Are you craving a comforting pasta dinner but short on time? This Instant Pot pasta recipe are your answer to getting a delicious, restaurant-quality meal on the table in minutes. Whether you're cooking for a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the week ahead, these pressure cooker pasta dishes deliver perfect results every time – no watching the pot or waiting for water to boil!
Why Cook Pasta in the Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot revolutionizes pasta cooking by combining the cooking of pasta and sauce in one pot, infusing the noodles with amazing flavor while saving time and dishes. Unlike traditional stovetop methods, Instant Pot pasta recipe creates a perfect al dente texture without the risk of overcooked, mushy noodles.
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Ingredients
the Pasta and Chicken:
- 1 pound fettuccine pasta
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
the Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Instant Pot: Press the "Sauté" function and add olive oil to the pot. Once hot, add the diced chicken pieces and season with half the salt and pepper. Cook until lightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.
Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Layer the Pasta: Break the fettuccine in half and layer it in a criss-cross pattern over the chicken. This prevents the pasta from clumping together during cooking.
Add Liquid: Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring all pasta is submerged. Don't stir! This helps prevent the "burn" notice.
Pressure Cook: Close the lid and set the valve to "Sealing." Cook on High Pressure for 6 minutes, followed by a Quick Release.
Make it Creamy: Open the lid and stir in the heavy cream, cream cheese, butter, and remaining seasonings. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese while stirring.
Finish and Serve: Let the pasta rest for 2-3 minutes to thicken. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
Pro Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Pasta Recipe
- Always layer pasta in a criss-cross pattern to prevent clumping
- Use the right liquid-to-pasta ratio: generally 4 cups of liquid per pound of pasta
- Consider the pasta shape when adjusting cooking time (thicker pasta needs longer)
- Let the sauce thicken naturally before adding more thickening agents
Equipment For Instant Pot Pasta Recipe
- 6-quart Instant Pot or larger
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Cheese grater
- Cutting board and sharp knife
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Spicy Cajun: Add Cajun seasoning and replace chicken with andouille sausage.
- Mediterranean Style: Include artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, and feta cheese after cooking.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce's creamy texture. While freezing is possible, the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing.
The One-Pot Wonder That Changed My Weeknights
There’s something magical about a meal that feels like a warm embrace—the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas and instantly soothes the soul. For years, I believed that making the perfect pasta meant standing over a stove, meticulously stirring the sauce, boiling water separately, and hoping everything came together at the right time. I loved the process, but let’s be honest—on busy nights, it felt impossible. The cleanup alone was enough to make me reach for takeout instead.
Then came the game-changer: Instant Pot Pasta. The first time I tried it, I was skeptical. Could I really just throw all the ingredients into one pot, press a button, and walk away? Would the pasta turn out mushy? Would the sauce be creamy and rich, or would it separate? But when I opened the lid to find perfectly cooked fettuccine bathed in a velvety, restaurant-worthy Alfredo sauce, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. Every bite was infused with deep, savory flavors—far better than anything I had ever made using the traditional stovetop method.
What amazed me most was how effortlessly the pasta absorbed all the flavors from the broth, garlic, and seasoning, creating a depth of taste that I never achieved by boiling noodles separately. It wasn’t just about saving time (although that was a huge bonus)—it was about unlocking a whole new level of convenience without sacrificing taste. No more waiting for water to boil, no more draining pasta, no more juggling multiple pans. Just one pot, one incredible meal, and minimal cleanup.
Now, this dish has become my go-to for weeknights when I need something quick but crave something comforting. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you rethink everything you thought you knew about pasta. Trust me, once you try Instant Pot Pasta, you’ll never go back to the old way again.
FAQ
How Long Do You Cook Pasta in Instant Pot? (Formula)
A simple formula for Instant Pot Pasta is: take the stovetop cooking time, divide it by 2, then subtract 1 minute. For example, if the package says 10 minutes, cook for 4 minutes. Always do a quick release to prevent overcooking, and let the sauce thicken naturally before serving for the best texture.
Is Instant Pot Good for Pasta?
Absolutely! Instant Pot Pasta saves time, enhances flavor, and minimizes dishes. Cooking pasta directly in broth and sauce infuses it with richness, while the sealed pressure prevents overcooking. It’s perfect for creamy, one-pot meals that taste restaurant-quality without the effort. Plus, no more waiting for water to boil or dealing with draining!
How to Cook Spaghetti Pasta in the Instant Pot?
To cook spaghetti in an Instant Pot, break the noodles in half and layer them in a criss-cross pattern to prevent sticking. Add broth or water, ensuring the pasta is just covered. Do not stir! Pressure cook using the pasta formula (half the stovetop time minus 1 minute) and quick release to prevent overcooking.
How Do You Not Overcook Pasta in an Instant Pot?
To avoid mushy Instant Pot Pasta, use the correct formula (stovetop time ÷ 2 - 1 min), do a quick release immediately after cooking, and let the sauce thicken naturally. Avoid stirring before pressure cooking to prevent clumping. If pasta seems undercooked, let it sit for 1-2 minutes in the hot sauce to finish cooking.
Why This Instant Pot Pasta Will Be Your New Weeknight Obsession
If there’s one recipe that will change the way you think about pasta forever, it’s this Instant Pot Pasta. Quick, creamy, and bursting with flavor, it’s the ultimate comfort food without the hassle. No more waiting for water to boil, no more extra dishes—just a foolproof, restaurant-quality meal ready in minutes. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this one-pot wonder delivers every single time.
But why stop here? If you love easy, flavor-packed meals, you’ll want to try my Veggie Lasagna—a hearty, cheesy dish packed with layers of goodness. Or, switch things up with zesty, protein-packed Instant Pot Chicken Tacos for a taco night that practically makes itself.
So go ahead—give this Instant Pot Pasta a try, and let it become your new go-to for effortless, delicious dinners. One bite, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Pairing
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Instant Pot Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- 6-quart Instant Pot or larger
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Cheese grater
- Cutting board and sharp knife
Ingredients
- 1 lb Penne pasta uncooked
- 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts Cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 cups Low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 4 cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Salt
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 cups Heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese Freshly grated
- 4 oz Cream cheese Softened
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 1 teaspoon Nutmeg Optional
Instructions
- Set Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode, add olive oil, and cook chicken with half the salt and pepper until lightly golden (3-4 minutes)
- Stir in garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in penne pasta and chicken broth, ensuring pasta is submerged. Do not stir.
- Seal the lid, set to High Pressure for 6 minutes, then Quick Release.
- Stir in heavy cream, cream cheese, butter, and remaining seasoning.
- Gradually mix in Parmesan, letting the sauce thicken for 2-3 minutes.
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