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Quick 15-Minute Instant Pot Pasta Recipe for Creamy Tomato Sauce Delight

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A fuss-free, flavorful Instant Pot pasta recipe with a creamy tomato sauce that comes together in under 15 minutes, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or blend of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Set your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and add olive oil. Once shimmering, add minced garlic and chopped onion. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and fragrant. Avoid burning the garlic.
  2. Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken or vegetable broth. Stir well to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom to prevent burn warnings.
  3. Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Break pasta in half if needed to fit, then scatter evenly into the sauce mixture. Do not stir after adding pasta; press gently to submerge it in the liquid.
  5. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 5 minutes. Allow time for the pot to come to pressure before the countdown starts.
  6. Perform a quick release by moving the valve to venting once cooking ends. Open the lid when the float valve drops.
  7. Add softened cream cheese and stir vigorously until melted and incorporated, creating a creamy texture. Add a splash of broth or water if sauce is too thick.
  8. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the top before serving.

Notes

Do not stir pasta after adding to prevent sticking and burn warnings. Use softened cream cheese for smooth incorporation. Quick release pressure to avoid overcooking pasta. If sauce is watery, use ‘Sauté’ mode to reduce. For dairy-free, substitute cream cheese with coconut cream or vegan cream cheese and use vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot pasta, creamy tomato sauce, quick pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, one-pot meal, easy pasta, comfort food

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/quick-15-minute-instant-pot-pasta-recipe-for-creamy-tomato-sauce-delight/