Imagine transforming ordinary pasta into a restaurant-worthy dish without spending hours in the kitchen. This Instant Pot Pesto Cream Pasta is your ticket to a gourmet meal that's both incredibly delicious and ridiculously easy to prepare. In just 20 minutes, you'll create a luxurious Italian-inspired pasta that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Say goodbye to complicated cooking methods and hello to a foolproof recipe that guarantees creamy, flavor-packed perfection every single time!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta of choice
- 1 cup pesto sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by measuring out pasta, chicken broth, pesto sauce, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
- Add pasta and chicken broth to the Instant Pot, ensuring pasta is completely submerged. Gently stir to prevent sticking.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set valve to sealing position, and select Manual or Pressure Cook mode.
- Cook pasta at high pressure for 1-2 minutes less than package directions for al dente texture, typically 4-6 minutes depending on pasta type.
- Once cooking completes, perform quick release to prevent overcooking.
- Open lid and stir pasta. If excess liquid remains, use sauté mode to evaporate quickly.
- Add heavy cream, pesto sauce, and grated Parmesan cheese to the pot. Stir thoroughly to combine.
- Allow sauce to simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously until sauce thickens and coats pasta evenly.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately in warm bowls, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Pasta Selection Matters: Choose pasta shapes that hold sauce well, like rotini, penne, or fusilli. These will help capture more of that delicious pesto cream sauce.
- Don't Overcook: Follow the cooking time closely and use the quick release method to prevent mushy pasta. Remember, Instant Pot cooking times are typically 1-2 minutes less than package instructions.
- Fresh vs. Jarred Pesto: While homemade pesto offers the best flavor, a high-quality jarred pesto works perfectly for a quick weeknight meal.
- Cream Consistency: If your sauce seems too thick, add a splash of pasta water or chicken broth to thin it out. If it's too thin, let it simmer an extra minute to reduce.
- Cheese Tip: Grate your Parmesan fresh if possible – it melts more smoothly and provides a more robust flavor than pre-grated cheese.
- Optional Additions: Enhance the dish with grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or roasted vegetables for extra protein and nutrition.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 773kcal
Carbohydrates: 68g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 45g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Cholesterol: 90mg
