Creamy Instant Pot Penne Pasta – The Ultimate One-Pot Comfort Meal
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a pasta dish that comes together effortlessly yet tastes like it simmered on the stove for hours. Creamy Instant Pot Penne Pasta is exactly that kind of recipe. It’s rich, cozy, and indulgent, but also unbelievably easy—everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup just as comforting as the meal itself.
This is the kind of dinner that saves busy weeknights. When you’re tired, hungry, and craving something warm and filling, the Instant Pot steps in like a quiet hero. Dry pasta, broth, and seasonings cook together under pressure, soaking up flavor while releasing just enough starch to create a silky base. A splash of cream and a handful of Parmesan at the end transform it into something luxurious without feeling fussy.
What makes this creamy penne pasta special is its versatility. It’s delicious as-is, but it also welcomes additions—chicken, mushrooms, spinach, or even a pinch of chili flakes. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish feels generous and comforting, the kind of meal you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2½ cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions:
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add butter and olive oil, allowing the butter to melt completely.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the dry penne pasta, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged.
- Cancel sauté mode. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 5 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release.
- Open the lid and stir the pasta. It may look slightly soupy at first—this is normal.
- Add the heavy cream, cream cheese, and grated Parmesan. Stir gently until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Switch to sauté mode and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to your liking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes before serving.
Creamy Instant Pot Penne Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sauté onion and garlic in butter and oil.
- Add pasta, broth, and seasonings.
- Pressure cook on high for 5 minutes.
- Stir in cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan until creamy.
Notes
Tips & Tricks
- Stir well before pressure cooking to prevent pasta from sticking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of warm broth or milk.
- For extra richness, add a tablespoon of butter at the end.
Variations
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Stir in spinach or peas after pressure cooking for a pop of color.
- Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- Make it spicy with Cajun seasoning or chili oil.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread or a warm baguette.
- Pair with a simple green salad and lemon vinaigrette.
- Add roasted vegetables on the side for balance.
Storage Information
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk or broth.
- Freezing is not recommended due to the cream-based sauce.
FAQ
- Can I use milk instead of cream? Yes, but the sauce will be lighter and less rich.
- Can I double the recipe? Yes, as long as it doesn’t exceed the Instant Pot’s max fill line.
- Why is my pasta watery? It thickens as it sits; sauté mode helps reduce excess liquid.
History / Fun Facts
Pressure cooker pasta became popular as home cooks discovered how starch-rich pasta water naturally thickens sauces. The Instant Pot made creamy, restaurant-style pasta accessible in under 30 minutes—no draining, no separate sauce, just comfort in one pot.
