15 Best Instant Pot Pasta Recipes To Try Today

Transform pasta night with Mangoes and Palm Trees’ 15 best Instant Pot recipes, blending Italian classics, Mexican zest, and American comfort for effortless, delicious dinners!

Watch our step-by-step video to see how we make these delicious Instant Pot pasta recipes!

Pasta, a cornerstone of cuisines worldwide, captivates with its versatility, pairing with countless sauces and ingredients to suit vegetarian, vegan, or meat-loving diets. In America, it’s a beloved comfort food, while in Italy, it’s an art form, and in Asia, it inspires noodle dishes with bold flavors. The Instant Pot revolutionizes pasta preparation, turning it into a one-pot marvel that saves time and dishes. From creamy carbonara rooted in Roman tradition to spicy fajita pasta with Mexican flair, these Instant Pot pasta recipes deliver global tastes in minutes. At Mangoes and Palm Trees, we embrace pasta’s universal appeal, curating easy Instant Pot pasta dishes that fuse culinary traditions for quick, family-friendly meals. Whether you’re craving a cheesy American mac and cheese or a vibrant Tuscan chicken pasta, this collection offers something for every palate. Explore these recipes and discover more at our Recipes Collection.

The Instant Pot simplifies pasta cooking by merging preparation and sauce-making into a single pot, eliminating the need for multiple pans and constant stovetop monitoring. Its pressure-cooking technology delivers al dente pasta in 5-10 minutes, locking in flavors from aromatic broths, herbs, and spices. This efficiency makes it a favorite for busy home cooks, whether crafting a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend feast. Our recipes draw on global traditions, blending authenticity with modern ease, perfect for adventurous cooks (Bon Appétit).

Why These Instant Pot Pasta Recipes Are a Family Favorite

These Instant Pot pasta recipes are more than meals—they’re a global culinary adventure. Inspired by our travels from Italian trattorias to Mexican markets, each dish, from creamy mac and cheese to spicy fajita pasta, brings vibrant flavors to our table. Natalia’s love for Italian classics and Victor’s excitement for cheesy comfort foods make these recipes a family staple. The Instant Pot’s one-pot simplicity saves time, making these dishes perfect for busy evenings or festive gatherings (Serious Eats).

A Taste of Our Travels

From Rome’s carbonara to Mexico’s vibrant fajita flavors, pasta’s global heritage inspires us. The Instant Pot brings these traditions to life with speed and ease, echoing bustling markets and cozy kitchens. Each recipe captures a moment from our culinary journeys, blending authenticity with modern convenience.

The Health Benefits in Every Bite

These easy Instant Pot pasta dishes offer balanced nutrition:

• Protein-Rich: Recipes like Crack Chicken Pasta provide ~30g protein per serving, supporting muscle health.
• Vegetable-Packed: Dishes like Vegetarian Fajita Pasta include nutrient-rich bell peppers and spinach.
• Customizable: Swap dairy for vegan alternatives or use gluten-free pasta for dietary needs (Healthline).

A Note from Oliver on Ingredients

Quality ingredients elevate these dishes. Fresh garlic, high-quality olive oil, and authentic cheeses like Parmesan ensure rich flavors. For the best results, use a reliable Instant Pot, like the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus, to lock in taste and texture.

14 More Instant Pot Pasta Inspirations

Beyond our signature Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta, here are 14 additional recipes to spark your culinary creativity:

2. Instant Pot Vegetarian Fajita Pasta

Inspired by Mexican street food, this vegetarian pasta bursts with colorful bell peppers and a spicy fajita kick, ready in 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Cooking Method

1. Sauté Vegetables: On sauté mode, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Add 1/2 cup diced onion and 2 cups sliced bell peppers, cooking for 3 minutes until softened.
2. Add Pasta and Broth: Add 8 oz pasta shells, 2 cups vegetable broth, and 1 tbsp fajita seasoning. Stir well.
3. Pressure Cook: Pressure cook on high for 5 minutes, then quick release. Stir in 1/4 cup sour cream and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar until melted.
4. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with 1 tbsp chopped cilantro and serve.

Yield: 4 servings. Nutrition (Per Serving): ~350 kcal, 10g protein, 12g fat, 50g carbs, 3g fiber, 700mg sodium. Pair with a chilled agua fresca (Piping Pot Curry).

3. Instant Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo Pasta

This Mediterranean pasta salad with tangy sun-dried tomatoes and salty feta is ready in 25 minutes, ideal with our Salads.

