Creamy Instant Pot Penne Pasta (Easy One-Pot Comfort Dinner)

When life gets busy but comfort food cravings hit hard, Creamy Instant Pot Penne Pasta is the answer you didn’t know you needed. This rich, velvety, one-pot pasta recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes. No draining, no babysitting the stove, and absolutely no sacrificing flavor.

The Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking, and pasta is one of its greatest successes. Cooking pasta directly in a creamy sauce allows the starches to thicken naturally, creating a luxurious texture that’s almost impossible to replicate on the stovetop. Penne pasta is especially perfect for this method because its ridges cling beautifully to every drop of sauce.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or looking for a cozy dinner that feels indulgent without being complicated, this creamy instant pot penne pasta recipe checks every box. It’s endlessly customizable, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to become a repeat favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Instant Pot Pasta

There’s something magical about pressing a button and ending up with a creamy, comforting pasta dish that tastes like it simmered all day. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

• One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks directly in the Instant Pot, meaning fewer dishes and less cleanup.
• Ultra-Creamy Texture: The pressure cooking process releases starch from the pasta, thickening the sauce naturally.
• Fast and Foolproof: Perfectly cooked penne every time, even on busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: Mild, cheesy, and comforting flavors everyone loves.
• Customizable: Add protein, vegetables, or spices to make it your own.

This dish is comfort food made easy, without sacrificing quality or taste.

Ingredients

• 12 oz uncooked penne pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional garnish: chopped parsley or basil

Instructions

1. Prepare the Instant Pot:
   Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
   Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Add Pasta and Liquids:
   Pour in the uncooked penne pasta, chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to ensure the pasta is mostly submerged in liquid.
4. Pressure Cook:
   Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes.
5. Quick Release:
   Once cooking time is complete, perform a quick release of pressure. Carefully open the lid.
6. Stir and Thicken:
   Stir the pasta thoroughly. The sauce may look thin at first but will thicken as it rests.
7. Add Parmesan:
   Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and creamy.
8. Rest and Serve:
   Let the pasta sit for 3–5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to reach its perfect consistency.

Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Penne Pasta

• Use Heavy Cream: Milk can curdle under pressure, but heavy cream stays smooth and rich.
• Don’t Overcook: Pasta continues absorbing liquid after cooking, so stick to the recommended time.
• Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
• Stir Well After Cooking: This activates the starches and creates that creamy texture.

Easy Variations

Chicken Alfredo Style:
Add 1 cup of cooked diced chicken after pressure cooking.

Creamy Spinach Penne:
Stir in fresh spinach at the end until wilted.

Spicy Creamy Pasta:
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.

Mushroom Lover’s Pasta:
Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic before adding liquids.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy pressure cooker pasta with:

• Garlic bread or crusty bread
• A simple green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Grilled chicken or shrimp

It’s hearty enough to stand alone but pairs beautifully with lighter sides.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

Fun Pasta Fact

Penne comes from the Italian word penna, meaning “pen,” inspired by the pasta’s angled ends. Those ridges aren’t just decorative—they’re designed to hold onto sauces, making penne ideal for creamy dishes like this one.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Instant Pot Penne Pasta proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again. Whether you’re new to pressure cooking or a seasoned Instant Pot pro, this dish delivers rich, satisfying results every single time.

Creamy Instant Pot Penne Pasta

A rich, creamy one-pot penne pasta made easily in the Instant Pot with simple pantry ingredients.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main

Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz penne pasta uncooked
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.75 cup Parmesan cheese grated

Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups

Method

 

1. Set Instant Pot to sauté and melt butter.
2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add pasta, broth, cream, and seasonings. Stir gently.
4. Pressure cook on high for 5 minutes.
5. Quick release pressure and open lid.
6. Stir well and add Parmesan cheese until creamy.

Notes

Let pasta rest a few minutes to thicken sauce before serving.