How To Make Pasta In An Instant Pot

How to Cook Pasta in the Instant Pot

In a 6-quart Instant Pot / pressure cooker, follow these simple step-by-step instructions to make wonderfully al dente pasta. Instant Pot pasta has been my archenemy since since I fell in love with the kitchen gadget of the day, the Instant Pot. In the last several years, I’ve gained a great deal of confidence in my ability to cook in a pressure cooker. Only a few weeks passed until I was no longer afraid of opening the pressure valve. In these days, I use the pressure cooker a couple of times a week to prepare everything from rice to a large pot of Crispy Pork Carnitas to 20-minute weekday dishes like Chickpea Curry with Rice, among other things.

That is, until I learnt how to make Instant Pot spaghetti in my Instant Pot.

Here’s how to go about it.

Why Cook Pasta in the Instant Pot

In the Instant Pot / pressure cooker, there are three reasons why you should cook pasta.

1. A genuine one-pot meal, this recipe is delicious. While a result, there is no need to filter the pasta after it has been cooked since the pasta will absorb all of the water as it cooks. Put it on your calendar and forget about it. The pot doesn’t have to be watched constantly to make sure it doesn’t overflow when it’s cooking. Just switch on the machine and walk away
2. It’s that simple. The starch remains in the pot – Because the pasta isn’t strained, all of the natural starch from the pasta remains in the pot and acts as a natural thickener for any type of sauce you add – whether it’s marinara sauce (as inInstant Pot Chicken Spaghetti), creamy cheesy sauce (as inInstant Pot Mac and Cheese)

The Instant Pot Pasta Formula

To cook any form of pasta correctly in the Instant Pot (please note that you do not need to do the math yourself – I just wanted to show you how I did it) follow these steps:

1. On each box or bag of pasta, you may find the suggested cooking time
2. Take the smallest even number in the range as a starting point. (If just one time is supplied and it is odd, round down to the next whole number.) As a result, 7 minutes become 6.)
3. Take half of the time and subtract two minutes. Pressure cook on high for 15 minutes. Apply natural pressure release for 5 minutes before releasing any leftover pressure by hand.

However, there is no need to go to all of that trouble. Simply follow the instructions in the chart below: **The Instant Pot / pressure cooker has a genuine setting of 0 for the time being. For tiny pasta shapes with a short suggested cooking time, set the timer to zero minutes before beginning to cook. The pressure cooker will completely pressurize, but it will not be able to maintain that pressure for any length of time.

How Much Water to Use for Instant Pot Pasta

For every 8 ounces of pasta, use 2 cups of water. So…

• 4 cups Water
• 8 cups Water
• 16 cups Water
• 24 cups Water
• 8 oz Pasta + 2 cups Water
• 16 oz Pasta + 4 cups Water
• 24 oz Pasta + 6 cups Water

If you’re cooking pasta in a large amount of liquid or sauce (such as a soup or ragu), you can ignore this, but the cook times will remain the same as before.

How to Cook Pasta in the Instant Pot

1. If you’re cooking pasta in a large amount of liquid or sauce (such as a soup or ragu), you can ignore this, but the cook times will remain the same as they were previously.

Cooking Spaghetti, Fettuccini, or Linguini in the Instant Pot

Long, straight pasta such as spaghetti, fettuccini, and linguini can be difficult to cook in the Instant Pot because of their shape. While the cooking procedure for these is slightly different from that of the other forms, the total cooking time stays the same.

1. To make it easier for them to be soaked in water, break the spaghetti strands in half before adding them to the Instant Pot. Note: This is a larger amount of water than you would normally need for other pasta forms in an Instant Pot. Cooking should not be stirred until it is finished. Resist the temptation to stir the spaghetti too much. This can be caused by overstirring the mixture. Cook the pasta under pressure for the specified amount of time on the chart. After leaving the pasta on natural release for 5 minutes, you should release any leftover pressure. After cooking, thoroughly mix the pasta to ensure that the strands do not become clumped together. Drainage should be adequate.

Whole Wheat / Alternative Pasta

If you are using whole wheat or an alternate pasta, there is no need to make any adjustments to the recipe. Because this technique of preparing pasta is based on the cook time suggested on the box, it may be used to prepare any variety of pasta. We put this strategy to the test with several different sorts of whole wheat pasta as well as various other varieties of substitute pasta (lentil, chickpea, and black bean pasta).

Instant Pot Pasta Recipes

• Using the Instant Pot to make Mac & Cheese is a great way to save time. Because the carbohydrates in the macaroni help to thicken the cheesy sauce, you can make a rich and creamy mac and cheese without using a lot of milk or cheese. Instant Pot Chicken Spaghetti– This one-pot dinner is a family favorite in our house since it is both classic and comforting. See that post (if only for the images of our infant chowing down on a massive bowl of this savory food)
• Recipe for Instant Pot Italian Pasta Salad – This pasta salad is made in a different manner than the one described here. In order to make Instant Pot pasta salad, you must first cook the pasta above the other ingredients in a pot-in-pot technique. However, because it is such a great Instant Pot technique, it deserves to be included here.

Favorite Tools

• I use this 6-quart Instant Pot Duo to test all of the recipes on my website. It readily produces enough food to feed the five members of our family (three of whom are tiny children).

