Instant Pot Creamy Penne Pasta – Comfort in a Bowl!

When you need a warm, satisfying meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, Instant Pot Creamy Penne Pasta delivers every time. Rich, velvety, and unbelievably easy, this one-pot pasta recipe transforms pantry staples into pure comfort food—with minimal effort and maximum payoff.

The Instant Pot is a game-changer for pasta lovers. Instead of boiling water, draining noodles, and juggling multiple pots, everything cooks together under pressure. The pasta absorbs flavor as it cooks, creating a sauce that’s deeply seasoned, silky smooth, and perfectly clingy. The result? Restaurant-quality creamy pasta in a fraction of the time.

This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or anytime you want something indulgent without the hassle. It’s endlessly customizable, family-friendly, and guaranteed to earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation.

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Why This Instant Pot Pasta Recipe Works

This dish checks all the comfort food boxes:

• One pot, no draining
• Ultra-creamy sauce without constant stirring
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Minimal prep, big flavor
• Perfect base for add-ins

The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking allows the penne to release starch directly into the sauce, naturally thickening it without the need for flour or complicated techniques.

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Ingredients

• 12 oz dry penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional garnish: parsley or basil

Simple ingredients, cozy results.

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Instructions

1. Add Ingredients to Instant Pot
   Add dry penne, butter, garlic, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the Instant Pot. Stir gently to submerge pasta.
2. Pressure Cook
   Secure lid and set valve to sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes.
3. Quick Release
   Carefully perform a quick release once cooking is complete. Stir pasta thoroughly.
4. Make It Creamy
   Switch Instant Pot to sauté (low). Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
5. Adjust Consistency
   Let sit 2–3 minutes to thicken. Add a splash of broth or cream if needed.
6. Serve
   Spoon into bowls, garnish with herbs and extra Parmesan, and serve immediately.

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Tips for Perfect Creamy Penne

• Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese may not melt smoothly
• Stir well after pressure release: Ensures even sauce texture
• Don’t overcook: Pasta continues softening as it rests
• Adjust seasoning at the end: Cream mellows flavors

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Easy Add-Ins & Variations

This recipe is the perfect canvas:

• Chicken: Add cooked shredded chicken
• Vegetables: Stir in spinach, peas, or mushrooms
• Protein Boost: Add cooked bacon or sausage
• Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in mozzarella or cream cheese
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes

Each variation keeps the base creamy while tailoring it to your taste.

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What to Serve with Creamy Penne Pasta

Round out your meal with:

• Garlic bread or breadsticks
• Simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables
• Steamed broccoli or asparagus

This pasta pairs beautifully with crisp salads and roasted sides.

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Make-Ahead & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers up to 3 days
• Reheating: Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth
• Freezing: Not recommended (cream sauce texture may change)

The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers especially satisfying.

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Comfort Food, Modernized

Creamy pasta dishes have long been synonymous with comfort, but the Instant Pot brings them firmly into modern home cooking. Faster, easier, and just as indulgent—this recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.

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Final Thoughts

Instant Pot Creamy Penne Pasta is the kind of recipe you turn to again and again. It’s cozy, rich, and satisfying without being fussy—and it delivers serious comfort with minimal cleanup.

One pot. One bowl. Total comfort.