Creamy Instant Pot Penne Pasta – Comfort in a Bowl!

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of creamy pasta. It’s warm, filling, familiar, and deeply satisfying—especially after a long day. Now imagine achieving that same rich, restaurant-style creaminess with minimal effort, one pot, and under 30 minutes. That’s exactly what this Creamy Instant Pot Penne Pasta delivers.

This recipe is designed for busy home cooks who crave comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. Thanks to the Instant Pot, the pasta cooks directly in a flavorful liquid, absorbing every ounce of richness while releasing starches that naturally thicken the sauce. No extra pans, no draining, no complicated steps—just creamy, velvety pasta every single time.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply treating yourself to a cozy night in, this dish checks every box: easy, fast, affordable, and deeply comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Instant Pot Penne Pasta

Instant Pot pasta recipes have exploded in popularity, and for good reason. This creamy penne pasta stands out because it balances simplicity with indulgence.

• One-pot cleanup means less mess and stress
• Perfectly cooked penne—never mushy, never dry
• Rich, creamy sauce without complicated techniques
• Easily customizable with proteins or vegetables
• Comfort food that feels luxurious but approachable

This is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

What Makes Instant Pot Pasta So Creamy?

Traditional pasta cooking relies on boiling water and draining, which removes starch. In contrast, Instant Pot pasta cooks in just enough liquid, allowing the starches released from the pasta to remain in the pot. These starches naturally thicken the sauce, creating that silky texture without needing excessive cream or flour.

When combined with butter, garlic, cream, and parmesan, the result is a luxuriously smooth sauce that clings to every piece of penne.

Ingredients

• Penne pasta
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• Heavy cream
• Cream cheese
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Optional add-ins:

• Cooked chicken
• Mushrooms
• Spinach
• Broccoli florets
• Sun-dried tomatoes

Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add butter and olive oil, allowing the butter to melt fully.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful bits.
4. Add uncooked penne pasta, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir gently to ensure the pasta is mostly submerged.
5. Secure the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes.
6. Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of pressure.
7. Open the lid and stir the pasta. It may look liquidy at first—this is normal.
8. Add heavy cream, cream cheese, and grated parmesan. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
9. If using spinach or cooked chicken, stir them in now and allow the residual heat to warm them through.
10. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Creamy Pasta

• Always quick-release pressure to prevent overcooking
• Stir immediately after opening to prevent sticking
• Use freshly grated parmesan for smoother melting
• Let the pasta sit for 2–3 minutes to thicken naturally
• If sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of broth or cream

Easy Variations to Try

Chicken Alfredo Style: Add shredded rotisserie chicken and extra parmesan
Vegetarian Delight: Stir in mushrooms, spinach, and broccoli
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or chili oil
Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in mozzarella or fontina for extra stretch
Protein Boost: Add cooked shrimp or turkey sausage

What to Serve with Creamy Penne Pasta

This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic bread or breadsticks
• Simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables
• Sparkling water or lemonade

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.

A Comfort Food Favorite, Reinvented

Creamy pasta has long been a symbol of comfort across cultures, from Italian alfredo to American one-pot meals. This Instant Pot version respects that tradition while embracing modern convenience—proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.

Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna

An easy crockpot lasagna made with frozen ravioli, rich marinara sauce, and layers of melted cheese for a comforting family dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Calories: 480

Ingredients

  

Lasagna Layers

• 25 oz frozen cheese ravioli
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage optional
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Skillet
• Wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add ground meat if using and cook until browned. Season to taste.
3. Spread a thin layer of sauce in the slow cooker.
4. Layer ravioli, ricotta, meat, mozzarella, Parmesan, and sauce. Repeat layers.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.
6. Let rest briefly before serving.

Notes

Let the lasagna rest before serving for cleaner slices.