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    Home » Italian

    Instant Pot Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce

    Published: Mar 12, 2022 · Modified: Nov 18, 2022 by Archana · This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · 48 Comments

    36199 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    Don't we all love a bowl of pasta with tomato cream sauce? Everyone needs this delicious, comforting, and satisfying pasta in their dinner rotation. This easy Instant Pot Pasta is ready in under 20 minutes and is something the whole family will enjoy!

    pasta with tomato cream sauce served in a white bowl

    This simple Italian recipe is perfect for those days when you don't feel like chopping vegetables or washing extra dishes. The kid-friendly dish uses basic pantry ingredients that are simply layered in the Instant Pot. Top with some freshly grated parmesan for a restaurant-quality vegetarian meal that will be ready in no time. 

    Note: Original post published in July 2018 has been updated with new photos and a video.

    Jump to:
    • EASY 20 Minute Pasta Dinner
    • Basic Ingredients
    • Tips to make perfect Instant Pot pasta
    • Instructions
    • Variations
    • Serving
    • Our Favorite Side Dish to Pair with Pasta
    • Recipe
    Pasta with Creamy Tomato Sauce

    EASY 20 Minute Pasta Dinner

    Tomato cream sauce pasta can be prepared by novice as well as expert cooks. It perfectly fits my goal of enabling everyone to cook! This month I was approached by several mothers requesting cooking lessons for their teenagers. The more I understood how hectic and crazy their college schedules could be, the more I continued to develop simple 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. I am so proud that this creamy tomato pasta has now become so popular not only with teenagers but with their families as well.

    Basic Ingredients

    • Pasta - I have used penne pasta in this recipe but you can use any shape including gluten free pasta
    • Sauce - Marinara sauce or use your favorite jarred tomato sauce
    • Cream - Heavy whipping cream adds the perfect creminess to this pasta and you can also substitute it with coconut cream or cashew cream
    Ingredients for Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce

    Tips to make perfect Instant Pot pasta

    1. Make sure that most of the pasta is submerged under liquids
    2. Pressure cook time = Half the cook time on the box minus 1 minute
    3. Always layer thicker liquids like tomato sauce on top
    4. Quick-release after pressure cooking cycle is complete
    5. Always stir in cream, cheese, etc after the pressure cooking cycle

    Instructions

    Here are easy steps to cook the best creamy tomato pasta:

    Step 1: Add pasta to the Instant Pot, add broth, and water. Layer garlic powder, red chili pepper, salt, and tomato sauce. Make sure to push all the pasta under liquids (photos 1 - 4).

    Steps showing how to cook pasta in Instant Pot

    Step 2:  Close the Instant Pot lid and Pressure cook. Quick Release and then stir in the cream, grated parmesan, and basil or parsley (photos 5 - 8). 

    Steps showing adding parmesan cheese and parsley to cooked pasta

    Variations

    • Saute 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 of fresh or frozen chopped spinach or kale after the pressure cooking cycle
    • Use milk instead of heavy cream to lighten up the dish
    • To make the pasta spicy, add extra red chili flakes or skip them altogether for a non-spicy pasta
    Pasta with Creamy Tomato Sauce served with broccoli

    Serving

    Serve pasta with a side of Air Fried Garlic Broccoli or string beans. Pair it with the Instant Pot Fudgy Brownies or Almond Flour Brownies for a fun meal that the entire family will enjoy.

    Our Favorite Side Dish to Pair with Pasta

    I often serve pasta with broccoli in garlic-infused olive oil. Here is how I make it:

    • Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot insert
    • Place steamer basket and add broccoli florets cut into 3-inch pieces
    • Close the Instant Pot lid with pressure valve to sealing
    • Steam for 0 minutes at low pressure
    • Quick-release and open for perfectly cooked broccoli
    • Stir fry thinly sliced garlic in olive oil and sauté steamed broccoli in the oil with a sprinkle of salt
    Steps showing how to steam broccoli  in the Instant Pot

    Do you enjoy the ease and convenience of making pasta in Instant Pot? Here are some more pasta recipes:

    • Pasta Caprese - Pasta tossed with tomatoes, basil, fresh mozzarella, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar
    • Penne Alla Vodka - Italian classic pasta dish made in a creamy tomato, garlic, vodka sauce
    • Spinach Artichoke Macaroni & Cheese - Lightened-up mac and cheese with the healthy addition of spinach and artichokes
    • Spicy Taco Pasta - Spicy taco pasta with ground chicken, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, and cheese
    • Spinach Mushroom Lasagna - Lasagna layered with spinach, mushrooms, garlic, and cheese 

    Here are some additional easy Instant Pot recipes:

    • Chicken Marsala -  chicken braised in buttery, wine-soaked mushrooms and herbs
    • Saffron Risotto - rice cooked in aromatic saffron, wine, and parmesan cheese
    • Chicken Noodle Soup with Kale - chicken noodle soup with kale cooked in under 30 minutes

    I've even made these easy pasta dishes and served them with my french toast bread pudding when hosting my son's friends on a Friday night. The kids devoured everything!

