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Dump and Start Instant Pot Creamy Ziti Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 539 reviews
  • Author: Charlotte
  • Total Time: 17 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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

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Find it online: https://tastyadventureguide.com/dump-and-start-instant-pot-creamy-ziti-recipe/