Instant Pot Pasta

This recipe for Instant Pot Ziti is the easiest, most delicious recipe for Instant Pot Pasta. This dump-and-go recipe for creamy Instant Pot Pasta results in a one-pot family favorite recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes.

I have been asked by so many of you how to perfectly cook pasta in the Instant Pot Pasta and I gladly accepted the challenge. After countless experiments, with endless varieties of pasta, with and without sauce, I am happy to report, that just like I have have perfected Slow Cooker Pasta, I have finally perfected Instant Pot Pasta.

Now you can enjoy this recipe for Instant Pot Ziti, Instant Pot Mac and Cheese, Instant Pot Pasta Fagioli, Instant Pot Spaghetti, and Instant Pot Fettuccine Alfredo, and know you will have perfect results.

Notes on Ingredients

• Pasta: I recommend using pasta that has ridges and can capture and hold the sauce, such as rigatoni, rotini, or ziti noodles.
• Broth: I highly recommend using either store-bought or homemade chicken stock, Instant Pot Chicken stock, or vegetable broth. The noodles absorb the liquid as they cook, so by using stock or broth rather than water, you are imparting more flavor to the pasta.
• Red Wine: Adding a dry red wine, like Cabernet, Pinot Noir, or Merlot, for a rich depth of flavor. If you do not drink alcohol, you can use additional broth in place of the wine.
• Marinara/Spaghetti Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought, Instant Pot spaghetti sauce, or homemade spaghetti sauce for this recipe.
• Diced Tomatoes: The diced tomatoes add needed liquid and a nice texture to the pasta. Use petite or regular canned diced tomatoes.
• Seasonings: To amp up the flavor in the pasta, I add minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Feel free to omit the crushed red pepper flakes to control the level of heat.
• Ricotta: Use whole milk or skim ricotta cheese, for a creamy rich Instant Pot Pasta.
• Cheese: After pressure cooking, I love to finish the Instant Pot Pasta with mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Freshly grated Parmesan will add better flavor than using a canister or pre-shredded parmesan.

Recipe Modifications

• Dairy-Free Instant Pot Pasta: Omit the ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese from this recipe. It will still be delicious!
• Using Gluten-Free Pasta: I have ONLY had success using the Barilla brand of gluten-free pasta in the Instant Pot. It seems to be the only one that doesn't give off excess starch.
• Adding Meat: If you would like to add ground beef or ground Italian sausage to this recipe, saute the meat until browned using the saute function. Once the meat is browned, remove the meat from the inner pot, add in the broth, and scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the inner pot well. Layer the pasta, cooked meat, diced tomatoes, spaghetti sauce, and ricotta cheese in that order in the inner pot and proceed with the recipe.

How to Make Instant Pot Pasta

This recipe is a super easy, dump-and-go recipe and you will find the complete instructions for making Instant Pot Pasta in the recipe card. The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results.

Step One: Layer Ingredients. The way we layer the ingredients is key to the pasta cooking perfectly and avoiding a burn notice. Start by combining the broth, wine, and seasonings in the inner pot. Add in the pasta of your choice and gently spread out the pasta so that it is evenly dispersed in the inner pot. Add the diced tomatoes on top of the pasta, followed by spaghetti sauce. To make the pasta creamy and rich, like lasagna, dollop the ricotta cheese over the tomato sauce. Do not stir!

Step Two: Pressure Cook. Set the cooking time for HALF the suggested cooking time on the box of pasta you used. See the chart below for the exact cooking times. Once the cooking time has elapsed, let the pressure release for 5 minutes. Then do a quick release of any remaining pressure.

Step Three: Add Cheese. Do not be alarmed by the look of the contents of your inner pot. It won't look pretty, but you will see it will come together with a good stir. I also recommend finishing this recipe for Instant Pot Pasta with additional shredded cheese.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: If you happen to have leftover pasta, allow it to cool slightly, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Allow the pasta to cool fully. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container, and freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: to reheat, allow the pasta to defrost in the refrigerator overnight if needed. Place in a heat-safe bowl with a tablespoon or two of water or stock, cover with a moistened paper towel, and heat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.

More Instant Pot Pasta Recipes

• Instant Pot Spaghetti
• Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
• Instant Pot Minestrone
• Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
• Instant Pot Lasagna
• Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
• Instant Pot Ham & Cheese Pasta

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If you tried this Creamy Italian Instant Pot Pasta, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.

This post was originally published in 2018 and updated in 2022 with a new video and photos.