Instant Pot Pesto Pasta is an easy one pot and quick dinner made with fresh pesto sauce. Excellent food to incorporate more greens to our food.
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Instant Pot Pesto Pasta is a fresh summer dish made with farm fresh homemade pesto sauce. It is versatile, creamy, and full of flavors. This one pot pesto pasta is my go-to dinner these days.
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An easy and quick dinner is all we want to whip up on a busy weekday. Saying that we don't look for a compromise in the tase. Raise a toast for the best ever creamy pesto pasta in Instant Pot. It is easier than you think and your family will definitely thank you for that.
Ingredients
Olive oil - I am using Extra Virgin Olive Oil ( EVOO ) for cooking the pasta.
Garlic - Sauteing the chopped garlic in olive oil gives a yummy flavor.
Spices - I am using garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper powder. Just the minimal ingredients enhance the taste of the pasta.
Seasonings - Using dried herbs, feel free to skip or add your favorite herbs. You can add Dried thyme, rosemary, or oregano too.
Cherry Tomato - They get cooked easily and perfectly blend with the pasta.
Pesto Sauce- Versatile Italian Pasta Sauce. I am using my homemade Almond Pesto Sauce.
Cream Cheese- Gives a rich creamy pasta. A perfect add-on.
Farfalle Pasta - You may use any variety of pasta. Cooking time and the liquid quantity may vary based on the pasta types.
FAQ's
Can we heat Pesto Sauce?
Never never heat pesto sauce before adding them to the pasta. Pesto has fresh basil leaves. On heating, the basil tends to get cooked altering the taste and flavor of the pesto. Also, it has cheese which tends to clump and thicken more.
Can I make it Vegan?
You can make the pasta vegan by skipping cream cheese. You can replace it with vegan cheese or coconut cream.
Can you freeze the pasta?
You can freeze the pasta in portions in a freezer-safe box. You may sprinkle in little water and microwave for a min on high and serve. Pasta tends to be dry once you freeze. So the water helps in bringing them to the perfect consistency as you reheat.
How to make Instant pot pesto pasta
1.Switch on the Instant Pot in saute mode. Add 2 tbsp of Olive oil. Once it's hot add sliced garlic and saute for a min. Next, add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 5 mins or till they are soft.
2. Next add the garlic powder, Oregano, Salt, and pepper powder. Combine everything.
3. Next, add the required water. Combine everything and check for salt add if needed.
4. And then add the farfalle pasta. Combine once and close the Instant Pot. Move the Pressure value to the sealing position. Set 5 mins in high pressure.
5. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 mins and then do a quick release and open the Instant Pot.
6.Switch on the instant pot in saute mode now. Add in the Pesto sauce and combine well.
7. Next, add the cream cheese. Mix well, cook for 2 minutes, and then switch off the instant pot.
8. Garnish with parsley and red chili flakes. Serve hot.
9. Instant pot pesto pasta is now ready to serve.
Stovetop Instructions
If you do not own an Instant Pot you can easily make them on the stovetop as well. Use a heavy-bottomed deep cast iron pan or Dutch oven.
Cook the pasta with excess water as per the package instructions. Add the olive oil and cook the garlic and cherry tomato along with the spice powders. Next, add the cooked pasta.
Combine everything and cook for a few secs and then add in the Pesto Sauce. Cook for a min and then add the cream cheese. Combine and cook for 2 mins and switch off. Garnish with parsley and Red chili Flakes. Tasty pasta is ready on the stovetop too.
Tips & Variations
- I am using Farfalle pasta for my recipe. You may use any variety as you prefer.
- You may also add more veggies like zucchini, Sweetcorn, and broccoli to the pasta.
- If you prefer a more creamy pasta sprinkle in some parmesan
- I am using my homemade made Almond Pesto sauce for the pasta. You may use the store bought ones too.
- You can also add chicken or shrimp to the pasta if you prefer.
- Add in broth for cooking the pasta for more flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Makes a whole meal by itself. You may serve them with an extra dose of salad or breadsticks if you prefer.
Similar Recipes
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📖 Recipe
Instant pot pesto pasta
Standard 1 cup measures 240 ml
Equipment
- Instant Pot 6 qt
Ingredients
- 2 cups Bowtie PAsta
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Garlic
- 1 cup Cherry Tomato
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Pepper Powder
- ½ tsp Oregano
- Salt as needed
- 1 cup Water
- ½ cup Pesto Sauce
- ½ cup Cream Cheese
- 1 tbsp Parsley
- 1 tbsp Red Chili Flakes Optional
Instructions
- Switch on the Instant Pot in saute mode. Add 2 tbsp of Olive oil. Once it's hot add sliced garlic and saute for a min. Next, add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 5 mins or till they are soft.
- Next add the garlic powder, Oregano, Salt, and pepper powder. Combine everything.
- Next, add the required water. Combine everything and check for salt add if needed.
- And then add the farfalle pasta. Combine once and close the Instant Pot. Move the Pressure value to the sealing position. Set 5 mins in high pressure. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 mins and then do a quick release and open the Instant Pot.
- Switch on the instant pot in saute mode now. Add in the Pesto sauce and combine well.
- Next, add the cream cheese. Mix well, cook for 2 minutes, and then switch off the instant pot.
- Garnish with parsley and red chili flakes. Serve hot.
Stovetop Instructions
- Cook the pasta with excess water as per the package instructions. Add the olive oil and cook the garlic and cherry tomato along with the spice powders. Next, add the cooked pasta.
- Combine everything and cook for a few secs and then add in the Pesto Sauce. Cook for a min and then add the cream cheese.
- Combine and cook for 2 mins and switch off. Garnish with parsley and Red chili Flakes. Tasty pasta is ready on the stovetop too.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: I am not a nutritionist, the nutrition value provided here is an estimate. It will vary based on the quantity and brands of the products used.
Doris Feltman
Can I leave the cream cheese out? Substitute something? Making for a vegetarian ……
sharmila kingsly
You can replace with vegan cream cheese or you may use coconut cream if you like that taste !!
Kate
Just so I’m clear, is this made with 2 cups pasta measured out or do you mean an entire 16 oz bag (2 cups by weight)?
sharmila kingsly
It's 2 cups by measure.