Instant Pot Margherita Pasta
Instant Pot Margherita Pasta is a quick and creamy dish that brings the essence of Italian cuisine to your dinner table in just minutes. Featuring al dente penne pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, aromatic basil, and rich Parmesan cheese, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Each spoonful offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it an instant family favorite that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients; rinse tomatoes and basil under cold water. Mince garlic.
- In the Instant Pot on sauté mode, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add cherry tomatoes and penne pasta; stir well.
- Pour in enough vegetable broth or water to submerge the pasta. Season with salt and pepper.
- Close the lid and set to high pressure for 4 minutes.
- Once cooked, carefully release the pressure. Stir in heavy cream, basil leaves, and Parmesan cheese until combined.
- Serve immediately with a drizzle of olive oil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: For added nutrition, substitute whole wheat pasta or add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. Adjust seasoning with red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.