Instant Pot Ziti
Alright, picture this: a comforting bowl of ziti, but we’re letting the Instant Pot do all the heavy lifting, because let’s be real, weekdays get wild. This one-pot dish is a family favorite in my house—it’s creamy, it’s cheesy, it’s a hug in a bowl. Why should you try it? Because your taste buds deserve a break from the frozen pizzas of the world, that’s why.
Let me spill the beans on why this recipe basically saved my sanity. Between my husband’s insatiable appetite and our kids’ ever-changing list of food demands, the Instant Pot Ziti became our go-to. We used to spend forever in the kitchen, but now it’s less about sweating bullets and more about sipping wine while dinner does itself. I can’t count the number of times this recipe has rescued us from takeout temptation.
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Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Ziti
– It’s quicker than scrolling through your entire Netflix queue.
– Fewer dishes! I mean, who actually enjoys washing up?
– Feeds a small crowd or a very hungry spouse with leftovers to spare.
– It’s a pasta dish, but with adventure. Who doesn’t love a good pasta adventure?
How to Make It
Okay, grab that Instant Pot, plug it in (yep, I’ve forgotten this step), and here we go. Start by browning some beef or sausage right there in the pot because we’re all about multitasking. Toss in the garlic and onions and let those do their thing – smelling amazing is their main job. Then, it’s all in: pasta, tomato sauce, a splash of broth. Stir it up like you mean it, pop the lid on, set to pressure cook, and pour yourself a drink—you’ve got about 8 minutes to chill. Once it’s done and safe to open—I know the beepy thing can feel like a countdown to disaster—stir in so much cheese you wonder if you’ve crossed the line. Only you haven’t. Mix till it’s gooey perfection.
Ingredient Notes
– Garlic: Don’t skip this unless you want a bland pasta situation. Not a crying moment over slicing? Get pre-minced.
– Ground Meat: Beef, turkey, unicorn meat—okay, not that, but almost anything works here.
– Cheese: Mozzarella hits the spot, but once I messed up and only had cheddar. Didn’t hate it.
Recipe Steps:
1. Brown meat in the Instant Pot, adding garlic and onions.
2. Add pasta, sauce, and broth. Stir everything together.
3. Set on high pressure for 8 minutes.
4. Pressure release, then mix in cheese until melted and dreamy.
What to Serve It With
Tips & Mistakes
Got some salad languishing in the fridge? Or that garlic bread you forgot you bought? Grab ’em. As for mistakes, if you forget the broth, you might end up with a pasta brick. Learn from me.
Storage Tips
Chuck it in a Tupperware for tomorrow’s lunch. Honestly, cold ziti for breakfast isn’t the worst. Just saying. Reheats like a charm, too, if you’re civil about your meals.
Variations and Substitutions
Raid that pantry: no ziti, try penne, all’s fair in love and pasta. Out of beef? Sausage it is, my friend. And let’s not talk about that time the cheese was a mix of leftover Parmesan and cream cheese. I’ve done it all—no shame, no judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Remember it later
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Instant Pot Ziti
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups ziti pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 0.5 cup ricotta cheese
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Add the ziti pasta, marinara sauce, water, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the Instant Pot.
- Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and carefully stir in the ricotta and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top and close the lid for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
Featured Comments
“Impressed! Clear steps and turned out amazing results. Perfect for busy nights.”
“New favorite here — turned out amazing. saucy was spot on.”
“Made this last night and it was family favorite. Loved how the cozy came together.”
“Super easy and absolutely loved! My family asked for seconds. Saving this one.”
“Super easy and family favorite! My family asked for seconds. Saving this one.”
“New favorite here — family favorite. creamy was spot on.”
