Instant Pot Creamy Penne Pasta (One-Pot, Rich & Comforting)

If you love creamy pasta but hate standing over the stove, Instant Pot creamy penne pasta is about to become your new favorite dinner. This easy one-pot recipe delivers rich, velvety pasta in under 30 minutes — no draining, no separate sauce pan, and minimal cleanup.

The Instant Pot creates perfectly cooked penne while transforming simple pantry ingredients into a luxurious, restaurant-style cream sauce. It’s fast, comforting, and endlessly customizable.

Why Make Creamy Penne Pasta in the Instant Pot?

True One-Pot Meal
Everything cooks in the same pot — even the sauce.

Perfectly Cooked Pasta
Pressure cooking ensures tender pasta without overcooking.

Ultra Creamy Texture
Cream cheese and Parmesan melt seamlessly into the sauce.

Weeknight-Friendly
Minimal prep and hands-off cooking make it ideal for busy nights.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Creamy Penne Pasta

Simple ingredients come together for maximum comfort.

Ingredients:

• Penne pasta
• Chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• Onion
• Garlic
• Butter
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Heavy cream
• Cream cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions: How to Make Instant Pot Creamy Penne Pasta

1. Set Instant Pot to sauté mode and melt butter.
2. Add onion and sauté until soft; stir in garlic until fragrant.
3. Add penne pasta, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and broth. Stir well.
4. Press pasta down gently so it’s mostly submerged.
5. Seal lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
6. Quick release pressure carefully.
7. Stir in cream cheese and heavy cream until smooth.
8. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until sauce thickens.
9. Adjust seasoning to taste.
10. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

Instant Pot Creamy Penne Pasta

A rich, one-pot creamy penne pasta made easily in the Instant Pot with minimal prep and maximum comfort.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 520

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp butter
• 0.5 onion finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt to taste
• 0.5 tsp black pepper to taste
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 4 oz cream cheese cubed
• 0.75 cup Parmesan cheese grated

Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Sauté onion and garlic in butter.
2. Add pasta, seasoning, and broth.
3. Pressure cook on high for 5 minutes.
4. Quick release and stir in cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan.

Notes

Add extra broth if sauce thickens too much.

Tips for Extra Creamy Pasta

• Stir well after pressure release to emulsify sauce
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for smooth melting
• Add a splash of broth if sauce thickens too much
• Let pasta sit 2–3 minutes before serving for best texture

Easy Variations

Make it your own with simple additions:

• Protein: chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage
• Vegetables: spinach, mushrooms, peas, sun-dried tomatoes
• Cheese Swap: mozzarella, asiago, or gruyère
• Spice: red pepper flakes or black pepper

Serving Suggestions

Serve creamy penne pasta with:

• Garlic bread
• Simple green salad
• Roasted broccoli or asparagus

It’s hearty enough to stand alone but pairs beautifully with fresh sides.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This instant pot creamy penne pasta is:

• Fast and filling
• Ultra creamy
• Made with pantry staples
• Perfect for families and meal prep

It’s comfort food without the fuss.

Final Thoughts

When you need an easy, cozy dinner that feels indulgent but fits into a busy schedule, Instant Pot creamy penne pasta delivers every time. One pot, big flavor, and zero stress — exactly how weeknight cooking should be.