Instant Pot Penne Pasta With Homemade Pasta Sauce Recipe

There’s something magically comforting about a bowl of pasta, and this one-pot wonder made in the Instant Pot is about to bring pure joy to your taste buds with minimal effort.

I enjoy preparing speedy and flavorful meals in my Instant Pot, and this penne pasta with homemade sauce is no exception. It is loaded with the rich flavors of crushed tomatoes, sautéed onions, and copious amounts of garlic.

Nutritionally speaking, this dish is actually quite balanced when you consider the vegetables, tomatoes, and whole grain pasta (or gluten-free pasta). The homemade sauce, augmented with oregano and basil, exactly complements the penne pasta for a comforting meal.

Instant Pot Penne Pasta with Homemade Sauce

Instant Pot Penne Pasta With Homemade Pasta Sauce Recipe Ingredients

• Olive Oil: Rich in healthy fats; enhances flavor and aroma.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; contains antioxidants.
• Garlic: Provides strong flavor; known for potential health benefits.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Base for sauce; rich in vitamins A, C, and potassium.
• Dried Basil: Adds aromatic, sweet flavor; source of vitamin K.
• Dried Oregano: Earthy, slightly bitter herb rich in antioxidants.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds heat and boosts metabolism.
• Penne Pasta: Primary carbohydrate source; provides energy.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional; adds umami and protein.

Instant Pot Penne Pasta With Homemade Pasta Sauce Recipe Ingredient Quantities

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• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 3 cups water
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

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How to Make this Instant Pot Penne Pasta With Homemade Pasta Sauce Recipe

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add olive oil. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 3 minutes.

2. Stir in minced garlic and continue to sauté for another minute until fragrant.

3. Deactivating sauté mode, add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

4. Place the penne pasta atop the sauce mixture without stirring. Ensure the pasta is fully submerged by pouring the water over it.

5. Ensure the Instant Pot lid is secured and that the valve is set to the sealing position. Cook at high pressure for 5 minutes.

6. When the cooking cycle is finished, release the pressure quickly by turning the valve to the venting position. Do this carefully.

7. Take off the lid and mix the pasta and sauce together until they are well blended.

8. If using, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt and combine.

9. If necessary, season with more salt and pepper to taste.

10. Serve steaming, and garnish with freshly plucked basil leaves if you fancy. Enjoy!

Instant Pot Penne Pasta With Homemade Pasta Sauce Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Instant Pot
2. Measuring spoons
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
6. Can opener
7. Measuring cup

FAQ

• Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes?You can indeed use fresh tomatoes. Just peel and puree around 6 to 8 tomatoes of medium size to replace the canned type.
• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?You can definitely use a gluten-free pasta in place of the regular penne. We recommend trying one of these options:
• Can I make this dish vegan?To make this vegan, you can either leave out the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
• How can I add more protein to this meal?Including cooked chicken, sausage, or chickpeas after the pasta has finished cooking will increase the protein content of the dish.
• Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried basil and oregano?You can use fresh herbs; in fact, they can be used in a substitution that is about three times as concentrated as dried herbs (most dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh herbs; they have a kind of preserved potency). And the same goes for fresh herbs that are past their prime but still good enough to use.
• What should I do if the pasta isn’t fully cooked after the pressure cooking?Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode, and let the pasta simmer for a couple more minutes, or until it reaches that sweet spot between too firm and too soft.
• Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?Indeed, the pasta sauce can be made beforehand and stored in the fridge until mealtime. When you are ready to eat, just cook the pasta and reheat the sauce.

Instant Pot Penne Pasta With Homemade Pasta Sauce Recipe Substitutions and Variations

1 small onion, finely chopped can be replaced with 1 teaspoon onion powder.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder can replace 2 cloves garlic, minced.
You can substitute 2 cups of tomato puree or sauce for 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes.
One tablespoon of fresh chopped basil can replace 1 teaspoon dried basil.
Oregano, dried: 1 teaspoon (5 mL) = fresh oregano: 1 tablespoon (15 mL)

Pro Tips

1. Sauté with Flair Allow the onions to become nicely translucent and slightly caramelized for extra depth of flavor. This can take a little longer than 3 minutes, so watch them closely.

2. Layer the Pasta When adding the penne, spread it evenly over the tomato mixture without stirring. This layering helps ensure the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom.

3. Natural Pressure Release Variation After the cooking cycle, you can let the pressure release naturally for 2-3 minutes before performing a quick release. This can help avoid splattering and prevent pasta from clumping.

4. Cheesy Boost Toast the Parmesan slightly under a broiler or in a pan before adding it to the pasta for an added nutty flavor. Or, consider mixing in some fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture.

5. Herb Infusion Add a sprig of fresh basil into the pot before sealing. Remove before serving for a subtle infusion of fresh basil flavor throughout the dish.