Name: Instant Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons vegetable oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 9 ounces button mushrooms (white or brown); 2 pieces chicken breasts (diced into 1-inch pieces); 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; 5 cloves garlic (crushed); 4 cups uncooked penne pasta; 2 cups vegetable stock (or chicken stock); ½ cup water; ½ cup heavy cream; 1 cup parmesan (grated); 4 cups baby spinach leaves (loosely packed)

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There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of pasta, especially when it’s a dish like Instant Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta. I remember the first time I tried a version of this recipe on a busy weeknight. The sun was setting, and I was racing against the clock to prepare dinner for my family. I had some chicken and a few veggies in the fridge, and suddenly, inspiration struck! The best part? I could make it all in my trusty Instant Pot, which has become my kitchen superhero. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta came together in no time, making it an instant hit at the dinner table. Now, it’s a staple in our home, perfect for those evenings when we need something delicious, quick, and satisfying.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
30 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
20 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
460 kcal

Protein:
30 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
20 g

Tools Used:
Instant Pot

The Magic of This Instant Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta

Convenience Meets Flavor

The Instant Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta is not just quick; it’s a flavor powerhouse. The ability to sauté, pressure cook, and even keep the meal warm in one pot makes this a go-to for busy evenings. You can toss everything together without worrying about multiple pans and dishes piling up.

Perfectly Cooked Pasta

Thanks to the Instant Pot, the pasta cooks beautifully, absorbing all the flavors from the chicken and the sauce. You won’t have to worry about overcooking or undercooking the pasta. It’s a one-stop solution for a stress-free cooking experience.

Healthy Ingredients

This dish is packed with nutritious ingredients like baby spinach, hearty mushrooms, and lean chicken. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in some greens, especially for picky eaters. Plus, the heavy cream gives it that indulgent feel without being overly heavy.

Family-Friendly

Kids love pasta, and the creamy texture makes this dish appealing to all ages. You can easily modify the components to suit your family’s tastes. Adding extra veggies or adjusting the seasonings can make it your own!

Leftovers Made Easy

If you have any leftovers, they reheat beautifully in the Instant Pot or microwave. Just add a splash of water or extra stock to keep the sauce creamy and delicious. You can enjoy this meal again for lunch the next day!

Fun Variations

Feeling adventurous? You can alter the flavors by adding different spices or vegetables. Sun-dried tomatoes, for instance, could offer a delightful tanginess. The possibilities are endless!

What’s In This Instant Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta

When creating the Instant Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta, we focus on wholesome ingredients that complement each other perfectly. The combination of chicken, pasta, and vegetables in a creamy sauce is both satisfying and nutritious. Let’s dive into the star ingredients that make this dish shine.

2 teaspoons vegetable oil: This oil is perfect for sautéing the ingredients, adding a subtle richness to the dish.
2 tablespoons butter: Adds a creamy texture and rich flavor to the base of the sauce.
9 ounces button mushrooms (white or brown): These mushrooms provide an earthy depth and complementary texture.
2 chicken breasts (diced into 1-inch pieces): Lean protein that keeps the dish hearty and filling.
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the overall flavor profile.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors in the dish.
5 cloves garlic (crushed): Adds aromatic flavor and complements the chicken beautifully.
4 cups uncooked penne pasta: The pasta that soaks up the creamy sauce, making each bite a delight.
2 cups vegetable stock or chicken stock: The base of the sauce that infuses the pasta with flavor.
½ cup water: Helps ensure the pasta is submerged in liquid for even cooking.
½ cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce a luxurious creaminess that’s irresistible.
1 cup parmesan (grated): For that cheesy finish that ties all the flavors together.
4 cups baby spinach leaves (loosely packed): A fresh element that adds color and nutrition to the dish.

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta

Making this Instant Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta can be a fun and rewarding experience! I love how quickly everything comes together, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. Follow along with these steps to create your delicious meal.

Press on SAUTE on the Instant Pot, then add the vegetable oil and butter. Let the butter melt until it’s bubbly but not browned.
Add the button mushrooms and sauté them for a couple of minutes until they begin to brown slightly and release their moisture.
Next, add the diced chicken breasts, season with salt and Italian seasoning, and sauté for another couple of minutes until the chicken is no longer pink.
Now, add the crushed garlic and cook for about a minute, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Switch off the SAUTE setting to prevent burning. This step is crucial for maintaining the sauce’s creaminess.
Add the uncooked penne pasta to the pot, followed by the vegetable stock or chicken stock. Ensure the pasta is covered with liquid. If needed, add more water to ensure it’s fully submerged.
Seal the lid and set the vent to SEALING. Select the PRESSURE COOK or MANUAL setting and set the cooking time for 4 minutes on high pressure.
While the Instant Pot takes around 6 to 7 minutes to come to pressure, take this time to gather your garnishes. Prepare some extra parmesan for serving!
Once the cooking program ends, quickly release the steam by turning the vent to VENTING. Carefully remove the lid once the pressure has fully released.
Give the pasta and chicken a quick stir, then stir in the heavy cream and parmesan. If the cheese isn’t melting, it means the pasta isn’t hot enough. Simply switch on the SAUTE setting for a moment and stir until you achieve a creamy consistency.
If the sauce appears too liquidy, thicken it with a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, then adding it to the sauce while stirring until it thickens up to your liking.
Finally, add the baby spinach leaves and stir until they wilt, which should only take a minute.
Garnish with extra grated parmesan cheese and serve warm!