How to Cook Pasta in the Instant Pot

Follow these simple step-by-step directions to make wonderfully al dente pasta every time! This recipe was tested in an Instant Pot with a 6-quart capacity. However, when this procedure was performed in an 8-quart Instant Pot, the results were not consistently good. Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes Nutritional Information: Servings:4 Calories:210kcal Cost:$1.00

• To begin, calculate how long the pasta will need to cook depending on the type of pasta you are using. See the notes below for further information on determining the appropriate time. In the bowl of an Instant Pot, combine the pasta with the water and salt. Make a commotion out of everything. (If you’re preparing long, straight pasta like spaghetti, fettuccini, or linguini, see the remark below.)
• Close the lid and secure it
• Set the pressure cooker’s vent to “Sealing” and pressure cook on high for the amount of time specified in Step 1. Allow for a total of 5 minutes of natural release time for the pasta. (Note: If you leave it out for any longer than necessary, the pasta may get overcooked.)
• Manual release should be used to relieve any leftover pressure. Open the cover and give the spaghetti a vigorous swirl, 20 to 30 times, until it is well combined. (This will remove any dry patches that may have remained where the pasta was hanging out of the water while cooking.) If you’re adding sauce, do it at this time as well.) Continue cooking the pasta for another 5-10 minutes after returning the lid to the top of the pressure cooker (there is no need to lock it, just place it on top). NOTE: This is the most crucial step, since the pasta will continue to absorb any remaining liquid and will continue to cook a little more in the residual heat of the machine after this step. Achieving a cooked but not overdone pasta is the key to success.
• sServe

On the pasta package or bag, look for the shortest recommended cooking time. (If a range is provided, the lowest value in the range should be used.) As a result, if the time span is 9 to 11 minutes, utilize 10 minutes. If just one time is specified and it is an odd number, round down to the next whole number. As a result, 7 minutes become 6.) Then, using the table below, decide how long to pressure cook on high for each ingredient. **0 refers to the actual pressure cooker / instant pot setting on the device.

The pressure cooker will completely pressurize, but it will not be able to maintain that pressure for any length of time.

Spaghetti, Fettuccini, or Linguini- Long, straight pasta forms such as these (as well as angel hair, bucatini, and other similar shapes) require a somewhat different approach than other types of pasta.

1. To make it easier for them to be soaked in water, break the spaghetti strands in half before adding them to the Instant Pot. Fill the Instant Pot halfway with water, just enough to thoroughly cover the pasta (note: there is no set amount, but only add water until every strand of pasta is submerged). Season with salt. Cooking should not be stirred until it is finished. (This will assist in preventing the spaghetti from sticking together.)
2. Pressure Prepare the spaghetti according to the instructions on the chart. After leaving the pasta on natural release for 5 minutes, you should release any leftover pressure. After cooking the pasta, give it a good toss to free any strands that have been caught together. Drainage should be adequate.

210 calories|42 grams of carbohydrates|7 grams of protein|1 gram of fat|1 gram of saturated fat|Sodium: 300 milligrams|Potassium: 126 milligrams|Fiber: 2 grams|Sugar: 2 grams|Calcium: 16 milligrams|Iron: 1 milligram It is possible that this content includes affiliate links.

Reader Interactions

Have you ever wanted to know how to cook pasta in an Instant Pot? This article will cover all you need to know about making nearly any form of pasta in the Instant Pot.

Instant Pot Pasta

When we cook something in the Instant Pot, we always ask ourselves the following question: Does cooking something in the Instant Pot improve upon the traditional approach in any way, either in terms of time or ultimate result? If the answer is yes, then we are happy. And if the answer is yes, we will gladly utilize our Instant Pot to do the task. Preparing pasta in the Instant Pot has several advantages over traditional methods such as boiling water (and straining the pasta). It takes only a few minutes and produces some very outstanding one-pot pasta recipes.

No.

Aside from that, our approach is a universally applicable recipe that can be used to practically any shape or variety of pasta (mainly, see below for additional information)!

Cooking Any Type of Pasta in the Instant Pot

We wanted to design a recipe that could be used for any variety of pasta that you might have on hand. As part of our study over the previous several months, we’ve tried at least 14 different varieties of pasta with this recipe, all of which have turned out delicious. Most of them have been really successful for us, however there have been a few minor quirks. Before we get started, we need point out a few things: This is something we’ve discovered through many years of generating recipes in the Instant Pot: although though this device claims to operate in the same way across the board, we’ve discovered that this is not the case.

1. We’ve tested this recipe in three different types and sizes of Instant Pots with great success, but keep in mind that you may need to make minor adjustments to the recipe to achieve the precise results you wish for the recipe you’re using.
2. The variables in this recipe include the altitude at which you reside, the type of pasta you are using, and the model of Instant Pot you have.
3. The reason why we’re offering this recipe is that we’ve found it to be quite beneficial for creating pasta, and we believe you will, as well.
4. When it comes to the components used in gluten-free pasta, there is a lot of variation (ranging from corn or soy flour, to brown rice or quinoa flour).

We’ve discovered that the most difficult part of preparing gluten-free pasta is dealing with the surplus flour that escapes through the vent. Be assured that we have developed a way for dealing with this issue, which we will discuss in further detail below.

Our Method of Cooking Pasta

Our approach for cooking any sort of pasta in the Instant Pot is a little different than others, and we’ll explain how we came up with it further down in the article. But first, let’s go through our fundamental method:

1. Add the dry pasta and enough water to almost completely cover the noodles. It is OK to have a few pieces of pasta protruding above the water line. In order to avoid overcooking, avoid cooking it in a large amount of water because this increases the time it takes to heat (and hence increases the risk of overcooking), which might cause a problem during the pressure release (see more on this below). Set the Instant Pot to a cooking time of 0 minutes, and no, this is not a typo
2. This is the real cooking time in the Instant Pot. Once the pressure is reached and the timer reaches 0 minutes, let the pressure to naturally release for 3 minutes. On the Instant Pot, this is shown by the time L 00:03
3. Then manually release the remaining pressure.

So, what is the scientific basis for this? This works because the pasta is already cooking during the time it takes for the pressure cooker to reach pressure, and the pasta continues to cook even after the pressure cooker has been turned off. Our method prevents the Instant Pot from “boiling over” with starch, which is why we do it this way. What you’re seeing here appears to be starch erupting from the pressure release knob. Excessive starch was the most common problem we experienced while cooking pasta in the Instant Pot, particularly when preparing gluten-free noodles.

