Dive into creamy, cozy comfort with this Amazing Instant Pot Creamy “Baked” Ziti — all the classic baked ziti flavors you crave, but in a fraction of the time and zero oven required. Every cheesy, tomato-y bite is loaded with flavor, thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot, making this a weeknight dinner dream come true.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- True “Baked” Flavor, Minimal Effort: All the bubbling, rich taste of classic ziti with no oven required—just set it and let the Instant Pot work its magic.
- Ultra Creamy Texture: The blend of cream, Parmesan, and crushed tomatoes creates a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to every noodle.
- Weeknight-Friendly: Ready in under 40 minutes from start to finish, so you can satisfy your cozy pasta cravings any night of the week.
- Customizable to Your Crowd: Easily adapt with extra veggies, different cheeses, or the addition of sausage or beef for a heartier meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This cozy dish relies on simple, everyday ingredients—but don’t let that fool you. Each one plays a vital role in making Amazing Instant Pot Creamy “Baked” Ziti rich, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why each is essential.
- Broth (2 cups): Using low-sodium chicken broth adds savory depth without overpowering, but vegetable broth works well for a vegetarian twist.
- Cream (2 cups): This is the secret to that signature creamy, velvety sauce—feel free to substitute part with milk for a lighter finish.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Seasoning is key! Start with the basics and adjust to your taste at the end.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced or ½ tsp powder): Garlic infuses aromatic punch; use fresh for big flavor, or garlic powder for speed.
- Uncooked Ziti Pasta (16 oz): The star of the show—ziti holds sauce beautifully, but penne or rigatoni work in a pinch.
- Crushed Tomatoes (15 oz can): Brings tangy brightness and that classic Italian red sauce color; blended diced tomatoes and tomato paste are a great sub if needed.
- Dried Oregano & Basil (1½ tsp each): This dried herb duo gives the ziti its signature Italian character.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan (½–1 cup): For a salty, nutty finish and that irresistible melty, creamy topping.
- Fresh Basil (optional): A handful of chopped basil adds a fresh, vibrant pop just before serving.
Variations
One of my favorite things about Amazing Instant Pot Creamy “Baked” Ziti is how endlessly adaptable it is—don’t be shy about making it your own! From protein boosts to lighter twists, there’s a version here for every table, tastebud, and dietary need.
- Add Sausage or Ground Beef: Stir in browned ground sausage or beef for a heartier, meaty ziti reminiscent of a classic baked casserole.
- Lighten It Up: Swap half the cream for milk plus a bit of cornstarch, or go even lighter with mostly milk—you’ll still get that creamy texture with fewer calories.
- Make It Vegetarian: Use veggie broth and skip the meat; stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for major veggie vibes.
- Switch Up the Cheeses: Add a scoop of ricotta for creaminess or toss in mozzarella for epic cheese pulls—go wild!
- Spice It Up: Add a generous pinch of red chili flakes or a swirl of Calabrian chili paste to the sauce before cooking for a gentle kick.
How to Make Amazing Instant Pot Creamy “Baked” Ziti
Step 1: Prep the Instant Pot
Start by giving the inside of your Instant Pot a quick mist with nonstick cooking spray—this helps prevent any pasta from sticking on those busy layers. Pour in the broth and cream, then add salt, pepper, and garlic right into the pot. No need for fancy steps here—just keep it simple and cozy!
Step 2: Layer the Dry Ingredients
Add your uncooked ziti pasta straight into the pot (don’t stir—this is important so the noodles cook evenly and don’t clump). If the pasta is piled high in the middle, gently flatten it down into an even layer without mixing. Next, pour the crushed tomatoes evenly over the top, then they get a dusting from the dried oregano and basil. Again, resist the urge to stir—layering keeps everything cooking just right!
Step 3: Set and Cook
Secure the Instant Pot lid, making sure the valve is set to “Sealing.” Set it to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” and dial in your time: halve the cooking time listed for your pasta, then subtract two more minutes (for example, 12-minute ziti cooks for just 4 minutes under pressure!). For the creamiest results, stick close to the lower end of the range—soft pasta lovers, add an extra minute.
Step 4: Release and Finish
Once the cooking time ends, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes—this gentler release keeps your ziti tender but not mushy. Then, quick-release any remaining pressure. Open the lid and stir in all that freshly grated Parmesan; don’t worry if there are a few golden bits at the bottom—those are pure flavor! Serve immediately, topped with loads of fresh basil and more Parmesan if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
Pro Tips for Making Amazing Instant Pot Creamy “Baked” Ziti
- Layering Matters: Layer the pasta, liquids, and tomatoes exactly as directed—this prevents the dreaded burn notice and helps the ziti cook perfectly without sticking.
