Name: Instant Pot Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 13 min
Ingredients: 1 cup ditalini pasta; 3 cups water; 1 teaspoon salt; 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Is it a Tuesday night? The kids are screaming, you’re starving, and the thought of another complicated dinner recipe makes you cry. Why do you want to hide under the covers? What is Creamy Dreamy?Instant Pot Pasta: How do youWhat is the best way to save a day? It’s like mac and cheese, but *so* much better, *Such* faster, and with way less cleanup. What is one of those recipes I make at least once a week, and everyone always clears it off. Is it better to order takeout instead of eating out? I always add a little extra parmesan at the end, because, well, why not?

What is Instant Pot Pasta?

What is Instant Pot Pasta? Is it really a one-pot wonder where you cook pasta, sauce, and everything else together in one pot? Instant Pot. How do I make it What is the cheater’s way to make a restaurant-quality pasta dish without all the fuss and pans? What’s essentially combining the pasta and the sauce from the get-go and letting the Instant Pot work. How do you make a creamy, flavorful dish? The starch from the pasta helps thicken the sauce, creating this luscious texture that’s velvety. Is it irres Plus, because it’s all cooked together, the pasta really soaks up all the flavors. Can you add any kind of protein or veggies you like, making it super adaptable to whatever you have.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I start? Why am I obsessed with this recipe? What is the taste of cheesy sauce? It’s rich, comforting, and perfectly balanced. You can tweak it with different cheeses, herbs, or spices to create your perfect flavor profile. I think the flavor is even better than stovetop pasta because everything melds together. What does Instant Pot do? * **Simplicity**: This is genuinely one of the easiest recipes in my repertoire. What happens when you dump everything in the Instant Pot and forget it? No need to boil water, drain pasta, or babysit the sauce. * **Cost-efficiency**: You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. Pasta, cheese, broth – these are all budget-friendly staples. What are some of the best ways to use leftover chicken and veggies? Is this recipe a blank canvas? You can customize it with different types of pasta, cheeses, vegetables, and proteins. I’ve made it with sausage, shrimp, chicken, broccoli, spinach, mushrooms… What are the possibilities? I even made a vegetarian version with roasted red peppers and artichoke hearts once, and it was delicious. What I love most about this Instant Pot Pasta is that it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I have made a ton of pasta dishes in my day, but this one? Is it a weekly staple?

How do I make Instant Pot Pasta?

Quick Overview

Making this Instant Pot Pasta: What are someIs simple? You basically throw all the ingredients – pasta, broth, cream, cheese, seasonings, and any add-ins – into a blender. You throw everything. How do you make an Instant Pot? Then, you set it to cook for a few minutes (usually half the time listed on the pasta box, minus one minute). Is it necessary to put pressure on the cheese for a minute? What is the best way to prepare a creamy dessert I just don’t have the energy to do anything. This is a great night out. What is a complicated recipe? What is the hardest part of waiting for the Instant Pot to work?

Ingredients

For the Pasta Base: How do I make

I usually use penne or rotini, but any short pasta works.

4 cups chicken broth (vegetable broth works too)

1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version – I’ve even used almond milk and it’s good for you).

1 teaspoon garlic powder (fresh minced garlic is even better, if you have it)

1/2 teaspoon onion powder. 1 teaspoon salt.

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning.

Salt and pepper to taste.

For the Cheesiness: Why

1 cup cheddar cheese (or a mix of your favorite cheeses)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the real stuff is worth it!)

For the Add-ins (Optional, but Recommended): “An

1 cup cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp (or veggies like broccoli, spinach, mushrooms)

Fresh parsley, for garnish (because presentation matters)

What is the step-

Step 1: Dump It All In

Add the pasta, chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder and Italian seasoning. Stir well. Add salt and pepper. Cook for 10 minutes. Serve warm. How do you add pepper to an Instant Pot? Stir to combine.

Step 2: Cook Under Pressure

How long does it take for an Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for half the time listed on the package? Pasta box, minus one minute. If the box says to cook pasta for 10 minutes, set the Instant Pot for 4 minutes. What is the secret to a perfectly cooked pasta? I’ve overcooked it before by following the box directions, and it was a mushy mess – learn from my mistakes.

Step 3: Release the Pressure

Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then manually release. Any remaining pressure. Why is pasta so starchy?

