Instant Pot Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Marinara
Enjoy a cozy, hassle-free dinner with Instant Pot Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Marinara! This easy one-pot pasta is loaded with tender ziti, creamy ricotta, rich marinara sauce, and melty cheese for the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) uncooked ziti pasta (or penne)
- 4 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 3 cups water or low-sodium chicken/vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients : Measure pasta, cheeses, sauce, and seasonings so cooking is quick.
- Sauté Garlic : This step infuses the oil with flavor, giving the dish a richer base.
- Layer (Don’t Stir): Adding liquid last and not stirring keeps pasta from sticking to the bottom.
- Pressure Cooking : Pasta cooks quickly — 6 minutes is perfect for al dente texture.
- Cheesy Finish: Stir in ricotta for creaminess, then top with mozzarella and Parmesan for that “baked” taste.
- Final Melt : Let the residual heat melt the cheese so you get gooey, stretchy bites.