Keep the ingredients on hand for a quick and simple dinner like pressure cooker spaghetti. The Instant Pot is filled with everything at once, and it all cooks at once to create a delicious pasta dish. It really is a perfect one-pot meal.
You should download my Instant Pot Cooking Times Cheat sheet if you’re new to the appliance. And don’t forget dessert, try this delicious Instant Pot Apple Cake. It’s so convenient.
Why Cook Pasta in the Instant Pot
There are three reasons to prepare pasta in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot.
It’s a true one pot dish. No need to strain the pasta after it’s done because the pasta will absorb all of the water as it cooks.
Set it and forget it. There’s no need to keep an eye on the pot to make sure it doesn’t boil over. Just turn the machine on and walk away.
Keep the starch – Since the pasta isn’t strained, all of the natural starch from the pasta stays in the pot and serves as a natural thickener for any type of sauce you add – whether it’s marinara sauce (as in Instant Pot Chicken Spaghetti) or creamy cheesy sauce (as in Instant Pot Mac and Cheese).
Why Can’t I Just Cover the Release Valve with a Towel?
It’s likely that you haven’t read your manual if you are asking this. Although it may be tempting to simply allow the pressure to release while covering the valve with a towel to prevent the starch from spilling everywhere, the Instant Pot instruction manual specifically states that you cannot under any circumstances cover the pressure release valve with a towel for the sake of safety and the wellbeing of your Instant Pot. This is the rationale behind finding a solution to the starch leak.
How to Cook Pasta in the Instant Pot
Combine pasta and water (using measurement above) in the bowl of the Instant Pot. Give everything a stir so that the pasta gets a bit wet.
Seal and lock the lid.
Pressure cook on high. (Use the chart above to determine the cook time.)
Leave the pasta on natural release for 5 minutes (do not let this sit any longer or the pasta may overcook) and then manually release any remaining pressure.
Unplug the machine or check to be sure that all heating / warming functions are off.
Open the lid and give the pasta a very good stir – about 20 to 30 times. Put some muscle into it so that the pasta gets really well incorporated with the small amount of water that remains. (Note: When you start stirring the pasta, there may still be a few dry spots on the pasta where it was sticking out of the water. Don’t worry – as you stir and let the pasta steam in the next step, it will continue to absorb the small amount of liquid in the pot.)
Return the lid (no need to lock it just set it on top) and leave the pasta to sit for 5-10 minutes more. (Note: This step is the most important because the pasta will continue to absorb any remaining liquid and continue to cook just a bit in the residual heat of the machine. This is the key to pasta that is cooked, but not over-cooked.)
Serve!
FAQ
Can I cook pasta in my power pressure cooker XL?
In an Instant Pot® multi-cooker, mix 1 pound of penne with 4 cups of water and 2 teaspoons of kosher salt. When locking the lid and getting ready to cook, adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions. Set to pressure cook on high for 5 minutes.
Can you cook noodles in a pressure cooker?
There are several additional Power Pressure Cooker XL buttons, including one for canning, which in the Instant Pot cooks at a high pressure of 12 psi. If you prefer, you can use the canning button to complete all of your pressure cooking if it takes more than 10 minutes. You can adjust the time to 45 and 120 minutes.
