This Instant Pot baked ziti is a modern take on an old-fashioned classic recipe. Made in one pot with easy cleanup in mind, this easy cheesy ‘baked ziti is a family favorite.
Instant Pot Creamy Baked Ziti
Instant Pot baked ziti takes is similar to the pasta casserole cheesy baked ziti but done in a fraction of the time. This “baked” ziti Instant Pot recipe isn’t actually baked at all but has the same cheesy, saucy, comforting flavors of the amazing Italian-inspired dish.
Along with Instant Pot goulash and Instant Pot spaghetti it’s one of my favorite ways of Instant Pot recipes for pasta. It’s all cooked in one pot with broth, cream, Italian seasoning, and marinara sauce.
Ingredient Notes
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Pasta: I prefer ziti noodles for this dish because they hold sauce and cheese really well.
- Broth: You can use chicken, beef, or vegetable, but the liquid is necessary to help cook the noodles.
- Half-and-half: This adds a creamy texture to the cooked pasta but you can omit it for extra sauce or use heavy cream but do not use milk.
- Seasoning: Italian seasoning, ground garlic, salt, and pepper are key to adding a nice flavor.
- Marinara: Pasta and tomatoes are truly meant to be together, and this sauce is an important addition for flavor and finishing the noodles.
- Cheese: To finish the dish, a sprinkling of parmesan or mozzarella goes a long way.
- Herbs: Fresh basil adds a brightness to the dish and helps enhance the flavor.
How to Make Instant Pot Baked Ziti
- Layer. In the Instant Pot, add the broth, half-and-half, and seasonings. Add the ziti in an even layer without stirring. Pour the marinara evenly over the top.
- Seal and set. Place the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to seal. Cook on High pressure for 4 minutes. Once the time is up, let the pressure naturally release.
- Stir and serve. Stir in parmesan. Sprinkle with extra cheese and fresh basil to serve.
Avoiding the Burn Notice
To avoid the burn notice do not stir the pasta and add the full amount of liquid called for.
If the pasta gets stirred in too much with the liquid it will start to absorb the liquid faster than needed. If there is not enough liquid in the pot, it can start to burn. As long as the noodles are evenly layered and are submerged in the liquid, you’re golden.
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Other pasta shapes: Easily substitute ziti pasta for any other similar sized pasta shape like penne or rigatoni. Elbows are bow ties may work, too!
- To add ground beef, ground turkey, or Italian sausage to this dish, brown it on sauté ahead of time and drain the grease from the pot. You can cook the veggies in at this time as well. Add meatballs like I do in ziti with meatballs!
- Serving: My family loves a simple garlic bread or a chopped salad on the side. Sometimes I like to switch up the salad option for a change!
- Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 days. Do not freeze, pasta will turn mushy upon thawing.
More Instant Pot recipes include Instant Pot chicken noodle soup and Instant Pot minestrone, too!
More Easy Instant Pot Dinners
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Instant Pot Baked Ziti
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups broth
- 1 ½ cups half-and-half
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt , or 3/4 teaspoon table salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 pound dried ziti pasta , or penne
- 3 cups marinara sauce , I used Kirkland brand
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
For serving: Parmesan or Mozzarella cheese and Freshly chopped basil
Instructions
- Pour 2 cups broth and 1 1/2 cups half-and-half into the bottom of the Instant Pot (I used a 6 quart). Stir in 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
- Add pasta. Evenly add 1 pound uncooked ziti into the liquid (do not stir). Pour 3 cups marinara evenly over the ziti.
- Place the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to seal. Select pressure cook on High pressure. Set the time to 4 minutes. It will take about 20 minutes to build pressure. Once the time is up, let the pressure naturally release, about 5 minutes.
- Move valve to venting and remove lid. Using hot pads or a towel, turn the valve and remove the lid. Stir in the parmesan.
- Sprinkle extra cheese and basil on top, if desired. Serve while warm.
Notes
- If you don’t have marinara sauce, you can also use crushed tomatoes.
- If you’d like to add extra vegetables, you can turn the pressure cooker to sauté mode before adding the liquid. Add 1 Tablespoon olive oil and sauté 1/2 cup diced onion. You could also add 1/2 cup diced bell pepper or mushrooms.
- After the ziti is cooked, you can add in 1 to 2 cups chopped spinach with the cheese.
- If you’d like to add meat, cook 1/2 pound on the sauté mode and then drain the grease. Add the liquids after.
- You can sub the half-and-half for heavy cream but I wouldn’t use milk. If you’d like to cut the half-and-half, you could add an extra cup of marinara sauce.
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: 30 Minute Meals, 30 Minute Meals, Dinner, Instant Pot, Instant Pot, Italian, Nut-Free, One Pot, One Pot, Pasta, Vegetarian, Vegetarian
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
The instant pot ziti is very quick, easy and very yummy!
So happy to hear you enjoyed it!
This is actually a go to for me now! Easy and so good. I usually add what ever vegetable I need to use up. Spinach and peppers are my favorites. Thank you for sharing.
I’m so happy to hear that you love the baked ziti Tami! It’s one of my favorites as well :)
So quick and easy. Great taste!
So glad you enjoyed the baked ziti :)
Fantastic! Love it!
Glad this was a winner. Thanks for sharing!
So tasty and easy to make. A favorite in my house for a quick and fast meal!
I’m so glad your family enjoyed the recipe, Andrea!
What a great and easy meal to throw together. My family loves this!!!
So quick and easy to make, and SO delicious!