Imagine a dish so irresistibly creamy, so packed with flavor, that it transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a culinary celebration. This Instant Pot Creamy Baked Ziti is not just a meal—it's a comfort food experience that combines the rich, hearty flavors of Italian-American cuisine with the convenience of modern cooking. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy pasta dish that will have everyone at the table asking for your secret recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: ziti pasta, olive oil, chopped onion, minced garlic, ground beef or sausage, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Set your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' mode. Once it is hot, add the tablespoon of olive oil and let it heat for a minute.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add the ground beef or sausage to the pot. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the meat is cooked, pour in the jar of marinara sauce and stir well to combine with the meat and onion mixture.
- Add the ziti pasta to the pot, ensuring it is submerged in the sauce. Do not stir at this point to prevent sticking.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Select 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' and set the timer for 5 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, in a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Set aside.
- Once the cooking time is complete, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure by turning the valve to venting.
- After all the steam has escaped, open the lid and gently stir the pasta mixture to combine everything evenly.
- Fold in the ricotta and mozzarella mixture until well incorporated. The heat from the pasta will help melt the cheese.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the ziti.
- Close the lid again (without sealing) and let the residual heat melt the cheese for about 5 minutes.
- Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, serve the creamy baked ziti hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Use ziti or a similar short, tubular pasta that holds sauce beautifully.
- Don't Overcook: The 5-minute pressure cook time is crucial—it ensures perfectly al dente pasta.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan for the best melting and flavor.
- Quick Release is Key: Perform a quick pressure release to prevent overcooking the pasta.
- Let It Rest: The 5-minute cheese-melting step allows flavors to meld and creates that irresistible creamy texture.
- Customize Your Protein: Feel free to swap ground beef for Italian sausage or even make it vegetarian with plant-based alternatives.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 95mg
