Instant Pot Baked Ziti Recipe | Easy Pour And Cook Pasta

PUBLISHED January 27, 2026· MODIFIED January 27, 2026 · by the author listed in the recipe card 1387 words. · About 7 minutes to read this article.· This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases· Leave a Comment

If you love classic Italian comfort food but want a faster, hands-free cooking method, this Instant Pot Baked Ziti is a game-changer. With rich tomato sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and layers of gooey melted cheese, this one-pot recipe is the easiest way to make baked ziti without turning on the oven. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Perfect Pasta

Quick and Easy. The Instant Pot cooks everything in one pot, eliminating extra dishes.
Flavorful and Cheesy. A rich tomato-based sauce and layers of cheese create the perfect bite.
No Boiling Required. The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors.
Customizable. Easily adjust with different meats, veggies, or spice levels.

With minimal effort, you get a delicious, hearty meal that tastes like it came straight from an Italian restaurant.

What Does Instant Pot Baked Ziti Taste Like?

Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish made with pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese, often baked until golden and bubbly. This Instant Pot version skips the baking step while delivering the same comforting flavors in a fraction of the time.

The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking function locks in moisture, ensuring perfectly cooked pasta every time. The result? A creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish that feels like it took hours to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ziti or Penne Pasta– The base of the dish, these pasta shapes hold up well to pressure cooking, absorbing the sauce while maintaining a firm texture.
Ground Beef or Sausage– Provides a hearty, savory element that enhances the richness of the sauce. Sausage adds extra seasoning and depth of flavor.
Olive Oil– Used to sauté the meat and aromatics, developing a deeper, more complex taste in the sauce.
Onion & Garlic– The aromatic foundation that builds flavor, adding sweetness and a savory depth to the sauce.
Crushed Tomatoes & Tomato Sauce– Form the rich, tangy base of the dish, giving the baked ziti its signature saucy consistency.
Italian Seasoning– A classic blend of basil, oregano, and thyme that infuses the sauce with authentic Italian flavors.
Salt & Black Pepper– Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the dish.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)– Adds a subtle heat for those who enjoy a little spice.
Ricotta Cheese– Brings creaminess to the dish, creating a smooth and slightly tangy contrast to the rich tomato sauce.
Mozzarella Cheese– The ultimate gooey, melty topping that makes baked ziti so irresistible.
Parmesan Cheese– Adds a salty, nutty bite that enhances the overall flavor and provides a slightly crispy texture when melted.
Water or Broth– Necessary for cooking the pasta under pressure, ensuring even cooking and preventing sticking or burning.

These ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful Instant Pot Baked Ziti that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

How To Make Instant Pot Baked Ziti

Sauté the Meat and Aromatics. Turn the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and heat the olive oil. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Stir in onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
Add the Sauce and Pasta. Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well. Add the pasta and water (or broth), ensuring the pasta is fully submerged but not stirred.
Pressure Cook. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” mode on high pressure for 4 minutes. Once the time is up, do a quick release to prevent overcooking the pasta.
Stir and Add Cheese. Remove the lid and stir the pasta. Dollop in ricotta cheese and mix slightly for a creamy texture. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top, then close the lid for 2-3 minutes to let the cheese melt.
Serve and Enjoy. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, serve warm, and enjoy your homemade Instant Pot Baked Ziti.

Tips And Tricks

Mastering Instant Pot Baked Ziti is easy with the right techniques. These tips will help ensure a perfectly cooked, flavorful, and satisfying dish every time:

Do Not Stir the Pasta. Layering the pasta over the sauce prevents a burn warning.
Use Broth Instead of Water. This boosts the flavor of the pasta while cooking.
Let the Cheese Melt Naturally. No need to broil; the residual heat will do the work.
Quick Release is Key. Overcooking leads to mushy pasta, so be sure to release pressure immediately.
For a Thicker Sauce. Let the pasta sit for a few minutes after cooking to absorb extra liquid.

Variations

Instant Pot Baked Ziti is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit different tastes, dietary preferences, and ingredient availability. Here are some creative variations to try:

Vegetarian- Skip the meat and add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
Spicy- Use hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes for heat.
Creamy Alfredo- Mix in heavy cream and extra Parmesan for a rich, creamy twist.
Protein-Packed– Add grilled chicken or even shrimp for extra protein.

What To Eat With Instant Pot Baked Ziti

Instant Pot Baked Ziti is a rich, cheesy, and comforting dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Whether you’re looking for something light and refreshing or more indulgent, here are some delicious options to complete your meal:

Garlic Bread– Perfect for scooping up the extra sauce.
Caesar Salad– A fresh and crisp contrast to the creamy pasta.
Steamed Broccoli– A simple, healthy side that complements the dish.
Roasted Vegetables– Adds extra nutrition and flavor.
Red Wine or Sparkling Water– Complements the richness of the pasta.

How Long Does It Last?

Instant Pot Baked Ziti stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors tend to develop over time, making leftovers even more delicious.

To reheat, simply microwave individual portions with a splash of water or broth to keep the pasta from drying out. If you’re reheating a larger batch, warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Can You Freeze It?

For longer storage, you can freeze baked ziti for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.

When you’re ready to eat your leftovers, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

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