If you’re looking for a rich, creamy, and flavor-packed dish that’s also super easy to make, this Instant Pot Creamy Italian Chicken is about to be your new go-to! Juicy, tender chicken is smothered in a luscious Italian-seasoned cream sauce, all made effortlessly in the Instant Pot.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or impressing guests with minimal effort. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with roasted veggies for a complete, satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Creamy Italian Chicken
Quick & Easy
Let the Instant Pot do all the work—just a few simple steps, and dinner is ready!
One-Pot Wonder
No messy dishes! Everything cooks in the same pot for easy cleanup.
Ultra-Creamy & Flavorful
A silky, herb-infused cream sauce coats every bite of tender chicken.
Family-Friendly
Mild yet flavorful, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.
Customizable
Want extra veggies? More spice? A lighter version? You can tweak it to your taste!
Ingredients in Instant Pot Creamy Italian Chicken
This dish comes together with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients:
Chicken Breasts: The main protein, cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot.
Italian Seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs and spices that brings out bold flavors.
Garlic & Onion: Adds depth and a savory kick to the dish.
Chicken Broth: Enhances the flavor and keeps the chicken moist and tender.
Heavy Cream: The key to the silky, luxurious sauce.
Cream Cheese: Gives the sauce extra richness and tang.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth to the creamy sauce.
Cornstarch Slurry: Helps thicken the sauce to restaurant-quality creaminess.
Spinach (Optional): A great way to add a nutritional boost and color.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes (Optional): Adds a touch of sweetness and tang for extra depth.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s make this easy, creamy, and comforting dish step by step:
Sauté the Aromatics
Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat a little oil. Add onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
Add the Chicken & Broth
Place chicken breasts in the pot, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, and pour in chicken broth.
Pressure Cook
Close the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and cook on High Pressure for [time]. Let it naturally release for 5 minutes, then quick release.
Shred the Chicken
Remove the cooked chicken and shred it using two forks.
Make the Creamy Sauce
Turn the pot back to Sauté mode. Stir in cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
Thicken the Sauce
Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. Let it simmer until thickened.
Combine & Serve
Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring to coat it in the creamy sauce. Serve warm over pasta, rice, or vegetables!
How to Serve Instant Pot Creamy Italian Chicken
This dish is versatile and pairs well with different sides:
- Pasta: Toss with fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti for a comforting meal.
- Rice: Spoon over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Roasted Veggies: Serve with asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini for a low-carb option.
- Mashed Potatoes: A dreamy combo of creamy chicken over buttery mashed potatoes!
- Low-Carb Alternative: Try it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Additional Tips
To make sure this dish turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Softened Cream Cheese: It melts better for a smooth sauce.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Instant Pot keeps it tender, but overcooking can dry it out.
- Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for extra heat.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese.
- Leftover Sauce? Use it as a delicious dip for bread or roasted veggies!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken?
A1: Yes! Increase the cook time by 5 minutes for frozen chicken breasts.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Store in an airtight container and reheat when ready to serve.
Q3: What if I don’t have heavy cream?
A3: Use half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk as a substitute.
Q4: Can I add vegetables?
A4: Yes! Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Q5: How do I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?
A5: Let it simmer longer or use a bit of grated Parmesan for natural thickening.
Q6: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A6: Warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals.
Q7: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A7: Yes! Thighs add more richness and flavor to the dish.
Q8: Is this keto-friendly?
A8: Yes! Just skip the cornstarch and serve over low-carb veggies.
Q9: Can I freeze this dish?
A9: Yes, but freeze without the cream sauce for best results. Add fresh cream when reheating.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! Just make sure your Instant Pot has enough space.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Creamy Italian Chicken is a must-try for busy nights when you want something comforting, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s a one-pot wonder that delivers big on taste with minimal effort. Try it tonight and enjoy the rich, velvety goodness—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Instant Pot Creamy Italian Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Instant Pot Creamy Italian Chicken is a rich, flavorful, and easy one-pot meal. Made with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and Italian herbs, it’s perfect for a healthy homemade dinner. Enjoy it over pasta, rice, or a low-carb option like cauliflower rice.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken:
- Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat olive oil.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- Deglaze the Pot:
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Pressure Cook:
- Add chicken back into the pot, followed by garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes.
- Seal the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to Sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes.
- Once done, let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes, then quick release.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Stir in cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add spinach, stirring until wilted.
- Finish & Serve:
- Slice or shred the chicken and return it to the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve over pasta, rice, or a low-carb alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg