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Instant Pot pasta

Creamy Instant Pot Pasta

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This Instant Pot pasta is a reliable, creamy, one-pot meal made without boiling or draining. Everything cooks together for perfect texture, minimal cleanup, and stress-free dinner prep.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Main Course, One Pot Meals
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces short pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
  • 2 cups water or broth
  • 1½ cups pasta sauce (tomato-based or creamy)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (for extra creaminess) (optional)

Equipment

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Instant Pot
    Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil or butter. Once warm, sauté the chopped onion for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  2. Layer the Ingredients
    Turn off sauté mode. Add dry pasta evenly into the pot. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning over the pasta.
  3. Add Liquid and Sauce
    Pour water or broth evenly over the pasta. Spoon the pasta sauce on top without stirring. Keeping the sauce on top helps prevent burn warnings.
  4. Pressure Cook
    Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to High Pressure. Cook for half the pasta’s box cooking time, rounded down (usually 4 to 5 minutes).
  5. Quick Release Pressure
    Once cooking is complete, carefully perform a quick release. Open the lid once the pressure pin drops.
  6. Finish and Adjust Texture
    Stir the pasta well. If using, add parmesan cheese and cream. Let the pasta sit for 1 to 2 minutes to thicken naturally before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcal

Notes

  • Do not stir before pressure cooking, this is key to avoiding burn notices.
  • Short pasta shapes work best for even cooking.
  • Sauce thickens as the pasta rests.

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