If you’ve ever wished you could dish up rich, creamy, oven-baked ziti flavor in a fraction of the time (and with zero oven mess!), you’re in for a seriously delicious treat with this Amazing Instant Pot Creamy “Baked” Ziti. It’s easy enough for a cozy weeknight but impressive enough for guests—seriously, everyone comes running for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Oven-Baked Flavor, Zero Fuss: This Instant Pot technique delivers the cozy, cheesy experience of true baked ziti—no baking dish (or preheating!) required.
- Ultra Creamy with a Dreamy Sauce: Broth, cream, and just-melted Parmesan come together for a luscious, restaurant-worthy sauce that clings to every noodle.
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks right in your Instant Pot, so cleanup is a breeze and you get dinner on the table in under an hour!
- Easily Customizable: Prefer it vegetarian, want to sneak in sausage, or need it lighter? This recipe welcomes your personal touches.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Amazing Instant Pot Creamy “Baked” Ziti relies on a handful of pantry and fridge staples that make each bite pop with flavor and texture. Every ingredient has a starring role—so simplicity doesn’t mean boring here!
- Low-sodium chicken broth (2 cups): Adds a savory backbone and keeps the pasta rich without being heavy.
- Cream (2 cups): Delivers the signature creamy texture—see my note below for simple “lighten up” swaps!
- Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning; don’t skip for balanced flavor.
- Fresh garlic (2 cloves, minced, or ½ tsp powder): For that irresistible zesty bite mingling perfectly with the sauce.
- Uncooked ziti or any tube-shaped pasta (16 oz): Ziti is a classic, but penne or rigatoni work beautifully.
- Crushed tomatoes (15 oz can): Make the sauce bright, tangy, and thick—choose high-quality tomatoes for best results.
- Dried oregano & dried basil (1½ teaspoons each): Give the dish its quintessential Italian warmth and an herby aroma.
- Freshly grated Parmesan (½ to 1 cup): Adds salty creaminess and depth—grate it fresh for maximum melt and flavor.
- Fresh basil (for serving, optional): Gives your finished ziti that extra pop of color and freshness.
Variations
The beauty of Amazing Instant Pot Creamy “Baked” Ziti is how flexible it is—think of this as a blank canvas for your favorite Italian flavors or dietary twists. Don’t be afraid to play with different proteins, dairy, or even veggie add-ins to truly make it your own.
- Add ground beef or Italian sausage: Sauté the meat first in the Instant Pot with a bit of salt and pepper for a heartier, extra-satisfying version!
- Lighten it up: Swap half the cream with milk whisked with a tablespoon of cornstarch—you’ll still get great texture, with less richness.
- Extra saucy: Craving more sauce? Add an extra ¼–½ cup of broth, cream, or tomatoes for a silkier, more luscious result.
- Mix up the pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or even mezzi ziti are all wonderful if you can’t track down traditional ziti noodles.
How to Make Amazing Instant Pot Creamy “Baked” Ziti
Step 1: Prep the Instant Pot & Base
Give your 6-quart Instant Pot a light mist of nonstick spray so nothing sticks. Pour in the broth and cream, then add the salt, pepper, and garlic. This magical mix will create a blanket of creamy flavor that soaks into the pasta as it cooks.
Step 2: Layer In the Pasta and Tomatoes
Scatter your uncooked ziti (or pasta of choice) over the liquid—don’t stir, but spread it out so it’s in an even layer. Pour the crushed tomatoes gently on top, then sprinkle over the oregano and basil. Resist the urge to mix everything up! This method keeps the pasta perfectly textured and prevents the dreaded burn notice.
Step 3: Pressure Cook to Perfection
Lock the lid in place and make sure the valve is set to seal. Select “manual” or “pressure cook” and adjust the time—here’s the trick: check your pasta package, halve the cook time, and subtract two more minutes (add 1 minute for extra-soft pasta). This gives you dreamy, al dente pasta that tastes oven-baked.
Step 4: Natural Release and Finish
Once the timer sounds, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes—this is essential! Then do a quick release for any leftover steam. Stir in the Parmesan right away. The cheese will melt into the sauce and bring everything together, even if you spot some deep golden patches on the bottom (that’s flavor!). Serve your Amazing Instant Pot Creamy “Baked” Ziti piping hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if you like.
Pro Tips for Making Amazing Instant Pot Creamy “Baked” Ziti
- Timing Is Everything: Don’t eyeball the cook time! Halve the pasta’s regular time, then subtract two minutes for the ultimate tender-but-toothsome result.
