The perfect blend of convenience and comfort, this creamy Instant Pot penne pasta recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a luxurious Italian-inspired dish in under 30 minutes. Born from the need for quick yet satisfying weeknight meals, this recipe has become a beloved favorite among busy families and cooking enthusiasts alike. The magic lies in the Instant Pot’s ability to perfectly cook pasta while infusing it with rich marinara flavors, all crowned with a touch of cream for ultimate indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 12 ounces dried penne pasta
- 1½ cups water
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Base
- Pour the marinara sauce into your 6-quart (5.7L) or larger Instant Pot
- Add the kosher salt and stir to combine
- Layer the Pasta
- Evenly distribute the dried penne pasta over the sauce
- Important: Do not stir after this point
- Add the Water
- Pour water into the empty marinara jar
- Shake gently to collect remaining sauce
- Pour the water mixture over the pasta, maintaining the layers
- Pressure Cook
- Secure the Instant Pot lid
- Set pressure valve to “seal” position
- Program for HIGH pressure cooking for 6 minutes
- Note: Allow approximately 13 minutes for pressure build-up
- Finish the Dish
- When cooking completes, perform a quick pressure release
- Turn off the Instant Pot
- Add heavy cream and stir thoroughly to combine
Timing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Pressure Build-up: 13 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
Nutritional Information
(Per serving, serves 6)
- Calories: 385
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Calcium: 80mg
- Iron: 2mg
Professional Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Sauce Selection
Choose a high-quality marinara sauce as it forms the foundation of your dish’s flavor. San Marzano tomato-based sauces offer superior taste. - Pasta Quality
Use bronze-die pasta for better sauce adherence and optimal texture. The rougher surface helps the sauce cling better to each piece. - Cream Temperature
Bring heavy cream to room temperature before adding to prevent temperature shock and ensure smooth incorporation. - Pressure Release
Perform the quick release immediately when cooking completes to prevent pasta from overcooking.
Variations and Substitutions
- Dietary Modifications
- Dairy-free: Replace heavy cream with cashew cream or coconut cream
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free penne, adjusting cooking time to 4 minutes
- Whole grain: Substitute whole wheat penne, increasing water by ¼ cup
- Flavor Enhancements
- Add 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness
- Include ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat
- Stir in fresh basil leaves before serving
- Add cooked Italian sausage for protein
Common FAQs
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, double all ingredients while keeping the same cooking time. Ensure your Instant Pot is large enough to accommodate the increased volume without exceeding the maximum fill line.
Q: Why can’t I stir the pasta before cooking?
A: Layering prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot and triggering the burn notice. The pressure cooking process will naturally combine ingredients.
Q: Can I use other pasta shapes?
A: Yes, but adjust cooking time using this formula: take the box-suggested cooking time, halve it, and subtract one minute.
Q: What if my pasta is too liquid after cooking?
A: Let it rest for 3-5 minutes after adding cream. The sauce will naturally thicken as it cools slightly.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezing: Not recommended as cream-based pasta dishes can separate when thawed
- Reheating: Warm gently on stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore consistency
- Make-Ahead: Prepare ingredients and measure in advance for faster assembly
- Portioning: Divide into individual containers for easy meal prep
For best results, enjoy this creamy penne pasta immediately while the sauce is at its optimal consistency and the pasta is perfectly al dente. The harmonious blend of marinara and cream creates a rose sauce that’s both sophisticated and comforting, making this dish perfect for both casual family dinners and elegant entertaining.
