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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 · 42 Comments

    2519 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

    Recipe

    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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    4.50 from 38 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 minutes mins
    Cook Time10 minutes mins
    Total Time15 minutes 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. Fee says

      May 10, 2023 at 5:37 pm

      Amazing!!! Thanks so much!5 stars

      Reply
    2. Jessica says

      September 14, 2023 at 9:51 pm

      Pasta burned on the bottom of the instant pot. I’d recommend more water to avoid this.

      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!

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