When we use our approach of cooking it to zero minutes and then allowing it to naturally release for three minutes (while the pasta continues to cook), the boiling isn’t nearly as quick when we release the pressure, which prevents the starch from flying out as it would otherwise.

But don’t worry, we’ve got a solution for you.

How to Stop Starch from Shooting Out

In order to avoid starch from escaping during the release and shooting starchy liquid all over your kitchen, we developed this way of cooking pasta in the Instant Pot. As a matter of fact, it was one of the first times I cooked gluten-free spaghetti in the Instant Pot, and I was completely unprepared for how I would react when the starch began to spew all over my kitchen floor. Everything in the area of my Instant Pot was covered in a starchy slime, and I was concerned that my Instant Pot had been wrecked due to the amount of starch that had leaked out its release valve.

1. However, how can we ensure that the starch does not escape in the future?
2. It really does make a difference.
3. If a large amount of starch begins to erupt out of the pressure release valve, carefully seal the valve with a towel and allow it to remain closed for at least 20 seconds.
4. You can continue this procedure as many times as required until the pressure has been removed completely.

Another approach is to just open the valve halfway, allowing the pressure to be released gradually rather than quickly. In order to prevent the starch from bubbling up, the pressure should be released slowly.

Why Can’t I Just Cover the Release Valve with a Towel?

If you’re asking this question, it’s probable that you haven’t read your instructions. The Instant Pot instructional manual explicitly states that you cannot, under any circumstances, cover or cover the pressure release valve with a towel in order to prevent starch from escaping and contaminating the rest of the Instant Pot. This is for your own safety and the health of your Instant Pot, among other reasons. So that is the motivation for devising a strategy for dealing with the leaking starch!

To Drain or Not to Drain

And this is where the magic of Instant Pot pasta comes into play: you don’t always have to drain the pasta! In the case of pasta, the majority of the water is absorbed by the pasta during the cooking process. When it’s completed, there will be only a small amount of water left over to use. Once your pasta is cooked, you may combine it with your sauce or prepare a dish straight in the Instant Pot, such as Mac & Cheese. You can, however, drain the pasta if you choose. It’s also a good idea if your dish calls for it, such as in a Macaroni Salad recipe.

In that situation, washing and draining the pasta will be sufficient to remove the starchiness that is less than ideal.

Troubleshooting Tips

So you’ve followed our instructions for cooking pasta in the Instant Pot, but you’re still having problems. While a lot of this material has already been addressed previously, we’ve consolidated it all here to make it easier to understand. After being manually released, the pasta spat starchy water out of its pores! This is possible dependent on the sort of pasta you used as well as a few other considerations. To regulate the discharge of starch from your pressure valve, carefully close the valve with a cloth and leave it closed for 20 seconds after closing it.

• If the starch begins to spew again after a few seconds or a minute, repeat the procedure of closing the valve for 20 seconds and then reopening it.
• The spaghetti had become stuck together!
• This prevents any sort of stickiness from taking place.
• Several gluten-free pastas that we’ve tested experienced issues with the natural release being delayed as a result of an excessive amount of starch being released.
• We took a note of the brands and shapes that we used, and we didn’t put them in the Instant Pot again.
• As previously stated, this recipe is suitable for practically all types of pasta; however, the results may vary based on the type of pasta used and the Instant Pot used.
• We have never had a problem with uncooked pasta when we have used this way of cooking spaghetti.
• When cooking pasta, if you do not like it al dente, you can increase the natural pressure release time by 2 minutes in the future for that exact type and brand of pasta.
• The pasta has been cooked in extremely sticky, gooey water!
• With gluten-free pasta manufactured with alternative flour, the residual water sometimes contains an unpleasant starchy liquid, which is unwanted.

One approach to determine whether or not this will occur is to carefully read the instructions on the pasta package. If it says to rinse, you’ll want to follow through on that instruction!

Recipes to Use for Instant Pot Pasta

• The Instant Pot Macaroni Salad
• Creamy Mushroom Ricotta Pasta
• Creamy Mushroom Ravioli
• And Italian Pasta Salad
• Gluten-Free Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
• And Gluten-Free BLT Pasta Salad are some of the recipes you’ll find here.

Watch the Video

If you like this culinary instruction, you might be interested in these others:

• Using the Instant Pot, you can cook frozen chicken breasts in minutes. Making Oat Flour from Scratch
• Peppers: How to Roast Them
• Instructions for Baking Bacon in the Oven

How to Cook Pasta in the Instant Pot

Have you ever wanted to know how to cook pasta in an Instant Pot? This article will cover all you need to know about making nearly any form of pasta in the Instant Pot.

• The recipe is by Lexi’s Clean Kitchen
• The prep time is 00:02
• The cooking time is 00:03
• And the total time is 00:10. It is in the category of Cooking School
• The method is Instant Pot
• The total time is 00:10.

• 12 to 16 ounces dry pasta
• A generous sprinkle of salt
• Water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional
• See note)
• 12 to 16 ounces dried pasta

Instructions

1. Fill the liner of your Instant Pot with any type of pasta (at least 12 ounces but no more than 16 ounces) and set aside. Add just enough water to almost completely cover the pasta (a few pieces of pasta sticking above the water line is ok). Add in the salt and oil, if you’re using it. Close the lid and turn the valve to the sealing position. high pressure cooking for 0 (zero) minutes with a natural release of 3 minutes (see note regarding gluten-free pasta)
2. It’s time to let go of the strain. If starchy liquid starts to come out of the knob at any stage, shut the knob for 20 seconds and try again. Then let go of the pressure once more. Close the knob as many times as required until all of the pressure has been released
3. And As soon as you finish cooking the pasta, stir it again and serve it as requested. You may either drain the pasta and use it in whatever dish you like, or you can save the starchy water and use it to help you prepare a sauce for the pasta
4. The choice is yours.

