Instant Pot Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Chicken Cacciatore: A Quick & Allergy-Friendly Weeknight Meal

Thank you Modern Table for sponsoring this post. This delicious, complete protein pasta is made from just three plant-based ingredients — empowering you to eat clean and stay nourished with Modern Table pasta!

Are you constantly on the lookout for a hearty, flavorful meal that’s incredibly easy to prepare, even on the busiest weeknights? Look no further! This Instant Pot Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Chicken Cacciatore recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s a true culinary marvel designed for anyone needing a quick, wholesome dinner that effortlessly caters to common dietary restrictions without ever compromising on taste. Imagine the convenience of starting with frozen chicken breasts – yes, you heard that right, no thawing required! – and in a remarkably short time, ending up with a rich, saucy Chicken Cacciatore that’s not only perfect for tonight’s dinner but also generous enough to provide a convenient freezer meal for another hectic evening. This truly is a one-pot wonder crafted to simplify your cooking routine while nourishing your entire family with delicious, home-cooked goodness.

Beyond its unparalleled convenience, this Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore stands out for being remarkably allergy-friendly. We deeply understand the daily challenges of preparing meals for loved ones managing various food sensitivities. That’s precisely why this recipe has been meticulously developed to be free of the top common allergens, offering peace of mind at mealtime. It contains no wheat, dairy, egg, soy, peanuts, or tree nuts. Moreover, for those who prefer or require a plant-based option, we’ve thoughtfully included easy-to-follow notes on how to adapt this delicious dish into a delightful meat-free version. This ensures that every single person at your table can confidently enjoy a comforting, flavorful, and worry-free meal together.

Embrace Healthy Eating with Effortless Instant Pot Cooking

Let’s be honest: consistently sticking to healthier eating goals can often feel like an uphill battle, especially when life throws a barrage of demanding activities your way. But what if one single, incredibly delicious, and comforting recipe could genuinely help you stay on track, even if it’s just for one more night? This Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore is meticulously designed to do precisely that. It takes a beloved, rustic Italian classic and brilliantly transforms it into a healthier, significantly simpler version that integrates seamlessly into even the most chaotic lifestyle. This recipe is a testament to the fact that wholesome, home-cooked meals don’t have to be complicated, time-consuming, or stressful to prepare.

Traditional chicken cacciatore preparations often involve dredging chicken pieces in flour and then pan-frying them to achieve a crispy exterior before allowing them to simmer leisurely in a rich sauce. While this method can undeniably yield a delicious result, it also tends to be quite messy, requires extra cleanup, consumes more time, and is, of course, entirely unsuitable for individuals with gluten allergies or intolerances. Our innovative Instant Pot rendition eliminates all of these concerns! By harnessing the incredible magic of pressure cooking, we’re able to create a truly one-pot, healthier version that masterfully locks in flavors and tenderness without any need for frying or the dreaded pile of extra dishes. This streamlined approach not only makes cleanup an absolute breeze but also guarantees that the entire meal remains completely gluten-free from start to finish, perfectly aligning with modern dietary needs and preferences.

What Exactly is Chicken Cacciatore? A Rustic Italian Delight for Your Table

For those who might be new to the wonderful world of chicken cacciatore, prepare yourselves for an absolute treat! This universally beloved Italian dish, whose name literally translates to “hunter’s style” chicken, perfectly encapsulates the essence of a rustic, profoundly hearty meal. Historically, it was often prepared with whatever fresh ingredients a hunter might gather from the field or forest. When you envision chicken cacciatore, think of a rich, deeply savory ragu-like sauce that’s positively bursting with succulent, tender chicken pieces, beautifully aromatic vegetables such as vibrant bell peppers, sweet onions, and earthy mushrooms. All these delicious components are lovingly slow-cooked (or, in our case, pressure-cooked to perfection) in a robust, tangy tomato base, infused with a medley of classic Italian herbs. It’s a flavor profile that’s both complex and comforting. My own children, in their wonderfully endearing way, sometimes affectionately refer to it as “chicken spaghetti,” a simple nickname that perfectly captures its comforting, saucy nature and its utterly delicious pairing with a hearty pasta. It’s undeniably a dish that warms the soul, satisfies even the most discerning palates, and brings a touch of Italian tradition to your family table.