Step 4: Stir in the Goodness

Remove the lid and stir in the Parmesan cheese, and any cooked protein or veggies. Stir until cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little extra broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

What is the best way to serve this hot and fresh? I sometimes put out a bowl of red pepper flakes for those who like to kick!

What should I serve it with?

This Instant Pot Pasta: What is theWhat are some of my favorite recipes?

What is a quick and easy weeknight dinner?What are some good side salads with a vinaigrette dressing? I like to keep it simple with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers.

For a More Elegant Meal:Serve with some crusty garlic bread for dipping into the creamy sauce. What are some good ways to enjoy a glass of chilled white wine?

For a Kid-Friendly Meal:Steamed broccoli or green beans are a great way to sneak in some veggies. My kids love it with a side of fruit salad.

For a Cozy Night In:What are some good side dishes to serve with grilled cheese and tomato soup? What is the ultimate comfort food combo?

My family tradition is to always have garlic bread with pasta. I also love serving it with a Caesar salad, it just works together. I also really like serving it with some roasted asparagus on the side – the slight bitterness of the asparagus. How does asparagus balance out the richness of the pasta?

How do I make an Instant Pot Pasta?

What is the best way to take your first step?Instant Pot Pasta game to the next level? Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years:

Pasta Choice Matters: I’ve found that short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, and elbow macaroni work best. Long pasta shapes like spaghetti can be tricky to cook evenly in the Instant Pot.

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: This is the most important tip! Follow my instructions for cooking time (half the time on the box, minus one minute) and you’ll be golden. Overcooked pasta is mushy and nobody wants that.

Use Good Quality Cheese: The better the cheese, the better the flavor. I always splurge on a good block of cheddar and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It makes a big difference.

Customize the Sauce: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, herbs, and spices. I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Add Veggies: This is a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients. Broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, and peas all work well. Just add them in with the cheese at the end of cooking.

Adjust the Liquid: If the sauce is too thick, add a little extra broth or cream. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few minutes after cooking to thicken it up. I always add a bit of pasta water to mine for extra starchiness, like when making pasta on the stovetop.

Add Some Garlic: If you want to make it even better, try using fresh garlic. It really elevates the flavor.

I once tried using milk instead of cream, and it just wasn’t the same. It lacked the richness and creaminess that I was looking for. Also, I learned the hard way that adding too much cheese can make the sauce clumpy. Less is more in this case!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your Instant Pot Pasta:

Room Temperature: I don’t recommend leaving it out at room temperature for more than two hours.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s best to add a splash of milk when storing to keep it from drying out.

Freezer Instructions: To freeze, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Glaze Timing Advice: The glaze is best served fresh so add when you reheat.

Reheating Tips: To reheat, add a splash of broth or milk to the pasta and microwave it until heated through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. I usually add a little extra cheese when reheating to freshen it up. The key is low and slow to keep the creamy texture. Nobody likes dry pasta!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Simply use gluten-free pasta. The cooking time will likely be the same, but check the box for specific instructions. I’ve used brown rice pasta and it worked great. Just be sure to keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking, as gluten-free pasta can sometimes be a bit more delicate. Also be sure the chicken broth is gluten-free!

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses. I’ve used mozzarella, provolone, Gruyere, and even pepper jack. Just keep in mind that some cheeses melt better than others. Softer cheeses like mozzarella and Gruyere will melt more smoothly than harder cheeses like Parmesan. A blend of cheeses is always a good idea!

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely! Vegetables are a great way to add flavor and nutrients to your Instant Pot Pasta. Broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, peas, carrots, and zucchini all work well. Add them in with the cheese at the end of cooking so they don’t get overcooked. You can also sauté the vegetables before adding them to the Instant Pot if you prefer a more caramelized flavor.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add some extra vegetables or plant-based protein like chickpeas or lentils.

What if my pasta is too dry?

If your pasta is too dry, simply add a little extra broth or cream until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also stir in a tablespoon of butter or olive oil for added richness. Next time, try adding a little more liquid to begin with. It’s always better to have a little too much liquid than not enough.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my super simple, super satisfying Creamy Dreamy Instant Pot Pasta. I truly hope you give this recipe a try. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights, a crowd-pleaser for potlucks, and just plain delicious. If you’re a fan of easy, flavorful pasta dishes, you’re going to love this one! And if you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out my other Instant Pot recipes for more quick and easy meal ideas. Now go forth and make some delicious pasta! And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how it turns out. I can’t wait to hear what you think! Happy cooking!