Penne Pasta in Tomato Cream Sauce - Instant Pot
User Reviews
4.8
-
Prep Time
5 mins
-
Cook Time
15 mins
-
Total Time
20 mins
-
Servings
4
-
Calories
433 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
Italian
Penne Pasta in Tomato Cream Sauce - Instant Pot
Description
Penne Pasta in Tomato Cream Sauce - Instant Pot features penne noodles cooked directly in a mixture of garlic sautéed in olive oil, marinara sauce, water, and seasonings. The pasta pressure cooks for 4 minutes for a firm yet tender texture. After cooking, cream and cheese are stirred in to create a smooth, rich tomato cream sauce, balanced with lemon juice and salt. Garlic adds aroma, while cheese enriches the creamy mouthfeel.
The sauce clings well to the ridged penne, merging tomato and dairy elements in a convenient one-pot method that saves time and dishwashing. The method includes important advice to avoid burn messages common in newer Instant Pot models by adding the marinara sauce just before pressure cooking and not stirring it in.
This penne pairs well with simple sides or as a satisfying main. Adjust the salt and lemon to brighten the flavor to your taste. The recipe’s technique delivers a comforting pasta meal with moderate effort and easy cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic diced (not paste)
- 9 ounces penne pasta (about 3-4 cups)
- 12 ounces marinara sauce or similar tomato based sauce
- 1/2 cup cream
- 1/2 cup cheese Romano or Parmesan or cheese of your choice
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
Instructions
- Start the instant pot in sauté mode and heat oil in it. Add the garlic and cook until it is golden brown.
- Add the marinara sauce and let it come to a boil. This will take a couple of minutes. (See notes if you have had a Burn issue in your instant pot)
- Add a cup of water and then stir in the penne. Scrape if anything is stuck to the bottom of the pot. Most of the pasta should be covered in the sauce and water. If it is not, add some more water.
- Close the instant pot lid with vent in sealing position. Change the setting to manual or pressure cook mode at high pressure for 4 minutes. The time to cook is usually 1 minute less than half of the suggest time on the pasta box. This will result in al dente pasta.
- When the instant pot beeps, quick release the pressure manually.
- Stir in the cream and cheese, so it is mixed well with the sauce. Add in lemon juice and salt to taste. Penne is ready to be served.
- Tip: Remove the steel insert from the instant pot, so the bottom does not continue cooking from the heat.
Notes
- Use a 6qt Instant Pot as specified for best results and to avoid burn errors.
- If your Instant Pot shows a burn warning, add the marinara sauce last, on top of other ingredients, without stirring before cooking.
- The cooking time aims for al dente penne; cook longer if you prefer softer pasta.
- Lemon juice added at the end brightens the sauce; adjust amount to preference.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 433 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 433kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 55g | 18% |
| Protein | 14g | 28% |
| Fat | 18g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 56mg | 19% |
| Sodium | 843mg | 35% |
| Potassium | 475mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 947IU | 19% |
| Vitamin C | 9mg | 10% |
| Calcium | 152mg | 15% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
You'll Also Love
