That is a question I often hear from readers. The short answer is YES, you can make pasta in the Instant Pot (yaye). I will show you how in this creamy, dreamy Instant Pot Pasta with Pesto and Mozzarella recipe. Imagine this:
Perfectly-cooked pasta (thank you, Instant Pot)… Infused with the flavours of oregano and sautéed garlic, peppers and onions… Paired with turkey mince (or beef mince if you would prefer)… Infused again with flavourful pesto… All topped with shredded mozzarella cheese.
And did I mention no boiling or draining of your pasta?? You will just open up your Instant Pot lid and find your pasta ready to serve. Ready for some Instant Pot Pasta?
I don’t know about you but I am sooooo ready for a big, comforting bowl of Instant Pot Pasta with Pesto and Mozzarella. Folks, this pasta is ideal for busy weeknights when you need good food fast (and don’t want takeaway). Or weekends when you are ready to relax with a comforting meal and maybe a glass of (much deserved) wine too.
Instant Pot Pasta Tools
This post contains affiliate links. For more information, check out my disclosure. Here are some of the items you will need to make this recipe.
8 qt Instant Pot.
I use and love the 8 qt, extra Instant Pot Insert & sealing ring.
3 qt Instant Pot or 6 qt Instant Pot depending on family size. Cutting board. Tongs. Measuring jugs or cups. Measuring teaspoons. Bowls with covers.
For storing your leftover food.
Sea Salt Flakes <= amazing salt that makes your food taste good.
So gather your ingredients and let me show you……
How to Make Instant Pot Pasta with Pesto and Mozzarella
Step 1. Switch the Instant Pot on to the sauté setting and add the oil to the Instant Pot insert. Sauté the onions and peppers for 4-5 mins until the onion is soft. Step 2. Stir in the turkey and garlic and sauté for a few mins until the turkey is brown. Step 3. Switch off the heat and stir in the chicken stock and thoroughly deglaze the pot. Step 4. Add tomato, pasta, oregano and the best ever sea salt and mix. Step 5. Cover your Instant Pot, set the vent to ‘sealing,’ select the manual or pressure cook button (dependent upon IP model), select high pressure and set the timer to 5 mins. Step 5. When done do a quick pressure release, switch off the heat and open the pot releasing the rest of the steam using quick release. Step 6. Stir in the mozzarella and pesto (see the next section for several pesto recipes), and serve topped with herbs and parmesan if desired.
Easy Pesto Recipes
To make this pasta you will, of course, need pesto. I have got you covered with some easy pesto recipes:
Basil Pesto Wild Garlic Pesto Coconut Pesto {Vegan Pesto}
Instant Pot Pasta with Pesto and Mozzarella Tips
You can use turkey, beef, chicken, pork or sausage in this recipe. I used turkey to keep it lean but use whatever meat you prefer. No pesto? (Or don’t care for pesto?) You can add spinach at the end along with mozzarella instead of pesto.
Cooking Pasta in the Instant Pot: Tips
A few things to keep in mind when cooking pasta in the Instant Pot:
Let your sauce sit if it’s too thin. 5-10 mins will do the trick. Eat immediately for firm pasta. If you don’t, the pasta will get softer as it absorbs the pasta sauce. Make sure the pasta is fully covered by the cooking liquid. This will ensure all pasta is fully cooked.
What to Serve with Pressure Cooker Pasta with Pesto and Mozzarella
You can serve this dish with…
Crusty bread for a classic pasta meal Instant Pot Broccoli {Steamed Broccoli} for a healthy side Instant Pot Cheesecake with Oreos for an absolutely indulgent meal
And if you’re looking for another pasta recipe after this one, be sure to check out my popular Mushroom Asparagus Pasta or this simple Parma Ham and Garlic Butter Pasta. So there you have it folks. Creamy and dreamy pasta made in the convenience of your Instant Pot. Make some, dig in and enjoy.
For More Instant Pot Pasta Recipes
7 quick and Easy Instant Pot Pasta Recipes. Thank you for reading my Pressure Cooker Pasta with Pesto and Mozzarella recipe post. And please visit again as I continue dreaming up recipes, traditional African recipes, African fusion recipes, Sierra Leone recipes, travel plans and much more for you. Thanks for reading Recipes from a Pantry, UK food blog.
