Instant Pot Baked Ziti
Instant Pot Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food, combining layers of tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and creamy cheeses into a satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. This one-pot meal comes together quickly in your Instant Pot, delivering a deliciously cheesy experience that everyone will love. Serve it alongside garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal that brings smiles to the dinner table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients and chop any desired vegetables.
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and brown the ground meat (if using) for 5-7 minutes; drain excess fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce and uncooked ziti pasta until well coated.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; stir again.
- Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over the top without mixing it in.
- Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes; perform a quick release afterward.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese; close the lid briefly to melt the cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Swap out ziti for penne or add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition. Use different cheeses such as gouda or cheddar for unique flavor variations. Ensure pasta is fully submerged in sauce for even cooking.