Dive into the rich and comforting Flavors of Tuscany with this quick and easy Pressure-Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta. This recipe combines tender chicken, hearty pasta, and a creamy Tuscan-inspired sauce, all cooked to perfection in your trusty pressure cooker. Get ready to indulge in a delicious Italian-inspired meal that’s ready in a flash!
Table of Contents
Tuscan chicken pasta recipe video
Tuscan chicken pasta ingredients and instructions:
Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts weighing 1 pound (450 grams), diced.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning blend
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120ml) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup (120ml) grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces (225g) penne pasta
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Switch your pressure cooker to sauté mode and pour in the olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook until they’re nicely browned on all sides. Take out the chicken and place it aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until it turns translucent. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and paprika, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Liquid and Tomatoes
Pour in the chicken broth and deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and stir well.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Return the browned chicken to the pot. Close and lock the lid of the pressure cooker. Set it to high pressure and cook for 4 minutes.
Step 5: Quick Release and Add Pasta
When the cooking time is complete, use the quick-release valve to release the pressure. Carefully open the lid and add the penne pasta, making sure it’s submerged in the liquid.
Step 6: Cook Pasta
Close and lock the lid again. Set the pressure cooker to high pressure and cook for an additional 6 minutes.
Step 7: Finish with Cream and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
After the cooking time, do a quick release again. Open the lid and stir in the heavy cream and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 8: Add Cheese and Seasoning
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed.
Step 9: Serve
Spoon the Pressure-Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta into bowls. Top it off with fresh basil leaves and an additional dusting of Parmesan cheese.
Step 10: Enjoy
Serve hot, accompanied by a crisp salad or a slice of crusty bread.
Note: Customize this recipe by adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
This Pressure-Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a surefire way to impress your taste buds with its creamy, hearty goodness. Buon appetite!
Tuscan chicken pasta nutrition information:
| Nutrition Facts | Amount per Serving |
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
| Calories | 580 |
| Total Fat | 32g |
| – Saturated Fat | 14g |
| – Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 140mg |
| Sodium | 840mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 41g |
| – Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| – Sugars | 6g |
| Protein | 36g |
| Vitamin D | 2mcg |
| Calcium | 450mg |
| Iron | 4mg |
| Potassium | 760mg |
Tuscan chicken pasta health benefits
- Lean Protein: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, supporting muscle health and providing essential vitamins and minerals.
- Antioxidants: Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, which benefit skin health and boost immunity.
- Heart Health: Olive oil contains healthy fats and antioxidants that support heart health and reduce inflammation.
- Bone Health: Parmesan cheese is high in calcium, essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
- Energy Booster: Penne pasta provides carbohydrates, a key source of energy, and contains fiber to aid digestion.
- Healthy Fats: Olive oil and heavy cream provide essential fats that are important for brain function and hormone production.
- Immune Support: Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties due to its antibacterial and antiviral benefits.
- Eye Health: Tomatoes contain lycopene, which supports eye health and may help prevent age-related eye conditions.
- Mineral Rich: Chicken broth provides minerals like potassium and phosphorus, which are crucial for various bodily functions.
- Muscle Function: The protein in chicken and Parmesan cheese supports muscle repair and growth.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to eat.
Reheat and Reuse Instructions
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Place the pasta in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce, and heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Place a portion of pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.
Reuse Ideas:
- Tuscan Chicken Bake: Transfer leftover pasta to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and golden.
- Pasta Salad: Turn leftovers into a pasta salad by adding fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Soup Addition: Add the leftover pasta to a pot of chicken broth along with some fresh vegetables for a hearty soup.
Enjoy your delicious and comforting Tuscan Chicken Pasta!
FAQ’s
What is Tuscan chicken sauce made of?
1. Heavy Cream: This forms the creamy foundation of the sauce, giving it a rich, luxurious texture.
2. Garlic: Adds a robust, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
3. Parmesan Cheese: Melts seamlessly into the sauce, providing a savory, cheesy depth.
4. Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Infuse the sauce with a sweet and tangy burst of flavor, along with a touch of umami.
