Instant Pot Penne Pasta Recipe – Creamy Tomato Basil & Pine Nut

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Instant Pot Penne Pasta Recipe – Creamy Tomato Basil & Pine Nut

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, comforting, and seriously delicious weeknight meal. And let me tell you, this Instant Pot Penne Pasta is it. I first made this when I was craving something cozy and flavorful, but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s become a family favorite, and I’m so excited to share it with you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any pasta dish. It’s a creamy, dreamy explosion of tomato, basil, and pine nut goodness, all made incredibly easy in your Instant Pot. Seriously, the Instant Pot does most of the work! It’s ready in under 30 minutes, requires minimal cleanup, and is guaranteed to satisfy those pasta cravings. Plus, it’s easily adaptable to your tastes – more on that later!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this magic:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4-5 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small white onion, diced
• 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon red chili flakes (or more, to taste!)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup water (240ml)
• 8 oz (225g) penne pasta
• 14.5 oz (411g) can diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cup heavy cream (120ml)
• 2 oz (57g) cream cheese, softened
• 0.5 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1-2 tablespoons pine nuts

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec!

• Italian Seasoning: I love using a good quality Italian seasoning blend – it really makes a difference. You can find pre-made blends, or easily make your own with a mix of oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram.
• Pine Nuts: Don’t skip these! They add such a lovely, subtle nutty flavor and a delightful texture. They can be a little pricey, but a little goes a long way.
• Cream Cheese: This is my secret weapon for extra creaminess. It melts beautifully into the sauce and adds a richness you won’t believe. Don’t worry, you won’t even taste the cream cheese, it just makes everything smoother!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode on ‘less’ heat. Add the olive oil, minced garlic, and diced onion. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, until fragrant and the onion is softened.
2. Stir in the Italian seasoning, red chili flakes, and sugar. Give it a good mix to combine all those lovely flavors.
3. Pour in the water, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to get up any browned bits – this prevents the dreaded “burn” warning! Add the penne pasta, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Don’t stir at this point, just let it sit.
4. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 4 minutes (increase to 6 minutes if you like your pasta softer). Once done, do a quick release of the pressure manually.
5. Carefully open the lid and give the pasta a good stir. Return the Instant Pot to ‘less’ sauté mode.
6. Mix in the heavy cream and cream cheese, stirring constantly until everything is melted and beautifully combined.
7. Gently fold in the fresh basil and pine nuts. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed – maybe a pinch more salt or a dash of red pepper flakes?
8. Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Burn Warning: The Instant Pot can be a bit sensitive! Always deglaze the pot well after sautéing to prevent the burn warning.
• Pasta Doneness: Cooking time can vary slightly depending on your Instant Pot and how al dente you like your pasta. Feel free to adjust the cooking time by a minute or two.
• Fresh Basil is Key: Seriously, don’t skimp on the fresh basil. It makes all the difference in the flavor!

Variations

Want to make this recipe your own? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the heavy cream and cream cheese for plant-based alternatives. Cashew cream works beautifully! My friend Sarah swears by it.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red chili flakes to your liking. I usually add a little extra for a nice kick!
• Quick Weeknight Meal Adaptation: If you’re really short on time, you can skip the sautéing step and add everything to the Instant Pot at once. It won’t have quite the same depth of flavor, but it’ll still be delicious.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta is fantastic on its own, but here are a few ideas to complete the meal:

• A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Garlic bread for dipping into that creamy sauce.
• Grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You might need to add a splash of water or cream to loosen it up a bit.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! Rotini, fusilli, or even farfalle would work well.
• Can this be made ahead of time? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the ingredients (chop the veggies, measure out the spices) ahead of time to save time later.
• What can I substitute for pine nuts? Walnuts or slivered almonds would be good substitutes, though they’ll have a slightly different flavor.
• How do I prevent the Instant Pot burn warning? Make sure to deglaze the pot thoroughly after sautéing, and don’t stir the pasta after adding the liquids.
• Can I add protein like chicken or shrimp? Definitely! Add cooked chicken or shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking to warm through.