Notes

Do you generally add oil to your boiling pasta after it’s done? If so, it’s okay to include it in this section as well. Only 2 minutes should be allowed for the pressure to naturally release when using gluten-free pasta, particularly brown rice pasta. Gluten-free pasta appears to have the most difficulty with starchy water escaping from the pressure knob when using a pressure knob. As a result, you will need to close the valve at least once or twice when releasing the pressure in order to avoid the starch water from shooting out of the release valve, which will lengthen the overall cooking time by a few minutes because it will take longer to release the pressure this way.

1. It is excessively starchy for most recipes, and the pasta should be washed well before using it.
2. If your pasta, such as spaghetti, is too long to fit in the Instant Pot, just cut it in half to fit.
3. A few units exist with a different pressure release valve, which has a plastic cover over it, and we are aware of this.
4. In order for this recipe to work, you must be able to manage the pressure release as needed.

Perfect Instant Pot Pasta

This post may include affiliate links, which means that I receive a tiny part of the transaction at no additional cost to you as a result of your purchase. My recommendations are limited to goods that I personally enjoy and have had a favorable experience with. Thank you very much! EXTRA BONUS IN YOUR EMAIL5 Expert Instant Pot Tricks WHEN USING THE INSTANT POT, SAVE TIME AND MONEY. How to Cook Pasta in the Instant Pot (with Pictures): We’re talking about the secret to creating perfectly cooked pasta in the Instant Pot that doesn’t require any stirring, babysitting, or frothy spills all over your burner!

This recipe has been revised to produce even better, al dente, less foamy pasta than before.

FREE PRINTABLE: FORMULA FOR PERFECT INSTANT POT PASTA

Never again will you have to search up how to make pasta in the Instant Pot! Complete the form below to obtain your handy Pressure Cooker Pasta printable. Thank you for your interest! Why bother with PerfectPressure CookerPasta when the most frequent approach is as simple as heating water and a pasta machine? I’ve got enough excuses to last me for days. No situation in the kitchen drives me more insane than dealing with a pot of spaghetti that would not stop foaming on the burner! It takes constant stirring to keep it from burning, and when that doesn’t work, you take it off the stove and let it cool, just to put it back on the heat and watch it swiftly froth to the top, forcing you to do the whole process over.

Thanks for coming to my aid, super fantastic pressure cooker!

In fact, I can delegate the task to my daughter while I take a power sleep!

Various cook times and water to pasta ratios are available, and after many experimentation, I’ve finally nailed down the time that works best for my family and myself. Let’s get started with the information we’ve gathered thus far.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE MAKING PASTA IN THE ELECTRIC PRESSURE COOKER

• Your days of babysitting pasta have come to an abrupt end. Just throw everything into the pot, hit some buttons, and do some yoga
• There will be no more STARCHY WATER FOAMING OVER ONTO YOUR STOVETOP – that’s the best part right there
• With this miraculous method, you can nearly ensure that your pasta will be correctly cooked every time. As is often the case, timings may vary somewhat depending on the brand, model, and altitude
• But, it is so simple that even a child can do it. There’s plenty there to justify the purchase of an Instant Pot (or two).

HOW TO COOK PASTA IN THE INSTANT POT – THE MAGICAL FORMULA

Let me preface this section by stating that this procedure may not work on every single type of pasta available on the market. For example, there’s lentil pasta, quinoa pasta, and buckwheat pasta to choose from. HOWEVER! I believe that this is an excellent beginning point for all of these different types of pasta. Simply make a note to add or remove a minute the next time you make your favorite pasta dish if you notice that it is little under or overcooked. It’s as simple as ABC.

1. Pasta should be added to the pressure cooker pot. Pour in the liquid: 1 1/2 cups of liquid for every 4 ounces of pasta is recommended. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt with each 1 1/2 cups liquid and 4 ounces of pasta
2. Set aside. Fat should be used in proportion to the pasta: 1/2 tablespoon oil or butter for every 4 ounces of pasta Cook pasta for half the time specified on the shortest packet, plus 2 minutes (examples below). Pressure cooking should be completed by performing a fast release of pressure (see below for what to do if starchy liquid bursts through valve). If you’re going to combine the pasta with a sauce, save some of the starchy pasta water before draining the noodles. If you’re not going to use it right away, rinse it well with cold water to halt the cooking process. If you use a small sprinkle of oil, it will keep from sticking.

Using a pressure cooker pot, add the pasta. Liquid should be added as follows: 1 1/2 cups liquid for every 4 ounces of pasta; In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt with each 1 1/2 cups liquid and 4 ounces of pasta; whisk until well combined. Incorporate fat into the recipe by using 1/2 tablespoon oil or butter for every 4 ounces of pasta. 2 minutes fewer than the lowest package time; cook pasta for half as long as the lowest package time (examples below). When the pressure cooking is finished, quickly release the pressure (see below for what to do if starchy liquid bursts through the valve).

If you aren’t going to use it straight away, rinse it with cold water to halt the cooking.

HOW TO DETERMINE COOK TIME FOR INSTANT POT PASTA

Check the recommended cook time on the packaging to determine the ideal cooking time. Take the shortest package time and split it in half, then deduct two minutes from the result. Here are a few examples to help you feel more secure in your decision on the optimum time to call.

• Cook the Whole Wheat Spiral Pasta for 7-9 minutes, according to the package directions. The shortest time (7 minutes), reduced to 6 minutes to make an even figure, divided in half (3 minutes), and subtracted 2 minutes to reach 1 minute cooking time
• The Brown Rice Macaroni Pasta recipe on this page calls for 15-16 minutes of cooking time. Make a note of the shortest time (15 minutes), reduce it to 14 to make an even number, split it in half (7 minutes), subtract 2 minutes, and you will have 5 minutes of cooking time. The Whole Grain Penne pasta used in this recipe takes 10-12 minutes to cook. Take the shortest time (10 minutes), split it in half (5 minutes), then remove 2 minutes to get the shortest cooking time (3 minutes).

