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–+ servings
Comforting Tomato Pasta Delight

Creamy Tomato Pasta Delight (Instant Pot Version)

Emma
A quick and delicious creamy tomato pasta made in under 20 minutes using the Instant Pot. This dump-everything method creates perfectly al dente pasta with a rich, creamy sauce that's perfect for busy weeknight dinners or family meals.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 445 kcal

Equipment

  • Instant Pot or Electric Pressure Cooker
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon for stirring

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz dry pasta penne, spaghetti, or angel hair
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
  • 1.5 cups 12 oz marinara sauce
  • 2 tsp dried basil or Italian herbs
  • 0.5 tsp red chili flakes
  • Salt to taste
  • 0.5 cup frozen green peas
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions
 

  • Set Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add dry pasta, frozen peas, water or broth, chili flakes, herbs, and salt. Mix well to combine.
  • IMPORTANT: Spread marinara sauce on top of other ingredients but do NOT mix. This prevents the BURN error. Gently push pasta under liquid if needed.
  • Close Instant Pot lid, seal pressure valve, and cook on High Pressure for 4 minutes (for al dente pasta).
  • Allow Natural Release for 2-3 minutes, then Quick Release remaining pressure.
  • Open lid carefully and stir in heavy cream and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately with Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • Pasta Timing Formula: Use half the box cooking time minus 1 minute for perfect al dente results
  • BURN Error Prevention: Always layer tomato sauce on top without mixing, and add extra ½ cup water if your Instant Pot has shown BURN errors before
  • Sauce Consistency: The sauce should be slightly loose initially as pasta continues to absorb liquid
  • Dairy Addition: Always add cream and cheese AFTER pressure cooking to prevent curdling
  • Substitutions: Use coconut cream, cashew cream, or full-fat milk instead of heavy cream for dietary preferences
  • Vegetable Add-ins: Broccoli, bell peppers, spinach, or corn work well - add delicate greens after pressure cooking

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Creamy Tomato Pasta Delight (Instant Pot Version)
Amount per Serving
Calories
445
% Daily Value*
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Keyword creamy tomato pasta, Instant Pot pasta
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