These Creamy Italian Instant Pot Chicken Breasts are moist, flavorful, and ready in minutes! Tender chicken breasts are coated in a creamy sauce made with chicken broth, cream, Italian herbs, and roasted red peppers. This dish is perfect for a quick and delicious dinner.

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

• 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1/3 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
• 2 tablespoons basil pesto
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2/3 cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch

Directions

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, roasted red peppers, basil pesto, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
   
2. Sear the Chicken (Optional): Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Once hot, add a drizzle of oil and sear the chicken breasts for about 2 minutes on each side until lightly golden. This step adds flavor but is optional. Be careful not to overcook.
   
3. Add Chicken and Sauce: Place the chicken on the trivet inside the Instant Pot (or directly in the pot if not using a trivet). Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken.
   
4. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing. Select Manual or Pressure Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. The Instant Pot will take about 10 minutes to build pressure before the timer starts. If you did not sear the chicken, add 2-3 minutes to the cook time. For frozen chicken, add 4-5 minutes.
   
5. Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, turn off the Instant Pot and allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure and open the lid.
   
6. Remove Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken breasts and set them aside on a cutting board or serving platter.
   
7. Thicken the Sauce: Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode. In a small bowl, mix together the heavy cream and cornstarch until smooth. Stir this mixture into the sauce in the Instant Pot. Cook, stirring continuously, for 3-4 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
   
8. Serve: Return the chicken breasts to the pot to coat with the sauce, or serve the sauce drizzled over the chicken. This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or vegetables.
   

Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 222g)
• Calories: 1673
• Total Fat: 102.7g
  • Saturated Fat: 31.8g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 41.1g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 20.8g
• Cholesterol: 624.1mg
• Sodium: 591.7mg
• Potassium: 1813.7mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 6.5g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0.4g
  • Sugars: 6.1g
• Protein: 169.3g

Why Choose an Instant Pot for Cooking Chicken?

The Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking by reducing the time needed to prepare meals while enhancing the flavors and tenderness of ingredients. When it comes to chicken breasts, which can easily become dry when overcooked, the Instant Pot locks in moisture and creates a consistently juicy texture. Additionally, the high-pressure environment intensifies the infusion of seasonings and sauces, ensuring every bite is full of flavor. One of the biggest advantages of using an Instant Pot is its versatility. From sautéing ingredients to pressure cooking and thickening sauces, this multi-functional appliance simplifies the entire cooking process, minimizing the need for multiple pots and pans. This not only reduces cooking time but also makes cleanup easier.

Flavor Profile of Creamy Italian Chicken Breasts

The beauty of this recipe lies in its well-balanced flavors. The combination of basil pesto, roasted red peppers, and Italian seasoning brings a robust, slightly sweet, and herby taste to the dish. The addition of heavy cream adds richness, while the garlic and black pepper introduce a subtle spiciness. For those who enjoy bold flavors, this dish can be easily customized by adding ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes, capers, or even a splash of white wine to enhance the sauce’s depth. The creamy sauce pairs exceptionally well with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables, making it a versatile option for various meal pairings.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes

This creamy Italian chicken is incredibly versatile, allowing you to pair it with a wide range of sides to create a complete meal. Here are a few excellent options:

• Pasta: A bed of fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti complements the creamy sauce beautifully. Tossing the pasta in a bit of the sauce before serving ensures that every bite is flavorful.
• Rice: White rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice can soak up the delicious sauce, making for a satisfying meal.
• Mashed Potatoes: The smooth and buttery texture of mashed potatoes pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, green beans, or zucchini provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
• Garlic Bread: A slice of crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of the flavorful sauce.

Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some ways to customize the dish:

• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative such as cashew cream.
• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to give the dish some heat.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in a handful of grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese for an extra layer of richness.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve the chicken with spiralized zucchini noodles or a side of roasted cauliflower instead of pasta or rice.
• Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to bring additional aromatic elements to the dish.

Health Benefits of This Dish

This recipe is not only delicious but also provides several health benefits:

• High in Protein: Chicken breasts are an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and overall health.
• Rich in Healthy Fats: The heavy cream and basil pesto contain healthy fats that support brain function and heart health.
• Low in Carbohydrates: When paired with low-carb sides, this dish can be a great option for those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet.
• Packed with Antioxidants: The roasted red peppers provide vitamin C and antioxidants that help boost the immune system.

Tips for Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, this dish stores well and can be enjoyed later with minimal effort. Here’s how to properly store and reheat it:

• Refrigeration: Store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm the dish on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore its consistency. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.

Conclusion

Creamy Italian Instant Pot Chicken Breasts are a perfect example of how quick and easy cooking can still result in a gourmet-quality meal. With its rich, creamy sauce and deeply infused Italian flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite in any home kitchen. The Instant Pot not only reduces cooking time but also ensures that the chicken remains tender and juicy, making it a reliable method for achieving consistently delicious results.