Indulge in the flavors of Olive Garden at home with this creamy and savory Instant Pot Garlic Tuscan Chicken. A taste of Italy in a single pot!

Deliciously Recreating the Olive Garden Experience: Instant Pot Tuscan Garlic Chicken

For anyone who’s ever savored the delights of Olive Garden, you know that their Tuscan Garlic Chicken is simply irresistible. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and aromatic herbs come together in a symphony of flavors that leave you craving more. However, life’s circumstances sometimes take us away from the places we love, and since we moved to the East Coast, the closest Olive Garden is now an hour away. Dining at our favorite Italian haven has become a rare treat, but that doesn’t mean we have to forgo the culinary pleasures it offers.

In my quest to satisfy our family’s cravings, I took it upon myself to recreate the magic of Olive Garden’s Tuscan Garlic Chicken at home. With my trusty Instant Pot, I embarked on a culinary journey to craft a perfect copycat recipe that would rival the original. The result was nothing short of extraordinary. Each bite brought back memories of laughter and camaraderie shared at the restaurant, evoking a sense of nostalgia that filled our hearts.

Aside from its unmatched taste, what makes this Instant Pot Tuscan Garlic Chicken even more special is the joy it brings to my family. Since we can’t frequent the Olive Garden as often as we’d like, I take delight in preparing this dish for them, knowing that I’m gifting them a piece of their cherished memories. As we gather around the dinner table, the atmosphere is filled with laughter and shared stories, just like the times we spent at the restaurant.

And the wonders of this recipe don’t end there. Leftovers become an even more delightful experience the next day. The flavors meld and intensify, turning each bite into a gustatory celebration. It’s almost as if the dish has a secret plan to surprise us twice, reminding us of the heartwarming evenings spent together.

Beyond my own family, I realized that this recipe could be a blessing for others as well. As my children went through college, budget constraints limited their visits to their favorite restaurants. In a moment of resourcefulness, we devised a solution when one of my college students was planning a special date night. The budget was tight, and dining out at their date’s favorite pasta house seemed out of reach. That’s when we introduced them to our Simple Tuscan Chicken recipe, which offered all the flavors of the pasta house at a fraction of the cost.

The date night turned into a wonderful cooking experience where they bonded over preparing the meal together. The kitchen became their cozy restaurant, and the meal they crafted was a testament to their care and affection for each other. They enjoyed a romantic dinner without any waiting in line or interruptions from waiters. It was an evening they both cherished, and they fondly referred to it as one of the best college dates they’d ever had.

So, as you embark on this culinary adventure with the Instant Pot Tuscan Garlic Chicken, remember that it’s not just about recreating a restaurant’s signature dish. It’s about creating lasting memories, bringing loved ones together, and savoring every moment shared over a plate of delicious comfort food.

Instant Pot Tuscan Garlic Chicken-Tastes Like Olive Garden

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Function and Time: Manual or Pressure Cook 3 minutes, sauté 5 minutes

Cook Time: 3 minutes

Release Method + Time: Quick Release

Total Time: 27 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 3/4 cup Chicken Broth
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp Italian Seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
• 2 Tbsp Cream Cheese
• 3/4 cup Parmesan Cheese, shredded
• 2 cups Fresh Spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes

Helpful Tips:

• For thinner and even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to about 1/2-inch thickness before seasoning.
• Use a protected surface while pounding the chicken to avoid damaging your kitchen counter.
• Quick Release is the recommended release method for this recipe to prevent overcooking the chicken.
• Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences.
• Serve this creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

How to Make Instant Pot Tuscan Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• Cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally, creating thinner cutlets.
• Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap on a protected surface.
• Using a pan or rolling pin, pound the chicken to about 1/2-inch thickness.
• Season the chicken with Italian Seasoning, salt, and minced garlic, pressing the seasonings into the chicken with your fingertips.

