This Instant Pot Baked Ziti is the ideal dish for a comforting, hassle-free dinner that comes together in a fraction of the time compared to traditional baked pasta. With its rich and creamy sauce, tender pasta, and savory blend of Italian herbs, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The Instant Pot works wonders to cook everything to perfection—no need to boil the pasta separately or bake it in the oven. This one-pot wonder guarantees a flavorful, cheesy meal with minimal cleanup!
Ingredients
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ¾ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or use garlic paste or jarred chopped garlic)
- 1 box (16 oz) ziti pasta
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Prepare the Instant Pot:
Spray the insert of your 6 QT Instant Pot with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This step will help ensure easy cleanup later.
2. Add Liquid and Seasoning:
First, pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot, followed by the heavy whipping cream. It’s important to add the liquids in this order so that the cream doesn’t stick to the bottom and burn. Add in the salt, pepper, and minced garlic (or garlic paste).
3. Add Pasta:
Add the ziti pasta to the pot without stirring it. Gently press down on the pasta if any is sticking out of the liquid to ensure it’s mostly submerged. Avoid stirring, as it may cause the pasta to clump or cook unevenly.
4. Top with Tomatoes and Herbs:
Evenly pour the crushed tomatoes over the pasta. Then sprinkle the dried basil and oregano on top of the tomatoes. Again, do not stir—the layering ensures even cooking and prevents the burn warning from appearing on your Instant Pot.
5. Cook in the Instant Pot:
Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Select ‘Manual’ (or ‘Pressure Cook’) and set the cooking time to 5 minutes. The Instant Pot will take about 8 minutes to come to pressure, and then the 5-minute cooking time will start.
6. Natural and Quick Pressure Release:
Once the cooking time is finished, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, perform a quick release to let out any remaining pressure by turning the valve to the ‘venting’ position.
7. Stir in Parmesan:
Open the lid and add the shredded Parmesan cheese to the pasta. Stir everything together until well combined, creamy, and cheesy.
8. Serve:
Serve hot, and top with additional Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh basil if desired.
Tips:
- Layering Ingredients: It’s crucial to avoid stirring the pasta and tomatoes before cooking. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents the Instant Pot from giving you a burn notice.
- Pasta Texture: If you prefer your pasta al dente, you can reduce the cook time to 4 minutes and release the pressure naturally for only 5 minutes.
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, you can add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the pasta after it’s cooked.
- Herb Boost: Fresh basil can be added at the end for an extra burst of flavor, or you can sprinkle on some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
This Instant Pot Baked Ziti delivers all the flavors of a classic baked pasta dish without the long wait, making it a go-to meal for busy nights or when you crave something hearty and delicious.
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