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Instant Pot Ziti with Tomato Sauce
5 from 48 votes

Instant Pot Ziti with Tomato Sauce

Instant Pot Ziti with Tomato Sauce is a one-pot pasta dish cooked under pressure with tomato sauce, garlic, Italian herbs, and seasonings. The pasta simmers directly in the sauce and water, absorbing flavors and creating a cohesive tomato-infused meal topped with vegan cheese and basil optional additions.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 175 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Vegan

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp neutral cooking oil generic cooking oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 14 to 16 oz tomato sauce marinara, pizza sauce or tomato puree
  • 1.5 tsp italian herbs (thyme, oregano, basil, use less or more depending on sauce used
  • 1/4 tsp salt (less or more depending on if the tomato sauce is salted or not)
  • 1/4 tsp  pepper flakes
  • 2 cups ziti pasta 6 oz or 200 gm, uncooked or other pasta such as penne
  • 1.25  cup water , 1.5 cups if the sauce used is thicker
  • 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/8 tsp white pepper
  • vegan parmesan cheese vegan mozzarella (optional, as needed
  • basil fresh or herbs as needed

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Start the Instant Pot on saute. Add oil and garlic and cook until the garlic is starting to get golden. (see saucepan instructions in notes)
  2. Add the tomato sauce, herbs, pepper flakes and salt and mix in. Switch off saute. Add pasta and water and mix well to dislodge any stuck bits. Press the pasta into the sauce so the pasta is well covered in the sauce.Alternatively, add water, veggies if using, herbs, salt and mix in. Then add tomato sauce on top and pasta and press just to cover the pasta but dont mix. (some IPs are more prone to burn errors that others so try both to see which works. Also see tips above)
  3. Close the lid and pressure cook for 6 mins. (4 to 7 mins depending on the pasta used). Quick release after 4 mins.
  4. Add white pepper, olive oil , vegan parm, or vegan mozzarella and mix in. Garnish with more parm and fresh herbs.
  5. For tomato cream sauce, add 1/3 cup cashew cream and some nutritional yeast and mix in. Saute to bring to just a boil. Garnish and serve

Notes

  • For a stovetop version, cook pasta separately and simmer sauce with garlic and herbs before combining.
  • Use gluten-free pasta as a substitute if needed; adjust cooking times accordingly.
  • Vegan parmesan and mozzarella add creamy texture and flavor without dairy.
  • Adjust water amount depending on sauce thickness to prevent burning or sticking in the Instant Pot.
  • Allow the dish to rest covered off heat for a few minutes to let flavors meld before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories 175kcal (9%) Carbohydrates 30g (10%) Protein 5g (10%) Fat 4g (6%) Sodium 501mg (21%) Potassium 454mg (10%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 5g (10%) Vitamin A 580IU (12%) Vitamin C 8.9mg (10%) Calcium 37mg (4%) Iron 1.9mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 175

% Daily Value*

Calories 175kcal 9%
Carbohydrates 30g 10%
Protein 5g 10%
Fat 4g 6%
Sodium 501mg 21%
Potassium 454mg 10%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 5g 10%
Vitamin A 580IU 12%
Vitamin C 8.9mg 10%
Calcium 37mg 4%
Iron 1.9mg 11%

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