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pasta in instant pot Recipe

Pasta In Instant Pot

Craving a quick, hearty pasta dish with minimal cleanup? This Instant Pot pasta recipe delivers perfectly cooked noodles and a savory tomato sauce in under 30 minutes. Ideal for a family dinner or busy weeknights!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 persons
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 300 grams dried penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 100 grams)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 600 grams canned crushed tomatoes (21 ounces)
  • 600 milliliters water (2.5 cups)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 60 grams grated Parmesan cheese optional
  • fresh basil leaves for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • 1 Instant Pot (6-quart or larger)
  • 1 Wooden spoon
  • 1 Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add olive oil and diced onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  3. Add the dried penne pasta to the pot, spreading it out evenly.
  4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and then the water. Stir well, making sure all the pasta is submerged.
  5. Add Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Give a final stir.
  6. Lock the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to Sealing. Select Pressure Cook (Manual) and set the time for 5 minutes.
  7. Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve to Venting.
  8. Open the lid. Stir the pasta well. If the sauce seems too thin, let it sit for 2-3 minutes and it will thicken.
  9. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, if using.
  10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

Try adding 150 grams cooked ground beef or Italian sausage for a heartier meal (add after sautéing onions and garlic).
Substitute penne with other short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli, but keep the water level similar.
For a vegan version, skip the cheese or use a vegan alternative.