Delicious tomatoes come together with zesty seasonings in a light sauce. This penne pasta with marinara sauce is an easy weeknight meal. Bonus? It goes together quickly in your Instant Pot!
The Instant pot is a workhorse in our family. It’s one of our most loved appliances. When I first figured out that I could do all sorts of meals in there, such as soups, tacos, and even snacks like red pepper hummus, I was hooked.
But, pasta in the Instant pot? How does pressure cooking work with perfectly al dente pasta? Very well, actually.
Delicious tomatoes come together with zesty seasonings in a light sauce. This penne pasta with marinara sauce is an easy weeknight meal. #instantpot #noodles #Italian #pennepasta #easydinner #instantpotrecipesWith the right amount of pasta sauce and liquid added, you can cook the pasta right in the Instant pot. No stirring, no pasta sticking to the bottom of the pot, no burning. This easy instant pot penne pasta with marinara is sure to be a hit with your family. The perfect quick and easy dinner!
What is marinara?
A lovely pasta sauce, made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices. Classic marinara would include San Marzano tomatoes, high quality olive oil, garlic, red pepper or chili flakes, salt, and basil. However, you can use just about any kind of tomatoes and it will work great. I grab what I can at the store, when my garden isn’t producing.
What kind of pasta can I use?
I used plain penne pasta available at any market. However, this recipe will also work with whole wheat pasta, and brown rice pasta as well.
Other Instant Pot Recipes to Try
Instant Pot Chicken Enchilada Soup
This chicken enchilada soup is loaded with tomatoes, onions, and chicken. Simple to make in your Instant Pot, it’s also dairy free and gluten free!
Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Creamy buffalo sauce blends with 2 kinds of cheeses and are piled high on top of chicken to make these Buffalo Chicken Sliders.
Cilantro Lime Brown Rice in the Instant Pot
Bright, fresh, citrus fluffy rice with a nutty texture in an easy Instant pot recipe! You'll love how quickly this comes together and your family will love it!
Quick and Easy Black Beans (in the Instant Pot)
Ole! Make tonight a taco night, with these easy to make black beans? Forgot to soak them? NO worries with this Instant Pot recipe!
Ingredients you will need
- Canned tomatoes
- Avocado oil
- Onion
- Garlic
- Kosher salt
- Pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Italian seasoning
- Penne pasta
- Beef broth
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
How to make Instant Pot Pasta
- Heat instant pot on saute.
- Add oil, and saute garlic, and onion. Stir in tomatoes, and seasonings.
- Stir in pasta and broth, place lid on and make sure valve is in sealed position.
- Cook and do quick pressure release.
- Stir and serve into bowls. Top with Parmesan cheese.
Ways to change this pasta dish up
- Add ground beef, or meatballs on the side.
- Sub the beef broth for vegetable broth or water for a vegetarian twist.
- Swap the Italian seasoning for cumin for a more Mexican flair.
Ideas to serve with this Penne Pasta

Penne With Marinara In The Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 15 ounce cans of canned tomatoes with liquid
- 1 pound Penne pasta
- 1 quart beef broth
- Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Heat instant pot on sautee.
- Add oil, and sautee garlic, and onion. Stir in tomatoes, and seasonings.
- Add pasta and broth, place lid on and make sure valve is on "seal".
- Cook and release pressure quickly.
- Stir and serve into bowls. Top with Parmesan cheese.
Recommended Products
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Muir Glen Organic Diced Tomatoes San Marzano Style With Basil and Garlic 12 Cans, 14.5 oz
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Pacific Foods Organic Beef Broth, 32oz, 12-pack
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Positano Gourmet Italian Seasoning
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Simply Organic Pepper, Black Medium Grind Certified Organic, 2.31 Ounce Container
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REDMOND Real Sea Salt - Natural Unrefined Organic Gluten Free Fine, 26 ounce pouch (1 Pack)
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Kirkland Minced California Garlic, 48-Ounce Super Easy Guacamole Edit or replace
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Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Grain Maker, Steamer, Saute, Yogurt Maker, Sous Vide, Bake, and Warmer|6 Quart|Easy-Seal Lid|14 Programs
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McCormick Crushed Red Pepper (Organic, Non-GMO, Kosher), 7.75 oz
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