How to Make Pesto Pasta Chicken Florentine in the Instant Pot

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A Quick and Easy Guide to Making Pesto Pasta Chicken Florentine in Your Instant Pot

Creating a dish that merges the creamy richness of Pesto Pasta with the savory notes of Chicken Florentine, all made in the convenience of your Instant Pot, sounds like a weeknight dinner dream come true. If you’re eyeing to infuse some joy and deliciousness into your dinner routine without spending hours in the kitchen, you’re in for a treat. This guide walks you through whipping up Pesto Pasta Chicken Florentine—a dish that promises to be a hit at the dinner table, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get started, let’s gather our ingredients. For this recipe, you’ll need:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup basil pesto
• 1 lb pasta (I prefer penne, but feel free to use your favorite)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Chicken: Start by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add the olive oil and let it heat up. Once hot, add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until they’re browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

2. Add the Pasta and Broth: Next, add the pasta and chicken broth to the pot. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the broth.

3. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set it to pressure cook on high for 5 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release for any remaining pressure.

4. Add the Remaining Ingredients: After the pressure has fully released, remove the lid and stir in the pesto, spinach, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. The heat from the pasta and chicken will wilt the spinach and melt the cheese, creating a creamy, flavorful sauce.

5. Serve and Enjoy: Give everything a good stir to combine, then serve your Pesto Pasta Chicken Florentine hot, with extra Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

With a few simple steps, your Instant Pot transforms pantry staples into a dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl. Pesto Pasta Chicken Florentine is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavor, ease, and the joy of cooking. Whether for a busy weeknight or a casual dinner party, this dish promises to impress without stress. Give it a try and watch as it becomes a beloved favorite in your culinary repertoire.