Instant Pot Pasta Caprese

Name: Instant Pot Pasta Caprese
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
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, or to taste; 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (if the balls are too big, cut into half or quarters ); grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Published: Dec 14, 2017 · Modified: Feb 5, 2021 by Archana · This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · 39 Comments

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

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.

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

pasta caprese 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).

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).

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).

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:

Tried this recipe? We love your feedback.Please click on the stars in the recipe card below

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

4.41 from 30 votes