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Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is a quick, easy, and creamy dish made with penne pasta, tomato sauce, cream, and a blend of flavorful herbs. This recipe takes under 20 minutes to prepare and is perfect for busy nights or when you’re craving a comforting pasta dish. You can also customize it by adding vegetables like peas, corn, or carrots, making it a versatile and family-friendly meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

8 oz dry penne pasta (about 2-2.5 cups)
12 oz marinara sauce (or pizza sauce, or tomato puree)
2 cups water or vegetable broth
1 tsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic (minced, or use garlic powder)
1/2 cup frozen green peas (or any vegetable like broccoli, sweet corn, or bell peppers)
2 tsp dried basil (or Italian seasoning)
1/2 tsp red chili flakes
Salt, to taste
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (or Parmesan cheese)

Directions

Sauté Garlic: Press the “SAUTE” button on your Instant Pot. Add the olive oil, then sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
Add Ingredients: Add the dry penne pasta, frozen green peas, water (or vegetable broth), red chili flakes, dried basil, and salt to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine. Spread the marinara sauce on top, but do not mix. Ensure most of the pasta is covered by the liquid.
Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and set the pressure valve to “Sealing.” Cook on “High Pressure” for 4 minutes for al dente pasta (5 minutes for softer pasta). After the cooking cycle, wait 2-3 minutes and then quick-release the pressure manually.
Finish the Sauce: Open the Instant Pot, and stir in the heavy cream and mozzarella cheese until everything is well combined and creamy. Adjust the seasoning if needed.

Nutrients (Per serving):

Calories: 445 kcal
Carbohydrates: 57 g
Protein: 14 g
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Sodium: 843 mg
Potassium: 519 mg
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 6 g
Vitamin A: 1080 IU
Vitamin C: 15.2 mg
Calcium: 157 mg
Iron: 2.1 mg

Why Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta Is a Great Choice

This creamy pasta recipe is a time-saver, especially when you need a delicious and filling meal in a short amount of time. The Instant Pot cuts down on cooking time and allows you to prepare the entire dish in one pot, minimizing cleanup. The combination of pasta, tomato sauce, and cream is not only flavorful but also provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.

Using an Instant Pot means that you can cook the pasta directly in the sauce, which infuses the noodles with a deeper flavor, making the dish even more delicious. The added cheese and cream make the sauce velvety and rich, while the vegetables provide some nutritional balance. It’s an easy meal to prepare for a family dinner, and it can also be served as a cozy comfort food during colder months.

The Nutritional Benefits of Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta offers a satisfying and well-rounded meal. While it’s a rich dish due to the cream and cheese, it also provides several nutritional benefits:

Penne Pasta: As the main carbohydrate source, pasta provides energy and helps keep you full. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta options can be used for a healthier twist.
Marinara Sauce: Tomato-based sauces are full of vitamin C and antioxidants like lycopene, which is known to promote heart health and reduce inflammation.
Cream and Cheese: The heavy cream and mozzarella cheese contribute protein and healthy fats, which are essential for cell repair and maintaining a healthy immune system.
Vegetables: Adding frozen peas or other vegetables boosts the fiber content of the dish. Fiber is important for digestion and helps to stabilize blood sugar levels.
Garlic: Garlic is known for its antioxidant properties and potential to reduce blood pressure, making it a great addition to any dish.

Each serving of this creamy pasta contains 445 calories, with 57 grams of carbohydrates, 14 grams of protein, and 18 grams of fat. The sodium content is 843 mg per serving, so be mindful of the salt added, especially if you’re watching your sodium intake. It’s a balanced meal that delivers energy, protein, and nutrients in one comforting dish.

Customizing Your Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

One of the best parts about Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is how easily you can make it your own. Here are a few ways to customize the dish to fit your tastes and dietary preferences:

Vegetable Options: Feel free to add more vegetables to the dish. You can use broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, spinach, or even zucchini for a healthier and more colorful version. The Instant Pot allows you to cook everything together, so it’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies.
Protein Choices: For a more protein-packed meal, you can add cooked chicken, ground turkey, or even sausage to the dish. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try adding plant-based protein like tofu, chickpeas, or lentils.
Cheese Variations: If you’re not a fan of mozzarella, you can use Parmesan or cheddar for a different flavor. For a richer taste, try a combination of different cheeses like cream cheese or goat cheese.
Spice Level: If you like your pasta with a little more heat, increase the amount of red chili flakes or add some fresh ground black pepper to the sauce for an added kick.
Broth Options: While vegetable broth is used in the recipe for added depth, you can substitute chicken broth or even water in a pinch. The broth adds flavor to the dish, but the tomato sauce is the star, so feel free to adjust based on what you have available.

How to Make Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

Making Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is easy and fast. Here’s how you can prepare this delicious dish in just a few steps:

Sauté Garlic: Press the “SAUTE” button on your Instant Pot. Add olive oil and minced garlic, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add Ingredients: Add the dry penne pasta, frozen green peas (or any vegetable you prefer), water (or vegetable broth), red chili flakes, dried basil, and salt. Stir everything to combine. Then, spread the marinara sauce on top—don’t mix it in. Ensure most of the pasta is covered by the liquid.
Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and set the pressure valve to “Sealing.” Select “High Pressure” and cook for 4 minutes for al dente pasta (or 5 minutes for softer pasta). After the cooking cycle finishes, wait 2-3 minutes before performing a quick-release of the pressure manually.
Finish the Sauce: Open the Instant Pot and stir in the heavy cream and mozzarella cheese until well combined and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed (add more salt or basil as desired).
Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese or fresh basil if you like.

Serving Suggestions

Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is a hearty dish on its own, but you can pair it with a variety of sides to complete your meal:

Side Salad: A light side salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette can provide a fresh contrast to the rich, creamy pasta.
Garlic Bread: Serve the pasta with warm garlic bread or toasted baguette slices to soak up any extra sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like zucchini, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts would complement the creamy pasta perfectly, adding more nutrients and flavor.
Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir pairs well with the creamy and savory flavors of the pasta.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta is a quick, easy, and comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a delicious pasta dish without spending too much time in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a creamy, flavorful dish that’s sure to please the whole family. Whether you enjoy it as is or customize it with your favorite vegetables or protein, this recipe is versatile and satisfying. Try it tonight and enjoy a rich, creamy pasta dish that’s ready in no time!

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