There is nothing quite like a comforting bowl of pasta to brighten your day, and this Instant Pot Baked Ziti Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to dinner. Imagine tender ziti noodles cooked to perfection right in the sauce, creating a creamy, flavorful, and cozy dish in under 30 minutes. The magic lies in the blend of Italian sausage, rich tomato paste, and a dreamy combination of heavy cream and Parmesan that delivers a luscious sauce, all brought together effortlessly in the Instant Pot. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe promises hearty satisfaction with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but play an essential role in layering flavor, texture, and color in this comforting pasta dish. Each one is selected to ensure the sauce is rich and savory, the sausage adds a satisfying bite, and the pasta cooks evenly in the Instant Pot without sticking.
- Olive oil: Provides a flavorful base for browning the sausage and adds a subtle fruitiness.
- Ground Italian sausage: Brings spice and meaty depth that defines the dish’s character.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and a bit of crunch when sautéed alongside the sausage.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor, enriching the sauce’s body and acidity.
- Italian seasoning: A classic herb blend that infuses every bite with Mediterranean warmth.
- Fennel seed: Adds subtle licorice notes that complement the sausage beautifully.
- Paprika: Provides smoky undertones and vibrant color to the sauce.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Enhance savory depth effortlessly.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all flavors.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Add a touch of heat if you like a bit of a kick.
- Chicken broth: Builds a savory liquid base that keeps everything moist and tender.
- Water: Ensures the pasta cooks just right without drying out.
- Heavy cream: Makes the sauce irresistibly creamy and rich.
- Uncooked ziti pasta: Holds up perfectly to pressure cooking and soaks up all the sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts smoothly for a luxurious finish and adds nutty flavor.
- Fresh basil (optional): Lends a fresh, aromatic lift when sprinkled atop before serving.
How to Make Instant Pot Baked Ziti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage and Aromatics
Start by turning your Instant Pot to “sauté” mode and heating olive oil. Add the Italian sausage, searing it for about a minute on each side to develop those rich, browned bits we love. Toss in the diced yellow onion and cook until everything is nicely browned and fragrant, breaking up the sausage into bite-sized pieces. Next, stir in the tomato paste and all the seasoning—Italian seasoning, fennel seed, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Sauté this mixture for a couple of minutes until it fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aroma, then switch off the sauté mode.
Step 2: Add Liquids and Uncooked Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth, water, and heavy cream, stirring gently to marry the sauce components. Now comes the easy part—add your uncooked ziti straight into the pot. Resist the urge to stir; instead, press the pasta down carefully so all the noodles are submerged under the creamy liquid. This step is key for even cooking without clumping or sticking.
Step 3: Pressure Cook
Seal the Instant Pot with the lid, making sure the valve is turned to “seal.” Set the cook time to 4 minutes on “manual” or “pressure cook.” Let the pot build pressure and cook, then allow a natural pressure release for 4 minutes once the timer goes off. After that, carefully flip the valve to quickly release any remaining pressure and remove the lid. Your sauce might look a bit liquidy at first, but don’t worry—this is about to transform in the next step.
Step 4: Incorporate Cheese and Final Touches
Transfer the pot insert to a heat-safe surface and gently stir the baked ziti with a wooden spoon. Gradually mix in the Parmesan cheese, about a quarter cup at a time, stirring thoroughly to melt it fully before adding more. This layering keeps the sauce creamy and luscious. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if you wish—some extra salt often enhances the depth. If you have fresh basil, now is the moment to add it for a bright herbal note.
