 minutes).

5. Once it stops sputtering, carefully open lid and immediately stir pasta to separate and combine ingredients, then stir in spinach, cream cheese and parmesan.

6. Gently mix well (trying to not break the pasta). Let rest for about 5-10 minutes to thicken (it will seem like soup at first but as it rests and cools it will thicken up).

7. Serve warm+ (you can also garnish with a few diced sun dried tomatoes if desired).

Recipe source: adapted from Betty Crocker.

 

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