If you’re craving comfort food that’s rich, cheesy, and comes together in a flash, this Instant Pot Creamy “Baked” Ziti Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It captures all the cozy goodness of baked pasta without that long oven time—perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty but fuss-free.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Incredibly Quick and Easy: Using the Instant Pot speeds up the entire cooking process without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Deliciously Creamy: The cream and broth create a luscious sauce that wraps every noodle in comfort.
No Oven Needed: Get that baked ziti flavor and richness without heating up your kitchen or waiting around for the bake.
Versatile and Customizable: Add your favorite proteins or tweak the ingredients to suit your diet—all with ease.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This Instant Pot Creamy “Baked” Ziti Recipe shines because it’s made with simple, everyday ingredients that come together to make magic. Each component—from the garlic to the herbs and the creamy broth—plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and that perfect, velvety texture that you keep dreaming about.
- Broth (2 cups): Using low-sodium chicken broth adds deep savory notes while letting you control the saltiness.
- Cream (2 cups): This is key for the rich, dreamy sauce; you can lighten it with milk and cornstarch if you prefer.
- Ziti pasta (16 ounces): Any tube-shaped pasta works perfectly—think rigatoni or penne for a delightful hold on sauce.
- Crushed tomatoes (15 ounces): Adds a hint of acidity and a fresh tomato flavor that balances the creaminess.
- Dried oregano & basil (1 ½ teaspoons each): These herbs bring that classic Italian flair to the dish.
- Parmesan cheese (½ to 1 cup freshly grated): For that tangy, umami-packed finish that melts into every bite.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A touch of aromatics to lift the whole dish.
- Salt & pepper: To enhance all the layers of flavor perfectly.
How to Make Instant Pot Creamy “Baked” Ziti Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Instant Pot
Start by lightly spraying the bottom and sides of your 6-quart Instant Pot with nonstick cooking spray. This simple step prevents sticking during cooking and makes cleanup a breeze. Then pour in the broth and cream, seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic – these will be the base of your luscious sauce.
Step 2: Layer Pasta and Toppings
Add the uncooked ziti straight into the pot—don’t stir it in. If the pasta is piled in the center, spread it out evenly for better cooking. Next, pour the crushed tomatoes over the top, followed by a sprinkle of dried oregano and basil. This layering helps create those irresistible, baked-ziti-style flavors right inside the pot.
Step 3: Pressure Cook to Perfection
Seal the lid, set the valve to “sealing,” and pressure cook on manual for a carefully calculated time—half the pasta’s package directions minus two minutes (for example, if your ziti cooks in 12 minutes, set the Instant Pot for 4 minutes). This ensures the pasta is just right: tender but with a little bite.
Step 4: Let It Rest and Finish
Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, which helps the flavors meld and the pasta soak up the sauce. Finish with a quick release, stir in the Parmesan cheese thoroughly, and prepare for the best creamy, cheesy bites of your life. Don’t worry if you see some slightly browned bits on the bottom—that’s pure flavor gold.
How to Serve Instant Pot Creamy “Baked” Ziti Recipe
Garnishes
Top your ziti with fresh basil leaves to add a bright, herbal pop that balances the richness. A little extra grated Parmesan on top brings a salty finish with lovely melting spots. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick.
Side Dishes
This creamy dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or garlic-roasted vegetables for added texture and freshness. Crusty bread or garlic knots are fantastic for sopping up every last bit of that dreamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the ziti bubbling hot in individual ramekins for a charming, restaurant-style presentation. Alternatively, layer it in a casserole dish and finish with extra cheese under the broiler for a golden crust, mimicking a traditional baked ziti experience with a creamy Instant Pot twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, your Instant Pot Creamy “Baked” Ziti Recipe will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for easy reheat lunches or dinners.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion out into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 months, keeping all that creamy, cheesy magic intact through the freeze-thaw cycle.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce’s silky texture and prevent it from drying out.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of pasta instead of ziti?
Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or any tube-shaped pasta will work wonderfully, as they hold the creamy sauce well and cook evenly in the Instant Pot.
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How do I adjust the recipe for a vegetarian version?
Simply skip the meat additions and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian creamy baked ziti that’s just as satisfying and flavorful.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead but it’s best cooked fresh for the creamiest texture. However, leftovers store and reheat beautifully when prepared in advance.
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Is it possible to make this dish less creamy?
Yes! You can lighten the cream by substituting half with milk mixed with cornstarch, which still gives a silky texture with fewer calories.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Creamy “Baked” Ziti Recipe is truly a game-changer for busy cooks craving comforting homemade pasta without the wait. It’s easy, versatile, and packed with flavor — the kind of meal you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. So grab that Instant Pot, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to this creamy, dreamy dinner tonight!
Print
Instant Pot Creamy “Baked” Ziti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Amazing Instant Pot Creamy “Baked” Ziti is a rich and comforting pasta dish made effortlessly using your Instant Pot. Combining tender ziti pasta with creamy tomato sauce, aromatic herbs, and savory Parmesan cheese, this recipe delivers the flavors of a traditional baked ziti without the oven. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers an easy, hands-off cooking method that simmers the pasta directly in the sauce for a deliciously saucy and cheesy meal.
Ingredients
Liquid and Base
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups cream (see notes for variations)
Seasonings and Herbs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1½ teaspoons dried oregano
- 1½ teaspoons dried basil
Pasta and Tomatoes
- 16 ounces uncooked ziti pasta or other tube-shaped pasta
- 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
Cheese and Garnish
- ½ to 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Lightly spray the bottom and sides of a 6-quart Instant Pot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and cream. Add salt, black pepper, and finely minced garlic (or garlic powder). Stir gently to combine.
- Add the pasta: Layer the uncooked ziti pasta evenly over the liquid mixture without stirring. If the pasta mounds in the center, spread it out to form an even layer.
- Add tomato and herbs: Pour the crushed tomatoes evenly over the pasta, then sprinkle dried oregano and dried basil across the top. Do not stir to preserve the layering.
- Pressure cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the “manual” or “pressure cook” function. Set the cooking time to half the pasta package’s recommended time minus two minutes (e.g., for 12-minute pasta, cook 4 minutes). Add 1 minute if you want softer pasta.
- Release pressure: When cooking is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release to let out any remaining pressure.
- Add cheese and serve: Open the lid and stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese thoroughly, mixing in any slightly browned pasta from the bottom. Serve immediately topped with additional Parmesan and fresh chopped basil if desired.
Notes
- Optional: Add 1 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage by browning it using the Instant Pot’s sauté function with salt and pepper, draining excess grease, then proceed with the recipe. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pot well when adding broth afterward to prevent burn warnings.
- Lighten Up: Substitute 1 cup of cream with a mixture of 1 cup milk whisked with 1 tablespoon cornstarch along with 1 cup cream to reduce richness. Full substitution of cream with milk + cornstarch is untested but could be experimented with.
- For extra saucy pasta, increase the amount of broth, cream, or crushed tomatoes by ¼ to ½ cup.
- Any tube-shaped pasta like penne or rigatoni works well as a substitute for ziti.
- Instead of crushed tomatoes, try using a 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes blended with 2 tablespoons tomato paste for a different texture and flavor.
