Instant Pot® Chicken Florentine Pasta

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This is a family favorite that I've adapted for the Instant Pot®!

Submitted by Melanie
Updated on January 14, 2022
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
30 mins
Additional Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
50 mins
Servings:
8
Yield:
8 servings
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings

  • 1 ½ pounds cubed boneless chicken breast

  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, or to taste

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • ½ medium onion, finely chopped

  • 1 (16 ounce) package whole grain penne pasta

  • 1 (10 ounce) bag baby spinach leaves

  • 2 cups water, or as needed

  • 1 pint heavy whipping cream

  • 2 ½ tablespoons basil pesto

  • 6 ounces grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

  1. Place chicken in a bowl and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Stir until coated.

  2. Turn on a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot®), add olive oil, and select Saute function. Add seasoned chicken to the hot oil and saute, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes. Add onion and continue to saute until chicken is no longer pink in the center, about 5 minutes longer. Stir to scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pot.

  3. Pour dry pasta on top of chicken and add water just until pasta is barely covered. Place spinach on top of pasta and cancel Saute function.

  4. Close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 1 minute. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.

  5. Release pressure carefully using the quick-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid, and stir to combine ingredients.

  6. Switch to Saute function. Add whipping cream and then add basil pesto; stir to combine. Stir in Parmesan cheese and close the lid. Cook, covered, until cheese melts, about 5 minutes. Remove lid, stir to combine, and serve.

Cook's Note:

I used a 6-quart Instant Pot(R).

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

559 Calories
36g Fat
24g Carbs
34g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 559
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 36g 47%
Saturated Fat 19g 95%
Cholesterol 150mg 50%
Sodium 588mg 26%
Total Carbohydrate 24g 9%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 34g 68%
Vitamin C 11mg 12%
Calcium 356mg 27%
Iron 2mg 11%
Potassium 447mg 10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.