Cooking Spaghetti, Fettuccini, or Linguini in the Instant Pot
Cooking long, straight pastas in the Instant Pot, such as linguini, fettuccini, and spaghetti, can be a little tricky. While the cook time is the same, the technique for cooking these is a little different from other shapes.
- To make the pasta easily submerged in water, break the strands in half before adding them to the Instant Pot.
- Add enough water to cover the pasta completely in the Instant Pot (note: this is more water than you add for other shapes of pasta).
- Do not stir before cooking. Resist the urge to stir the pasta. (Stirring it can cause it to stick. ) .
- Pressure cook pasta according to the time on the chart.
- After five minutes of natural release, release any residual pressure from the pasta.
- Stir the pasta thoroughly after cooking to ensure that the strands do not stick together.
- Drain well.
How to Cook Pasta in the Instant Pot
- In the Instant Pot bowl, mix pasta and water (using the previously mentioned measurement). Stir everything together to slightly moisten the pasta.
- Seal and lock the lid.
- Pressure cook on high. (Use the chart above to determine the cook time. ).
- After five minutes of natural release (don’t leave it on for longer or the pasta might overcook), manually release any remaining pressure from the pasta.
- Make sure that all heating and warming functions are off by unplugging the machine.
- After opening the lid, thoroughly stir the pasta, about 20 to 30 times. Apply some force to ensure that the pasta is thoroughly combined with the minimal quantity of water left. (Note: The pasta may still have a few dry spots where it was sticking out of the water when you start stirring it.) Don’t worry; the pasta will continue to absorb the little liquid in the pot as you stir and allow it to steam in the following step. ).
- Put the lid back on (do not lock it; just place it on top) and let the pasta sit for an additional five to ten minutes. (Note: This is the most crucial step because the pasta will continue to absorb any liquid that is left and cook for a little while longer in the machine’s residual heat.) The secret to cooked but not overcooked pasta is this. ).
- Serve!
Why Cook Pasta in the Instant Pot
There are three justifications for using an Instant Pot or pressure cooker to cook pasta.
- It’s a true one pot dish. Pasta will absorb all of the water while cooking, so there’s no need to strain it after it’s done.
- Set it and forget it. It’s not necessary to watch the pot to make sure it doesn’t boil over. Just turn the machine on and walk away.
- Preserve the starch: Since the pasta isn’t strained, all of its natural starch remains in the pot and acts as a natural thickener for any sauce that is added, such as creamy cheesy sauce or marinara sauce (like in Instant Pot Mac and Cheese).
