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- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 cup orzo pasta - 4 cups fresh spinach - 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Gather these ingredients to create a rich, creamy dish. The chicken provides a good base. The sun-dried tomatoes add depth and a slight sweetness. Fresh spinach gives color and nutrients. The creamy components make the dish smooth and comforting. You can choose heavy cream or coconut milk based on your diet. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a nice salty flavor. Don't forget the basil for a fresh finish! - Preheat the Instant Pot and heat oil: Start by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add one tablespoon of olive oil and let it heat up. - Sauté the onions until tender: Dice one small onion and add it to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes until it turns soft and clear. - Add garlic and sauté briefly: Mince three cloves of garlic, then add them to the pot. Sauté for about 30 seconds. You want it fragrant but not burnt. - Brown the chicken pieces in the pot: Cut one pound of boneless, skinless chicken into small pieces. Add them to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes. Make sure they get a nice brown color. - Season with salt and pepper: Sprinkle some salt and pepper over the chicken. This helps to enhance the flavor. - Mix in sun-dried tomatoes and seasoning: Chop one cup of sun-dried tomatoes. Add them to the pot along with one teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir until everything is well mixed. - Pour in chicken broth and orzo pasta: Carefully add four cups of chicken broth to the pot. Then, add one cup of orzo pasta. Stir to ensure the orzo is submerged in the liquid. - Secure the lid and set for high pressure: Close the lid of the Instant Pot. Turn the valve to sealing. Set it to cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. - Perform quick release after cooking: Once the time is up, carefully turn the valve to venting. Let the steam escape fully before opening the lid. - Add spinach and cream, stir until combined: Take four cups of fresh spinach and fold it into the dish. Then, pour in one cup of heavy cream (or coconut milk). Stir until everything is creamy. - Adjust seasoning and let thicken: Taste the dish and add more salt or pepper if needed. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken and mix flavors. To get the best flavor in your dish, brown the chicken evenly. This step adds depth to the taste. Don't skip the quick release after cooking. This method keeps the orzo creamy and prevents it from becoming mushy. You can make this dish more exciting by trying different herbs. Thyme and oregano work well to boost the flavor. A splash of lemon juice adds brightness and makes the dish pop. It balances the richness of the cream. Always follow your Instant Pot's instructions for safety. This keeps your cooking safe and successful. Use the sauté function to enhance flavors before pressure cooking. It helps build a rich base for your creamy orzo. {{image_4}} You can swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu. This option is great for vegetarians. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice flavor. Tofu absorbs the sauce well, making it tasty. You can also use turkey or other types of poultry. This gives you more ways to enjoy this dish. Looking for a dairy-free option? Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese. This keeps the creamy taste while being dairy-free. You can also make a low-carb version. Just swap orzo with zucchini noodles for a fresh twist. Want to add more veggies? Try mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas. These add color and nutrition to the dish. You can also boost the health factor with greens like kale. They blend well and enhance the creamy sauce. Adding veggies makes your meal more filling and fun! You can refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors fresh. If you want to store the dish longer, freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers. To reheat, use the microwave in short intervals. Check often to avoid overheating. You can also heat it on the stove. Adding a splash of broth while reheating helps keep the dish moist. Avoid freezing cream-based dishes until you are ready to eat. This helps maintain texture and flavor. Enjoy leftovers promptly for the best taste and texture. The sooner you eat them, the better they will be! Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Just prepare it and store in the fridge or freezer. This makes it easy to enjoy later. If you don't have orzo, try using quinoa or rice. Both options work well and still give you that comforting texture. To add some heat, sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes or toss in diced jalapeños. Adjust the amount to your taste. You can use fresh tomatoes if you prefer. Just remember to adjust the cooking time and liquid to match. Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep. Simply store it in portions for easy weekday meals. This guide covered how to make a tasty Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo. You learned about key ingredients like chicken, orzo, and creamy components. We explored step-by-step cooking tips and variations for your taste. Remember, you can mix in different proteins or veggies for fun twists. Storing leftovers correctly helps keep the flavor fresh. Enjoy experimenting with this versatile dish. It’s simple, satisfying, and sure to please!

Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

Discover the mouthwatering flavors of creamy Tuscan chicken orzo with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes! This easy Instant Pot recipe combines tender chicken, rich cream, and fresh ingredients for a comforting meal ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy nights, it's sure to please the whole family. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner game today!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup orzo pasta

4 cups fresh spinach

1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for a dairy-free option)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the Instant Pot: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and allow it to heat up. Once hot, add the olive oil.

    Sauté the Onions: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and tender.

      Add Garlic: Incorporate the minced garlic into the pot and sauté for another 30 seconds, allowing it to become fragrant without burning.

        Brown the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned on the edges.

          Mix in Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with the Italian seasoning, mixing well to ensure the flavors meld.

            Add Broth and Pasta: Carefully pour the chicken broth into the pot, followed by the orzo pasta. Stir thoroughly, ensuring that the orzo is fully submerged in the liquid.

              Cook Under Pressure: Secure the lid of the Instant Pot, turn the valve to sealing, and set it to cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.

                Release Pressure: Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve to venting. Wait until the steam has fully escaped, then open the lid cautiously.

                  Incorporate Spinach and Cream: Gently fold in the fresh spinach, letting it wilt from the residual heat. Pour in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.

                    Allow to Thicken: Let the dish sit for a few minutes to thicken up and intensify the flavors before serving.

                      Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy chicken orzo in individual bowls, topped with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This adds a pop of color and enhances the dish's appeal. Enjoy your creamy, flavorful creation!