Creamy Instant Pot Penne Pasta: The Ultimate One-Pot Comfort Meal

Creamy Instant Pot Penne Pasta is the kind of recipe that instantly earns a permanent place in your weeknight rotation. It’s rich, satisfying, and incredibly easy—made entirely in one pot with minimal prep and maximum flavor. Using the Instant Pot transforms what would normally be a multi-step stovetop process into a streamlined, nearly hands-off meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

This dish delivers everything people love about creamy pasta: tender penne, a velvety sauce, and plenty of savory depth from garlic, butter, and parmesan. Yet it avoids the usual hassle of boiling pasta separately, draining water, and babysitting a sauce. Instead, everything cooks together, allowing the pasta to absorb flavor as it softens.

Whether you’re feeding a family, cooking for yourself, or looking for a dependable comfort meal, Creamy Instant Pot Penne Pasta checks every box. It’s cozy, customizable, and endlessly reliable.

Why the Instant Pot Is Perfect for Creamy Pasta

The Instant Pot excels at pasta dishes because it creates a sealed cooking environment. Steam builds quickly, cooking the penne evenly while trapping starches that naturally thicken the sauce. This means you don’t need complicated roux techniques or long simmer times.

Another advantage is consistency. The pressure cooking method ensures the pasta cooks evenly without scorching the bottom of the pot. Once the pressure releases, cream and cheese melt smoothly into the liquid, creating a sauce that clings perfectly to every ridge of penne.

What Makes This Recipe So Creamy

Creaminess comes from a combination of factors:

• The starch released from the pasta
• Butter and olive oil for richness
• Heavy cream added after pressure cooking
• Freshly grated parmesan for body and flavor

Adding dairy after pressure cooking prevents curdling and keeps the sauce silky rather than grainy.

Ingredients for Creamy Instant Pot Penne Pasta

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics
   Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add olive oil and butter. Once melted, add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add Pasta and Liquid
   Add dry penne pasta, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to ensure pasta is mostly submerged.
3. Pressure Cook
   Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual/Pressure Cook on High for 5 minutes.
4. Quick Release
   When cooking time is complete, carefully perform a quick release of pressure.
5. Stir and Add Cream
   Open the lid and stir well. Add heavy cream and stir until combined.
6. Add Parmesan
   Gradually add parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and the sauce thickens.
7. Adjust and Serve
   Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Creamy Instant Pot Penne Pasta

A rich and comforting one-pot penne pasta cooked in the Instant Pot with a silky parmesan cream sauce.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired

Calories: 480

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz penne pasta dry
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated

Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups

Method

 

1. Sauté garlic in butter and olive oil using Instant Pot Sauté mode.
2. Add penne, broth, and seasonings; stir gently.
3. Pressure cook on High for 5 minutes.
4. Quick release pressure and stir.
5. Add heavy cream and parmesan; stir until creamy.
6. Adjust seasoning and serve warm.

Notes

Add a splash of broth when reheating to loosen sauce.

Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Pasta

• Always add pasta before liquid to prevent sticking.
• Stir before pressure cooking to avoid clumping.
• Use freshly grated parmesan for smooth melting.
• Let it rest 2–3 minutes after adding cheese for extra thickness.

Variations You’ll Love

• Chicken Alfredo Style: Add cooked diced chicken at the end.
• Vegetable Pasta: Stir in spinach, peas, or mushrooms after pressure cooking.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in mozzarella for extra stretch.

What to Serve with Creamy Penne Pasta

• Garlic bread or breadsticks
• Simple green salad
• Roasted broccoli or asparagus
• Steamed green beans

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

Why This Recipe Works Every Time

The balance of liquid to pasta, controlled pressure time, and post-cook dairy addition guarantee consistent results. It’s foolproof, forgiving, and adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Comfort Food Made Simple

Creamy Instant Pot Penne Pasta proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With one pot and a handful of ingredients, you get a meal that feels indulgent yet effortless—perfect for busy nights when you still want something homemade and satisfying.