    ★ Have you tried this recipe? We love your feedback, Please click on the stars in the recipe card below to rate.

    Recipe

    Tried this recipe? We love your feedback.Please click on the stars in the recipe card below
    pasta with tomato cream sauce served in a white bowl
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    4.65 from 68 votes

    Penne Pasta with Creamy Tomato Sauce

    Incredibly creamy and delicious pasta  with an EASY dump recipe that is ready in under 20 minutes!
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time20 mins
    Total Time25 mins
    Course: Entree
    Cuisine: Italian
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 459kcal
    Author: Archana Mundhe

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound uncooked Penne Pasta
    • 2 cups low sodium broth
    • 2 cups water
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon red chili flakes
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 2 cups tomato sauce plain or marinara
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan
    • ¼ cup basil or parsley chopped

    Instructions

    • Add the pasta, broth, water, 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. Pressure cook (Hi) for 4 minutes followed by quick release.
    • Open the Instant Pot and stir in the cream. Add parmesan cheese and chopped basil or parsley.

    Video

    Notes

    1. We are using a full box of pasta in this recipe.
    2. Using penne pasta in this recipe, which has a stove cook time of 10 minutes. To adjust for Instant Pot cook time - Divide the cooking 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 underwater. Depending on the shape of pasta you may need more or less liquids.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 459kcal | Carbohydrates: 63g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 891mg | Potassium: 542mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1055IU | Vitamin C: 6.1mg | Calcium: 78mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Share your photo and tag @ministry_of_curry or tag #ministryofcurry

    ♥ We LOVE to hear from you! Did you try this recipe? Please share your food photo with hashtag #ministryofcurry on Facebook or Instagram, so we can see it and our followers can enjoy it too! Thank you and Happy Cooking ♥ Subscribe to our Youtube Channel for tasty and easy video recipes. Looking for more Instant Pot recipes? Check out our delicious Instant Pot Recipe board on Pinterest.

    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 in New Jersey with my husband and two sons.
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    1. Rek says

      February 15, 2021 at 5:49 pm

      I accidentally added heavy cream before pressure cooking it.. is that still okay?

      Reply
      • Archana says

        February 16, 2021 at 10:12 pm

        As long as you have not mixed it in it should be ok.

        Reply
    2. Colleen says

      April 28, 2021 at 9:09 pm

      it is an easy fix to correct the use of the water and the recipe when you go to print it can you do that so I can upgrade my rating and it is excellent as long as you catch that problem4 stars

      Reply
      • Archana says

        February 27, 2022 at 12:12 pm

        Agree! Fixed the instructions to include water.

        Reply
    3. Mon says

      April 29, 2021 at 4:32 pm

      Archana,
      Thank you for all of your hard work and making it easier for us. specially Instant Pot recipes. my ? is if i want to add soya chunks in it then when should i add it and do they need to be cook or i can add uncook?
      Thank you again for all your hard work. 🙂

      Reply
      • Archana says

        May 01, 2021 at 12:43 pm

        I would cook the soya chunks first, squeeze out all the water and then add in the end and bring the soup to a full boil

        Reply
    4. Vanessa Gorski-Villalobos says

      May 22, 2021 at 10:41 am

      Delicious recipe! So simple and it turned out great. Next time I think I’ll add more liquid just so when we reheat leftovers it’s got more sauce.5 stars

      Reply
    5. Rabia says

      February 25, 2022 at 7:23 pm

      Great tasting recipe. However, mine stuck to the bottom and half got burned because i didnt stit it 🙁5 stars

      Reply
      • Archana says

        February 27, 2022 at 12:03 pm

        I am so glad you enjoyed the taste. It is important to layer the ingredients, especially layering the tomato sauce in the end and not stirring it in.

        Reply
    « Older Comments

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    Hi, I'm Archana: a former software engineer, now a full-time blogger. I am a mother of two boys who share my love for food and cooking. Words I love to hear are, “Mom, what’s for dinner?” The same words I say to my mom every time we speak. I live in the greater New York City Area with my husband and sons.

    Learn More About Me!

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