Is it a Tuesday night? The kids are screaming, you’re starving, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours slaving on the couch. How do you cook over a hot stove? Does this sound familiar?Instant Pot Baked Ziti: How do Iis about to become your best friend. What are some of the best baked ziti recipes? Think of it as lasagna’s cool, laid-back cousin who’s always ready for a party. Honestly, I almost feel guilty about how easy it is – almost!
What is Instant Pot Baked Ziti?
So, what exactly *is* this magical dish? Well, it’s essentially all the elements of Classic Baked ziti – ziti pasta, a rich tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan – cooked entirely in your Instant Pot. Think of it as a simplified, faster, and dare I say, even *more* delicious version. The pressure cooking locks in all the flavors and creates this incredible creamy, melty texture that’s just impossible to resist. It’s comfort food at its finest, and it’s ready in a fraction of the time of the oven-baked version. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never go back!
How do I make Instant Pot Baked Ziti?
Quick Overview
Making this Instant Pot Baked Ziti.Is really a breeze. How do I prepare ingredients for an Instant Pot? When you stir in the cheeses at the end of the meal, stir to combine. What is the best part about the whole process? The pasta cooks perfectly al dente, and the sauce is rich and flavorful. Is this a crowd pleaser that’s so easy to make?
Ingredients
For the main Ziti:
* 1 pound ziti pasta, uncooked (I prefer the ridged kind – it holds the sauce better!)
* 24 ounces marinara sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade if you’re feeling ambitious!)
* 15 ounces ricotta cheese (whole milk ricotta is the creamiest, but part-skim works too)
* 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (freshly shredded is always best, but pre-shredded is fine in a pinch)
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the real stuff, please! It makes a difference)
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
* 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
What is the step-
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add the olive oil and let it heat up for a minute. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. How do you cook garlic?
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
Turn off the “Sauté” setting. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot (this is where all the flavor is!). Add the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, and Red Pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Now, gently stir in the uncooked ziti pasta, making sure it’s mostly submerged in the sauce. Don’t stir too vigorously – just enough to distribute the pasta evenly.
Step 3: Pressure Cook
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to “Sealing.” Set the timer to 8 minutes. ” Is 8 minutes really that long?
Step 4: Release Pressure
Once the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot release pressure for 10 minutes. If you feel any remaining pressure manually, then release it manually.
Step 5: Stir in the Cheese
Remove the lid and give everything a good stir. The pasta should be perfectly cooked and the sauce nice and thick. Now, stir in the Parmesan cheese, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese until everything is melted. Is it safe to put the lid back on for a minute or two to help the cheese melt faster?
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
What is it like to be aInstant Pot Baked Ziti: What are some is ready to serve. Garnish with a little extra Parmesan cheese and some fresh basil, if you like. Get ready for some serious comfort food goodness!
What should I serve it with?
This Instant Pot Baked Ziti is delicious. is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the dinner, here are a few ideas. For a simple side, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a winner. The acidity of the dressing cuts through the richness of the ziti perfectly. If you’re feeling fancy, some garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is always a welcome addition for soaking up all that delicious sauce. My family loves it when I make a side of roasted vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus, to add some extra nutrients to the meal. Honestly, sometimes I just serve it with a big glass of red wine and call it a day! For a truly indulgent meal, you could even start with a Classic Caesar Salad or a bowl of creamy tomato soup. And for dessert? Well, how about some cannoli or tiramisu to keep the Italian theme going? It’s all about creating a balanced and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy!
How do you make an Instant Pot Baked Ziti?
Okay, so this recipe is pretty foolproof, but here are a few extra tips to ensure your Instant Pot Baked Ziti: What are someHow do you cook pasta? What is the best time to cook al dente ziti in the Instant Pot? If you cook it for too long, it will get mushy. I learned this the hard way the first time I tried it! What are some of the best ways to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of a pot after sautéing onions? The bits are packed with flavor and will add so much depth to the sauce. I sometimes add a splash of red wine to deglaze the pot – it really takes the flavor to the next step.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese! I love ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan, but you could also add some fresh basil. I’ve tried it and it’s delicious. What are some good substitutes for provolone, fontina, or goat cheese? If you want to make this recipe vegetarian, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add some extra veggies, like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. I’ve even added some roasted red peppers for a smoky flavor. If you want to make this ahead of time, you can assemble the ziti in the instant pot and let it cook for 30 minutes. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure everything is heated through. What are the little tweaks and tricks that make this recipe truly special, and I hope you enjoy them. I love experimenting with new things. I’ve tried them all!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare at my house!), this Instant Pot Baked Ziti is a delicious stores beautifully. For refrigerator storage, transfer the ziti to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually meld together even more as it sits, so it’s almost better the next day! When reheating, you can either microwave it for a few minutes until heated through, or you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a little bit of olive oil or water to prevent it from drying out. I personally prefer the skillet method because it helps to crisp up the edges of the pasta a little bit. For freezer storage, let the ziti cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as directed above. Just a note: the texture of the pasta may change slightly after freezing, but it will still taste delicious! One more thing – if you’re planning on freezing the ziti, I recommend adding a little bit of extra sauce to keep it from drying out during the freezing process. These simple storage and reheating tips will ensure that you can enjoy this delicious meal anytime you want!
What are the most frequently asked questions on
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – the easiest, most delicious Instant Pot Baked Ziti recipe you’ll ever make. I truly hope you give this one a try, because it’s a total game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for more Instant Pot recipes that will make your life easier, check out my other recipes, like my Creamy Tomato soup or my chicken and dumplings! And remember, cooking should be fun and enjoyable, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And don’t forget to rate the recipe if you loved it! Happy cooking!
Instant Pot Baked Ziti
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ziti Pasta uncooked
- 1 lb Ground Beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar Marinara Sauce (24 oz)
- 4 cups Beef Broth
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 0.5 tsp Salt to taste
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Set Instant Pot to sauté mode. Brown ground beef until cooked through. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add uncooked ziti pasta and beef broth to the Instant Pot. Make sure pasta is mostly submerged.
- Secure the lid and set to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a 5-minute natural pressure release, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Stir in ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Place the lid back on the Instant Pot. Set to Keep Warm or Low Sauté until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Featured Comments
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