How to Serve Instant Pot Baked Ziti Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley instantly freshens up the dish, adding gorgeous green color and a hint of herbal brightness. You might also love a dusting of additional grated Parmesan or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top for an elegant touch. Crushed red pepper flakes are perfect to pass around if you enjoy a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
This baked ziti stands beautifully on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread amps up the meal. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also work wonders to bring a fresh contrast in texture and flavor, rounding out the plate with healthy simplicity.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family dinner or casual gathering, serve the baked ziti in individual ramekins straight from the pot for personalized portions with golden, bubbly tops if you quickly broil them in the oven. Alternatively, scoop into a large, vibrant serving bowl surrounded by fresh herbs and lemon wedges to brighten each bite as you eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Instant Pot Baked Ziti Recipe can be stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it rests, so give it a good stir before reheating to restore its creamy consistency.
Freezing
This ziti freezes wonderfully, making it perfect for meal planning. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream, broth, or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir frequently to ensure even warming and keep the sauce silky smooth just like when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While ziti is the traditional choice here, other tubular pastas like penne or rigatoni work well because they hold onto the sauce nicely during pressure cooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Sure thing! Swap out the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers to keep it flavorful without the meat.
Why do you press down the pasta without stirring?
Pressing the pasta below the liquid without stirring prevents it from sticking together and ensures even cooking. Stirring can cause clumping and undercooked noodles.
Can I use ground beef instead of sausage?
You can, but the Italian sausage adds unique seasoning and a little spice that beef alone doesn’t offer. Consider adding Italian herbs and fennel seed to mimic that flavor.
How creamy will the sauce be if I want to reduce dairy?
The heavy cream is key for the rich, creamy texture in this recipe. You can try substituting with half-and-half or coconut cream, but the result will be less decadently thick and velvety.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Baked Ziti Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl—quick enough for weeknights but impressive enough for entertaining. The balance of rich, savory sausage and creamy tomato sauce all melded with tender pasta makes every bite utterly satisfying. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience how this one-pot wonder not only simplifies dinner but fills your table with comfort and joy.
Print
Instant Pot Baked Ziti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Instant Pot Baked Ziti recipe is an easy, creamy, and cheesy pasta dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Ground Italian sausage, tomato paste, and a blend of seasonings come together with ziti pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream, all pressure cooked to perfection in just 28 minutes. Finished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, this hearty comfort food is satisfyingly rich and flavorful with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 16 ounces ground Italian sausage
- 1 cup finely diced yellow onion
Seasonings and Paste
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon fennel seed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Liquids
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 2 cups heavy cream
Pasta and Cheese
- 16 ounces uncooked ziti pasta
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Garnish
- Fresh basil (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook Sausage: Set your 6-quart Instant Pot to “sauté” mode. Add olive oil, then the ground Italian sausage. Sear for about 1 minute on each side, breaking the sausage into smaller pieces. Add the diced onion and cook until the sausage is fully browned and the onion is softened.
- Add Tomato Paste and Seasonings: Stir in the entire can of tomato paste along with Italian seasoning, fennel seed, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1–3 minutes until fragrant, then turn off the Instant Pot.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth, water, and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Gently add the uncooked ziti pasta by pressing it down below the liquid without stirring; this prevents sticking.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “seal.” Select the “manual” or “pressure cook” setting and set the timer to 4 minutes. Allow the Instant Pot to come to pressure and cook. After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 4 minutes, then carefully do a quick release of the remaining pressure and remove the lid immediately.
- Add Cheese: Remove the metal insert and set it on a trivet. Gently stir the pasta with a wooden spoon. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese in 1/4 cup increments, stirring after each addition until fully melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding up to another 1/4 teaspoon salt if needed.
- Serve: If desired, stir in finely chopped fresh basil. Serve the ziti hot and enjoy this rich, creamy, and comforting meal!
Notes
- You can substitute ground Italian sausage with ground beef or turkey if preferred.
- The tomato paste adds rich depth to the sauce, but you can use canned crushed tomatoes for a chunkier texture.
- This recipe makes 6 hearty servings; leftovers store well for up to 3 days refrigerated.
- Do not stir the pasta after adding it to the liquids before cooking to prevent clumping.
- Fresh basil adds a nice herbal brightness but can be omitted or substituted with dried Italian herbs.