- No-Stir Layering: Layering the tomatoes and herbs on top (without stirring) helps prevent scorching and guarantees even cooking throughout.
- Dairy Lightening Secret: For a lighter but still creamy dish, use half milk mixed with a spoonful of cornstarch—this helps the sauce thicken beautifully in the Instant Pot without sacrificing silkiness.
- Double-Check Seal and Release: Be patient during the 10-minute natural pressure release—this step helps the sauce finish thickening and gives the ziti that irresistible baked-soaked texture.
How to Serve Amazing Instant Pot Creamy “Baked” Ziti
Garnishes
Handfuls of freshly grated Parmesan and ribbons of basil instantly elevate your ziti from “weeknight pasta” to “cozy Italian trattoria.” I love a little sprinkle of red pepper flakes for gentle heat, or a finishing drizzle of good olive oil for extra gloss and aroma.
Side Dishes
This creamy baked ziti pairs like a dream with a big green salad tossed in tangy vinaigrette, fluffy garlic bread, or even simple roasted vegetables. The richness of the pasta loves something crisp and fresh on the side to balance every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Ladle the Amazing Instant Pot Creamy “Baked” Ziti straight from the pot for a casual, inviting dinner—or transfer it to a big, shallow platter and top with sprigs of basil for wow-factor presentation. Individual ramekins or cocottes are also an adorable way to serve at dinner parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Amazing Instant Pot Creamy “Baked” Ziti keeps beautifully! Just let it cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors meld even deeper overnight, making your leftover lunch especially irresistible.
Freezing
This dish is totally freezer-friendly. Spoon cooled portions into airtight containers (or even freezer bags), freeze for up to 3 months, and defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating. For best texture, add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to refresh the sauce.
Reheating
Gently rewarm single portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through, or heat larger amounts in a covered casserole at 325°F. If the ziti looks a bit dry, add a tablespoon or two of broth, milk, or cream to bring back that dreamy creaminess.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta if I don’t have ziti?
Absolutely! Any sturdy tube-style pasta like penne or rigatoni works beautifully in this recipe. Just adjust the pressure cook time based on the specific package instructions for your pasta shape.
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What should I do if I get a burn notice on my Instant Pot?
If you see a burn notice, don’t panic! Quick release the pressure, open the lid, and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any stuck bits on the bottom. Add a little extra broth, re-layer (without stirring), and resume cooking.
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Is it okay to double this recipe?
You can double the ingredients in an 8-quart Instant Pot, but don’t fill the pot more than two-thirds full. The cook time remains the same, but it may take longer for the pot to come to pressure.
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Can I make Amazing Instant Pot Creamy “Baked” Ziti vegetarian?
Yes! Swap chicken broth for veggie broth, leave out any meat, and add extra cheese or roasted veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach if you’d like. It’s just as delicious and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
Give yourself a round of applause, because with this Amazing Instant Pot Creamy “Baked” Ziti, you’re effortlessly channeling all the soul-warming comfort of baked pasta—even on the busiest weeknight. Grab your favorite spoon (and your hungriest friends), and dive into a bowl of pure creamy joy! I can’t wait for you to try it—let me know how yours turns out!
Print
Instant Pot Creamy “Baked” Ziti Recipe
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Instant Pot Creamy ‘Baked’ Ziti is a quick and easy twist on a classic baked ziti dish. Creamy and comforting, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Ziti:
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 16 ounces uncooked ziti pasta or other tube-shaped pasta
- 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1/2 to 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Lightly spray the bottom and sides of a 6-quart Instant Pot with nonstick cooking spray. Pour in the broth and cream and add the salt, pepper, and garlic.
- Add the Ingredients: Add the pasta to the Instant Pot, followed by crushed tomatoes, oregano, and basil. Do not stir.
- Cook in Instant Pot: Secure the lid, set to manual/pressure cook, and adjust the time based on pasta package directions.
- Release Pressure and Finish: Allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release. Stir in Parmesan cheese and serve with fresh basil.
Notes
- Optional: Adding ground beef or Italian sausage is a delicious variation.
- Lighten it Up: Substitute part of the cream with a milk + cornstarch mixture for a lighter version.
- For Extra Sauce: Increase broth, cream, or crushed tomatoes for a saucier dish. Can use various tube-shaped pastas.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
