Savory Tuscan Chicken made in an Instant Pot

Ingredients

• 1. A hint of paprika
• 2. A dash of salt and pepper
• 3. Tender boneless chicken 1 pound
• 4. Olive oil a generous tablespoon
• 5. Butter 2 tablespoons of goodness
• 6. Fragrant minced onion about 1/3 cup
• 7. A touch of minced garlic 1 tablespoon
• 8. Low-sodium chicken broth 3 cups of liquid gold
• 9. Penne pasta 8 ounces of pasta perfection
• 10. Creamy half-and-half 3/4 cup
• 11. Italian seasoning 2 teaspoons of flavor magic
• 12. Salt and pepper a pinch of each
• 13. Reduced-fat cream cheese 1 package, cubed and at room temperature
• 14. Grated Parmesan cheese 1 cup of cheesy goodness
• 15. Fresh baby spinach 3 cups of vibrant greens
• 16. Sun-dried tomatoes 1/2 cup, drained and chopped
• 17. Fresh basil 2 tablespoons of aromatic herb slices

Step 1

Mix together a delightful blend of paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl, generously season the chicken tenders on all sides to infuse them with flavor.

Step 2

In your trusty multi-functional pressure cooker (like the beloved Instant Pot®), fire up the Saute function and drizzle in some olive oil. Let the chicken tenders sizzle in the hot oil for a quick 2 minutes until they get a nice golden hue. Once done, transfer them to a plate and introduce a pat of butter into the Instant Pot®. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring them around for a minute or two until they become fragrant and slightly caramelized. Then, pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Next, add in the penne pasta, creamy half-and-half, a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper for a burst of flavors.

Step 3

Gently place the chicken tenders back into the pot, seal the lid tightly, and opt for the High pressure setting as per the manufacturer's guidelines. Set the timer for just 5 minutes, allowing a brief window of 10 to 15 minutes for the pressure to build up.

Step 4

When the cooking time is up, carefully release the pressure using the quick-release method in line with the manufacturer's instructions, taking around 5 minutes for this step.

Step 5

Retrieve the chicken and keep it warm by covering it with foil. Swiftly stir the penne to ensure they don't stick together in the luscious sauce. Introduce the velvety cream cheese into the mix, stirring until the sauce achieves a smooth consistency. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, vibrant spinach leaves, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, giving everything a good mix. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and reunite them with the sauce in the pot, stirring gently to combine all the elements. Just before serving, sprinkle in some fresh basil for a final touch of freshness and aroma.