- Broth and Cream Balance: For extra sauciness, add up to ½ cup more broth or cream before cooking—the pasta drinks it up and gives you that luscious, glossy texture.
- Natural Release for Tender Pasta: Always allow at least 10 minutes of natural pressure release—this helps the pasta finish cooking gently and prevents mushiness.
- Finish with Fresh Cheese: Don’t skimp on freshly grated Parmesan at the end—pre-grated cheese won’t melt as smoothly or deliver the bold, salty punch you want!
How to Serve Amazing Instant Pot Creamy “Baked” Ziti
Garnishes
The right garnish takes Amazing Instant Pot Creamy “Baked” Ziti from everyday to absolutely irresistible. Shower every portion with extra Parmesan for a salty, melty cap, and don’t forget a flurry of chopped fresh basil for color and a pop of freshness. If you like a little heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes is a dreamy touch, too.
Side Dishes
This creamy ziti is luscious on its own, but pairing it with a big green salad tossed in tangy vinaigrette is a classic move that balances every bite. Buttery garlic bread or pillowy focaccia is the essential superstar for scooping up all that extra sauce—don’t leave any behind!
Creative Ways to Present
For casual family nights, serve straight from the Instant Pot for maximum coziness (and minimal dishes). Hosting? Scoop the ziti into a big white baking dish, scatter more cheese on top, and broil for a couple of minutes for bubbly browned perfection—no one will believe you didn’t bake it! Individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets also make adorable, dinner-party-ready presentations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Amazing Instant Pot Creamy “Baked” Ziti is a dream for next-day lunches or speedy dinners. Simply store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge; they’ll keep beautifully for up to 4 days, and the flavor gets even better as it sits.
Freezing
This dish is freezer-friendly! Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers, making sure it’s completely cool before sealing. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, as this helps maintain that creamy, dreamy finish.
Reheating
To reheat, pop individual servings in the microwave with a splash of cream, milk, or broth to loosen it up. For a crowd, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and adding extra liquid as needed. Want bubbly, crisp edges? Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and broil quickly for a throwback to “baked” ziti vibes.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While ziti is classic, penne, rigatoni, or even rotini work well—just make sure to follow the timing rule: halve the package cooking time and subtract 2 more minutes for the Instant Pot.
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Can I make Amazing Instant Pot Creamy “Baked” Ziti vegetarian?
Yes! Simply use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth and skip any optional meat additions. You can also toss in extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or bell pepper for a super satisfying vegetarian version.
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How can I make this recipe less rich?
For a lighter version, swap half or even most of the cream for milk and whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch to help thicken the sauce. You’ll still get creamy results without all the heaviness!
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What should I do if I get a “Burn” warning on my Instant Pot?
If you see a burn notice, it’s often due to stirring or tomato products on the bottom. Layer as directed and make sure to deglaze the pot if browning meat beforehand. Usually, waiting a few minutes and adding more liquid can help!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll fall for every cheesy, saucy forkful of this Amazing Instant Pot Creamy “Baked” Ziti just as much as my family does. It’s quick, cozy, and made for sharing—so gather your loved ones and let your Instant Pot do the heavy lifting tonight! Happy cooking, friends.
Print
Amazing Instant Pot Creamy “Baked” Ziti Recipe
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Instant Pot Creamy ‘Baked’ Ziti is a quick and easy twist on a classic baked pasta dish. Creamy, flavorful, and satisfying, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Broth Mixture:
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
Pasta and Sauce:
- 16 ounces uncooked ziti pasta or other tube-shaped pasta
- 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1/2 to 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Broth Mixture: Lightly spray the Instant Pot with cooking spray. Pour in broth, cream, salt, pepper, and garlic.
- Add Pasta and Sauce: Add pasta to the pot. Pour crushed tomatoes over the pasta and sprinkle with oregano and basil. Do not stir.
- Cook: Secure the lid, set to pressure cook for half the pasta’s package directions time minus 2 minutes. Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release.
- Finish: Stir in Parmesan cheese. Serve with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
Notes
- For a heartier dish, try adding ground beef or Italian sausage.
- To lighten the dish, substitute some cream with a milk and cornstarch mixture.
- For a saucier pasta, increase the amount of broth, cream, or crushed tomatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
