Dump and Start Instant Pot Creamy Ziti Recipe

Introduction

This Dump and Start Instant Pot Creamy Ziti is a simple, no-fuss pasta dish that comes together quickly with minimal effort. Creamy, cheesy, and flavorful, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting meal without the hassle.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp minced garlic, dried
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 oz dry ziti pasta
• 1 cup red pasta sauce
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, dried minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dry ziti pasta to the Instant Pot in that order. Do not stir. Ensure all noodles are covered with liquid; you may move some noodles around if needed.
2. Step 2: Set the Instant Pot to Manual or Pressure Cook for 6 minutes. After the cooking cycle ends, allow the pressure to naturally release for 6 minutes, then perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
3. Step 3: Open the lid and add the red pasta sauce to the pot. Stir gently to combine.
4. Step 4: Slowly add the shredded parmesan and mozzarella cheeses while stirring. The cheese will melt into the sauce, thickening it. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
5. Step 5: Serve warm and enjoy your creamy, delicious ziti!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or sautéed vegetables before pressure cooking.
• Use marinara or your favorite pasta sauce as a substitute for red pasta sauce.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly or stir in additional cheese at the end.
• Fresh garlic can be used instead of dried minced garlic; use about 2 cloves minced.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can substitute ziti with penne, rigatoni, or other short pasta shapes. Just make sure the pasta fits comfortably in your Instant Pot and adjust cooking time as needed.

Do I need to stir the pasta and liquid before cooking?

No, do not stir after adding the ingredients. This helps prevent the Instant Pot from getting a burn warning. Simply add everything in order and make sure the noodles are mostly covered by the liquid.

Dump and Start Instant Pot Creamy Ziti Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 539 reviews

• Author: Charlotte
• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Dump and Start Instant Pot Creamy Ziti is a quick and easy one-pot pasta dish that combines tender ziti noodles with a rich, creamy sauce made from chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic, and a blend of parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe requires minimal prep and cleanup, leveraging the convenience of the Instant Pot for a creamy, flavorful meal in just minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Liquids and Broth

• 1 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream

Seasonings

• 1 tsp minced garlic, dried
• Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta

• 8 oz dry ziti pasta

Sauces and Cheese

• 1 cup red pasta sauce
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

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Instructions

1. Prepare Instant Pot Ingredients: Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, dried minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dry ziti noodles to the Instant Pot in that specific order. Do not stir after adding. Ensure that all the noodles are covered by the liquid; if necessary, gently shift some noodles to submerge them without stirring the mixture.
2. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to Manual (Pressure Cook) mode for 6 minutes. After the cooking cycle completes, allow the pressure to naturally release for 6 minutes, then perform a quick release to let out any remaining pressure.
3. Add Sauce: Open the lid carefully and add the red pasta sauce to the pot. Stir gently to combine the sauce with the cooked pasta and creamy base.
4. Melt Cheese: Slowly add the shredded parmesan and mozzarella cheese while stirring continuously. This step melts the cheese, thickening the sauce for a rich and creamy consistency. The sauce will also continue to thicken as it cools.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Once the cheese has fully melted and the sauce has thickened, serve the creamy ziti hot. Enjoy your hassle-free, delicious dinner!

Notes

• Do not stir the pasta before cooking, as this can cause the noodles to stick and burn on the bottom of the Instant Pot.
• Ensure the noodles are evenly submerged to cook properly.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking for the sauce to thicken further.
• You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
• Adding fresh garlic instead of dried will work but may alter the cooking time slightly.
• Feel free to add cooked vegetables or protein after cooking for a more complete meal.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Instant Pot
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Instant Pot creamy ziti, easy pasta recipe, one pot pasta, creamy pasta, ziti recipe, pressure cooker pasta, weeknight dinner