Things Worth Knowing

Cooking Pasta in the Instant Pot: The pressure cooking method works wonders for pasta. It absorbs flavors from the sauce, making it incredibly tasty.
Why Sauté First: Sautéing the ingredients before pressure cooking helps develop a rich flavor base.
Handling Dairy: Never pressure cook dairy. Add cream and cheese after the cooking process to avoid curdling.
Storing Leftovers: This dish reheats well, but you may need to add a splash of water or stock to maintain creaminess.
Experimenting with Ingredients: Feel free to customize the dish! Add veggies or try different seasonings to create your own version.

Tips for Success

Having some handy tips can elevate your cooking experience with this Instant Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta. Here are some insights to ensure perfect results every time!

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve flavor.
Freezing: You can freeze this pasta dish, but the cream sauce may change in texture. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.
Serving Suggestions: Pair it with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Adding Vegetables: Consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or asparagus for extra flavor and nutrients.
Cooking Variations: For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or substitute the chicken with shrimp!

How to Enjoy Instant Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta

Now that you’ve prepared your delicious Instant Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta, let’s talk about how to make the most of it!

Perfect for Weeknight Dinners: This dish is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It’s quick and satisfying!
Pair with Salads: Serve it alongside a crisp mixed greens salad for a refreshing contrast.
Lunch Leftovers: Take the leftovers to work for a delightful and filling lunch that will impress your colleagues.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil can elevate the presentation and flavor.
Seasonal Variations: Add seasonal vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes based on what’s fresh and available.
Comfort Food for All: This meal is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy night in.

FAQ

While fresh chicken is recommended for best results, you can use frozen chicken in the Instant Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta. However, you will need to adjust the cooking time. Generally, add a few extra minutes to ensure the chicken cooks thoroughly. Keep in mind that using frozen chicken may release more moisture, so make sure to monitor the sauce consistency.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. You can also consider serving it alongside steamed vegetables for extra nutrition. The creamy texture of the Instant Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta beautifully complements lighter sides, making your meal well-rounded and satisfying.

Absolutely! You can make the Instant Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta healthier by using whole grain pasta or swapping the heavy cream for a lighter alternative, like Greek yogurt or cashew cream. Additionally, adding more vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, can enhance the dish’s nutritional profile while maintaining its delicious flavors.

Leftovers of Instant Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or extra stock to keep the sauce creamy and avoid it becoming too thick. You can reheat it in the microwave or back in the Instant Pot.

Conclusion

The Instant Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that highlights the versatility of the Instant Pot. With its creamy sauce and tender chicken, it’s a meal that brings comfort to any table. I encourage you to try this recipe for your next family dinner or a cozy night in. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together and how much everyone will love it!

Instant Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta

The ultimate comfort food, Instant Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for an easy weeknight dinner. It’s packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a must-try tonight!

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 460 kcal

Equipment

Instant Pot

Ingredients

2 teaspoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons butter
9 ounces button mushrooms white or brown
2 pieces chicken breasts diced into 1-inch pieces
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
5 cloves garlic crushed
4 cups uncooked penne pasta
2 cups vegetable stock or chicken stock
½ cup water
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup parmesan grated
4 cups baby spinach leaves loosely packed

Instructions

Press on SAUTE on the Instant Pot, then add the vegetable oil and butter. Let the butter melt until it’s bubbly but not browned.
Add the button mushrooms and sauté them for a couple of minutes until they begin to brown slightly and release their moisture.
Next, add the diced chicken breasts, season with salt and Italian seasoning, and sauté for another couple of minutes until the chicken is no longer pink.
Now, add the crushed garlic and cook for about a minute, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Switch off the SAUTE setting to prevent burning. This step is crucial for maintaining the sauce's creaminess.
Add the uncooked penne pasta to the pot, followed by the vegetable stock or chicken stock. Ensure the pasta is covered with liquid. If needed, add more water to ensure it’s fully submerged.
Seal the lid and set the vent to SEALING. Select the PRESSURE COOK or MANUAL setting and set the cooking time for 4 minutes on high pressure.
While the Instant Pot takes around 6 to 7 minutes to come to pressure, take this time to gather your garnishes. Prepare some extra parmesan for serving!
Once the cooking program ends, quickly release the steam by turning the vent to VENTING. Carefully remove the lid once the pressure has fully released.
Give the pasta and chicken a quick stir, then stir in the heavy cream and parmesan. If the cheese isn't melting, it means the pasta isn't hot enough. Simply switch on the SAUTE setting for a moment and stir until you achieve a creamy consistency.
If the sauce appears too liquidy, thicken it with a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, then adding it to the sauce while stirring until it thickens up to your liking.
Finally, add the baby spinach leaves and stir until they wilt, which should only take a minute.
Garnish with extra grated parmesan cheese and serve warm!

Notes

Feel free to turn this into a dump and start recipe if you’re in a hurry. The flavors will be a bit milder though. Never pressure cook dairy as it might curdle. I recommend that you only add the cream after pressure cooking. You can add more seasonings to the chicken such as smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and/or chili flakes. Feel free to add sundried tomatoes. Just chop them up and add them in after pressure cooking as I did in my Instant Pot Tuscan chicken recipe. This is a lightened-up version of the chicken florentine and the sauce is still super creamy and delicious. I don’t recommend using whole chicken breasts in this recipe, as the cooking time won’t be enough to cook them and if you increase the cooking time then the pasta will be overcooked. Just dice the chicken into 1-inch pieces. This chicken pasta reheats beautifully in the Instant Pot, or in the microwave. You might need to add a splash of water to thin out the sauce a little.

Keyword Chicken Florentine Recipe, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Instant Pot Pasta, Quick Pasta Dinner