If you’re craving comfort food but don’t want to fuss over complicated recipes, you are going to fall in love with this Dump and Start Instant Pot Creamy Ziti. It’s luscious, saucy, full of cheesy goodness, and—best of all—comes together in just 20 minutes with almost no hands-on time. This is the weeknight pasta you’ll crave on busy evenings and the easy crowd-pleaser you’ll rely on for gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Fuss Cooking: The Instant Pot does all the work—just dump in the ingredients, set it, and walk away.
- Ultra Creamy Texture: The combination of heavy cream, parmesan, and mozzarella creates a blissfully rich and velvety sauce that clings to every bite.
- Quick Family Favorite: This Dump and Start Instant Pot Creamy Ziti is on the table in 20 minutes, making it a lifesaver for hectic nights.
- Customizable Comfort: Add veggies, protein, or spice to make it your own—the possibilities are endless!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Dump and Start Instant Pot Creamy Ziti plays a starring role—each one brings something special to create the ultimate silky, flavorful pasta. The best part? You probably already have many of these essentials in your kitchen!
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and ensures the pasta absorbs tons of flavor as it cooks.
- Heavy cream: The secret to that decadent, restaurant-style creaminess—with just the right amount of richness.
- Minced garlic (dried): A convenient way to infuse loads of garlicky aroma without peeling or mincing fresh cloves.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that highlight all the other flavors—don’t skip the pepper for a gentle kick!
- Dry ziti pasta: Pasta cooks directly in the Instant Pot, soaking up all the sauce and seasoning.
- Red pasta sauce: Adds color, tang, and brightness. Use your favorite store-bought marinara or homemade sauce.
- Parmesan cheese, shredded: Melts into the sauce, lending savory notes and adding body and flavor.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded: For that gooey, stretchy texture everyone loves in creamy pasta.
Variations
The beauty of Dump and Start Instant Pot Creamy Ziti is how flexible it is—don’t be afraid to get creative with what you have on hand or to tailor it to your dietary needs. Here are some easy ideas to inspire your personal twist!
- Skinny Version: Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for some or all of the heavy cream for a lighter option that’s still creamy.
- Add Protein: Toss in cooked Italian sausage, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even white beans to bump up the heartiness.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in baby spinach, roasted broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes for color and extra nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a swirl of Calabrian chili paste for a subtle heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free ziti or penne and decrease the pressure cook time by a minute or two—just double-check your pasta packaging for guidance.
How to Make Dump and Start Instant Pot Creamy Ziti
Step 1: Layer and Pour
Start by adding chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, and pepper directly into your Instant Pot. Next, pour in the dry ziti pasta—make sure you sprinkle it in evenly, but do not stir. Instead, gently press any dry, protruding noodles down until everything is just covered by liquid so the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick together.
Step 2: Pressure Cook
Secure the lid, set your Instant Pot to Manual (or Pressure Cook) mode for 6 minutes, and that’s it! Once the timer beeps, allow a natural pressure release for 6 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining steam. This ensures the pasta finishes cooking gently and stays perfectly al dente in your creamy sauce.
Step 3: Add Sauce & Cheese
Once it’s safe to open your Instant Pot, add the red pasta sauce and gently stir everything together. Now, sprinkle in the shredded parmesan and mozzarella slowly while stirring—the cheeses will melt into the sauce, thickening it and giving every bite that signature creamy, stretchy goodness. Let the ziti sit for a couple of minutes to allow the sauce to thicken as it cools.
Pro Tips for Making Dump and Start Instant Pot Creamy Ziti
- Layer, Don’t Stir: For best results, layer the liquids and pasta as directed—resist the urge to stir before pressure cooking to prevent a burn warning and ensure even pasta cooking.
- Cheese Timing: Add cheeses slowly after pressure cooking with the Instant Pot OFF—the residual heat will melt them smoothly into the sauce without clumping or sticking to the pot.
- Sauce Consistency: This is meant to be a saucy ziti! If you want it thicker, let it sit uncovered for a few minutes after cooking so the sauce can thicken up naturally.
- Adjust for Pasta Brands: Different brands or types of pasta may vary—if using gluten-free or whole wheat pasta, reduce cook time by a minute and keep an eye on texture.
How to Serve Dump and Start Instant Pot Creamy Ziti
Garnishes
For a beautiful finishing touch, sprinkle extra parmesan cheese and fresh chopped basil or parsley over your creamy ziti. A few turns of cracked black pepper or a dusting of red pepper flakes will make the colors pop and add a little personality—don’t be shy with the cheese!
Side Dishes
This Dump and Start Instant Pot Creamy Ziti pairs perfectly with fresh, crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette. A side of roasted veggies (think broccoli or asparagus) will round out your meal and balance the ziti’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving creamy ziti in individual ramekins for dinner parties, or spoon it into a large baking dish, top with extra mozzarella, and broil for a bubbly, golden crust. For family-style meals, garnish with colorful roasted veggies on top for visual wow factor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftovers cool before transferring them to an airtight container. Your Dump and Start Instant Pot Creamy Ziti will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a fantastic preparation for busy lunches or easy next-day dinners.
Freezing
Ziti freezes surprisingly well! Store cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best creamy texture—keep in mind the pasta will soften a bit after freezing but still taste delicious.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Just a couple of minutes is all it takes to bring this creamy ziti back to steamy, cheesy perfection.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta for Dump and Start Instant Pot Creamy Ziti?
Absolutely! While ziti is classic, penne or rigatoni also work great—just follow the same instructions. For gluten-free pasta, reduce the pressure cook time by 1-2 minutes and check for doneness before adding the cheese.
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What if my sauce is too thin after cooking?
If your sauce seems a bit runny, let the ziti sit uncovered for a few minutes—Instant Pot Creamy Ziti thickens as it cools. You can also stir in a little extra shredded cheese to encourage a creamier consistency.
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Is it okay to double this recipe in the Instant Pot?
Yes! Double all the ingredients, but make sure you don’t fill your Instant Pot past its MAX fill line. The cook time remains the same, though it might take a few extra minutes to come to pressure.
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Can I make Dump and Start Instant Pot Creamy Ziti vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and proceed with the recipe as directed. It’s just as indulgent and flavorful with this easy swap.
Final Thoughts
This Dump and Start Instant Pot Creamy Ziti is the kind of simple, soul-satisfying recipe that instantly becomes a family legend. I can’t wait for you to try it—don’t forget to share your kitchen triumphs and any creative add-ins you love. Enjoy every cheesy, creamy bite!
Print
Dump and Start Instant Pot Creamy Ziti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Instant Pot
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Indulge in this rich and creamy Instant Pot Creamy Ziti, a hassle-free dish that’s bursting with flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or when you’re craving some comforting pasta goodness.
Ingredients
For the Ziti:
- 1 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp minced garlic, dried
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz dry ziti pasta
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup red pasta sauce
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Add the Ziti Ingredients: Add the broth, cream, garlic, salt, pepper, and noodles to the Instant Pot in that order. Do not stir but ensure all noodles are covered.
- Cook in Instant Pot: Set the Instant Pot to Manual for 6 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 6 minutes, then quick release.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Stir in the red pasta sauce. Slowly incorporate the cheeses while stirring until melted and the sauce thickens.
Notes
- This dish is quite saucy. For a less saucy version, reduce the amount of red pasta sauce added at the end.
- For a lighter option, try the Skinny Creamy Ziti recipe.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 435 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 1310mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 106mg
