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    Home » Italian

    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

    2501 shares
    Jump to Recipe

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

    pasta caprese served in 2 white bowls

    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.

    pasta caprese in a white bowl

    Love Instant Pot Pasta recipes? Check out our favorites:

    • Penne Alla Vodka
    • Spicy Taco Pasta 
    • Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese
    • Spinach Mushroom Lasagna
    • Masala Mac n Cheese
    • Creamy Tomato Pasta
    Tried this recipe? We love your feedback.Please click on the stars in the recipe card below
    pasta caprese in a white bowl
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    4.48 from 36 votes

    Instant Pot Pasta Caprese

    Easy one-pot pasta Caprese with tomatoes, basil, fresh mozzarella, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar prepared in Instant Pot.
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time10 mins
    Total Time15 mins
    Course: Entree
    Cuisine: Italian
    Servings: 3
    Calories: 381kcal
    Author: Archana Mundhe

    Ingredients

    • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 medium yellow onion thinly sliced
    • 6 garlic cloves minced
    • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper optional
    • 1 cup grape tomatoes halved
    • 2½ cups mezze penne
    • 4 handful basil leaves
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 cup water
    • 15 oz can tomato sauce
    • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
    • 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls if the balls are too big, cut into half or quarters
    • grated parmesan cheese optional

    Instructions

    • Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat oil. Add onion, garlic, and crushed red pepper. Sauté for a minute.  
    • Add tomatoes, pasta, half of the basil leaves, salt, and water. Gently push all the pasta under liquids. Layer tomato sauce on top. Do not mix.
    • Close the Instant Pot and turn the steam release handle to sealing. Pressure Cook for 4 minutes. 
    • Quick Release. Add fresh mozzarella cheese and balsamic vinegar. Give a quick stir.
    • Serve hot garnished with remaining chopped basil and shredded parmesan.

    Video

    Notes

    • Add enough water so that most of the pasta is submerged
    • Layer tomato 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 cheese and balsamic vinegar after the pasta is done pressure cooking

    Nutrition

    Calories: 381kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 1828mg | Potassium: 844mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 1545IU | Vitamin C: 21.9mg | Calcium: 246mg | Iron: 2.8mg
    Tried this recipe?Share your photo and tag @ministry_of_curry or tag #ministryofcurry

    ♥ 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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    Reader Interactions

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    1. Antonia says

      March 16, 2017 at 11:04 pm

      There's nothing better than a quick pasta meal. This looks so comforting and delicious!

      Reply
      • Archana says

        March 17, 2017 at 11:10 am

        Thank you Antonia! I love fresh basil and fresh mozzarella in this dish and the drizzle of balsamic vinegar .. just finishes up this dish so beautifully!

        Reply
    2. Em says

      March 26, 2017 at 10:08 pm

      This looks great! I'm trying to figure out the ratio of pasta to liquid since I'm using a different shaped pasta and am looking to go by weight rather than volume. Do you happen to know how much pasta, by weight, you used?

      Reply
      • Archana says

        March 26, 2017 at 10:32 pm

        About 1/2 box or 8 oz. You want just enough water so that all the pasta in barely submerged under water/liquid.

        Reply
    3. Linda Smith says

      March 30, 2017 at 8:52 am

      This looks really good! If I make a double recipe, would you increase the time?

      Reply
      • Archana says

        March 30, 2017 at 11:13 am

        Linda, you do not need to double the time. It will work with same time. Would love to know how you like it! Thank you.

        Reply
    4. Linda Smith says

      March 31, 2017 at 5:06 am

      It was very good! My husband said it had a restaurant quality taste. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Archana says

        March 31, 2017 at 6:56 am

        Thank you Linda! You made my day. So glad you guys enjoyed it! ❤?

        Reply
    5. Kalbap says

      April 15, 2017 at 1:46 pm

      Great recipe for a quick lunch dish. I tweaked the ingredients a bit by using shallots in addition to the onions and garlic. Also used whole grain pasta. Reduced the balsamic vinegar quantity- 1/4 cup is a bit much. A drizzle (few teaspoons) is perfectly fine. And pecorino Romano grated also goes well. A hearty flavorful dish all in all.

      Reply
      • Archana says

        April 15, 2017 at 8:35 pm

        Yum! Your version sounds delish. I agree, balsamic vinegar can be drizzled to taste.

        Reply
    6. Pam says

      June 21, 2017 at 10:41 am

      Thanks for the fantastic recipe! The mozzarella balls are pretty but hard to eat, so I think next time I'll try adding shredded fresh mozzarella instead.

      Reply
      • Archana says

        June 21, 2017 at 4:32 pm

        Hi Pam, So glad you enjoyed this pasta recipe! You can also chop up mozzarella balls into small pieces or shred it!

        Reply
    7. Roshni patel says

      August 10, 2017 at 10:41 am

      How do you film your videos? do you have your camera hooked on something? I need to figure out how to make some videos to share with my sisters on things I am making. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

      Reply
      • Archana says

        August 10, 2017 at 1:04 pm

        Hi Roshni, I have the camera on tripod or sometimes my boys will help me with the video as I cook.

        Reply
        • Roshni says

          August 11, 2017 at 12:20 am

          Thanks!! Also have a question for the amount of water for pasta. How do you determine how much water to add to pasta as it doesn't look like a lot? I figured out your equation for cooking times but need help with water for pasta!!!

