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.
Kel says
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 🙂
Archana says
Thank you for your feedback Kel. I agree it thickens up once its cooled down for 5 mins.
Kimberly Cherayil says
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?
Archana says
Hi! So for the purpose of the video I had mixed in water with broth. Hope this helps
Erin says
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.
Archana says
Thank you Erin! I am so glad you enjoyed it. I particularly love this recipe since my boys can make it easily too
Larissa says
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.
Archana says
You are welcome! Thank you for the feedback
Rajni says
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.
Archana says
You are most welcome!
Shweta says
We had this pasta for dinner tonite and it was such a hit !! Thank you for sharing an easy peasy recipe!
Archana says
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it
Roo says
This recipe was amazing! I used elbow macaroni and diced tomatoes because that’s what I had on hand, also reduced the time to 3 minutes and it was still so delicious! So creamy and tasty, my fave IP pasta recipe!
Archana says
Awesome!! Thank you for the feedback
Shannon says
My family loves this recipe! Is it ok to freeze leftovers?
Archana says
Thank you for the feedback. Yes you can freeze the leftovers
Asra says
What can I substitute for heavy cream. I don’t have it at the moment.
Can I use regular whole milk?
Archana says
You can use regular milk, the sauce will not be as creamy but still good!
Erica Khan says
Omg!!!!! I have a bowl of this in my hand right now. It’s cold out and this is so warm and comforting and delicious and super easy!!!!! Will make again and will also make for guests
Archana says
Thank you! I am so glad you enjoyed it. Its on repeat at my home and best part even the kids can make it 🙂
Dayn says
Not sure if I goofed on the amount of chili pepper flakes or not (1 tsp or 1/2 tsp used), but had a definite kick that my wife was unable to eat… 🙁
Will definitely make again (great flavor), but will be reducing the amount of chili flakes used to probably 1/4 tsp (at least for cooking).