Don’t we all love a bowl of hot creamy pasta? This Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce is incredibly delicious with an EASY dump recipe that is ready in under 20 minutes!
A simple recipe using basic pantry ingredients that can be cooked by novice as well as expert cooks. We all need those days when we do not feel like chopping vegetables or washing extra dishes, don’t we? This recipe works perfectly to satiate your hunger and taste buds. Enjoy with some freshly grated parmesan for a comforting meal.
This recipe perfectly fits my goal of enabling everyone to cook! This month I have been teaching many teenagers to cook using the Instant Pot. The more I understand how hectic and crazy their college schedules could be, the more I continue to simplify my recipes. This recipe is created with a purpose, that makes sure that all of us can put together a quick meal that is fast, inexpensive and yet satisfying.
Tips to make Perfect Instant Pot Pasta:
- Most of the pasta should be submerged under liquids
- Pressure cook time = Half the cook time on the box minus 1 minute
- Layer thicker liquids like tomato sauce on top
- Quick release after pressure cooking cycle is complete
- Always stir in cream, cheese etc after the pressure cooking cycle
Steps for EASY dump recipe for Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce:
- Add pasta to the Instant Pot
- Add broth + water
- Layer garlic, red chili pepper, salt and tomato sauce
- Push all the pasta under liquids.
Close the Instant Pot lid and Pressure cook. Quick Release and then stir in the cream, grated parmesan and basil or parsley!
Here are some variations to the basic Pasta with tomato cream sauce recipe:
- Saute tablespoon of fresh garlic and half a cup of diced onions in olive oil before adding the pasta
- Stir in a cup of frozen peas after the pressure cooking cycle
- Stir in a handful or two of fresh or frozen chopped spinach or kale after the pressure cooking cycle
- Use milk instead of heavy cream to lighten up the dish
Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli to serve with Pasta:
- Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot insert.
- Place steamer basket and add 3 inch broccoli florets
- Close the Instant Pot lid with pressure valve to sealing
- Steam for 0 minutes at low pressure.
- Quick release and open for perfectly cook broccoli.
- Stir fry thinly sliced garlic in olive oil and sauté steamed broccoli in the oil with a sprinkle of salt.
Do you enjoy the ease and convenience of making pasta in Instant Pot? Here are some of our other family favorite recipes:
Spinach Artichoke Macaroni & Cheese
★ Have you tried this recipe? We love your feedback, Please click on the stars in the recipe card below to rate.
Incredibly creamy and delicious pasta with an EASY dump recipe that is ready in under 20 minutes!
- 1 pound uncooked Penne Rigate ( ~ 6 cups)
- 2 cups low sodium broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups tomato sauce plain or marinara
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan
- 1/4 cup basil or parsley chopped
- Add the pasta, broth, garlic powder, red pepper, salt to the Instant Pot insert. Layer tomato sauce on top. Gently push all pasta under liquids. Do not mix.
- Close the Instant Pot with pressure valve to sealing. Press Manual / Pressure Cook (Hi) and adjust cook time to 4 minutes. Quick Release.
- Stir in the cream and mix until smooth. Add parmesan cheese and chopped basil or parsley.
Recipe Video
Notes: 1. We are using full box of pasta in this recipe. 2. Using penne pasta in this recipe which has stove cook time of 10 minutes. To adjust for Instant Pot cook time - Divide the cook time by half and minus one for al dente pasta. Hence we are pressure cooking for 4 minutes. 3. Always have enough water or broth to cover most of the pasta under water. Depending on the shape of pasta you may need more or less liquids.
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Author: Archana
Hey there! I am a techie turned recipe developer, cooking instructor, and food blogger. I love food and enjoy developing easy and healthy recipes for busy lifestyles. I live New Jersey with my husband and two sons.
Very good, quick and simple! Was a bit watery but letting it cool for a while let the sauce thicken. The taste will definitely depend on your choice of marinara. Will make again 🙂
Thank you for your feedback Kel. I agree it thickens up once its cooled down for 5 mins.
Hi I noticed that you requested 2 cups water, however I didn’t see in the recipe where you wanted to add the water? I’m thinking you forgot to add water when you added broth?
Hi! So for the purpose of the video I had mixed in water with broth. Hope this helps
This was my favorite IP pasta recipe so far! So easy and tasted fantastic. I used a roasted garlic marinara and skipped the garlic powder. For anyone making this the first time, the sauce is runny when you first mix in the cream, but definitely thickens up after 5 min or so.
Thank you Erin! I am so glad you enjoyed it. I particularly love this recipe since my boys can make it easily too
This pasta is very delicious! My 9-year-old daughter and I loved this, especially because the sauce tasted like it had simmered for longer and the pasta with PERFECTLY al dente. I was surprised how flavorful it was even with plain tomato sauce. Thank you for sharing such a fantastic, quick recipe.
You are welcome! Thank you for the feedback
Hi Archana,
Tried pasta recipe today. My family loved it. Yumm..
Pasta was perfectly cooked and taste was amazing. Thanks for tasty and easy recipe.
You are most welcome!