Instant Pot Pasta Recipe

Instant Pot Pasta is a weeknight hero that’s hearty, creamy, and bursting with tomatoey goodness—all in one smart pot and just about 30 minutes from fridge to fork! With tender noodles tangled in a luscious tomato sauce, a hint of red wine, and plenty of cheesy melty magic, this crowd-pleaser is seriously a dinner game-changer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ultra-Convenient: Everything cooks together in the Instant Pot, so there’s zero boiling, draining, or fussing required.
  • Rich, Layered Flavor: The combination of red wine, garlic, and tomato sauce infuses the pasta with every savory, aromatic note imaginable!
  • Family Approved: Creamy cheese gets everyone going back for seconds—kids and adults both adore it.
  • Perfect for Busy Nights: Quick prep and hands-off cooking means dinner is effortless, even on your busiest evenings.
Instant Pot Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how a handful of simple, kitchen-staple ingredients come together in this Instant Pot Pasta. Each item plays a big role in bringing out rich, cozy flavors and satisfying texture—let’s take a closer look at what goes into the pot!

  • Low-sodium chicken stock or vegetable broth: This gives your pasta depth and ensures the noodles absorb plenty of flavor as they cook.
  • Dry red wine (or more broth): Adds complexity and a subtle, elegant note to the sauce. Skip it if you like, but a splash makes all the difference!
  • Minced garlic: There’s nothing quite like garlic for that classic Italian-style aroma—don’t be tempted to leave it out.
  • Dried oregano: A classic Italian herb, it brings warmth and savoriness to the sauce.
  • Kosher salt & black pepper: The essentials for seasoning every bite just right.
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, but they add a gentle heat that makes the flavor pop (don’t worry, it’s not spicy-hot).
  • Dried pasta (ziti, rotini, corkscrew, rigatoni, etc): Choose your favorite short, sturdy pasta shape! They hold up beautifully and soak up all the saucy goodness.
  • Canned diced tomatoes: Adds brightness, a bit of texture, and extra tomato oomph.
  • Spaghetti sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade—this forms the beautiful, full-bodied backbone of your pasta.
  • Ricotta cheese (optional): Adds creaminess and a touch of luxurious body to the dish, almost like a dollop of lasagna filling.
  • Grated parmesan cheese: For that irresistible, nutty finish.
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, stretchy perfection—what’s not to love?
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best things about Instant Pot Pasta is how endlessly customizable it is! Swap out a few ingredients or tweak the add-ins and you can create a signature version that’s just right for your tastes or dietary needs.

  • Make It Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock and stick with the ricotta and mozzarella—just as rich, meat-free, and delicious.
  • Add Extra Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms before pressure cooking for added nutrition and flavor.
  • Spicy Sausage Pasta: Brown some Italian sausage on sauté mode first, then proceed as directed for a heartier meal.
  • Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free: Use your favorite whole wheat or gluten-free pasta shapes; be sure to check and adjust the cooking time as needed.

How to Make Instant Pot Pasta

Step 1: Build the Flavorful Base

Start by pouring your low-sodium chicken stock (or vegetable broth) and red wine directly into the bottom of the Instant Pot. Sprinkle in minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, stirring gently so the flavors can mingle. This liquid gold forms the canvas for the whole dish—don’t rush this step!

Step 2: Layer the Pasta and Sauce

Add your dried pasta to the pot. Gently press the noodles down so they’re submerged in the broth (no need to stir). Next, spoon the diced tomatoes and spaghetti sauce evenly across the top, blanketing the pasta. If you’re using ricotta, dollop it evenly as the finishing touch for extra creaminess.

Step 3: Pressure Cook to Perfection

Cover, seal, and set the Instant Pot to high pressure: 4 minutes for rotini or corkscrew noodles, 5 minutes for ziti or rigatoni, or simply halve the shortest cook time listed on your pasta package. This magic step gives you perfectly al dente noodles, infused with flavor!

Step 4: Quick Release and Stir

When the timer beeps, let the pressure release naturally for exactly 5 minutes (set a timer!). Then carefully do a quick release with a long spoon or spatula to avoid that rush of hot steam. Open the lid, give the Instant Pot Pasta a gentle stir to combine the sauce and pasta beautifully.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Serve

Sprinkle the hot pasta with grated parmesan and mozzarella cheese, then cover loosely with the lid for just 2–5 minutes—just until everything melts into a gooey, velvety blanket over the noodles. Scoop and serve immediately while it’s ultra-creamy and piping hot!

Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Pasta

  • Mind That Layering: Resist the urge to stir after adding sauce—keeping the pasta under the liquid and the sauce on top is key to avoiding the dreaded “burn” notice.
  • Broth & Wine Balance: If skipping wine, add extra broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar for a similar depth of flavor.
  • Cheese at the End: Wait to add mozzarella and parmesan until after cooking and stirring—this keeps the cheeses super-gooey and prevents clumping or sticking to the bottom.
  • Pasta Shape Matters: Short, sturdy pasta shapes like rigatoni or rotini hold their texture best under pressure—delicate noodles may overcook.

How to Serve Instant Pot Pasta

Instant Pot Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For that finishing restaurant-style flair, sprinkle each bowl with extra parmesan, a little chopped fresh basil or parsley, and a twist of black pepper. A drizzle of olive oil or even a pinch of flaky salt makes every bite feel extra special—never underestimate the power of a good garnish!

Side Dishes

Pair your Instant Pot Pasta with a simple green salad tossed with vinaigrette, some steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables. And of course, a hunk of warm, crusty bread or garlic toast is perfect for scooping up every last spoonful of that dreamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your pasta in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and a quick broil for a fun, bubbly finish. For a party, arrange the pasta on a large platter with colorful roasted veggies sprinkled on top or serve “family-style” straight from the Instant Pot for a rustic, cozy vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Instant Pot Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even further as it rests, making for an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze this pasta! Cool it completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months—just know the noodles will be a bit softer after thawing, but the cheesy, saucy flavors remain irresistible.

Reheating

To reheat, microwave individual portions with a splash of broth or water, stirring halfway through. Or gently warm on the stove over low heat—add cheese or a little tomato sauce if you like it extra creamy again.

FAQs

  1. Can I use any kind of pasta in the Instant Pot Pasta recipe?

    Most short pasta shapes—like ziti, rotini, corkscrew, or rigatoni—work beautifully in this recipe. Just avoid very delicate or extra-large noodles, and adapt the cook time following the “half the box time” rule for best results.

  2. Is it necessary to use the ricotta cheese?

    Nope! Ricotta makes the pasta extra creamy and rich, but you can skip it if you want a lighter dish or don’t have any on hand—it’ll still be delicious and cheesy from the mozzarella and parmesan.

  3. Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?

    You can easily double the ingredients, but make sure not to fill your Instant Pot past the “max fill” line. The cook time stays the same; just allow a little more time for the pot to come to pressure.

  4. Why did I get a burn warning on my Instant Pot?

    This usually happens if the pasta or cheese sticks to the bottom of the pot. Make sure to layer your sauce and cheese on top of the pasta without stirring before cooking, and always deglaze if anything stuck from sautéing earlier.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something fast, cozy, and absolutely crowd-pleasing, let this Instant Pot Pasta be your next go-to. It’s just so easy, so comforting, and so much fun to share! I can’t wait for you to give it a try—let it transform your weeknight dinners and bring smiles to your table.

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Instant Pot Pasta Recipe

Instant Pot Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 78 reviews
  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pressure Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A quick and easy Instant Pot pasta recipe that results in a delicious and comforting meal. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Pasta

  • 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken stock or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine or additional stock
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 16 ounces dried pasta (ziti, rotini, corkscrew, rigatoni, etc)
  • 1 (15oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 24 ounces spaghetti sauce (see notes for using homemade sauce)
  • 8 ounces ricotta cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Pour Broth and Wine: Pour chicken stock or vegetable broth and red wine into the Instant Pot inner pot. Season with garlic, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  2. Add Pasta: Add dried pasta to the pot, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. Top with diced tomatoes and spaghetti sauce. Add ricotta cheese if desired.
  3. Cook: Pressure cook for 4 minutes for rotini and corkscrew noodles, or 5 minutes for ziti or rigatoni. Allow a 5-minute natural pressure release followed by a quick release.
  4. Combine and Serve: Stir the noodles into the sauce. Sprinkle with parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Let the cheese melt before serving.

Notes

  • You can use homemade spaghetti sauce for a more personalized flavor.
  • Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite pasta shapes and cheese varieties.
  • This dish pairs well with a side salad and garlic bread.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 345
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 16g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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