15 Easy Instant Pot Pasta Ideas

As someone who’s always looking for quick, easy and delicious meal ideas, I’ve become a bit obsessed with my Instant Pot lately.

If you’re like me and love pasta but don’t always have the time or energy for the whole stovetop routine, then you’re going to love these amazing Instant Pot pasta recipes I’ve discovered.

Making pasta in the Instant Pot is such a game-changer! Not only does it cook everything quickly with minimal hands-on time, but the pasta also comes out perfectly al dente every single time. No more gloppy, overdone noodles!

So grab your pressure cooker, boil up some water, and get ready to up your pasta game in a major way. Your tastebuds (and busy schedule) will thank you! Let’s dive into my favorite foolproof, family-friendly Instant Pot pasta recipes…

1. Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

This recipe takes classic mac and cheese to a whole new level of creamy goodness. The Instant Pot creates a perfectly cooked and ultra-cheesy dish that everyone will love.

Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 4 cups water
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Add the elbow macaroni and water to the Instant Pot.
2. Close the lid, set to manual high pressure for 4 minutes.
3. Quick release the pressure, then carefully open the lid.
4. Stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and heavy cream until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Side Dish: Garlic bread

Drink: Iced tea or a light Chardonnay

2. Instant Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

This quick and easy version of spaghetti and meatballs is perfect for a family dinner. The flavorful meat sauce is cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot, and the pasta comes out al dente every time.

Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz)
• 3 cups water
• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Brown the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic.
2. Add the marinara sauce, water, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
3. Break the spaghetti in half and layer it over the sauce. Do not stir.
4. Close the lid, set to manual high pressure for 8 minutes.
5. Quick release the pressure, then carefully open the lid and stir the spaghetti. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.

Side Dish: Caesar salad

Drink: Red wine like Chianti or a cold beer

3. Easy Instant Pot Lasagna

This recipe simplifies lasagna by using the Instant Pot to cook the noodles and sauce all in one pot. It’s a delicious and time-saving way to enjoy this classic Italian dish.

Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 1 cup water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Brown the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic.
2. Add the marinara sauce, water, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
3. Layer the broken lasagna noodles over the meat sauce.
4. Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over the noodles and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
5. Close the lid, set to manual high pressure for 10 minutes.
6. Quick release the pressure, then carefully open the lid and let the lasagna sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Side Dish: Garlic knots

Drink: A glass of Merlot or sparkling water with lemon

4. Instant Pot Bolognese

This Bolognese sauce is simmered to perfection in the Instant Pot, resulting in a rich and flavorful sauce that’s perfect for topping pasta or using in other dishes.

Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Brown the ground beef and pork with the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic.
2. Add the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, red wine, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
3. Close the lid, set to manual high pressure for 25 minutes.
4. Natural release the pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
5. Carefully open the lid, stir the sauce, and let it simmer on sauté mode if needed to thicken. Serve over pasta.

Side Dish: Freshly baked bread

Drink: A robust red wine like Barolo or a cold Italian soda

5. Cheesiest Instant Pot Hamburger Helper

This recipe puts a grown-up spin on the classic Hamburger Helper. The Instant Pot cooks the pasta and ground beef perfectly, and the cheese sauce is irresistibly creamy.

Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Brown the ground beef with the diced onion.
2. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, elbow macaroni, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
3. Close the lid, set to manual high pressure for 5 minutes.
4. Quick release the pressure, then carefully open the lid.
5. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and milk until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Serve immediately.

Side Dish: Steamed green beans

Drink: A cold glass of milk or iced tea

6. Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff

This Instant Pot stroganoff is a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s sure to please the whole family. The tender beef and creamy sauce are perfect served over egg noodles.

Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb beef stew meat
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Egg noodles for serving

Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Brown the beef stew meat with the diced onion and minced garlic.
2. Add the mushrooms, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
3. Close the lid, set to manual high pressure for 12 minutes.
4. Quick release the pressure, then carefully open the lid.
5. Stir in the flour and sour cream until the sauce is thickened and creamy. Serve over egg noodles.

Side Dish: Mixed green salad

Drink: A glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or sparkling water

7. Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta

This dish is loaded with flavor from sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Italian sausage. The Instant Pot cooks everything to perfection in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.

Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz pasta (penne or similar)
• 2 cups spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Brown the diced chicken with the diced onion and minced garlic.
2. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, pasta, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
3. Close the lid, set to manual high pressure for 6 minutes.
4. Quick release the pressure, then carefully open the lid.
5. Stir in the spinach and Parmesan cheese until the spinach is wilted and the cheese is melted. Serve immediately.

Side Dish: Garlic breadsticks

Drink: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or iced lemon water

8. Lighter Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo

This recipe lightens up the classic chicken alfredo by using low-fat ingredients and Greek yogurt. It’s still plenty creamy and delicious, but without all the fat.

Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 oz fettuccine
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Brown the sliced chicken with the minced garlic in olive oil.
2. Add the chicken broth, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
3. Break the fettuccine in half and layer it over the liquid. Do not stir.
4. Close the lid, set to manual high pressure for 6 minutes.
5. Quick release the pressure, then carefully open the lid.
6. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and frozen peas until the sauce is creamy and the peas are heated through. Serve immediately.

Side Dish: Steamed broccoli

Drink: A light Chardonnay or sparkling water

9. Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore

This classic Italian dish features chicken, tomatoes, peppers, and onions simmered in a flavorful sauce. The Instant Pot makes it easy to create this comforting meal on a busy weeknight.

Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken thighs
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Brown the chicken thighs in olive oil, then remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic in the pot.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, white wine, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Return the chicken thighs to the pot.
5. Close the lid, set to manual high pressure for 15 minutes.
6. Natural release the pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
7. Carefully open the lid and serve the chicken cacciatore over pasta or rice.

Side Dish: Crusty Italian bread

Drink: A glass of Chianti or mineral water

10. Instant Pot Crack Chicken Pasta

This recipe lives up to its name! The chicken is cooked in a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s loaded with flavor. It’s sure to become a new family favorite.

Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 8 oz pasta (penne or similar)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Brown the diced chicken in the pot.
2. Add the ranch seasoning mix, chicken broth, pasta, and cream cheese. Stir well.
3. Close the lid, set to manual high pressure for 6 minutes.
4. Quick release the pressure, then carefully open the lid.
5. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, bacon, and milk until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Serve immediately.

Side Dish: Fresh garden salad

Drink: A cold glass of lemonade or a light beer

11. Instant Pot Chicken Pesto Pasta

This dish is a great way to use up leftover pesto. The chicken and vegetables are cooked in the Instant Pot, and then the pesto is stirred in for a quick and easy meal.

Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup pesto sauce
• 8 oz pasta (penne or similar)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Brown the diced chicken with the minced garlic.
2. Add the chicken broth, pasta, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
3. Close the lid, set to manual high pressure for 6 minutes.
4. Quick release the pressure, then carefully open the lid.
5. Stir in the pesto sauce, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese until well combined. Serve immediately.

Side Dish: Caprese salad

Drink: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water

12. Instant Pot Pizza Pasta

This fun and flavorful pasta dish is sure to be a hit with kids. It features all the classic pizza toppings in a creamy tomato sauce.

Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups pizza sauce
• 2 cups water
• 8 oz pasta (rotini or similar)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Brown the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic.
2. Add the pizza sauce, water, pasta, and Italian seasoning. Stir well.
3. Close the lid, set to manual high pressure for 5 minutes.
4. Quick release the pressure, then carefully open the lid.
5. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices until the cheese is melted and the pepperoni is warmed. Serve immediately.

Side Dish: Garlic bread

Drink: A cold cola or a light red wine like Pinot Noir

13. Instant Pot Taco Pasta

This recipe is a fun and flavorful twist on taco night. The ground beef is seasoned with taco spices and cooked with pasta, beans, and corn in the Instant Pot.

Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup salsa
• 8 oz pasta (elbow or similar)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Brown the ground beef with the diced onion.
2. Add the taco seasoning, beef broth, salsa, and pasta. Stir well.
3. Close the lid, set to manual high pressure for 5 minutes.
4. Quick release the pressure, then carefully open the lid.
5. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Serve immediately.

Side Dish: Corn on the cob

Drink: A cold beer or a refreshing limeade

14. Instant Pot Spinach Artichoke Pasta

This quick and easy pasta dish is perfect for a busy weeknight. It’s loaded with spinach, artichoke hearts, and Parmesan cheese for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz pasta (penne or similar)
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 1 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Brown the diced chicken with the minced garlic.
2. Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, pasta, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
3. Close the lid, set to manual high pressure for 6 minutes.
4. Quick release the pressure, then carefully open the lid.
5. Stir in the spinach, artichoke hearts, and Parmesan cheese until the spinach is wilted and the cheese is melted. Serve immediately.

Side Dish: Garlic knots

Drink: A glass of Chardonnay or sparkling water

15. Instant Pot Ravioli

This recipe is the easiest way to cook ravioli. Simply toss the ravioli and your favorite sauce into the Instant Pot and cook for a few minutes. Dinner is served!

Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb frozen ravioli
• 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz)
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Add the frozen ravioli, marinara sauce, and water to the Instant Pot. Stir gently.
2. Close the lid, set to manual high pressure for 4 minutes.
3. Quick release the pressure, then carefully open the lid.
4. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted.
5. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Side Dish: Caesar salad

Drink: A glass of red wine like Merlot or iced tea

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