Ingredients

Cooking Method

1. Sauté Garlic: On sauté mode, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté 2 minced garlic cloves for 1 minute.
2. Add Pasta and Liquids: Add 1 cup orzo, 2 cups vegetable broth, 1/4 cup white wine, and 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir.
3. Pressure Cook: Pressure cook on high for 4 minutes, then quick release. Stir in 1/4 cup sliced Kalamata olives and 1/4 cup crumbled feta.
4. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with 1 tbsp chopped basil. Serve hot, chilled, or at room temperature.

Yield: 4 servings. Nutrition (Per Serving): ~300 kcal, 8g protein, 10g fat, 40g carbs, 2g fiber, 600mg sodium (Simply Recipes).

4. Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

A quintessential American comfort food with three cheeses, ready in 25 minutes.

Ingredients

Cooking Method

1. Add Pasta and Liquids: Add 8 oz elbow macaroni, 2 cups water, 2 tbsp butter, and 1/2 tsp salt to the Instant Pot. Stir.
2. Pressure Cook: Pressure cook on high for 4 minutes, then quick release. Stir in 1/2 cup milk, 1 cup shredded cheddar, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika.
3. Mix and Serve: Mix until creamy and serve immediately.

Yield: 4 servings. Nutrition (Per Serving): ~450 kcal, 15g protein, 20g fat, 50g carbs, 2g fiber, 900mg sodium (Delish).

5. Instant Pot Ground Beef and Pasta

A hearty Italian-American dish with tangy marinara sauce, ready in 25 minutes.

Ingredients

Cooking Method

1. Brown Beef: On sauté mode, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Brown 1 lb ground beef for 5 minutes, then drain fat.
2. Add Pasta and Liquids: Add 8 oz campanelle pasta, 2 cups marinara sauce, 2 cups beef broth, and 1/2 tsp salt. Stir.
3. Pressure Cook: Pressure cook on high for 5 minutes, then quick release. Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan.
4. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with 1 tbsp chopped basil and serve.

Yield: 4 servings. Nutrition (Per Serving): ~500 kcal, 25g protein, 20g fat, 55g carbs, 3g fiber, 1000mg sodium (Damn Delicious).

6. Instant Pot Crack Chicken Pasta

A decadent American dish with tender chicken, smoky bacon, and melted cheese, ready in 30 minutes, drawing inspiration from Southern comfort food and our Grilled Chicken Recipes.

Ingredients

Cooking Method

1. Cook Bacon: On sauté mode, cook 4 bacon slices until crispy, then remove and crumble. Drain fat, reserving 1 tbsp.
2. Sauté Chicken: Add 1 lb diced chicken breast to bacon fat, sauté for 3 minutes. Add 8 oz penne, 2 cups chicken broth, and 1 tbsp ranch seasoning.
3. Pressure Cook: Pressure cook on high for 5 minutes, then quick release. Stir in 4 oz cream cheese, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar, and crumbled bacon.
4. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with 1 tbsp chopped green onions and serve.

Yield: 4 servings. Nutrition (Per Serving): ~550 kcal, 30g protein, 25g fat, 50g carbs, 2g fiber, 1100mg sodium (The Tasty Travelers).

7. Instant Pot Spaghetti

A timeless Italian bolognese from Bologna’s culinary heritage, this spaghetti with rich ground beef sauce is ready in 15 minutes, enhanced by our Sauce Recipes.

Ingredients

Cooking Method

1. Brown Beef: On sauté mode, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Brown 1 lb ground beef for 5 minutes, then drain fat.
2. Add Pasta and Liquids: Add 8 oz spaghetti (broken in half), 2 cups marinara sauce, 3 cups beef broth, 1 cup diced tomatoes, and 1 tsp Italian seasoning. Stir.
3. Pressure Cook: Pressure cook on high for 4 minutes, then quick release. Stir well.
4. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and serve.

Yield: 4 servings. Nutrition (Per Serving): ~450 kcal, 25g protein, 15g fat, 55g carbs, 3g fiber, 900mg sodium. Pair with a Chianti for an authentic Italian experience (The Salty Marshmallow).

8. Instant Pot Baked Ziti

A cheesy Italian-American casserole, popular in New York’s Italian communities, with ground beef and layered flavors, ready in 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Cooking Method

1. Brown Beef: On sauté mode, brown 1 lb ground beef for 5 minutes, then drain fat.
2. Add Pasta and Liquids: Add 8 oz ziti, 2 cups marinara sauce, 2 cups water, and 1 tsp Italian seasoning. Stir.
3. Pressure Cook: Pressure cook on high for 5 minutes, then quick release. Stir in 1/2 cup ricotta and 1 cup shredded mozzarella.
4. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and serve.