The Instant Pot Advantage: From Frozen to Flavorful in Minutes

One of the most remarkable and undeniably life-changing benefits of the Instant Pot, particularly invaluable for those notoriously busy weeknights, is its extraordinary ability to flawlessly handle frozen ingredients. Have you ever found yourself at dinner time, staring blankly at a rock-solid block of chicken, realizing you completely forgot to thaw the meat? With this recipe, that moment of panic becomes a thing of the past! Absolutely no thawing is required! This recipe brilliantly leverages the Instant Pot’s incredible efficiency to transform those frozen chicken breasts into perfectly shredded, astonishingly soft, and tender chicken in less than half an hour. This feature alone is nothing short of a lifesaver, effectively eliminating the stress of last-minute meal planning and empowering you to conjure up spontaneous, delicious, and healthy dinners whenever the craving strikes. It truly is the ultimate kitchen hack for those moments when time is undeniably short, but the desire for a homemade, nourishing meal is strong and unwavering.

Once your chicken has achieved its perfect tenderness, the Instant Pot continues its magic, effortlessly bringing together a magnificent symphony of flavors. We layer in generous amounts of wonderfully fragrant spices: the earthy depth of thyme, the pungent aroma of rosemary (lightly crushed to release its oils), the irresistible savoriness of garlic, and the classic warmth of oregano. These aromatic herbs and spices then mingle harmoniously with a sophisticated splash of red cooking wine and an abundance of rich, crushed tomatoes, forming the very heart of the sauce. The incredible result is a thick, robust, and profoundly flavorful sauce – a true culinary masterpiece that’s perfectly ready to be ladled generously over your chosen pasta. The pressure cooking method is instrumental here, as it intensely infuses every single ingredient with deep, complex flavors, creating a rich tapestry of taste that typically requires hours of simmering on a stovetop, all achieved in just a fraction of the time. This makes sophisticated flavors accessible even on the most hurried evenings.

Elevating Your Meal with Modern Table Complete Protein Pasta

Now, let’s turn our attention to the quintessential accompaniment for this magnificent sauce: pasta. If your ultimate goal is to truly embrace healthier eating habits and maximize nutritional value, simply reaching for just any gluten-free pasta might not fully achieve your objectives. The truth is, many conventional gluten-free pastas currently on the market are predominantly crafted from simple starches like corn or rice, often offering very little in terms of nutritional substance beyond basic carbohydrates. This is precisely where Modern Table’s revolutionary lentil-based pastas not only shine but truly redefine what gluten-free pasta can be. They are a game-changer for profoundly elevating your entire meal’s nutritional profile, transforming a simple side into a powerhouse of health.

So, what exactly makes Modern Table pasta so exceptionally outstanding and truly unique in the world of gluten-free options? A key factor is that all of their plain pastas are expertly crafted from lentils, providing a complete protein. This isn’t merely a trendy buzzword; it’s a significant nutritional advantage. A complete protein means that these pastas naturally contain all nine essential amino acids that our bodies critically need for optimal health and functioning. These vital amino acids play indispensable roles in supporting robust energy levels throughout the day, ensuring efficient and healthy digestion, and maintaining strong, resilient muscle health. Consequently, with every comforting and delicious bite of this Chicken Cacciatore, you’re not just benefiting from the lean protein found in the chicken, but you’re also receiving a substantial, high-quality protein boost directly from the lentils in the pasta itself. It’s the perfect, synergistic combination designed to thoroughly satisfy hungry, actively growing children and energetic adults alike, guaranteeing sustained energy, prolonged satiety, and superior nutritional intake from every forkful.

As a parent who is constantly navigating the complexities of food allergies within my own family, I frequently receive inquiries and requests for my top pasta recommendations. With my son’s specific wheat allergy and my husband’s significant gluten intolerance, discovering truly suitable, delicious, and genuinely nutritious pasta options can often feel like a formidable challenge. Modern Table pasta has emerged as an absolutely fantastic solution for our family, and I believe it will be for yours too, particularly for those readers who also need to meticulously avoid corn, which is a surprisingly common ingredient found in many other gluten-free pasta alternatives. What’s more, Modern Table’s plain pastas proudly boast an incredibly clean and minimalist ingredient list, featuring only three simple, wholesome plant-based components. They are proudly certified vegan, non-GMO, and rigorously tested to ensure they are completely gluten-free, providing unparalleled peace of mind and exceptional nutrition all in one convenient package. This commitment to clean, allergen-friendly ingredients makes Modern Table a brand you can trust for your family’s health and dietary needs.

Smart Meal Prep: Feed Your Family Today and Enjoy Effortless Meals Later!

