Just got home after a busy working errand? And, probably you are yet to prepare dinner for yourself!
Well, having an instant pot can be the rescue.
When I am speaking of instant pots, it perhaps refers to making rice or meat.
And, to be honest, there’re very few people who will suggest you cooking pasta in an instant pot because either they can’t grasp how long it will take or they don’t consider it as a suitable tool.
On the contrary, ever since I’ve tried making my go-to penne pasta in my best pasta pot, I never stopped!
I was amazed by the tenderness and the consistent texture, which was relatively better than stovetop pasta.
And most significantly, it’s supremely fast and effortless.
How?
Well, cast your attention below to see the instruction where you can learn how to cook pasta in an instant pot and for how long!
The Takeaways Of An Instant Pot
Honestly, nobody can assume that the equipment which very much looks like a crockpot could be a tremendous alternative for numerous cooking aspects.
There are some key facts that you must know; thus, you can estimate the value of an instant pot and ensure bringing out the best of it.
You can maneuver this tool without any events of complications as long as you’ve glanced over the instruction manual.
Just Keep These Facts on Mind
- Cooking Time: Instant pots do arrive in time accuracy, but in reality, it may feel vague. Because the pressure it generates needs time as well. And in addition, the cooking requires an approximate time specifically. So, if the manual says to cook for 10 minutes, you gotta keep few more minutes to make sure having an evenly cooked meal.
- Pour the Water Accordingly: Don’t flood the pot, putting a lot of water. The key to having a puffy yet soft tender meal is to add 2 cups of water if you are going to make 8oz of pasta. If 16oz or 24oz of pasta is your drill, then add 4cups and 6 cups accordingly.
- Don’t Let Them Submerge: Your pasta might submerge in the water when cooking, whereas it should be on top of the water floating. Because when the pasta is drowning in the water, it’s more likely to get overcooked and come all mushy and sticky. That’s why make sure your pasta isn’t immersing in water entirely.
- Ensure Proper Heat for the Meat: If you are expecting to add chicken breast or meat in your pasta, then you better locate them underneath, close to the surface so that it boils consistently.
- Release the Pressure in Due Time: Never forget to discharge the pressure exactly after 5 to 6 minutes. It will allow the internal pressure to reduce so that when cooking is done, it retains the fluffiness and doesn’t get mushy.
- Opt for penne, rigatoni or rotini pasta for softer and luscious taste.
Also, making sure that your money is well spent is crucial. Hence, you have to do some research to find the best instant pot trending worldwide. Not necessarily, an outrageously expensive product yields all the attributes you aspire to have.
Hence, you need to invest some of your time to find the plausible one.
However, when you have an instant pot or an electric pasta maker, little do you know that it can saute mushrooms, meats, veggies, and literally anything like a pro!
I mean, the conventional skillets and fryer pan trail behind when it comes to sautéing.
On top of that, you don’t need to stress over time management when it comes to instant pots because the distinct purpose of equipping your kitchen with this tool pretty much resolves the idea of fast and effortless cooking.
3 Quick Steps to Cook Pasta in an Instant Pot and How Long
The core aspect of making pasta in the pot is to save ourselves from the hassle of draining water after boiling. Hence, when it comes to the instant pot, you can do your household chores or read your favorite journal without any fear of fumbles during the cooking session.
So, without farther ado, let’s jump into the cooking process step by step.
Step 1- Grab All the Ingredients You Need
Well, you can add your favorite toppings, either its veggies or meats or any pasta sauce or dips. Here I am going to drop the basic ingredients. To improvise or experiment with other ingredients, you are the one in charge. No limits!
- Pasta stacks (8oz/ 16oz/ 24oz)
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Minced garlic
- Oregano
- Water
- Ground tomato puree or pasta sauce (for augmenting the flavor)
Step 2- Pour the Pasta and All the Ingredients
Now it’s time to opt for cooking. First thing first, clean the pot with a dry towel or kitchen rug. Here, I am taking 8oz pasta as I am a loner, but you can increase the quantity if needs be.
Follow the process afterward,
- Place the pasta in the instant pot. If you have taken spaghetti, break them in equal halves as they come into larger batches.
- Pour the pot with 2 cups of cold water.
- Add your desired spices and 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Here I have taken salt, pepper, minced garlic, and oregano for a basic yet delectable flavor and aroma.
- To accentuate color and taste, you can add any lump-free, wholly ground pasta sauce or puree.
- Don’t drown the pasta, let it remain half sunk.
- Shut the lid and bring the pot to its power source.
- To start with the cooking, press the “pressure cook” button, or “manual” option.
- Give it a good stir putting a mild pressure so that all of the pasta get evenly coated with water and other ingredients.
- Set the timer to 4-8 minutes and take the leverage using this time to give your body a short alleviation.
- As your pot doesn’t need persistent checking. Once it’s done cooking, it will stop automatically. So, wait for the beep that informs when you’re done.
- Let the steaming hot smoke be free from the instant pot by setting the pressure valve to ‘release.’ Allow the steam to escape for 5 minutes in the ‘quick-release’ mode. Otherwise, the moisture may get absorbed from the top, and the pasta will become mushy from the bottom.
Step 3- Time to Serve
As you are done with the cooking, it’s time to put the pot down using a pot cloth. Take a bowl and pour it with smoking hot pasta. Sprinkle some parmesan cheese and coriander leaves on top for enhanced, mouth-watering flavor.
Notes: The mostly heard controversy about instant pot pasta is that it gets overcooked and becomes extremely mushy. Sometimes, it sticks to the surface and results in burnt, hardened pasta. Well, it will only happen if the water consumption is excessive. Thus, keep the water intake as accurate as possible.
Bottom Line
So, that was instant pot pasta in a nutshell for you all. However, nothing can constraint your preferences in tastes. Thus, keeping the cooking process fixed, you can change the spices, try different kinds of pasta (except gluten-based pasta) and add your desired garnishing.
Hope the article was helpful and make sure you drop your go-to instant pot recipes in the comment section.