Name: Easy Instant Pot Baked Ziti Recipe - Delicious Comfort Food
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup onion, chopped; 1 lb ground beef; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; Pinch of red pepper flakes; 16 oz ziti pasta; 3 cups water; 32 oz marinara sauce; 15 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained; 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese; 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; Dried parsley flakes for garnish (optional); Salt and pepper to taste

Instant Pot Baked Ziti is more than just a weeknight dinner; it’s a cozy hug in a bowl, a crowd-pleasing classic that never fails to bring smiles to the table. We all have those dishes that evoke pure comfort and nostalgia, and for so many of us, that’s a bubbling, cheesy baked ziti. But let’s be honest, traditional baked ziti can feel like a culinary marathon, involving multiple pots, baking dishes, and a whole lot of waiting. That’s where the magic of the Instant Pot Baked Ziti truly shines. It takes all the beloved flavors and textures we crave – tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, and savory ricotta – and condenses them into a fraction of the time and effort. What makes this particular version so special is its remarkable ability to achieve that perfect al dente pasta and deeply melded sauce without ever hitting the oven. Get ready to discover your new go-to for effortless family dinners and impressive potluck contributions, all thanks to the speed and convenience of your trusty Instant Pot.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1 lb Italian sausage, removed from casings
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Pinch of red pepper flakes
16 oz ziti pasta
3 cups water
32 oz marinara sauce
15 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Dried parsley flakes for garnish (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Sautéing the Aromatics

Step 1: Browning the Sausage and Softening the Onion

First, I like to get a good flavor base going. I set my Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function and add the 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, I add the 1/2 cup of chopped onion. I stir the onions frequently, allowing them to soften and become translucent, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for developing sweetness and depth of flavor in the final dish. Next, I add the 1 lb of Italian sausage, making sure to break it apart with my spoon as it cooks. I’m looking for the sausage to be nicely browned and no longer pink. While the sausage is browning, I’ll also add the 2 cloves of minced garlic, 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. I stir this all together for about another minute, just until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. Once everything is browned and fragrant, I turn off the “Sauté” function. I’ll drain any excess grease from the pot if there’s a lot, but a little bit of the rendered fat will add even more flavor.

Assembling the Baked Ziti Layers

Step 2: Combining Pasta and Sauce Components

Now it’s time to build our Instant Pot Baked Ziti! I add the 16 oz of ziti pasta directly into the Instant Pot, on top of the sausage and onion mixture. It’s important that the pasta is uncooked at this stage. Then, I pour in the 3 cups of water and the 32 oz of marinara sauce. I also add the entire 15 oz can of diced tomatoes, making sure to include all the juice from the can. The liquid from the tomatoes adds a lovely texture and additional tomato flavor. I stir everything together gently to ensure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid and the ingredients are well distributed. I like to scrape the bottom of the pot with my spoon to make sure nothing is sticking. Season this mixture with salt and pepper to taste at this point. Remember that the Italian sausage and marinara sauce already contain salt, so start with a small amount and adjust later if needed.

Pressure Cooking the Ziti

Step 3: Cooking Under Pressure for Tender Pasta

With all the ingredients combined in the pot, it’s time to pressure cook. I secure the lid of the Instant Pot and make sure the steam release valve is set to the “Sealing” position. I then select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the cooking time for 8 minutes on high pressure. It will take a few minutes for the Instant Pot to come up to pressure before the timer starts counting down. Once the cooking cycle is complete, I allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes. This means I don’t touch the valve; the pressure will release on its own for that duration. After the 5 minutes of natural release, I carefully move the steam release valve to the “Venting” position to release any remaining pressure. Be cautious of the steam. Once the float valve has dropped, it’s safe to open the lid.

Adding the Creamy Ricotta and Cheesy Topping

Step 4: Incorporating the Ricotta and Mozzarella

After the pressure has been released and the lid is safely opened, you’ll notice the pasta is perfectly cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid. The ziti should be tender but still have a slight bite to them. Now comes the creamy, cheesy goodness! I dollop the 15 oz of whole milk ricotta cheese all over the top of the cooked ziti mixture. I don’t worry about spreading it perfectly; little pockets of creamy ricotta are delicious. Next, I generously sprinkle the 3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the ricotta and pasta. The mozzarella will melt and create that classic, gooey baked ziti topping. At this stage, you can also sprinkle a little more Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes over the top if you like a little extra kick or herbaceousness.

Finishing and Serving the Instant Pot Baked Ziti

Step 5: Broiling for a Golden Crust (Optional but Recommended!) and Garnishing

For that perfect baked ziti finish, I like to give it a quick broil in the oven. If your Instant Pot has a “Broil” function, you can use that, or carefully transfer the contents of the inner pot to an oven-safe dish. I’ll set my oven to broil on high and place the pot (or dish) on the top rack. I watch it very closely, as it only takes about 2-3 minutes for the mozzarella to melt, bubble, and turn a beautiful golden brown. This step is completely optional, but it really elevates the dish and gives it that authentic baked ziti texture. Once it’s out of the oven (or if you skipped the broil), I let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Finally, I garnish with dried parsley flakes, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy your incredibly easy and delicious Instant Pot Baked Ziti!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – a perfectly cooked and utterly delicious Instant Pot Baked Ziti! This recipe delivers all the comforting, cheesy goodness of traditional baked ziti with a fraction of the time and effort. I hope you enjoy this simplified approach to a classic family favorite. The creamy ricotta, rich marinara, and tender pasta meld together beautifully, making it a dish that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.

To serve, I love pairing this Instant Pot Baked Ziti with a crisp green salad and some crusty garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. For variations, feel free to add cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or even some sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the sauce before assembling. If you don’t have ricotta, a mixture of cottage cheese and sour cream can be a decent substitute. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own! Enjoy the ease and flavor of your homemade Instant Pot Baked Ziti!

Frequently Asked Questions about Instant Pot Baked Ziti:

Q1: Can I make this Instant Pot Baked Ziti ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can assemble the entire dish (without cooking it) and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, you might need to add an extra minute or two to the pressure cooking time. Alternatively, you can cook it fully, let it cool, and then reheat it in the oven or microwave. Just be aware that the texture might be slightly softer after reheating.

Q2: What kind of pasta works best for Instant Pot Baked Ziti?

Elbow macaroni is the classic choice and works wonderfully. Other short pasta shapes like penne, ziti (fittingly!), or rotini also hold the sauce well and cook evenly under pressure. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti, as it can become mushy in the Instant Pot.