HOW TO REDUCE PASTA FOAM

I’ve picked up some excellent tips and techniques from all of you in the comments section below; here’s a quick rundown of what I’ve learned over the course of the year:

• Foaming can be reduced by using oil or butter. I use around 1 spoonful of sauce per 8 ounces of cooked pasta.

• Rinse the pasta two or three times before cooking it – I wouldn’t call this a perfect solution, but it does appear to be effective

• Rinse the pasta 2 – 3 times before cooking it — I wouldn’t call this a foolproof technique, but it does appear to be effective.

• To immediately relieve the pressure, turn the knob clockwise. If starchy water begins to spray from the valve, turn the knob to the sealed position, wait 30 seconds, then turn the knob back to the release position, repeating the process as many times as necessary – generally 2 to 3 times

• Remove pressure by turning the knob quickly. Then, if the starchy water starts to spray through the valve, turn it to the sealed position and wait 30 seconds, then switch it back to the release position, repeating the process as many times it is necessary – generally 2 to 3 times.

• Using a trivet, set the pasta on top of it and quickly release the pressure while waiting to see whether there will be enough starchy water flying out to make me want to turn the knob back on. Then, to relieve the residual pressure, I employ the intermittent or slow-release technique.

BEST TYPES OF PASTA FOR THE PRESSURE COOKER

• Shortcut spaghetti is the best option. For example, elbow macaroni, penne, cavatappi, tiny to medium seashell, rotini, rigatoni, ziti, wheels, farfalle (butterfly), and cavatappi are all types of pasta. Spaghetti that is small and fragile, such as alphabet pasta, may overcook very easily. It will be impossible to put together gnocchi, filled pasta, or handmade pasta. After the pressure cooking is finished, add these variations and use the “saute” function to simmer for a few more minutes to finish cooking the pasta. The use of long strand pasta such as fettuccine and spaghetti is acceptable
• However, you must break them in half and disperse them unevenly into the liquid so that they do not form a large clump, and be aware that there is a chance that the noodles may become stuck together.

BEST COOKING LIQUID FOR PASTA

The finest liquid for cooking pasta is a combination of water and broth, with a dash of lemon juice added for flavoring if desired. The starch and sauce in recipes that call for boiling pasta in marinara sauce or milk must be diluted with water or broth in order to prevent the starch and sauce from burning to the bottom of the pot.

FAVORITE PASTA BRANDS

• There’s nothing better than this brand’s taste and the most ideal al dente chew. Moreover, it is available in a plethora of shapes and sizes

• This brand may be purchased either online or at Target stores. Their whole wheat pasta is available in the widest range of shapes and sizes at a reasonable price.

• Tinkyada Brown Rice Pasta is my go-to gluten-free pasta brand.

• This is, in fact, my all-time favorite type of pasta. Despite the fact that it is whole grain, it has a moderate flavor and a great soft chew.

• This is by far the nicest tasting and most textured bean/legume pasta available, and it comes in a wide range of forms and sizes as well.

IS PASTA HEALTHY?

To be honest, this seems to be a bit of a loaded question. It is dependent on how they are processed and cooked, just as it is with so many other meals. Please see below for my own position on the subject. Delicious, but not very nutritious, is refined/enriched pasta tossed in a thick, salty cream and butter sauce. Whole grain pasta, on the other hand, is lower in calories and richer in fiber, which is already a better situation. Serve your dish of pasta with a vegetable-based sauce (such as this Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce or thisTomato Marinara) and top it with steamed or roasted vegetables and lean proteins such as beef or tofu to make it even more nutritious.

Pasta is an extremely healthy option!

EASY PASTA RECIPES FOR THE INSTANT POT

• Whole Grain Mac & Cheese– packed with rich cheesy taste at a quarter of the calories of traditional macaroni and cheese
• Pasta with sweet corn and tomatoes
• Mac and cheese with pizza sauce
• Minestrone with Ricotta Chicken Meatballs in the Springtime

RECOMMENDED TOOLS/INGREDIENTS TO BUY AND MAKE INSTANT POT PASTA

• Instant Pot, Tinkyada Brown Rice Pasta, Pasta Strainer, and Tall Trivet are all required.

FREE PRINTABLE: FORMULA FOR PERFECT INSTANT POT PASTA

Never again will you have to search up how to make pasta in the Instant Pot!

Complete the form below to obtain your handy Pressure Cooker Pasta printable. Thank you for your interest! Print

Perfect Instant Pot Pasta

Cook your pasta to perfection without having to stir it, keep an eye on it, or worry about starchy water splattering all over your stovetop! The Instant Pot comes to the rescue!

• Cook your pasta to perfection without having to stir it, keep an eye on it, or worry about starchy water splattering all over the stovetop! The Pressure Cooker comes to the rescue once again.

• Ingredients: Pasta
• Water (1 1/2 cups for every 4 ounces of pasta)
• Kosher salt (half a teaspoon for every 1 1/2 cups of water and 4 ounces of pasta)
• 1/2 tablespoon oil or butter for every 4 ounces of pasta

1. In a pressure cooker pot, combine the pasta, water, kosher salt, and oil or butter (follow the proportions in the ingredient list). Please keep in mind that the pasta should just be slightly covered by water. If there is spaghetti visible above the surface of the water, add more to cover it. To seal the lid, turn the pressure release knob all the way to the closed position. Cook under high pressure for half the amount of time specified on the pasta box minus 2 minutes (see notes for examples of how to do this)
2. When the pressure cooking process is finished, employ a rapid release method. If liquid shoots from the knob, shut the knob, wait 30 seconds, and then release pressure once more to stop it from happening again. Continue until no more foam is flowing through the valve. It is also possible to tilt the knob halfway so that only a modest amount of steam is emitted
3. Use the pasta right away, or rinse it with cool water to halt the cooking process.

