Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a dish that’s as simple as it is delicious? Meet the Instant Pot Caprese Pasta, a vibrant and mouthwatering Italian classic that can be whipped up in just 15 minutes! Imagine al dente pasta enveloped in a rich tomato sauce, generously adorned with creamy mozzarella and fragrant basil. This recipe not only satisfies your cravings but also impresses with its fresh flavors and stunning presentation. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or simply someone who loves good food, this dish is your ticket to a gourmet meal without the fuss. Let’s dive into the recipe that will have you saying “mamma mia!” in no time!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by draining canned tomatoes, cutting fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces, and roughly chopping fresh basil leaves.
- Pour olive oil into the Instant Pot and select the Sauté function. Allow the oil to heat for 1-2 minutes.
- Add drained diced tomatoes to the Instant Pot and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add pasta directly into the Instant Pot, ensuring it is evenly distributed over the tomatoes.
- Pour enough water to just cover the pasta, approximately 2 cups. Stir gently to combine.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing position, and cook on high pressure for 4-5 minutes, depending on pasta type.
- Once cooking completes, perform a quick pressure release to prevent overcooking.
- Open the lid and stir pasta. If excess liquid remains, use Sauté function to reduce for 1-2 minutes.
- Fold in fresh mozzarella balls, allowing residual heat to slightly melt the cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with fresh chopped basil leaves.
- Serve immediately while warm, enjoying the melted mozzarella and fresh basil flavors.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare your ingredients in advance. Drain the canned tomatoes, chop the mozzarella, and basil, so you can quickly throw everything together when you're ready to cook.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t skip the sauté step! Heating the olive oil and tomatoes first enhances the flavor of the sauce, giving it a richer taste that will elevate your dish.
- Pasta Type Matters: Different pasta shapes may require slight adjustments in cooking time. For thinner pasta like angel hair, aim for the lower end of the cooking time. For thicker pasta, you might need a minute or two more.
- Quick Pressure Release: After cooking, perform a quick pressure release to avoid overcooking the pasta. This helps maintain the perfect texture and prevents mushiness.
- Customize Your Dish: Feel free to add other ingredients such as spinach, olives, or even grilled chicken for a heartier meal. The Caprese flavors are versatile, so get creative!
- Serve Fresh: This dish is best enjoyed immediately after cooking. The residual heat will melt the mozzarella just enough to create a gooey, delicious topping.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t hold back on the fresh basil! A generous sprinkle not only adds color but also enhances the aroma and flavor of your dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg
