Description
A rich and creamy chicken dish made quickly in the Instant Pot, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil)
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
- ½ cup cottage cheese (120 g), blended until smooth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 50 g)
- 1 cup chicken broth (240 ml)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, thyme blend)
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, optional pinch
Instructions
- Pat dry the chicken breasts and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and heat olive oil until shimmering. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir for 2 minutes to release flavors.
- Place seasoned chicken breasts into the pot and sear each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown but not cooked through.
- Pour chicken broth around the chicken (not directly on top). Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then switch the valve to venting and carefully open the lid. Check that the chicken is cooked through (165°F/75°C). If needed, cook for 2-3 more minutes.
- Remove chicken and set aside. Switch the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and stir in heavy cream, blended cottage cheese, grated Parmesan, and fresh spinach.
- Cook, stirring frequently, until spinach wilts and sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Return chicken to the pot, spoon sauce over, and warm together for 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning and add red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve hot over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or spiralized veggies.
Notes
Don’t rush the searing process for better flavor. Adjust sauce thickness with chicken broth based on preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 130mg