Instant Pot Penne Pasta

If you need dinner on the table fast, this Instant Pot penne pasta is your answer. Everything cooks together in one pot — pasta, sauce, and all — in under 20 minutes from start to finish. No boiling water, no draining, no extra dishes.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hot, satisfying, and homemade without spending an hour in the kitchen. The pressure cooker does all the work while you set the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pot meal — pasta, sauce, and protein all in the Instant Pot
• Ready in 20 minutes — faster than ordering takeout
• Minimal cleanup — just one pot to wash
• Customizable — add sausage, vegetables, or extra cheese
• Family-friendly — kids and adults both love it

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta (uncooked)
• 1 lb ground Italian sausage or ground beef
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

How to Make Instant Pot Penne Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add the ground sausage or beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Add the Pasta and Liquids

Turn off Sauté mode. Pour in the chicken broth and water, then add the uncooked penne pasta. Spread it in an even layer. Pour the marinara sauce on top — do not stir. Sprinkle on the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Pressure Cook

Secure the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes. Once done, do a quick release by carefully turning the valve to venting.

Step 4: Add Cheese

Open the lid and stir everything together. The pasta should be perfectly cooked and the sauce thick. Stir in the mozzarella and parmesan until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 5: Serve

Ladle the pasta into bowls and garnish with fresh basil and extra parmesan. Serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Pasta

• Don’t stir before cooking — layering the sauce on top of the pasta prevents the burn warning
• Use enough liquid — the pasta absorbs liquid as it cooks, so the ratio is important
• Quick release only — natural release can overcook the pasta
• Cook time varies by pasta shape — penne needs 8 min; smaller shapes may need less
• Add spinach — stir in a handful of fresh spinach after cooking for extra nutrition

Variations

• Vegetarian — skip the meat and add diced zucchini and mushrooms
• Spicy — use hot Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes
• Chicken pasta — swap ground meat for cubed chicken breast
• Creamy rose sauce — stir in ¼ cup heavy cream at the end

What to Serve With Instant Pot Penne

• Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread
• Caesar salad or mixed green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• A glass of red wine

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. The pasta will absorb more liquid as it sits, so add a little extra when reheating.

This pasta is not ideal for freezing as it can become mushy after thawing, but it keeps well in the fridge and tastes great the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes! Rigatoni, ziti, or rotini all work well. Adjust cook time slightly — smaller shapes like rotini may need just 6 minutes.

Why do I get the burn notice?

This usually happens if the sauce is too thick on the bottom of the pot. Always layer the sauce on top of the pasta and broth, and do not stir before sealing the lid.

Can I make this without meat?

Absolutely. Just skip the sausage and go straight to adding the pasta and liquids. You can bulk it up with mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach instead.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can use gluten-free penne pasta. Cook time may vary slightly, so check the package instructions and reduce pressure cook time by 1–2 minutes.