One of the absolute best and most appreciated aspects of this Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore recipe is its incredibly generous yield – it truly produces a literal TON of deliciousness! This single recipe makes enough to comfortably and heartily feed our family, consisting of two adults and three small children, with plenty of savory leftovers specifically designed to freeze for another inevitably busy night. This inherent generosity makes it an absolutely ideal choice for intelligent meal prepping, providing you with a healthy, homemade dinner that’s ready to go whenever life inevitably gets hectic and the thought of cooking from scratch feels like an overwhelming impossibility. Imagine the relief of knowing a nutritious, delicious meal is just a quick reheat away, making your weeknights significantly smoother and more enjoyable.

For achieving optimal freezing and subsequent reheating results, I highly recommend a strategic approach: freeze just the incredibly flavorful chicken cacciatore sauce separately, without mixing in the pasta. This method ensures that when you’re ready to enjoy your convenient freezer meal, the pasta will always be perfectly al dente and fresh-tasting. When the time comes to serve, simply warm the pre-made sauce on your stovetop or in the microwave until it’s heated through. While your delicious sauce is reheating, you can quickly cook a fresh batch of Modern Table pasta. Since their superb lentil pasta typically cooks to perfection in a mere 15 minutes, the sauce and the freshly cooked pasta should be ready at roughly the same time, allowing for a seamless and perfectly timed meal. It’s a winning strategy for creating quick, fresh-tasting, and wholesome meals that save you invaluable time and effort down the line, without sacrificing quality or flavor!

We genuinely hope that this updated, health-conscious, and significantly easier Instant Pot twist on a beloved classic Italian dish brings immense joy, comfort, and deliciousness to your family meals. Navigating the complexities of food allergies certainly doesn’t mean you have to compromise on vibrant flavors, comforting textures, or exciting variety in your diet. This Instant Pot Gluten & Dairy-Free Chicken Cacciatore stands as a powerful testament to that philosophy. It’s a meal that not only promises incredible comfort and robust nutrition but also delivers unparalleled convenience, all harmoniously prepared in just one pot. Savor every delightful bite, and revel in the newfound simplicity and pure pleasure of healthy, allergy-friendly home cooking!

Instant Pot Gluten & Dairy free Chicken Cacciatore

Yield:
8 Servings

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
28 minutes

Total Time:
33 minutes

A thick and hearty meal that comes together in a flash thanks to the instant pot. Start with frozen chicken breasts (no need to thaw!) and end up with a saucy Chicken Cacciatore that’s gluten and dairy free for a weeknight meal that makes enough not just for one meal, but a freezer meal as well! This recipe is free of the top allergens, too: wheat, dairy, egg, soy, peanut and tree nuts with a meat-free version as well!

Ingredients

2 frozen chicken breasts*
generous salt and pepper to taste
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 celery rib, diced
1 large red pepper, diced
4 oz sliced fresh mushrooms**
1 can (28 ounces) oregano and basil tomatoes, undrained
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 cup red cooking wine
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tablespoon sugar
1 Tablespoon capers, drained
2 boxes of Modern Table Penne
Fresh basil, if desired

Instructions

In the bottom of your Instant Pot, place the olive oil. Place the frozen chicken breasts on top and generously season with salt and pepper.
Place all of the other ingredients on top of the chicken breasts, except the pasta.
Close the lid and move the valve to “seal”.
Make sure the Instant Pot is set to “high” pressure.
Hit the “manual” button and use the plus and minus buttons until you reach 28 minutes.
When there’s only 15 minutes left on the cooking time, start cooking your pasta. Follow the box directions. Drain and set aside.
After the cooking time is over on the Instant Pot, move the valve to “release” to quickly release the steam (also known as a quick release.)
Take the chicken out and shred. Return the chicken to the pot and stir.
Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Ladle the chicken and sauce over the cooked penne.
Garnish with fresh basil, if so desired.
Freeze the leftover sauce separately (without pasta) for an easy meal at a later date as this makes tons!

Notes

*If you do not have frozen chicken breasts and would rather use fresh, follow all of the same directions, only changing the cooking time on the Instant Pot from 28 to 15 minutes. This adjustment ensures perfectly cooked fresh chicken without overcooking.

**If you would like a meatless version, this recipe is incredibly easy to adapt! Since it’s already packed with flavorful veggies and boasts a delicious, robust sauce, you can simply double the amount of mushrooms from 4 oz to 8 oz for extra heartiness and texture. This creates a satisfying plant-based meal that’s just as rich and flavorful.

Don’t Miss Out on More Allergy-Friendly Recipes!

DON’T FORGET TO PIN IT, SO YOU DON’T LOSE IT. Be sure to also check out my other ALLERGY-FRIENDLY PINTEREST BOARDS for a treasure trove of safe and delicious meal ideas! Follow along for inspiration and never wonder what’s for dinner again.