Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

This Creamy Tomato Pasta is a quick and comforting one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy nights when you need something delicious in under 20 minutes. The creamy, cheesy sauce paired with perfectly cooked pasta and a burst of flavor from garlic, basil, and red chili flakes makes this a crowd-pleaser. The Instant Pot method ensures minimal cleanup while delivering a rich, satisfying meal, and it’s versatile enough to adjust based on what ingredients you have on hand. It’s creamy, savory, and incredibly easy to make – what’s not to love?

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 3 servings
• Calories: 445 kcal per serving

Ingredients:

• 8 oz dry pasta (about 2-2.5 cups)
• 12 oz pizza sauce or tomato puree (about 1.5 cups)
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1/2 cup green peas (frozen is fine)
• 2 teaspoons dried basil (or mixed herbs)
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
• Salt, to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup mozzarella, parmesan, or cheese of your choice

Instructions:

Instant Pot Method:

1. Sauté the Garlic:
   • Press the SAUTE function on your Instant Pot. Add olive oil and allow it to heat up. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
2. Add the Pasta and Liquid:
   • Add the dry pasta, green peas, water, red chili flakes, basil (or herbs), and salt to the Instant Pot. Stir gently to combine.
   • Spread the pizza sauce or tomato puree evenly over the top of the ingredients without stirring it in. This helps prevent the “burn” warning on the Instant Pot.
3. Push the Pasta Under the Liquid:
   • Gently push down the pasta to ensure it’s mostly submerged in the liquid. If the pasta is not fully covered, add a bit more water.
4. Cook on High Pressure:
   • Close the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the pressure valve is set to Sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 4 minutes (for al dente pasta) or 5 minutes for softer pasta. The rule of thumb for cooking pasta in an Instant Pot is to halve the suggested stovetop cook time and subtract one minute.
5. Quick Release and Stir:
   • Once the Instant Pot beeps, wait 2-3 minutes before performing a quick release to manually release the remaining pressure. Be careful when doing this!
6. Make it Creamy:
   • Open the lid and stir in the heavy cream and cheese. Mix everything well until the cheese is melted and the pasta is coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce. If you want it extra creamy, feel free to add more cream or cheese.
7. Serve:
   • Stir again and serve immediately. Garnish with extra cheese or fresh basil if desired.

Stovetop Method (Optional):

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
2. Add the dry pasta, green peas, water, red chili flakes, basil, and salt. Bring to a simmer and cover the pan. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, usually around 10 minutes for penne.
3. Once the pasta is cooked, reduce heat and stir in the tomato sauce, heavy cream, and cheese. Stir well until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta.
4. Serve hot with extra cheese or herbs if desired.

Tips and Tricks:

• No Stirring Required: It’s important not to stir the pasta before cooking in the Instant Pot. The sauce on top acts as a barrier to prevent burning and ensures everything cooks evenly.
• Perfect Pasta Texture: For al dente pasta, cook on High Pressure for 4 minutes. If you prefer a softer pasta, increase the cook time to 5 minutes. Always remember to wait 2-3 minutes before releasing pressure for optimal results.
• Adjust the Creaminess: You can adjust the creaminess by adding more heavy cream or cheese to suit your taste. For a richer texture, try using half-and-half or whole milk in place of the cream.
• Use Your Favorite Cheese: While mozzarella is a great option for this recipe, Parmesan, cheddar, or even a blend of your favorite cheeses will also work wonderfully.
• Add Protein or Vegetables: For added flavor and nutrition, consider adding cooked chicken, sausage, or spinach along with the peas. You can also experiment with different herbs for variety.

Notes:

• Burn Alert: If your Instant Pot shows the “BURN” error message, it usually means there wasn’t enough liquid to properly cook the pasta. To avoid this, always ensure the pasta is submerged in liquid, and add a little extra water if needed.
• Substitute Tomato Sauce: If you don’t have pizza sauce, tomato puree or crushed tomatoes will work just as well. You can also use marinara sauce for a more herby flavor.
• Frozen Peas: Frozen peas are a great addition, but if you prefer fresh ones, you can swap them out. Just add them to the Instant Pot at the same time as the other ingredients.

Storage:

• Leftovers: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little bit of water or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well, but I recommend freezing without the cheese for best results. After cooking, let it cool, then store in a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, and stir in the cheese after reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?
  Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of gluten-free pasta you use, so refer to the package instructions for the cook time in the Instant Pot.
• Can I make this without an Instant Pot?
  Absolutely! You can use the stovetop method described earlier. The stovetop method is just as delicious, though the Instant Pot saves time and cleanup.
• Can I add meat to this pasta?
  Yes, you can easily add cooked chicken, sausage, or bacon to the pasta. Add it along with the peas or after the pasta is cooked.

This Creamy Tomato Pasta is one of those dishes that’s perfect for any occasion – whether you’re cooking for yourself or the whole family. It’s quick, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. The creamy sauce and cheese make it feel indulgent, while the simple ingredients keep it fuss-free. Whether you make it in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop, this recipe is a keeper

Nutrition