Pesto sauce in pasta is the ONLY way my family loves pasta. There was a time, when my daughter would not eat any tomato based sauces on pasta. So I would buy or make pesto and use it all the time. Luckily she got over it, and loved to eat my Penne in Tomato Cream Sauce. I am surprised it has taken me this long to share this recipe. You will love the simplicity of it. So simple, yet so flavorful. Recently I also shared my Homemade Basil Walnut Pesto and Pistachio Spinach Pesto recipe. You can use a homemade pesto or a store brought one. If you like pesto pasta, check out my Gnocchi in Basil Pesto and Pesto Orzo Salad.
What makes Instant Pot Pesto Pasta special?
✓ One-pot, no need to cook the spaghetti separately. ✓ That means less dirty dishes! ✓ Ready in 20 minutes! ✓ Perfect meal for those busy nights.
Ingredients
Spaghetti: I used spaghetti in this pasta recipe. But other shapes of pasta such as penne, rotini or orzo could work too. Pesto: I love to use Homemade Basil Walnut Pesto in this recipe. You can use a homemade pesto or a store brought one. My favorite store brought pesto is the one in the refrigerator section at Costco or Trader Joe’s. When fresh basil is not available, I always keep a bottle of pesto in the refrigerator. Olive oil: Just add a little when cooking the pasta. Sun-dried Tomatoes: I like to add some at the end after pressure cooking the pasta. However, they are optional. Basil leaves: They are the best to add to any pasta. But more so to this garlic pesto pasta. Pecorino Romano or Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grate some cheese on the top before enjoying. Other toppings: Lemon juice or red chili flakes if you like to add some spice to the pasta.
How to make?
This is the simplest recipe you will ever encounter. Add spaghetti, water or broth, and olive oil to the Instant Pot. Pressure Cook for 4 minutes, followed by a quick release. The general rule of thumb for cooking time for pasta in Instant Pot – For al dente pasta, cook for 1 minute less than half the time recommended on the box. Add one more minute for well done pasta. For example, if the pasta box says 12 minutes, then I would pressure cook for 5 minutes. I prefer to cook al dente and then add a minute or so on sauté mode if needed. Open the pot. Use tongs to stir the spaghetti well. Then, add the pesto and sun-dried tomatoes. You can also stir in any quick or no-cook veggies at this time, such as spinach, arugula or sliced bell peppers. Toss well to coat all the spaghetti with the pesto sauce. You can add lemon juice, red chili flakes, and parmesan. Add salt if needed. All of these are optional however I love them in my spaghetti. Lemon juice the most! Instant Pot Pesto Pasta is ready to be enjoyed.
Pro-Tips
Cooking time: In 4 minutes, the spaghetti will be Al dente. If you want softer spaghetti, add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time. Creamy Pesto Sauce: If you like creamy pesto, add half a cup of heavy cream along with the pesto sauce to the spaghetti. This is a variation we love! Pasta: I used spaghetti in this recipe, but you can use any shape of pasta. The cooking time will be 1 minute less than half of what is mentioned on the package. Double recipe: You can double this recipe in a 6-quart instant pot. The pressure cooking time will remain the same. Instant Pot Chicken Pesto Pasta Variation: Cut chicken into small 1-inch pieces. Heat the instant pot and add olive to it. Then sauté the chicken for a minute. Then, follow the recipe as is. The cooking time will remain the same.
More Instant Pot Pasta Recipes
Spinach Artichoke Lasagna Penne in Creamy Tomato Sauce Vegetarian Fajita Pasta Lemon Parmesan Orzo Penne Alla Vodka Pappardelle Pesto with Vegetables
