Instant Pot Tomato Pesto Chicken Recipe: An Easy Family Dinner

Hey friends! If you need a quick, delicious meal packed with flavor, you HAVE to try this Instant Pot Tomato Pesto Chicken Recipe! It’s creamy, savory, and perfect for busy nights when you need dinner FAST. Bonus? The kids LOVE it!

✨ What You’ll Need:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs!)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups tomato sauce
• ½ cup pesto sauce
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth (adds extra flavor!)
• 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or spaghetti work great!)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional but highly recommended 😉)
• Fresh basil for garnish (if you’re feeling fancy!)

⏳ How to Make It:

① Sauté & Season:
Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then toss in the minced garlic—let it get fragrant (about 30 seconds). Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Sear both sides for about 2 minutes per side.

② Sauce It Up:
Pour in the tomato sauce, pesto sauce, and chicken broth. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.

③ Pressure Cook:
Cancel Sauté mode, close the lid, and set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook (Manual) on High for 50 minutes. (If using frozen chicken, increase to 55 minutes.)

④ Quick Release & Shred:
Once the timer beeps, do a quick release (carefully turn the valve to venting). Shred the chicken right in the pot using two forks.

⑤ Cook the Pasta:
Add the noodles directly into the sauce and chicken mixture. Set the Instant Pot back to Sauté mode and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender. (If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth!)

⑥ Final Touch:
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce. Garnish with fresh basil, serve hot, and ENJOY!

Instant Pot Tomato Pesto Chicken Recipe: An Easy Family Dinne

Recipe by Jeena Wilder

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp pepper

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 ½ cups tomato sauce

• ½ cup pesto sauce

• 1 ½ cups chicken broth

• 8 oz pasta

• ½ cup Parmesan cheese

• Fresh basil for garnish

Directions

• Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode, add olive oil and garlic, then sauté for 30 seconds.
• Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Sear for 2 minutes per side.
• Add tomato sauce, pesto, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
• Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook (High) for 50 minutes (55 minutes if using frozen chicken).
• Do a quick release, then shred the chicken in the pot.
• Add pasta, set to Sauté mode, and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add broth if needed.
• Stir in Parmesan cheese, garnish with fresh basil, and serve hot.

💡 Pro Tip: Want it extra creamy? Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese at the end!

This Instant Pot Tomato Pesto Chicken is the perfect quick and delicious meal for busy nights. With its creamy sauce, bold flavors, and easy one-pot preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try, and don’t forget to tag me—I’d love to see your creations!😍💛
#InstantPotRecipes #EasyDinners #TomatoPestoChicken