5. Spinach: Brings a pop of color and a nutritious boost to the sauce.
6. Chicken Broth: Helps to thin out the sauce while contributing additional savory notes.
7. Italian Herbs: A blend of basil, oregano, and thyme infuses the sauce with classic Tuscan flavors.
Together, these ingredients create a creamy, savory, and slightly tangy sauce that perfectly complements juicy, tender chicken. The result is a comforting and delicious dish brimming with Tuscan-inspired flavors.
What kind of pasta is Tuscan?
Tuscan pasta refers to dishes inspired by the flavors and ingredients of Tuscany, a beautiful region in central Italy known for its rustic and hearty cuisine. While there’s no single type of pasta that’s exclusively Tuscan, certain pasta dishes and shapes are commonly associated with Tuscan cooking:
1. Pappardelle: These are broad, flat ribbons of pasta often used in Tuscan cuisine. They pair wonderfully with rich, meaty sauces, such as wild boar ragu or other hearty meat-based sauces.
2. Tagliatelle: Similar to pappardelle but slightly narrower, tagliatelle is another popular pasta shape in Tuscany. It’s often served with a variety of sauces, from creamy mushroom sauces to classic meat ragus.
3. Ravioli: In Tuscany, ravioli are often filled with ricotta cheese and spinach, known as “ravioli nudi” or “gnudi.” These delicate dumplings are typically served with a simple butter and sage sauce or a light tomato sauce.
4. Pici: This is a thick, hand-rolled pasta similar to spaghetti but more rustic and hearty. Pici is a traditional Tuscan pasta that pairs well with robust sauces like garlic and tomato, or with rich game meat sauces.
5. Lasagna: Tuscan lasagna often includes layers of pasta sheets with rich meat sauces, béchamel, and sometimes vegetables like spinach. It’s a comforting and delicious dish that’s perfect for gatherings.
These pasta shapes and dishes reflect the simplicity and richness of Tuscan cuisine, focusing on fresh, high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Whether it’s a hearty meat sauce or a delicate cheese filling, Tuscan pasta dishes are known for their comforting flavors and satisfying textures.
What pasta is famous in Italy?
Italy is renowned for its diverse and delicious pasta dishes, with each region boasting its own specialties. Some of the most famous types of pasta that have become beloved around the world include:
1. Spaghetti: Perhaps the most iconic Italian pasta, spaghetti are long, thin noodles that pair perfectly with a variety of sauces. Classic dishes include spaghetti carbonara, spaghetti alla puttanesca, and, of course, spaghetti with marinara sauce.
2. Penne: These short, tube-shaped pastas are popular for their ability to hold onto sauce in their ridges. Penne alla vodka and penne arrabbiata are popular dishes featuring this pasta.
3. Fettuccine: Flat and thick noodles, fettuccine are often served with rich, creamy sauces. Fettuccine Alfredo, with its creamy Parmesan sauce, is a well-known dish featuring this pasta.
4. Lasagna: Wide, flat pasta sheets are layered with meat sauce, béchamel, and cheese to create this hearty and comforting dish. Lasagna Bolognese, from the Emilia-Romagna region, is particularly famous.
5. Ravioli: These square or circular pasta pockets are typically filled with ricotta cheese, spinach, or meat. Ravioli are often served with a light tomato sauce, sage butter, or in a broth.
6. Tortellini: Small, ring-shaped pasta traditionally stuffed with a mixture of meat, cheese, or vegetables. Tortellini are commonly served in a rich broth or with a creamy sauce.
7. Linguine: Similar to spaghetti but slightly flatter, linguine is often paired with seafood. Linguine alle vongole (with clams) is a classic dish that highlights this pasta.
8. Tagliatelle: These ribbon-like noodles are similar to fettuccine but slightly narrower. They are famously served with a hearty Bolognese sauce.
9. Orecchiette: Meaning “little ears” in Italian, these small, ear-shaped pasta pieces are traditionally served with broccoli rabe and sausage or with a simple tomato sauce.
10. Gnocchi: While technically not a pasta, these potato-based dumplings are a staple in Italian cuisine. They are often served with a variety of sauces, from simple butter and sage to rich meat sauces.
These are just a few examples of the many types of pasta that are famous in Italy, each offering a unique texture and flavor profile that makes Italian cuisine so beloved worldwide.