          Reply
          • Archana says

            August 11, 2017 at 7:14 pm

            Hi Roshni! It is tricky with the water. As different pasta recipes have different liquids from the sauce, tomatoes, etc. After adding all the sauces, tomatoes, I add enough water so that most of the pasta(90%) is under water. I use a spatula to push the pasta under the liquids. Hope this helps.

            Reply
    8. Radha says

      November 25, 2017 at 5:08 pm

      Hi archana
      How about using tomato pasta sauce instead of tomato sauce
      Will that make a difference

      Reply
      • Archana says

        November 25, 2017 at 5:09 pm

        Hi Radha, you can totally use a tomato pasta sauce. It will still be yummy

        Reply
    9. Jo says

      March 31, 2018 at 6:13 pm

      This may be not only the best instant pot meal I ever made, but maybe the best meal ever.,.amazing and super quick and easy!

      Reply
      • Archana says

        March 31, 2018 at 7:25 pm

        Hi Jo! Thank you so much! Your lovely comment made my day! I love the way pasta cooks in the Instant Pot. So flavorful and a truly one pot dish. We have this pasta on repeat in the summers.

        Reply
    10. Arpan says

      May 24, 2018 at 8:50 pm

      Hi,

      The recipe came out awesome but I had to do 8 mins instead of 4 and put more water. Pasta was kind of stuck and little burnt at the bottom. Can you tell me what could be wrong.

      Thanks.

      Reply
      • Archana says

        May 24, 2018 at 8:54 pm

        Hi! Need to know exactly which pasta you used and what was the cook time on the box. If the pasta is bigger than the cook time usually is also longer. You want to look at the cook time on the pasta and use half of that as the pressure cooking time. Also make sure all the pasta is under liquids so it will cook properly in the set time. Hope you will try it again!

        Reply
    11. Smitha Sunil says

      July 20, 2018 at 1:28 pm

      Hi Archana,

      I tried to re-calculate serving for 9 people. It shows 6-1.5 cups penne pasta. Does that mean six and a half cups or 6 X 1.5 cups? This is my all time favorite recipe by the way. Thanks a ton.

      Smitha5 stars

      Reply
      • Archana says

        July 20, 2018 at 1:31 pm

        Hi Smitha, It means 7 and half cups. Weird that it displays 6 - 1.5 instead of 7.5, will see how to fix it. But for now go with 7.5 cups of pasta. And don't forget to rate the recipe 🙂

        Reply
    12. Roma says

      September 08, 2018 at 11:26 am

      Is there a version with chicken for this ?

      Reply
      • Archana says

        September 08, 2018 at 5:52 pm

        Hi Roma, I have not tried capers with chicken. But you can add sauté either ground chicken or boneless chicken cut into bite sized pieces for 2 to 3 minutes along with the onions. Then follow the remaining recipe.

        Reply
    13. Divya says

      November 20, 2018 at 9:25 pm

      I tried this today and it was so delicious The kids loved it!5 stars

      Reply
      • Archana says

        November 26, 2018 at 11:26 pm

        Thank you for the feedback.

        Reply
    14. Julie says

      January 04, 2019 at 1:27 am

      This was amazing! Such a basic dish but the flavors really came through. I used Rao's pasta sauce instead of plain tomato. Will definitely be making it again!5 stars

      Reply
      • Archana says

        January 04, 2019 at 9:37 pm

        Thank you for the feedback! So glad to hear that you enjoyed the flavors

        Reply
    15. Andrew Hoffmann says

      May 29, 2019 at 8:10 pm

      1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette was a little acidic for my taste, but easily remedied with some sugar.4 stars

      Reply
      • Archana says

        May 30, 2019 at 7:58 pm

        Thank you! I am going to go ahead and mention to add to taste and some brands may make it it too acidic

        Reply
    16. Shonna Carlson says

      September 23, 2019 at 8:36 pm

      SO GOOD!! Just started using my instant pot and so I was very nervous! The tip about adding just enough water to cover the pasta is so true! I love all the flavors! Thank you so much!!5 stars

      Reply
    17. Leika says

      October 03, 2019 at 1:47 pm

      Hi! I have made this a few times and it always comes out great. Would it work with gluten free brown rice pasta? If so, would you adjust the time?5 stars

      Reply
      • Archana says

        October 05, 2019 at 1:01 pm

        Yes for gluten free pasta. Half the package cooktime and then minus one minute for perfectly cooked pasta

        Reply
    18. Elsa Hale says

      April 09, 2020 at 7:00 pm

      I just made this and it was outstanding! I used dried basil and baby spinach because in this day of "quarantine in place," it's what I had on hand but the flavor was amazing. Will definitely make many more times in the future.5 stars

      Reply
      • Archana says

        April 10, 2020 at 7:43 pm

        Thank you! Last week I ended up using dried basil and spinach also. I am so glad you enjoyed it

        Reply
    19. Amanda says

      October 31, 2020 at 2:30 pm

      Since I don’t have fresh tomatoes on hand, was thinking of using a 14oz can of diced tomatoes. Recommendations on changing the liquid ratio if I did this instead of the fresh tomato? Just make sure there is enough liquid covering the pasta, so maybe less water? Can’t wait to try!

      Reply
      • Archana says

        November 01, 2020 at 9:51 am

        Hi Amanda, yes canned tomatoes will work. Just add enough liquids to cover the pasta. You probably won't have to add any extra

        Reply
    20. Anvita says

      March 17, 2022 at 11:00 pm

      So amazing a dish for a week night after a long day of work. My girls absolutely loved it. Thank you so much!5 stars

      Reply

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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!

    Archana's Essential Indian Instant Pot Cookbook

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