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Instant Pot Orecchiette

An easy and delicious Instant Pot pasta dish with kale and ricotta.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 712 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 cups (134g) chopped kale
  • 3 teaspoons fresh thyme
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 4 cups (946g) water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 16 ounces (453g) orecchiette
  • 1 cup (90g) parmesan grated
  • Lemon wedges for garnish
  • 1 cup (250g) ricotta cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

To make the pasta
    Cup of Yum
  1. Heat olive oil in the insert of the instant pot using sauté mode.
  2. Add the chopped kale to the hot oil and sauté for about 5 minutes, occasionally stirring, until the kale has softened slightly.
  3. Stir in garlic, onion powder and thyme and cook for an additional minute.
  4. Pour in the water and then add the orecchiette and salt. Stir and gently pressing down the pasta so it is fully submerged in water.
  5. Place the lid on, turn valve to sealinh position, and set to manual pressure / high pressure for 4 minutes.
  6. When done, perform a quick pressure release, then open the lid and stir in the parmesan cheese.
  7. Add ricotta cheese to the bowl of a food processor along with olive oil and salt. Process on high for 4-5 minutes, or until ricotta is light, fluffy, and smooth.
  8. To serve, add a dollop of ricotta onto a plate, then top it with pasta and kale. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, if desired.

Notes

  • Pressure cook for 4 minutes to cook pasta to al dente. The pasta will continue to cook through as you prepare the whipped ricotta. 
  • Swap the water for low sodium chicken broth for a more flavorful dish. 
  • Use whole wheat pasta if preferred. 
  • Use any small pasta noodle. 
  • If the sauce is dry, stir in a bit of cream, white wine, or chicken stock. 
  • Add some Italian sausage or shredded chicken to make this a hearty meal. 
  • Drain off any excess liquid from the ricotta before making the ricotta cream. 
  • Add a little crushed red pepper to the ricotta cream. 
  • Cooking times do not include the time it takes for the Instant Pot to come up to pressure or for the pressure to be released.
  • There are XX WW Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.
  • Pressure cook for 4 minutes to cook pasta to al dente. The pasta will continue to cook through as you prepare the whipped ricotta. 
  • Swap the water for low sodium chicken broth for a more flavorful dish. 
  • Use whole wheat pasta if preferred. 
  • Use any small pasta noodle. 
  • If the sauce is dry, stir in a bit of cream, white wine, or chicken stock. 
  • Add some Italian sausage or shredded chicken to make this a hearty meal. 
  • Drain off any excess liquid from the ricotta before making the ricotta cream. 
  • Add a little crushed red pepper to the ricotta cream. 
  • Cooking times do not include the time it takes for the Instant Pot to come up to pressure or for the pressure to be released.
  • Storage - store pasta and whipped ricotta separately in airtight containers inside the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • There are XX WW Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

Nutrition Information

Calories 712kcal (36%) Carbohydrates 92g (31%) Protein 30g (60%) Fat 24g (37%) Saturated Fat 10g (50%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 9g Cholesterol 53mg (18%) Sodium 1399mg (58%) Potassium 501mg (14%) Fiber 5g (20%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 3915IU (78%) Vitamin C 34mg (38%) Calcium 476mg (48%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 712

% Daily Value*

Calories 712kcal 36%
Carbohydrates 92g 31%
Protein 30g 60%
Fat 24g 37%
Saturated Fat 10g 50%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 9g 45%
Cholesterol 53mg 18%
Sodium 1399mg 58%
Potassium 501mg 11%
Fiber 5g 20%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 3915IU 78%
Vitamin C 34mg 38%
Calcium 476mg 48%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.