Creamy Tomato Pasta Delight (Instant Pot Version)
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.
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