Instant Pot Pasta Caprese

Published: Dec 14, 2017 · Modified: May 4, 2021 by Archana · This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · 40 Comments

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Easy one-pot pasta Caprese with tomatoes, basil, fresh mozzarella, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar cooked in the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker.

Do you love pasta? Here is a classic and flavorful Pasta Caprese recipe not to miss. It is our favorite pasta with few wholesome ingredients.

Instant Pot

Here is why I love to cook pasta in the Instant Pot: Cooking the pasta in the Instant Pot does not require draining the excess water after pressure cooking the pasta. This water adds a nice creamy texture and flavors are sealed in nicely. You can cook the pasta al dente or well done, regular flour pasta or gluten-free variety, I can show you the tips and tricks for perfectly cooked pasta every time. With just one pot to clean, we love the new quick and easy method for cooking pasta.

pasta caprese in white bowl with basil on top

Tips

Here are my tips for perfect Instant Pot Pasta:

Add enough liquids (water, broth, tomato sauce, etc) so that most of the pasta is submerged under
Layer thick tomato pasta sauce on top and do not mix it in to prevent BURN error
For well-cooked pasta, pressure cook pasta for half the time on the pasta box
For Al dente pasta or gluten-free pasta, pressure cook for half the time on the pasta box minus 1 minute
Always add cheeses, heavy cream, balsamic vinegar, etc after the pasta is done pressure cooking
Quick releasing after pressure cooking will avoid overcooking the pasta

Wooden cutting board with sliced onions, halved grape tomatoes, basil leaves, parmesan cheese and ga rater.

And here are my general cooking tips with Instant Pot:

Always mise en place
Make sure the bottom of the pot is not browned from sautéing the onions
If the bottom of the pot does get browned, simply add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water, press cancel, and deglaze the pot well before adding the remaining ingredients to prevent the "BURN" error

ingredients - olive oil, sliced onions, minced garlic, tomato sauce, sliced grape tomatoes, red chili flakes, dry pasta in a bowl and balsamic vinegar in a measuring cup.

Steps

Here is the step by step Instant Pot Pasta Caprese Recipe:

Step 1: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat oil. Add onion, garlic, crushed red pepper, and sauté for a minute (photos 1 - 2).

steps one through two cooking onions in Instant Pot

Add tomatoes, pasta, pasta sauce, half of the basil leaves, and salt. Add 1 cup of water and Gently push all the pasta under liquids (photos 3 - 4).

steps three through six showing adding ingredients to Instant Pot

Step 2: Close the Instant Pot and turn the steam release handle to sealing. Pressure Cook/Manual(High) for 4 minutes. Quick Release and open the Instant Pot. Add fresh mozzarella cheese and balsamic vinegar. Garnish with remaining basil and shredded parmesan (photos 7 - 10).

steps seven through ten showing cooked pasta in the Instant Pot and adding mozzarella, basil and balsamic

Enjoy hot! If making ahead, add the mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, and basil leaves just before serving.

Love Instant Pot Pasta recipes? Check out our favorites:

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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 in New Jersey with my husband and two sons.

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