Step 2: Prepare the Instant Pot

• Turn on the Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function.
• Add the Olive Oil to the Instant Pot.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

• Add the prepared chicken to the Instant Pot and brown each side for about 20 seconds.
• Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and set it aside.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pot

• Pour the Chicken Broth into the Instant Pot, using a spatula to scrape any chicken pieces that may have stuck to the bottom.

Step 5: Pressure Cook the Chicken

• Place the lid on the Instant Pot and lock it into place.
• Turn the valve to the “sealing” position.
• Press the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and adjust the time to 3 minutes.
• The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure before cooking begins.

Step 6: Quick Release

• When the timer beeps, perform a Quick Release by carefully turning the valve to release the pressure.
• Keep your hands and face away from the steam to avoid burns.

Step 7: Prepare the Sauce

• Press the “Sauté” function again on the Instant Pot.
• Whisk in the Heavy Whipping Cream into the chicken broth, stirring to combine.
• Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add the Cream Cheese and shredded Parmesan Cheese, stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
• Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and chopped spinach, cooking just until the spinach wilts.

Step 8: Serve

• Serve the creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken over cooked pasta or with crusty bread to enjoy the delightful sauce.

With this recipe, you can now relish the tantalizing flavors of Olive Garden’s Tuscan Garlic Chicken without leaving the comfort of your home. Enjoy a restaurant-quality meal, and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe? Using frozen chicken breasts is not recommended for this recipe, as the cooking time might not be sufficient to ensure safe and thorough cooking. It is best to use fresh or thawed chicken breasts for the Instant Pot Tuscan Garlic Chicken.

2. Can I substitute the Heavy Whipping Cream with a lighter alternative? Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of Heavy Whipping Cream for a lighter version of the sauce. However, keep in mind that the sauce might not be as creamy and rich as with Heavy Whipping Cream.

3. What can I serve this Tuscan Garlic Chicken with besides pasta? This dish pairs well with a variety of sides. You can serve it with rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or even roasted vegetables for a low-carb option. Crusty bread is also a great accompaniment to soak up the flavorful sauce.

4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free or lactose-free? Yes, you can make some adjustments to accommodate dietary restrictions. You can use a dairy-free creamer or coconut milk instead of Heavy Whipping Cream, and a dairy-free cream cheese substitute. Additionally, consider using nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese for the cheesy flavor.

5. Can I make this recipe in a traditional stovetop pot instead of an Instant Pot? Yes, you can adapt this recipe for stovetop cooking. Brown the chicken in a large skillet over medium heat, then remove it and follow the same steps for the sauce, simmering it until it thickens. Finally, return the chicken to the sauce and cook until it’s fully cooked and tender.

6. How can I store leftovers? If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken and sauce in a microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if the sauce thickens too much upon reheating.

7. Can I freeze this Tuscan Garlic Chicken for later? While the dish can be frozen, the cream sauce might separate upon thawing and reheating, affecting the texture. If you decide to freeze it, store the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

8. How can I adjust the seasonings to suit my taste preferences? Feel free to experiment with the seasonings to tailor the flavors to your liking. You can add more garlic for a stronger garlic taste, or adjust the amount of Italian seasoning and salt based on your preferences.

9. Can I use other types of meat for this recipe? Absolutely! You can try this recipe with boneless, skinless chicken thighs, or even with pork tenderloin for a different twist. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the type and thickness of the meat.

10. Can I add other vegetables to the dish? Certainly! If you want to add more vegetables, consider bell peppers, mushrooms, or artichoke hearts. Simply sauté them with the garlic before adding the chicken broth to the Instant Pot.

Alternative Names for this Recipe:

1. Creamy Tuscan Chicken Delight
2. Olive Garden-Inspired Tuscan Garlic Chicken
3. Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce
4. Tuscan Garlic Chicken with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
5. Copycat Olive Garden Tuscan Chicken
6. Tuscan-Inspired Creamy Garlic Chicken
7. Easy Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken
8. One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken
9. Weeknight Tuscan Chicken Feast
10. Italian-Inspired Garlic Chicken with Creamy Sauce