3-Ingredient Instant Pot Penne Pasta (Pantry Dinner in 15 Minutes)

Tutorial: how to make 3-ingredient Instant Pot penne pasta — dump pasta, marinara, water; pressure cook 5 min; melt cheese on top. 15 min total.

Introduction

Tutorial: how to make 3-ingredient Instant Pot penne pasta — penne + marinara + water + pressure 5 min. 15 min one-pot.

Ingredients List

  • 16 oz penne rigate + 1 jar (24 oz) marinara + 3 cups water
  • Optional: 1.5 cups mozzarella + 1/2 cup parmesan + Italian seasoning + chili flakes + salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil + 3 garlic + fresh basil + cracked pepper

Timing

Close-up of saucy penne pasta with golden mozzarella crust, herbs, and red marinara coating each piece Save

Prep 2. Sauté 3. Pressure 5+5. Cheese 3. Total 15 min.

Step 1 — Sauté Garlic

Sauté mode 1 min oil. Garlic 60 sec. Spices 30 sec. Off.

Step 2 — Add Pasta

Dry penne on top of garlic. NO STIR.

Step 3 — Water + Marinara

Water first. Then marinara. Salt. Just submerge.

Step 4 — Pressure 5 Min HP

Lock lid + sealed valve.

Step 5 — QR + Stir Vigorously

Towel over valve. Stir to combine.

Step 6 — Cheese 2 Min Lid

Mozzarella + parm. Cover (no pressure). 2 min residual heat. Basil + pepper.

Nutritional Information

  • Calories 460 | Protein 17g | Fat 12g | Carbs 68g | Fiber 4g | Calcium 25% DV

Healthier Alternatives

Chickpea pasta. Broth. Part-skim mozzarella. Spinach. Turkey sausage. Low-carb palmini.

Serving Suggestions

Caesar/arugula salad. Garlic bread. Italian sausage. Burrata. Chianti, pinot noir.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Low liquid
  • Pre-stirring
  • Over-pressure
  • Skip rest
  • Lid too early

Storing Tips

4 days fridge. Skillet reheat with water. Freezer 2 mo. Pre-measure components.

Conclusion

That’s how to make 3-ingredient Instant Pot penne. Comment your stir-in, share a photo, subscribe.

FAQs

Time formula? Half package -1 min.

Other shape? Spaghetti 7, mac 4.

Burn? Pasta stuck; don’t stir.

Marinara sub? Any pasta sauce.

GF? GF pasta same time.

Meat? Brown first.

Recipe Card: 3-Ingredient Instant Pot Penne Pasta

Prep: 2 min | Sauté + Pressure: 13 min | Total: 15 min | Serves: 6 | Calories: 460/serving

Ingredients

  • 16 oz penne rigate + 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce + 3 cups water (or broth)
  • Optional: 1.5 cups mozzarella + 1/2 cup parmesan + Italian seasoning + chili flakes + salt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil + 3 garlic + fresh basil + cracked pepper

Instructions

  1. Sauté mode: warm oil and garlic 60 sec; add seasoning 30 sec.
  2. Add dry penne on top; do not stir.
  3. Pour water first, then marinara; nudge pasta to submerge.
  4. Pressure cook 5 min on high.
  5. Quick release with towel over valve; stir vigorously.
  6. Top with mozzarella and parmesan; cover (no pressure) 2 min until melted; finish with basil and pepper.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories 460 | Protein 17g | Fat 12g | Carbs 68g | Fiber 4g | Calcium 25% DV

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