Notes

• When I first published this recipe in 2017, the instructions said that 2 cups of liquid should be used for every 4 ounces of pasta. I’ve reduced the amount of liquid to 1 1/2 cups now since it reduces foaming while still ensuring that the pasta cooks precisely and without sticking. In addition, I originally stated to divide the box cook time in half and deduct one minute from the total time. For ideal al dente pasta, I now reduce the cooking time by 2 minutes. Consider using this original way if it works for you, or try this new method and let me know how it compares to the old method. The following nutritional information is for 1 cup of dried whole wheat pasta. The facts will differ based on the type of pasta that is used. Cooking time examples from the list above for your convenience:

• Cook the Whole Wheat Spiral Pasta for 7-9 minutes, according to the package directions. The shortest time (7 minutes), reduced to 6 minutes to make an even figure, divided in half (3 minutes), and subtracted 2 minutes to reach 1 minute cooking time
• TheBrown Rice Macaroni Pastarecipecalls for 15-16 minutes of preparation time. Make a note of the shortest time (15 minutes), reduce it to 14 to make an even number, split it in half (7 minutes), subtract 2 minutes, and you will have 5 minutes of cooking time. The Whole Grain Penne pasta used in this recipe takes 10-12 minutes to cook. Take the shortest time (10 minutes), split it in half (5 minutes), then remove 2 minutes to get the shortest cooking time (3 minutes).

Pressure cooker, instant pot, instant pot pasta, simple pasta, flawlessly cooked pasta are some of the keywords to remember. Welcome! My name is Marci, and I’m the wife of my motorbike dream guy and the mother of three children. I have a strong desire to create and prepare delectable masterpieces in my kitchen, and I am thrilled to be able to share my findings with you on TIDBITS! I prefer my cuisine to be good, healthful, and memorable, and it must be followed with dark, salty chocolate at all times.

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How To Make Instant Pot Spaghetti

We independently choose these items, and if you make a purchase after clicking on one of our links, we may receive a commission. Put it this way: I’m here to tell you that pasta with meat sauce made in the Instant Pot is nothing short of life-changing — and the single best thing to come out of my kitchen this year, period. But I know what you’re thinking: “Spaghetti. in an Instant Pot?” I’ve been there. However, although pressure cookers are fantastic for things like swiftly breaking down tough portions of meat, something as basic and classic as pasta (which is already very straightforward to make) seems like it would be better served on the stovetop instead.

Wrong.

No persistent stirring or waiting for a large pot of water to boil are required; the process is virtually fully hands-off.

After about 20 minutes of cooking (yes, including the time it takes to bring the pot to pressure), the following happens: It takes only a few minutes for the beef to become soft, and the pasta contributes its starch to the sauce, resulting in the most exquisite rendition of this weekday staple you could possibly imagine.

You’re probably not going to make spaghetti any other way after trying this method.

The Magic of Instant Pot Spaghetti

My fear of overcooking or making clumpy pasta had kept me from using my Instant Pot until now. Furthermore, why would I bother to use my electric pressure cooker for a task that can be accomplished with a set of pots and pans? However, as I discovered, cooking pasta in the Instant Pot has a number of advantages over other methods. You brown the meat in the saucepan using the sauté function, and then you produce a super-easy sauce using the sauce function.

When boiling the pasta, instead of using a separate pot, the pasta and water are combined and put directly into the sauce. Once the pressure is released, you’ll have a pot of wonderfully al dente pasta in a very smooth meat sauce, which you can serve immediately.

3 Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Pasta

I’d want to claim that Instant Potspaghetti is a flawless recipe, but after spending a significant amount of time going through comments in an Instant Pot Facebook page, I quickly discovered that there are a few frequent issues that arise while making this type of preparation. However, with proper technique, any of these problems may be avoided.

• After browning the meat, scrape the bottom of the saucepan with a wooden spoon. The idea here is to prevent receiving a BURN alert from your pot, so brown the meat first, add a little water to the pot, and scrape, scrape, scrape before adding the marinara to the pot. Under and over the pasta, pour in a layer of water. To ensure that the pasta is cooked properly, you’ll want to make sure that there is water (or, in our case, sauce) both beneath and over the pasta. I prefer to “rinse” my sauce jar with water before pouring it over the spaghetti to save waste, but if you’re using homemade sauce, you may omit this step. After you’ve added the pasta, resist the impulse to stir it. Put the cover on the pot as soon as you’ve gotten the pasta in it and the water over it to a boil. Gently poke the pasta with your finger, but do not mix, as this will result in sticky, stuck-together spaghetti.

Serving Instant Pot Pasta

After eight minutes of high pressure cooking, open the pressure valve to quickly reduce the pressure, gently open the pot, and give everything a quick swirl to combine everything. The pasta will be too hot to eat, and it will continue to cook while you take the pot from the pressure cooker and arrange your serving dishes on the table. With a few minutes of chilling time and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese, this dish will be the ideal evening supper. In your Instant Pot, you can produce a sumptuous, family-friendly pasta and meat sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Water, 2 cups (divided)
• 4 cups dried spaghetti
• 1 (24-ounce) container marinara or tomato-based pasta sauce
• A handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

1. Cook the meat in a skillet. Set the sauté function on an electric pressure cooker. Once the oil is hot, add the steak and cook until the beef is done. With a wooden spoon, break up the meat into large pieces, season with salt, onion powder, and garlic powder, and bake for 30 minutes. Cook, turning and breaking the steak into smaller and smaller pieces as it cooks, until the beef is cooked through and no longer pink, approximately 5 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of water first, followed by the sauce. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add 1/2 cup of water to the bottom of the pot. Remove any stuck-on particles from the bottom of the saucepan by scraping it. Stir in the sauce until everything is well-combined. Split the spaghetti in half and arrange them in a layer in the saucepan. Using a fork, break the spaghetti strands in half and place them on top of the ground beef mixture in one or two layers. From this point on, do not stir
2. Slowly pour in the remaining water while continuing to avoid stirring. Then, using the remaining 1 1/2 cups water, rinse out the pasta sauce jar (by pouring it into the jar and gently shaking it) and pour the water over the pasta in a colander. Remember, there will be no stirring here
3. Set the pressure cooker to HIGH for an 8-minute cook period. Close the pressure cooker’s lid. Cook for 8 minutes at HIGH pressure on the stovetop. It should take between 10 and 12 minutes for the pressure cooker to reach full pressure
4. After that, use a fast release to quickly release the pressure and stir. As soon as the 8-minute cook time is up, open the pressure release valve (rapid release) to relieve the pressure. Open the pressure cooker and mix the spaghetti into the sauce until everything is well combined. After turning off the pressure cooker and removing the insert, wash your hands well. Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese

Recipe Notes

Storage:Leftovers can be stored in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Meghan Splawn is a food editor with a variety of skills. Meghan worked as the Food Editor for the Kitchn’s Skills content for a number of years. She specializes in everyday baking, family cuisine, and capturing natural light in her photographs. Meghan approaches eating with an eye on saving money and time while still having a good time. Meghan holds a bachelor’s degree in baking and pastry arts and spent the first ten years of her professional life as a member of Alton Brown’s culinary team.

is a weekly podcast on food and family that she co-hosts with her husband.

How to Make Pasta in the Instant Pot – Instant Pot Pasta

Recipes for the Kitchen»pasta»How to Make Pasta in the Instant Pot – Instant Pot Pasta Recipes *Disclosure: This post may include affiliate connections to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, I receive money when people make qualifying purchases via my links. The instructions for making pasta in the Instant Pot are so straightforward that you will want to bookmark this page until you have them memorized. As if I wasn’t already infatuated with my Instant Pot, the process of preparing Instant Pot pasta has cemented my status as a loyal user of the appliance.

Every time I use the Instant Pot to make pasta, I fall more in love with the device and its ability to produce pasta.

Can you Cook Pasta in the Instant Pot with Just Water?

However, while you can definitely cook the pasta with simply water, you may end up with pasta that is stuck together and to the pot as the liquid in the pressure cooker drops. In order to achieve the greatest results while cooking pasta in an Instant Pot, it is important to use as little water as possible.

• Water can be used for chicken broth to give the pasta a more flavorful flavor. Butter
• Pasta
• Bouillon is preferable than broth if you are not using broth

How to make pasta in the Instant Pot

The process of preparation is the same regardless of the type of pasta used. The following ingredients are needed to produce 8 ounces of pasta: 1 cup of broth and 1 spoonful of butter I cook the pasta in water instead of broth when using Better than Bouillon, but the same process is used for the sauce. You should reduce the cooking time for the pasta by half, and remove one minute from the time specified in the cooking guidelines. As a result, while cooking pasta according to package guidelines (9-11 minutes), I decrease the time in half and deduct one minute.

Now, the pasta, such as this thin spaghetti, is ready to be used in whatever dish you are preparing.

Alternatively, you may make cheesy spaghetti by adding milk or cream, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese to the Instant Pot Pasta before cooking.

I like to serve this spaghetti with grilled chicken, baked brown sugar and garlic chicken, or these pan-fried pork chops, which are all delicious.

The cheesy spaghetti noodles is a fantastic side dish that my children could literally eat their weight in without complaining. I would strongly advise you to use an Instant Pot Ultra. It offers more options and has proven to be my favorite Instant Pot amongst the Ultra and Duo models so far.

Instant Pot Pasta Recipes

Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles Instant Pot Mac and Cheese Instant Pot Tacos Instant Pot Hamburger Pasta Instant Pot Tacos

• 7tablespoonsspasta
• 2cupsschicken broth or water and Better than Bouillon
• 1tablespoonbutter
• 8ouncesspasta

To Make Cheesy Spaghetti

• 12 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 12 cup milk or cream
• 12 teaspoon garlic salt

• Add the pasta, broth, and butter to a pressure cooker and set the pressure cooker to high. Make certain that the pasta is thoroughly submerged in water. Place the lid on the Instant Pot and set the timer for 4 minutes at high pressure. When the Instant Pot is finished cooking, use the rapid release method until the lid is completely depressurized.

To make cheesy spaghetti pasta

• In an Instant Pot set to warm, combine the cream or milk, parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until the cheese is melted, about 30 seconds. Garlic salt is used to season the dish.

398 calories|45 grams of carbohydrates|20 grams of protein|15 grams of fat|8 grams of saturated fat|1 gram of trans fat|Cholesterol: 44 milligrams|Sodium: 1129 milligrams|Potassium: 299 milligrams|Fiber: 2 grams|Sugar: 3 grams|Vitamin A: 437 international units|Vitamin C: 8 milligrams|Calcium: 334 milligrams|I I’m a working parent with two adolescents who are quite active. My husband and I sold our 80-cow dairy farm, which also contained a couple of hundred acres of maize and soybeans, in order to both work in the agricultural business to support the agricultural economy.

For this reason, I consider myself a gourmet because I enjoy cooking and experimenting with new dishes.

For all things cocktail-related, check out my other blog, FarmWifeDrinks.com.

Reader Interactions

As an Amazon associate, as well as an affiliate with other businesses, I receive money when people make purchases via me. Learn how to make pasta in an electric pressure cooker, whether it’s an Instant Pot, Ninja Foodi, or another brand. This is the quickest and most hands-off method for making excellent pasta every time. If your family is anything like mine, you enjoy a delicious spaghetti supper on a regular basis! If you’re cooking for yourself or a large group of people, this is the ideal go-to supper choice.

There is no need for babysitting, stirring, or heating water!

How to Cook Pasta in the Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker

However, despite the fact that I’ve provided some useful recommendations in this article, the process can be broken down into four parts. The following four stages will result in PERFECT pasta:

1. Find out when you’ll be able to cook
2. Fill the saucepan halfway with water, just enough to just cover the past
3. To avoid foaming, use an intermittent release technique. Take care to properly remove the cover and drain your pasta once the valve has been released.

