Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a dish that's as simple as it is delicious? Introducing the "Easy Instant Pot Margherita Pasta," a delightful Italian recipe that brings the classic flavors of a Margherita pizza right to your bowl! In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a creamy, cheesy, and herb-infused pasta that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Perfect for busy evenings or when you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Dive in and discover how to make this mouthwatering dish that’s bursting with fresh ingredients!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup fresh basil
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 cups water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by draining diced tomatoes and roughly chopping fresh basil leaves.
- Add pasta, drained diced tomatoes, and water to the Instant Pot. Ensure pasta is mostly submerged in liquid.
- Season with salt and pepper, stirring gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set valve to sealing position, and select Manual/Pressure Cook mode.
- Cook on high pressure for 4-5 minutes, depending on pasta type, to achieve al dente texture.
- Once cooking completes, perform a quick release of pressure to prevent overcooking.
- Open lid and stir pasta to prevent sticking, allowing excess liquid to absorb.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over hot pasta, allowing it to melt slightly.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves, distributing evenly across the dish.
- Serve immediately while hot, ensuring cheese is melted and basil is vibrant.
Tips
- Ingredient Prep: Take a few minutes to drain the diced tomatoes and chop your fresh basil before you start cooking. This will streamline your process and ensure everything is ready to go when you need it.
- Pasta Choice: Different types of pasta may require slight adjustments in cooking time. For instance, thinner pastas like angel hair may only need 4 minutes, while thicker varieties like penne might need 5 minutes for that perfect al dente texture.
- Seasoning: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Seasoning the pasta as it cooks helps enhance the flavors of the tomatoes and basil, making each bite a taste sensation.
- Quick Release: After cooking, perform a quick release of pressure to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy. This step is crucial for maintaining that perfect bite!
- Cheesy Goodness: For an extra cheesy experience, consider adding more mozzarella or even a sprinkle of Parmesan just before serving. The heat from the pasta will melt it beautifully.
- Garnishing: Fresh basil is not just for flavor; it adds a pop of color to your dish. Be generous with the garnish to make your pasta visually appealing!
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve it right away for the ultimate taste experience, ensuring the cheese is melty and the basil is vibrant.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
