Instant Pot Rigatoni- Creamy Tomato Mascarpone Pasta Recipe

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Instant Pot Rigatoni: Creamy Tomato Mascarpone Pasta Recipe

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, a quick, comforting, and utterly delicious pasta dish is always a good idea. Especially on a weeknight! I stumbled upon this Instant Pot Rigatoni recipe a few months ago, and it’s become a total staple. The creamy tomato sauce with a hint of mascarpone is just… chef’s kiss. Seriously, it’s restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Instant Pot rigatoni is a game-changer. It’s unbelievably easy, thanks to the magic of pressure cooking. The sauce develops a rich, deep flavor without hours of simmering. Plus, the mascarpone adds a luxurious creaminess that takes it over the top. It’s perfect for a cozy night in, a quick family dinner, or even impressing guests.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy pasta:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium sweet onion (chopped)
• 4-5 garlic cloves (chopped)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 cup water (240ml)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• ¾ teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 14 oz (approx. 400g) crushed tomatoes
• 8 oz (approx. 225g) rigatoni pasta
• 2-3 tablespoons cream
• 2 tablespoons mascarpone cheese
• ¾ teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste!)
• 1 handful spinach (chopped)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.

• Mascarpone Cheese: This is the star! Mascarpone is an Italian cream cheese, known for its incredibly smooth and rich texture. It’s much softer and sweeter than regular cream cheese. Don’t skip it – it really makes the sauce special.
• Balsamic Vinegar: A good quality balsamic vinegar adds a lovely depth of flavor. The slight tanginess balances the sweetness of the tomatoes and sugar. I prefer a balsamic glaze for extra richness, but regular balsamic works beautifully too.
• Rigatoni Pasta: I love rigatoni for this recipe because the ridges hold onto the sauce so well. It’s a classic Italian pasta shape, originally from Rome! But feel free to experiment with other short pasta shapes like penne or rotini.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some pasta!

1. First, set your Instant Pot to sauté mode (low heat). Add the olive oil, chopped onion, and garlic. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent. Don’t let the garlic burn!
2. Stir in the Italian seasoning, then pour in the water to deglaze the pot. This means scraping up any browned bits from the bottom – that’s where all the flavor is!
3. Now, mix in the tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, and sugar. Then, add the crushed tomatoes and give everything a good stir.
4. Add the rigatoni pasta, making sure it’s mostly submerged in the liquid. If needed, add a splash more water.
5. Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and pressure cook on high for 8 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure naturally release for 2 minutes, then do a quick release. Be careful of the steam!
6. Switch the Instant Pot back to sauté mode (low). Stir in the cream, mascarpone cheese, red chili flakes, and chopped spinach. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring until the spinach wilts and the sauce is creamy and combined.
7. Give it a taste and adjust the salt if needed. Serve immediately with a generous sprinkle of black pepper, fresh basil, or grated parmesan cheese.

Expert Tips

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: 8 minutes is usually perfect for al dente rigatoni in the Instant Pot. But cooking times can vary slightly, so keep an eye on it.
• Deglazing is Key: Seriously, don’t skip deglazing the pot! Those browned bits are packed with flavor.
• Fresh is Best: While canned crushed tomatoes are convenient, using high-quality canned tomatoes (or even fresh, if you have them!) will elevate the flavor.

Variations

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the cream and mascarpone for cashew cream or a plant-based cream cheese alternative. It won’t be exactly the same, but still incredibly delicious!
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Simply use your favorite gluten-free rigatoni pasta. There are some fantastic gluten-free pasta options available now that hold their shape well.
• Spice Level Adjustment: I love a little kick, but feel free to adjust the amount of red chili flakes to your liking. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Quick Weeknight Version: If you’re really short on time, you can reduce the cooking time to 6 minutes. The pasta might be slightly softer, but it will still be tasty.
• My Family’s Favorite: My kids love it when I add a handful of frozen peas during the last minute of cooking!

Serving Suggestions

This pasta is fantastic on its own, but here are a few ideas for serving:

• A side of garlic bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
• 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. The sauce may thicken upon refrigeration, so you might need to add a splash of water or cream when reheating.

FAQs

Is this pasta dish suitable for meal prepping?

Yes! It reheats well, making it perfect for meal prepping. Just keep in mind that the pasta might absorb some of the sauce during storage, so you might want to add a little extra sauce when reheating.

Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?

Absolutely! Penne, rotini, fusilli, or any other short pasta shape will work well.

What can I substitute for mascarpone cheese?

If you can’t find mascarpone, you can use cream cheese (softened) mixed with a tablespoon of heavy cream. It won’t be quite as rich, but it will still be creamy.

How can I adjust the acidity of the sauce?

If the sauce is too acidic, add a pinch of sugar. If it’s not acidic enough, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash more balsamic vinegar.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Definitely! Add more red chili flakes, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.