Formula: Calculate the Perfect Pasta Cook Time

Perfect Instant Pot pasta can be made using a fairly easy formula: take the cooking time indicated on the box, cut it in half, and then subtract an additional minute from the total time to get the desired result. For example, if the packaging specifies that bowtie pasta should be cooked for 12 minutes, I would pressure cook it for 5 minutes. The answer is (12 minutes divided by 2, minus one additional minute). In general, this method works for any type of pasta, whether it is standard or whole wheat, gluten-free, rice-based, or any other type of pasta.

Adjusting for Softer or Firmer Pasta

If this is your first time making pasta in your Instant Pot, I recommend starting with the recipe above. When making it again, if you want it to have a little more bite, reduce the cooking time by one minute.

You may adjust the texture by adding a minute at a time until you achieve the desired result. After a few attempts at making pasta, you’ll be able to determine the optimal cooking time for your particular brand of pasta to get your desired taste.

Use an Intermittent Pressure Release

When pressure cooking, foods with a lot of starch, such as potatoes and pasta, tend to froth a lot. In most cases, a lengthy, steady natural pressure release is preferable to enable the foam to diminish more gradually. However, because pasta has a tendency to overcook, you must release the pressure quickly to avoid the pasta becoming mushy. That is why you will choose an intermittent release strategy. Here’s how you go about it:

• As soon as the cooking period is through, switch the pressure valve from Sealed to Venting. You should wait until you see foam or huge water droplets flowing out of the valve before you do anything else. To prevent this from happening again, turn the switch from Unlocked to Sealed and wait for 20 to 30 seconds. The foam will be reduced as a result of this. Repeat this process as required until all of the pressure has been released
• Then switch back to Venting.

This should only be necessary once or twice in your life.

How to Limit Foaming

If you’re concerned about foaming, the most effective technique to decrease foam is to add cooking oil to the mixture. Toss the noodles and water together with a little oil or butter. In the case of a meat sauce, sauté ground beef or chicken in the pressure cooking pot as a first step before adding the remaining ingredients. Before adding the pasta and water, remove the meat from the saucepan and set it aside. It’s also worth noting that some kinds foam more vigorously than others. If you’re experiencing issues with foaming, you might want to try swapping products and seeing if it helps.

Know Your Noodles

Depending on the shape of the pasta, some shapes are better for pressure cooking than others. Instead of using longer noodles like spaghetti, I like to use shorter ones like rotini, farfalle (bowtie), or shells, unless I’m following a specific recipe. It is more common for longer noodles such as spaghetti, linguine, and angel hair to stick together.

Instant Pot Spaghetti Tips

You may cook spaghetti by breaking the noodles in half and adding a tablespoon or two of butter or vegetable oil to the pressure cooker before starting the cooking cycle. This will assist in reducing clumping. Using a gentle stir, remove the pressure from the pressure cooker. If required, use a fork to separate the individual noodles from the larger ones.

How Much Water to Add?

You should use just enough liquid to barely cover the pasta, whether you’re preparing a single serving or an entire box. (Of course, make careful to adhere to the minimum liquid requirements specified by your pressure cooker.) Remove excess liquid from pasta after cooking by draining it through a strainer or using a ladle to scoop it out.

Instant Pot Pasta Sauce

So long as I’m not following a recipe, I like to cook the pasta in water while simultaneously cooking the saucepot in a pot above the pasta. You can, on the other hand, cook pasta in a sauce. If you want to go this route, it is critical that you use enough liquid in the pot. Many premade sauces contain thickeners, which can form a film on the bottom of the cooking pot, altering the way your pasta cooks and perhaps resulting in aBurn warning. If the sauce is thin when you remove the cover from the Instant Pot after pressure cooking, turn off the Instant Pot and wait a few minutes.

If the sauce contains way too much liquid, select Sauté and continue to cook the pasta until the sauce has thickened somewhat.

Salt Your Water

When it comes to making truly tasty pasta, there is no replacement for salting the water.

It seeps into the noodles and greatly improves the flavor of the noodles. I seldom ever use a measuring spoon; instead, I eyeball a teaspoon and toss it into the bowl. (For the record, Martha does not advocate using iodized salt for this task.)

Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

The cook time for Instant Pot Spaghetti with Meatballs is only 4 minutes, which is fast and delicious. Cooking time is reduced to 2 minutes if you use Thin Spaghetti. Everything about this dinner takes about 15 minutes from start to finish!

Instant Pot 5-Cheese Baked Ziti

An adaptation of Olive Garden’s creamy, crispy baked ziti with alfredo and marinara sauce, this Instant Pot 5 Cheese Baked Ziti comes together in minutes. Cooking time for the ziti is about 5 minutes.

Instant Pot Amish Macaroni Salad

Recipe for Instant Pot Amish Macaroni Salad, a creamy chilled macaroni side dish recipe with crisp vegetables and a dressing made with vinegar and mayo. A 5-minute cook time is required for the little macaroni noodles (the eggs must be cooked at the same time!).

Instant Pot Pepperoni Pizza Pasta

For this kid-friendly lunch, rigatoni pasta is browned, and the finished dish has an appealing golden, cheesy top. The rigatoni has to be cooked for 6 minutes.

Chicken Enchilada Pasta

A wonderful blend of Tex-Mex and Italian flavors, this Instant Pot Chicken Enchilada Pasta is sure to please. Cooking time for this dish is only 4 minutes because it is made with rotini pasta.

Instant Pot Chili Mac

Ground sausage, tomato sauce, and Tex Mex tastes are combined in this Instant Pot Chili Pasta. The elbow pasta has to be cooked for 5 minutes. In order for us to receive money from connecting to Amazon.com and related sites, we have joined the Amazon Services LLC Associates Network, which is an affiliate advertising program.