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- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream - 1 small onion, finely diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) To make this Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta, you need simple and fresh ingredients. The star of the dish is the penne pasta, which soaks up all the flavors. The crushed tomatoes bring a rich, tangy base, while the vegetable broth adds depth. Heavy cream or coconut cream creates that luscious, creamy texture. The onion and garlic provide aromatic notes, giving your dish a warm feel. Italian seasoning adds an authentic touch, while red pepper flakes can bring a hint of spice. Fresh basil leaves brighten the dish with color and flavor. If you like, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra richness. This combination of ingredients makes a delightful meal that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Now, gather these items, and get ready for a tasty cooking adventure! To start, set your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add a splash of oil to the pot. Once hot, add the finely diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent. Next, add the minced garlic. Sauté for another 30 seconds until it smells wonderful. This step builds a great flavor base. Now, it’s time to add the main ingredients. Pour in the penne pasta, a can of crushed tomatoes, and 1 cup of vegetable broth. Don’t forget the Italian seasoning! If you like spice, add the red pepper flakes too. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir it all together, ensuring the pasta is fully submerged. This helps it cook evenly. Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on manual high pressure for 5 minutes. When the time is up, perform a quick release of pressure. Be careful as the steam escapes. This step cooks the pasta perfectly while soaking up all the flavors. After the pressure has released, carefully open the lid. Stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream until it mixes in well. Then add the chopped basil and mix again. This step gives the pasta its creamy and rich texture. Serve the pasta hot in deep bowls. If you like, top it with grated Parmesan cheese. Add an extra sprinkle of fresh basil for color. A piece of crusty bread on the side is great for soaking up the creamy sauce. Enjoy! To get the best creamy texture, start with the right amount of cream. Use one cup of heavy cream or coconut cream. If you want it creamier, add more cream. You can also use pasta water to adjust the texture. After cooking, save a little pasta water before draining. Stir this water into the dish to thin it out if needed. Seasoning is key to great flavor. After mixing in the cream and basil, taste your dish. You can add more salt and pepper to bring out the tastes. If you like a little heat, add more red pepper flakes. For a fresh twist, try adding lemon juice or zest. A splash of lemon brightens the flavors. Cleaning your Instant Pot is easy. After cooking, unplug it and let it cool. Remove the inner pot and wash it with warm, soapy water. Use a soft cloth for the lid and sealing ring. Make sure to check for food particles in the steam vent. Keeping your pot clean helps it last longer and work better. {{image_2}} You can make this dish even better by adding different vegetables. Try adding: - Spinach - Zucchini - Bell peppers - Mushrooms These veggies add more color and flavor. You can sauté them with the onion and garlic. This gives you a tasty, veggie-packed pasta. If you want a dairy-free dish, you can swap the cream and cheese. Try using: - Coconut cream instead of heavy cream - Nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese These swaps keep the pasta creamy and rich while being dairy-free. If you want to add protein, consider chicken or shrimp. For chicken, you can: - Dice it and sauté it with the onions - Cook it separately and add it before serving For shrimp, just add it in during the last minute of cooking. This way, your pasta will be hearty and satisfying. To keep your creamy tomato basil pasta fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work best. Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature before sealing. This helps prevent moisture build-up, which can make the pasta soggy. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When it's time to reheat, you have a few good options. The microwave is quick and easy. Place the pasta in a bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the pasta from drying out. You can also reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of water or broth to a pan, then heat gently over low heat, stirring often. This method helps keep the pasta creamy. Yes, you can freeze creamy pasta! To do this, make sure to cool it completely first. Use freezer-safe containers or bags to store it. Leave some space at the top, as the pasta will expand when frozen. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore its creamy texture. Yes, you can use other pasta shapes. If you choose a different type, adjust the cooking time. Shorter pasta, like macaroni, cooks faster. For long pasta, like spaghetti, it may take a bit longer. Always check the package for cooking times. You can use coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Other great choices include almond milk or cashew cream. These will give you a nice, creamy texture without dairy. Just remember to adjust the flavor as needed. To add heat, use more red pepper flakes. You can also add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Start with a little, then taste. You can always add more spice, but it's hard to take it out. Yes, you can double the recipe! Just make sure your Instant Pot has enough space. If it gets too full, it may not cook evenly. Also, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. This creamy tomato basil pasta lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container for best results. Before eating, just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Enjoy your leftovers! This blog post explored making a creamy tomato basil pasta in an Instant Pot. You learned about key ingredients like pasta, tomatoes, and cream. I provided step-by-step instructions to help you through cooking and serving. You also found tips for enhancing flavors and storage advice. In conclusion, this dish is easy and fun to make. With a few variations, you can customize it to fit your taste. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and don’t forget to share your results!

Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Discover the ultimate comfort dish with this Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta! In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a hearty meal featuring tender penne pasta, rich crushed tomatoes, and fresh basil, all enveloped in a creamy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this recipe is a must-try. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a deliciously easy dinner tonight!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz (340g) penne pasta

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 cup vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option

1 small onion, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions
 

Sauté the Aromatics:

    - Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Once it’s hot, add a splash of oil and the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.

      - Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

        Add the Pasta:

          - Pour in the penne pasta, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is submerged.

            Pressure Cook:

              - Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on manual high pressure for 5 minutes. Once the time is up, perform a quick release of pressure.

                Add Cream and Basil:

                  - After the pressure has released, open the lid and stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) until well incorporated. Add the chopped basil and mix again.

                    Adjust Seasoning:

                      - Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. For a creamier texture, you can add more cream or a bit of pasta water.

                        Serve:

                          - Serve the pasta hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and an extra sprinkle of fresh basil for garnish.

                            Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 4 servings

                              - Presentation Tips: Serve in deep bowls with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and extra basil leaves for a pop of color. A piece of crusty bread on the side is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce!