Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

$- Pasta: I use 12 oz. of penne pasta for this recipe. Penne’s shape holds sauce well, making every bite tasty. - Broth: I recommend using vegetable broth. It adds depth and flavor. You can use low-sodium broth for less salt. - Cream: Heavy cream is key for a rich, smooth sauce. It makes the dish creamy and comforting. - Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and garlic bring great taste. Basil gives a sweet, aromatic touch. Garlic adds depth and warmth. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. 2. Pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. 3. Heat the oil for about 1 minute. 4. Add the finely chopped onion. 5. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes. 6. Now, stir in 4 minced garlic cloves. 7. Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. 8. Cook for about 1 more minute until fragrant. 1. Cancel the Sauté mode. 2. Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth. 3. Add the can of diced tomatoes, with juices. 4. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. 5. Stir in 12 ounces of penne pasta, making sure it’s mostly submerged. 6. Close the lid of the Instant Pot. 7. Set the valve to Sealing. 8. Select Manual or Pressure Cook mode for 5 minutes. 1. After cooking, perform a quick release. 2. Carefully turn the valve to Venting to release pressure. 3. Once safe, open the lid. 4. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of chopped basil. 5. Mix well until everything is combined. 6. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. 7. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth. 8. Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if you like. 9. Garnish with extra basil leaves for a lovely touch. - Substitutions: You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk. If you prefer a lighter dish, use low-fat cream. You can also replace penne pasta with fusilli or bowtie pasta. Each type brings its own charm to the dish. - Spice Level: To adjust the spice level, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. If you like it milder, reduce the black pepper. Always taste as you go to find the perfect balance for you. - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in large bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This adds color and makes the dish look fancy. A drizzle of olive oil on top can also enhance its appeal. - Pairings: Pair this dish with a side salad for a fresh crunch. Garlic bread or crusty bread works well, too. It’s perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. You can also serve it with a light white wine for a lovely meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh basil and high-quality tomatoes to elevate the flavor of your pasta dish. Adjust Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, gradually add more vegetable broth until you reach your desired creaminess. Perfect Pasta Texture: Make sure to stir the pasta well before sealing the Instant Pot to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Flavor Boost: Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. {{image_2}} Protein Additions: You can make this dish heartier by adding protein. Chicken and shrimp work well. For chicken, use bite-sized pieces and add them after sautéing the onions. Cook them for about five minutes until golden. For shrimp, add them just before sealing the pot. They cook quickly and add a nice touch. Vegan Options: If you prefer a plant-based version, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream. Both add creaminess without dairy. You can also use vegetable broth and keep all other ingredients the same. Choose a vegan Parmesan cheese for topping, or skip it altogether for a lighter meal. Additional Herbs: You can boost the flavor by adding herbs. Try thyme, parsley, or even a pinch of rosemary. These herbs add depth and can change the dish's profile. Just add them alongside the basil for a fresh taste. Spice Ideas: If you like heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. Start with a small amount, then taste and add more if you want it spicier. This gives the pasta a nice kick and extra flavor. To keep your Instant Pot creamy tomato basil pasta fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Let the pasta cool to room temperature before sealing the container. Place it in the fridge. This dish stays good for about 3 to 5 days. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If it's too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth to loosen it up. If you want to save this meal for later, freezing is a great option. First, allow the pasta to cool completely. Then, divide it into individual portions and place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. This pasta can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stove with a little broth for the best texture. How long does this dish keep in the fridge? This dish stays fresh in the fridge for about 3-5 days. Store it in an airtight container. Can I use gluten-free pasta? Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time. How do I adjust the cooking time for different pasta types? For thinner pasta, reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. For thicker pasta, add 1-2 minutes. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make it ahead. Just reheat gently on the stove. Add a splash of broth if needed. This dish combines simple ingredients, clear steps, and tasty variations. You can use penne pasta, rich broth, and heavy cream for a creamy dish. Fresh basil and garlic add bright flavors. Remember, you can switch ingredients based on your taste. Whether you choose meat or plant-based options, the dish adapts well. Proper storage keeps leftovers fresh, making meal prep easy. Enjoy creating your version of this recipe, and share it with friends. You’ll impress your family and enjoy every bite!$

Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

A quick and creamy pasta dish made in the Instant Pot, featuring fresh basil and tomatoes.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta
2 cups vegetable broth
1 14 oz can diced tomatoes (with juices)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
to taste Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Set your Instant Pot to the Sauté mode. Add olive oil and heat for about 1 minute.
Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and oregano, cooking for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Cancel the Sauté mode and add the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), salt, and pepper.
Stir in the penne pasta, ensuring it's submerged in the liquid as much as possible.
Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to Sealing. Select the Manual or Pressure Cook mode (high pressure) for 5 minutes.
Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve to Venting.
After the pressure is released, open the lid and stir in the heavy cream and chopped basil until well combined.
Adjust seasonings to taste, and if the sauce is too thick, add a splash of additional vegetable broth.
Serve warm, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and garnish with a few extra basil leaves.

Notes

Serve in large bowls, garnished with additional basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan on top for an appealing finish. Consider pairing with a side salad for a complete meal.

Keyword basil, creamy, Instant Pot, pasta, tomato