Your new best buddy is Instant Pot Pasta Recipes if you adore creamy, delicious pasta but detest spending endless time in the kitchen! Rich, silky, and laden with garlic Parmesan excellence all in just 15 minutes this recipe is made with basic pantry basics.
Since the Instant Pot conducts all the cooking, there is little cleaning, and this one-pot dinner is ideal for hectic weeknights. Just dump, sauté, swirl, and enjoy!
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
✔ One-Pot, No-Mess: The Instant Pot handles everything, simplifying cleanup!
✔ Ultra Creamy & Cheesy: Every mouthful of exquisite garlic-Parmesan sauce covers.
✔ Quick & Easy: Perfect for hectic evenings; ready in only 15 minutes.
✔ Customizable: Add vegetables, protein, or spice it to suit you!
✔ Perfect Side or Main Dish: For a whole dinner, serve with chicken, prawns, or vegetables. Enjoy it alone or pair with Kielbasa and Pasta Recipes for an extra punch.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine) holds the rich sauce elegantly.
- Olive oil is used to sauté the onions and garlic.
- Garlic (minced) tastes quite garlicky.
- Onion (finely diced) brings depth and flavor.
- Chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarians) adds flavor to the pasta.
- Heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter variation) forms the creamy sauce base.
- Salt and Black Pepper enhance every taste sensation.
- Italian Seasoning adds aromatic herbs.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A little spice to boost oomph!
- Parmesan Cheese (Grated): Melts into the sauce, creating an incredibly cheesy finish.
- Butter: Gives the sauce gloss and richness.
- Baby spinach (optional): Provides additional nutrients and greens.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds freshness and color.
👉 The complete ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card below!
👉 Want a restaurant-style creamy pasta? Try this Marry Me Pasta Recipe for an even richer take!
How to Make Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Step 1: Sear the Aromatics
- Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté and warm olive oil.
- Add minced onion and garlic; sauté for 2-3 minutes until aromatic.
Step 2: Add Liquids and Pasta
- Turn off Sauté mode.
- Add uncooked pasta, chicken broth, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Do NOT stir; gently press down to soak the pasta.
Step 3: Pressure Cook
- Tightly seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual (Pressure Cook) mode on high pressure for 4 minutes (for standard pasta).
- Once finished, quick release the pressure to prevent overcooking.
Step 4: Add Butter and Cheese
- Stir in butter and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Add spinach immediately and stir until wilted.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Garnish with more Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
- Serve warm alongside a fresh salad or garlic toast.
Pro Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Pasta
✔ Don’t Stir Before Cooking: Let the pasta rest on the liquid to prevent sticking.
✔ Use Fresh Parmesan: It melts better and gives the sauce a smooth feel.
✔ For Extra Creaminess: Add a bit more Parmesan or a dollop of cream cheese.
✔ Want More Flavor? Add grilled chicken, prawns, or crispy bacon for a protein boost.
✔ Adjust the Spice Level: Add extra hot sauce or red pepper flakes for more heat.
👉 Looking for protein-packed pasta? Check out these Steak and Pasta Recipes for a meaty twist!
How to Serve
Rich, creamy pasta like this pairs wonderfully with:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up the sauce.
- Side Salad: Freshness from a simple Caesar salad or mixed greens.
- Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: Adds more protein to the dish.(try Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Recipes for an easy add-in).
- Glass of White Wine: Try Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for a great match.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Freezing
❌ Not recommended, as the creamy sauce could separate when thawed.
FAQs
1. Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely! Adjust the cooking time depending on the pasta shape:
- Spaghetti: 3 minutes on high pressure.
- Farfalle or Rotini: 4 minutes on high pressure.
- Linguine or Fettuccine: 5 minutes on high pressure.
2. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast and use coconut milk or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative.
3. Can I add protein?
Definitely! Add grilled chicken, prawns, or sausage for extra heartiness.
4. How do I prevent pasta from sticking?
Press the pasta gently into the liquid to ensure it’s submerged, but do NOT stir before pressure cooking.
Conclusion
Rich, garlicky, and shockingly simple to make, this Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta will have everyone begging for seconds or a marriage proposal! Whether you’re cooking for company, family, or just yourself, this one-pot wonder is a game-changer.
In just 15 minutes, you have a restaurant-quality entrée perfect with grilled chicken, a salad, or garlic bread. 😋🍝🔥
Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine
Aromatics
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion finely diced
Liquid & Seasonings
- 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth for vegetarian
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a lighter version
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional for spice
Finishing Touches
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup baby spinach optional for added greens
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add olive oil, then sauté garlic and onions for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Turn off Sauté mode. Add uncooked pasta, broth, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Do not stir—just gently press pasta down to submerge.
- Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual (Pressure Cook) mode on high pressure for 4 minutes.
- Once done, carefully perform a quick release to prevent overcooking. Stir the pasta to loosen any sticking.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and butter until melted and creamy. If using spinach, add now and stir until wilted.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve warm with garlic bread or a side salad.