Creamy Instant Pot Ricotta Pasta Recipe – Make It Tonight!

Do you love pasta but hate waiting forever for it to cook? Me too. Boiling water, stirring constantly, and watching the noodles can feel like a long task. Luckily, the Instant Pot makes everything faster and easier. With it, you can make pasta that is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor in just minutes. Adding ricotta cheese makes it extra smooth and rich without needing cream or butter. This recipe is simple, tasty, and perfect for busy weeknights.

What You Need

The ingredients are simple and easy to find. You need pasta, ricotta cheese, tomato sauce, garlic, onion, olive oil, salt, and pepper. That’s it! But you can also add extras like fresh spinach, cooked chicken, sausage, or herbs like basil and parsley.

These additions can turn it into a full meal. Ricotta cheese is the star here because it gives the pasta a creamy texture that sticks to every noodle. Tomato sauce adds flavor and color, while garlic and onion give it a punch. Even with simple ingredients, this pasta feels like a restaurant dish.

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Choosing the Right Pasta

Not all pasta works the same in the Instant Pot. Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni is perfect because it cooks evenly under pressure. Long pasta like spaghetti can be tricky, but you can break it in half if needed.

Make sure the pasta is mostly covered with liquid so it cooks properly. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy, and undercooked pasta is hard to chew. With the right type and proper timing, you’ll get perfect texture every time.

How To Cook Pasta In Instant Pot

Start by turning your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil and cook chopped onions and garlic for 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant. This step makes a big difference in flavor. Then add your pasta, tomato sauce, and water.

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Stir everything so the pasta is evenly covered with liquid. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure. The cook time should be about half of what the pasta package suggests. This prevents overcooked pasta and keeps it firm.

Adding Ricotta

Once the pasta is cooked, carefully release the pressure. Open the lid and add ricotta cheese. Stir gently so the cheese mixes with the pasta and sauce. The heat melts the ricotta, creating a creamy, smooth texture. You don’t need extra cream or butter—ricotta does the job.

This step transforms simple pasta into a creamy, restaurant-style dish. If you want it even creamier, add a little pasta water while stirring. Ricotta melts beautifully and makes the pasta silky.

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Tips For Creamy Pasta

A few small tips make a big difference. Don’t add too much water because it can make the sauce thin. Stir gently after adding ricotta to make it creamy without breaking the noodles. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add color and fresh flavor. You can sprinkle chili flakes if you like a little heat. A small handful of grated Parmesan on top makes it extra tasty.

Serving Ideas

Serve the pasta hot for the best flavor. It goes great with garlic bread or a simple side salad. You can also add cooked chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables to make it a full meal. Leftovers are easy to store and reheat. Just reheat gently to keep the ricotta creamy. This pasta is perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something fast but still delicious.

Why Instant Pot Works

The Instant Pot saves time and makes cooking pasta simple. Pasta cooks evenly without you standing over the stove. Pressure cooking blends the flavors and keeps ricotta smooth. Even beginners can make creamy pasta without worrying about burning or overcooking. It’s perfect for busy nights because everything cooks in one pot. Plus, cleanup is easier with just one pot to wash.

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Easy Variations

This recipe is flexible and can be changed based on your taste. Add fresh spinach or kale to make it green and healthy. Sun-dried tomatoes give a sweet, tangy flavor. Cooked sausage, chicken, or shrimp can turn it into a main course. Try different pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle for fun.

You can mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or Parmesan for extra flavor. The recipe is forgiving, so feel free to experiment and make it your own.

Extra Tips For Beginners

Measure ingredients carefully at first until you feel confident. Don’t rush the sauté step; it builds the base flavor. Use the right pressure setting to avoid mushy pasta. Stir gently after adding ricotta to avoid breaking noodles. Taste before serving and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

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