Description
This Instant Pot Baked Ziti recipe combines the convenience of pressure cooking with rich Italian flavors. Ground Italian sausage is sautéed with onions and a blend of spices, then cooked with ziti pasta, tomato paste, and creamy liquids all in one pot. The quick pressure cook time allows the pasta to become tender and absorb all the savory sauce, finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and optional basil for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Oil
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 16 ounces ground Italian sausage
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1 cup finely diced yellow onion
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon fennel seed
- 1-1/2 teaspoons paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Liquids and Pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1-1/4 cups water
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 16 ounces uncooked ziti pasta
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Cook Sausage: Set a 6-quart Instant Pot to “sauté” mode. Add olive oil, then the Italian sausage. Sear for about 1 minute on each side, then add the diced onion. Cook until the sausage is fully browned, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks.
- Add Tomato Paste and Seasonings: Mix in the entire can of tomato paste along with Italian seasoning, fennel seed, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir well and sauté until fragrant, about 1–3 minutes. Turn off the Instant Pot.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth, water, and heavy cream. Stir gently to combine. Carefully layer the uncooked ziti pasta over the liquid without stirring, pressing the pasta pieces down to submerge them below the liquid.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to “seal.” Select the “manual” or “pressure cook” setting and set the timer for 4 minutes. Allow the pressure cooker to come to pressure and complete cooking. Once finished, let the pressure release naturally for 4 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure manually before opening the lid.
- Add Cheese: Carefully remove the metal insert and set it on a trivet or heat-safe surface. Stir the ziti gently with a wooden spoon. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, about 1/4 cup at a time, stirring after each addition until fully melted and integrated into the sauce. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
- Serve: If desired, stir in finely chopped fresh basil. Serve the ziti hot and enjoy this creamy, flavorful meal straight from the Instant Pot.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper when seasoning.
- You can substitute ground turkey or beef for the Italian sausage for different protein options.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten free.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly or cook the ziti a minute longer under pressure.
- Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.
