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Instant Pot Penne Pasta
4.8 from 81 votes

Instant Pot Penne Pasta

This Instant Pot Penne Pasta recipe cooks pasta directly in a flavorful sauce with sautéed onions, garlic, and spinach. The one-pot method uses high-pressure cooking for a quick finish, with cream cheese stirred in for creaminess and parmesan added before serving. Red pepper flakes and basil provide gentle seasoning to complement the tomato-based sauce.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 392 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion small
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 cups water
  • ¼ tsp salt (plus extra to taste)
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes crushed
  • ¼ tsp basil or fresh basil, to taste, dried
  • 1/8-1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 2 cups spaghetti sauce (snag your favorite!)
  • 1 TBSP cream cheese
  • 2 handfuls spinach fresh baby
  • Parmesan Cheese for topping, to taste

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. First measure our all your ingredients and prep your veggies. This dish comes together quickly!
  2. Peel and finely chop your onion. Peel, smash, and mince garlic.
  3. Using a 6-Quart Instant Pot, set to sauté function, add 2 tsp oil, and heat. Sauté onions approx. 3-4 minutes or until desired tenderness is reached, then add garlic and cook an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Press "CANCEL/OFF" and add water and pasta. Stir to combine, making sure the onions/garlic are incorporated into the liquid and not stuck to the bottom.
  5. Add crushed red pepper flakes, basil, salt, and pepper and top with 2 cups of spaghetti sauce but DO NOT STIR.
  6. Secure the lid and place the vent in the sealing position. Set to "MANUAL" or "PRESSURE COOK" mode on "HIGH" pressure. Use the +/- button to adjust the cook time to 5 minutes. The general rule of thumb for cooking pasta in the Instant Pot is to cook for half the box's cook time for the noodles. Double check your pasta box and adjust time as needed.
  7. The Instant Pot will take an adittional 5-8 minutes or so to come to presure before the countdown begins. When the Instant Pot beeps and the countdown has finished, quick release the pressure by flipping the valve to venting position. Stand back as the steam releases.
  8. Once the pin drops and the lid unlocks, remove lid and mix in the cream cheese and spinach. Return the lid for a minute while the spinach wilts. Snag a noodle to taste-test then adjust spices as needed, adding extra of anything you'd like. I added extra red pepper flakes to mine - yum!
  9. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and dig in while it's hot!

Notes

  • Nutrition facts are estimated and can vary depending on parmesan and sauce choices.
  • Cooking time is based on half the time recommended on the pasta package for optimal texture in the Instant Pot.

Nutrition Information

Calories 392kcal (20%) Carbohydrates 74g (25%) Protein 14g (28%) Fat 5g (8%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Cholesterol 4mg (1%) Potassium 719mg (15%) Fiber 5g (20%) Vitamin A 2023IU (40%) Vitamin C 15mg (17%) Calcium 65mg (7%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 392

% Daily Value*

Calories 392kcal 20%
Carbohydrates 74g 25%
Protein 14g 28%
Fat 5g 8%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 4mg 1%
Potassium 719mg 15%
Fiber 5g 20%
Vitamin A 2023IU 40%
Vitamin C 15mg 17%
Calcium 65mg 7%
Iron 3mg 17%

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