Instant Pot Penne Pasta Recipe – Creamy Tomato & Chili

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Instant Pot Penne Pasta Recipe – Creamy Tomato & Chili

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 a total game-changer. I first made this when I was craving something creamy and flavorful but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s become a regular in my rotation, 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 unbelievably easy thanks to the Instant Pot, ready in under 30 minutes, and packed with flavor. The creamy tomato sauce with a little kick from the red chili flakes is just… chef’s kiss. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser – perfect for family dinners or when you have friends over. Honestly, who doesn’t love a good bowl of pasta?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this Instant Pot Penne Pasta:

• 1 pound uncooked Penne Pasta (about 450g)
• 2 cups low sodium broth (about 475ml)
• 2 cups water (about 475ml)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (about 5g)
• 0.5 teaspoon red chili flakes (about 2.5g) – or more, to taste!
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (about 6g)
• 2 cups tomato sauce (about 475ml)
• 1 cup heavy cream (about 240ml)
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese (about 15g)
• 0.25 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (about 30g)

Ingredient Notes

A few little things that make this recipe shine! Using low sodium broth lets you control the saltiness. I always prefer kosher salt – the flakes just seem to distribute better.

Now, let’s talk chili flakes. These are where the magic happens! They add a lovely warmth, but feel free to adjust the amount depending on your spice preference. I usually add a little extra because my family loves a bit of heat.

You can definitely swap out penne for other pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni. Just keep in mind that cooking times might need a slight adjustment depending on the pasta type.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s seriously simple.

1. Add the penne pasta, broth, water, garlic powder, red chili flakes, and salt to your Instant Pot.
2. Gently layer the tomato sauce on top without mixing. This is important! We want that sauce to cook down and create a beautiful, creamy base.
3. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 4 minutes.
4. Once the timer goes off, do a quick release of the pressure immediately. Be careful of the steam!
5. Now for the good stuff! Stir in the heavy cream until it’s fully incorporated and the sauce is beautifully smooth.
6. Finally, mix in the parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. Give it a good stir and serve immediately.

Expert Tips

Want to take this recipe to the next level? Here are a few of my go-to tips:

• Al Dente Perfection: The 4-minute cook time usually yields perfectly al dente pasta. But if you prefer it softer, add another minute or two.
• Preventing Sticking: The layering technique really helps prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the Instant Pot. But if you’re still worried, a quick stir after the first minute of cooking can help.
• Don’t Overstir: Resist the urge to stir too much before pressure cooking. We want the sauce to stay layered!

Variations

This recipe is a fantastic base for all sorts of customizations.

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and use a vegan parmesan alternative. It’s surprisingly delicious! My friend, Priya, swears by this version.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta! I’ve had great results with lentil or chickpea pasta.
• Spice Level Adjustment: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with just ¼ teaspoon of red chili flakes. You can always add more later. Or, for a real kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper!
• Quick Weeknight Meal Adaptation: Have some leftover cooked chicken or sausage? Toss it in during the last minute of cooking for a heartier meal.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta is amazing 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.
• Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers? Yes, please! Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It might thicken up a bit, so you may need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping? While it’s best served fresh, you can meal prep this. The pasta might absorb some of the sauce, so add a little extra liquid when reheating.
• Can I use a different type of cream? You can, but heavy cream really gives it that luxurious texture. Half-and-half will work in a pinch, but the sauce won’t be as rich.
• What if I don’t have an Instant Pot? You can make this on the stovetop! Cook the pasta according to package directions, then stir in the sauce and cream.
• Can I add vegetables to this pasta? Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini would all be delicious additions. Add them during the last few minutes of cooking.
• How can I adjust the amount of chili flakes? Start small and taste as you go! You can always add more, but you can’t take them away.

Enjoy! I really hope you love this Instant Pot Penne Pasta as much as my family does. Let me know in the comments if you try it and what you think!