Yield: 4 servings. Nutrition (Per Serving): ~500 kcal, 25g protein, 20g fat, 50g carbs, 3g fiber, 1000mg sodium. Serve with garlic knots for a hearty meal (The Country Cook).

9. Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Inspired by Tuscany’s rustic cuisine, this colorful pasta with creamy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach is ready in 45 minutes, evoking Florence’s vibrant markets.

Ingredients

Cooking Method

1. Sauté Chicken: On sauté mode, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 lb diced chicken breast for 3 minutes.
2. Add Pasta and Liquids: Add 8 oz campanelle pasta, 2 cups chicken broth, 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and 2 cups baby spinach. Stir.
3. Pressure Cook: Pressure cook on high for 5 minutes, then quick release. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan.
4. Serve: Serve immediately.

Yield: 4 servings. Nutrition (Per Serving): ~450 kcal, 30g protein, 15g fat, 50g carbs, 3g fiber, 900mg sodium. Pair with a chilled Pinot Grigio (Cooking Classy).

10. Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

A vegetarian Italian dish with a creamy tomato sauce, rooted in Rome’s love for fresh ingredients, ready in 25 minutes.

Ingredients

Cooking Method

1. Sauté Garlic: On sauté mode, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté 2 minced garlic cloves for 1 minute.
2. Add Pasta and Liquids: Add 8 oz penne pasta, 1 cup diced tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, and 2 cups vegetable broth. Stir.
3. Pressure Cook: Pressure cook on high for 5 minutes, then quick release. Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan.
4. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with 1 tbsp chopped basil and serve.

Yield: 4 servings. Nutrition (Per Serving): ~350 kcal, 10g protein, 10g fat, 50g carbs, 3g fiber, 700mg sodium. Serve with crusty bread for dipping (Cook with Manali).

11. Instant Pot Lemon Pasta with Peas

A bright, spring-inspired vegetarian pasta with a lemony cream sauce, evoking Mediterranean coastal flavors, ready in 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Cooking Method

1. Add Pasta and Liquids: On sauté mode, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Add 8 oz penne pasta, 2 cups vegetable broth, 1 cup frozen peas, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp lemon zest. Stir.
2. Pressure Cook: Pressure cook on high for 4 minutes, then quick release. Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan.
3. Serve: Serve immediately.

Yield: 4 servings. Nutrition (Per Serving): ~350 kcal, 10g protein, 12g fat, 50g carbs, 3g fiber, 600mg sodium. Pair with a sparkling lemonade for a refreshing meal (Spoonful of Flavor).

12. Instant Pot Beef and Bowtie Pasta

A comforting American dish with cheesy beef and charming bowtie pasta, ready in 20 minutes, perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Cooking Method

1. Brown Beef: On sauté mode, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Brown 1 lb ground beef and 1/4 cup minced onion for 5 minutes, then drain fat.
2. Add Pasta and Broth: Add 8 oz bowtie pasta, 2 cups beef broth, and 1 tsp Italian seasoning. Stir.
3. Pressure Cook: Pressure cook on high for 4 minutes, then quick release. Stir in 4 oz cream cheese and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar.
4. Serve: Serve immediately.

Yield: 4 servings. Nutrition (Per Serving): ~500 kcal, 25g protein, 20g fat, 50g carbs, 2g fiber, 900mg sodium. Serve with a green salad for balance (One Happy Housewife).

13. Instant Pot Penne Pasta

A quick vegetarian Italian dish with fresh spinach and marinara, ready in 25 minutes, ideal for a light yet satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Cooking Method

1. Sauté Garlic: On sauté mode, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté 2 minced garlic cloves for 1 minute.
2. Add Pasta and Liquids: Add 8 oz penne pasta, 2 cups marinara sauce, 2 cups vegetable broth, and 2 cups baby spinach. Stir.
3. Pressure Cook: Pressure cook on high for 5 minutes, then quick release. Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan.
4. Serve: Serve immediately.

Yield: 4 servings. Nutrition (Per Serving): ~350 kcal, 10g protein, 10g fat, 50g carbs, 3g fiber, 700mg sodium. Pair with a sparkling water for a light meal (Peas and Crayons).

14. Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Manicotti

An Italian stuffed pasta dish with creamy chicken filling, inspired by Southern Italian feasts, ready in 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Cooking Method

1. Prepare Filling: Mix 1 lb shredded chicken breast, 1/2 cup ricotta, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, and 1 tsp Italian seasoning. Stuff into 8 oz manicotti tubes.
2. Layer Ingredients: Pour 1 cup water and 1 cup marinara sauce into the Instant Pot. Layer stuffed manicotti, then top with 1 cup marinara sauce and 1 cup shredded mozzarella.
3. Pressure Cook: Pressure cook on high for 7 minutes, then quick release.
4. Serve: Serve immediately.

Yield: 4 servings. Nutrition (Per Serving): ~450 kcal, 30g protein, 15g fat, 50g carbs, 3g fiber, 900mg sodium. Serve with a side of roasted zucchini (365 Days of Crockpot).

15. Instant Pot Pasta Carbonara

A creamy Roman classic with smoky bacon and egg sauce, rooted in Italy’s culinary heritage, ready in 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Cooking Method

1. Cook Bacon: On sauté mode, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Cook 4 bacon slices until crispy, then remove and crumble.
2. Sauté Garlic: Sauté 2 minced garlic cloves for 1 minute. Add 8 oz spaghetti (broken in half), 3 cups water, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
3. Pressure Cook: Pressure cook on high for 4 minutes, then quick release. Stir in 1 beaten egg and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan until creamy.
4. Garnish and Serve: Top with crumbled bacon and serve.

Yield: 4 servings. Nutrition (Per Serving): ~400 kcal, 15g protein, 15g fat, 50g carbs, 2g fiber, 800mg sodium. Pair with a Caesar salad for a classic Italian meal (Crunchy Creamy Sweet).

Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Pasta

Choosing the Right Pasta

Select short pasta shapes like penne, ziti, or bowtie for even cooking, as they withstand pressure better. Break long pasta like spaghetti in half to prevent clumping. Avoid delicate varieties like angel hair, which may become mushy.

Maintaining Liquid Ratios

Use a 1:2 ratio of pasta to liquid (e.g., 8 oz pasta to 2 cups broth) to achieve the right texture. For thicker sauces, like in carbonara, add an extra 1/2 cup liquid to ensure proper cooking.

Preventing Pasta Sticking

Stir pasta and liquid thoroughly before sealing the Instant Pot to distribute evenly. Add 1 tbsp olive oil to reduce sticking, and use quick release to halt cooking and preserve texture.

Customizing for Dietary Needs

For vegan diets, swap cream with coconut milk and cheese with nutritional yeast, as in the Tomato Basil Pasta. For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free pasta, reducing cook time by 1-2 minutes.

Pairing Suggestions

Elevate your meal with beverages from our Drinks—try a crisp white wine with creamy dishes or a sparkling water with vegetarian options. Pair with fresh salads or crusty bread for a complete experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Instant Pot Pasta Vegetarian?

Yes, recipes like Vegetarian Fajita Pasta, Lemon Pasta with Peas, and Tomato Basil Pasta are vegetarian, using vegetable broth and plant-based ingredients, perfect for our Vegetarian Recipes. Swap dairy with vegan alternatives for vegan-friendly versions.

How Do I Prevent Pasta from Sticking in the Instant Pot?

Add 1 tbsp olive oil, stir thoroughly before cooking, and use quick release to stop cooking promptly, ensuring pasta remains separate and al dente.

Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta in the Instant Pot?

Yes, substitute with gluten-free pasta, reducing cooking time by 1-2 minutes to prevent mushiness. Check package instructions for specific guidance.

How Long Does Instant Pot Pasta Take to Cook?

Recipes typically take 15-45 minutes, including prep, pressurization (~5-10 minutes), and cooking (4-7 minutes). Stuffed pasta like manicotti may take slightly longer.

Can I Freeze Instant Pot Pasta Dishes?

Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of broth or water to restore texture, especially for creamy dishes like mac and cheese.

Let’s Make It Together!

These 15 best Instant Pot pasta recipes redefine pasta night with quick, flavorful dishes that span the globe, from creamy American mac and cheese to vibrant Italian Tuscan chicken pasta and Mexican-inspired fajita pasta. The Instant Pot’s one-pot simplicity, paired with its ability to infuse global flavors, makes it a kitchen essential for busy families and adventurous cooks. Whether you’re drawn to the smoky bacon of a Roman carbonara or the fresh zest of a lemony penne, these quick pasta recipes offer something for every taste. Share your culinary creations by emailing team@mangoesandpalmtrees.com, and explore more inspiration at our Recipes or sweet pairings at Mango Cheesecake Spring Rolls. Discover your culinary style with our Personality Quiz Hub. Buon appetito!