Instant Pot Pasta Made Easy

I've never been much of a kitchen gadget person.  A good knife, a solid pan, that's all you really need to have success in the kitchen.  However, every once in a while something comes along that is a game changer and for me that something has been The Instant Pot.  I use this bad boy for everything, but one of my absolute favorite uses is cooking pasta.  

No, you're not mistaken.  I said cooking pasta!  No more heavy pots full of water to bring to a boil and drain.  Heck, you don't even have to drain this pasta!  So easy and it comes out perfect every time!  You will never look at pasta making the same way again so...

Let's Get Started!

For this recipe you will need a few simple ingredients:

• 1 lb box of your favorite pasta
• 4 cups of water or broth
• 1 Tbsp Salt

Obviously you will also need an electric pressure cooker.  There are all kinds of great ones on the market these days, but here is the affiliate links to the one I use at home.  This is the one I've tested this technique with time and time again and I KNOW it will work.  

  

To begin add the entire box of pasta to your pressure cooker.  

Next add the water.  

You want to make sure that all of the pasta is covered with the water, but just.  

There is no need for an inch or two of water over the pasta.  

After that, you will need to add the salt.  

This is the only opportunity you will get to season the pasta itself.  

The water should be salty like the sea.  

Now place the lid on the Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to SEALING. 

Set the timer for  8 MINUTES.  

This has been my sweet spot.  Any longer than this and the pasta will get mushy.  

The reason for that is the pasta will continue to cook during the quick release and after you remove the lid.  

Once the 8 minutes has elapsed turn the valve to VENTING for a quick release.  

When the pressure has been release remove the lid.  

This is what your pasta will look like.  You may even see a little water in the insert.  Don't worry.  This will be absorbed.  

Give your pasta a quick stir and let sit for 2 minutes.  

In that 2 minutes the water will be fully absorbed and your noodles will be ready to eat!  

Will This Work for Whole Wheat, Gluten Free, Chickpea, and Lentil Pasta?

The answer to this question is yes.  For whole wheat pasta you will follow these directions exactly.  HOWEVER, for gluten free, chickpea, and lentil pasta I recommend rinsing with cold water after cooking per the directions on the box or it will get slimy.  

Will the Pasta Stick Together in the Instant Pot?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no.  If you are going to leave it in the insert for an extended period of time I would add a little oil and stir.  

Can I Add Sauce to the Pressure Cooker While Cooking?

Yes.  Just add the jar of sauce to the insert with the water.  

Will This Work With Spaghetti?

Yes, but you will need to break the noodles in half to properly fit in the Instant Pot.  

(Sorry Italians) 

And there you have it!  Perfect, al dente pasta in your Instant pot, ready in minutes, no draining required.  It couldn't be easier!  I promise you that you will never make your pasta the same way again!  You're gonna love this one so get in the kitchen and give it a try TONIGHT!

And as always...

Happy Reading, Happy Eating, and Happy Living, 

~ The Kitchen Wife~

Yield: 1 Box of Pasta

Author: Mandee Pogue

Instant Pot Pasta Made Easy

You are only 5 simple steps away from perfectly al dente, NO DRAIN pasta in your Instant Pot.

Cook time: 8 MinTotal time: 8 Min

Ingredients

• 1 lb box of your favorite pasta
• 4 cups of water or broth
• 1 Tbsp Salt

Instructions

1. Place the pasta into the insert of the pressure cooker.
2. Pour in the 4 cups of water, making sure the pasta is covered.
3. Add the salt and stir around.
4. Place the lid on the instant pot, set the valve to sealing and cook on HIGH PRESSURE for 8 minutes.
5. After 8 minutes turn the valve to venting and release the pressure.
6. Remove the lid, stir, and let sit for 2 minutes.
7. Serve and Enjoy!

Notes:

Will This Work for Whole Wheat, Gluten Free, Chickpea, and Lentil Pasta?

The answer to this question is yes. For whole wheat pasta you will follow these directions exactly. HOWEVER, for gluten free, chickpea, and lentil pasta I recommend rinsing with cold water after cooking per the directions on the box or it will get slimy.  

Will the Pasta Stick Together in the Instant Pot?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. If you are going to leave it in the insert for an extended period of time I would add a little oil and stir.  

Can I Add Sauce to the Pressure Cooker While Cooking?

Yes. Just add the jar of sauce to the insert with the water.  

Will This Work With Spaghetti?

Yes, but you will need to break the noodles in half to properly fit in the Instant Pot.