Instant Pot penne is the ultimate weeknight comfort food. Creamy, saucy, and packed with garlicky, herby tomato flavor, every bite is pure indulgence. The best part? The pasta cooks right in the sauce, so it soaks up every ounce of flavor, giving you a rich, comforting meal with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-stir magic: Unlike stovetop pasta, you don’t need to stir the dried pasta in the Instant Pot. Simply layer the pasta over the sauce and let the pressure cooker work its magic.
- Ultra-creamy: A splash of heavy cream stirred in at the end transforms this simple pasta into a luscious, rich dish.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 25 minutes from start to finish with only a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 (24-oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 12 oz dried penne pasta
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Pour the marinara sauce and salt into a 6-quart Instant Pot and stir to combine.
- Scatter the dried penne pasta evenly over the sauce. Do not stir.
- Pour the water over the pasta (use the empty marinara jar to rinse out any remaining sauce).
- Lock the lid and set the valve to seal. Cook on HIGH pressure for 6 minutes (about 13 minutes to reach pressure).
- Quick-release the pressure, then stir in the heavy cream until fully combined.
- Serve hot and enjoy a creamy, dreamy pasta dinner!
Tips for Perfect Pasta
- Don’t stir the pasta before cooking — it prevents clumping and ensures even cooking.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle with fresh basil or parmesan before serving.
- This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.