How to Make Instant Pot Penne Pasta
If you’ve never made pasta in the Instant Pot before, prepare to be amazed. This Instant Pot penne pasta recipe takes everything — meat, pasta, and sauce — and cooks it all together under pressure in just 20 minutes. The result is rich, hearty, and incredibly satisfying.
It’s the ultimate one-pot dinner for busy weeknights when you want something homemade and comforting without spending an hour in the kitchen.
What You’ll Need
- 12 oz penne pasta (uncooked)
- 1 lb 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
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup parmesan
- Fresh basil for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meat (Sauté Mode)
Press Sauté on your Instant Pot. Add the sausage and cook until browned and crumbled, about 5 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.
Step 2: Add Pasta and Liquids
Cancel Sauté mode. Pour in the chicken broth and water. Add the dry penne on top (do not stir). Pour the marinara sauce over the pasta without stirring. Sprinkle on the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Pressure Cook 8 Minutes
Lock the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to Sealing. Cook on Manual / High Pressure for 8 minutes. When the timer goes off, carefully turn the valve to do a quick release.
Step 4: Stir in the Cheese
Open the lid and give everything a good stir. Stir in the mozzarella and parmesan until melted and creamy. The residual heat does all the work.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Dish up the pasta into bowls and top with fresh basil and extra parmesan. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.
Tips for the Best Results
- Don’t stir before sealing — this prevents the burn error; layer the sauce on top
- Use quick release — natural release overcooks the pasta
- Add a handful of spinach after opening the lid for extra nutrients
- Taste before serving — adjust salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to your preference
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian version — skip the meat and add diced zucchini and mushrooms
- Creamy pasta — stir in ¼ cup heavy cream after opening the lid
- Spicy pasta — use hot Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes
- Chicken penne — use cubed chicken breast instead of ground meat
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water or broth — the pasta tends to absorb the sauce as it sits, so adding a bit of liquid keeps it creamy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Instant Pot say “burn”?
This happens when the sauce sits directly on the bottom and gets too hot. Always add liquids first, then pasta, then sauce on top — never stir before cooking.
What size Instant Pot should I use?
A 6-quart is perfect for this recipe. If you have an 8-quart, add an extra ½ cup of broth to ensure the minimum liquid requirement is met.
Can I freeze Instant Pot penne pasta?
Pasta doesn’t freeze well once cooked — it tends to become mushy. This recipe is best eaten fresh or from the fridge within 4 days. It reheats beautifully though!
How many does this serve?
This recipe makes about 4–6 generous servings, making it perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week.