Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with an Italian classic that’s as comforting as it is delicious? Look no further than this Instant Pot Italian Bake! In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a mouthwatering dish featuring savory Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, all nestled with perfectly cooked penne pasta. This recipe not only delivers on flavor but also offers the convenience of one-pot cooking, making cleanup a breeze. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this hearty, cheesy delight that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups cooked penne pasta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Instant Pot by lightly greasing the inner pot with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Remove the Italian sausage from its casing and break it into small pieces. Brown the sausage directly in the Instant Pot using the sauté function, cooking until no pink remains and the meat is fully cooked, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat from the sausage, leaving a small amount for flavor.
- Add the marinara sauce to the browned sausage, stirring to combine and coat the meat evenly.
- Add the pre-cooked penne pasta to the sauce and sausage mixture, gently folding to ensure the pasta is well distributed.
- In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese with half of the grated Parmesan cheese, creating a creamy base.
- Dollop the ricotta mixture over the pasta and sausage in the Instant Pot, spreading it gently to create an even layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and remaining Parmesan cheese over the top of the dish.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to set and the flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Enjoy your Instant Pot Italian Bake!
Tips
- Use Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, choose high-quality Italian sausage and marinara sauce. Freshly grated cheeses can also enhance the dish's creaminess and taste.
- Customize Your Pasta: While penne is perfect for this recipe, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or ziti for a fun twist.
- Don’t Rush the Cheese: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the cheese set and makes serving much easier.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley not only adds a pop of color but also elevates the dish's flavor profile.
- Make It Ahead: Prepare the sausage and sauce mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just add the pasta and cheese, and cook in the Instant Pot for a quick meal.
- Add Veggies: Sneak in some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
- Adjust the Spice: If you like a little heat, consider using spicy Italian sausage or adding red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for an extra kick. Enjoy your culinary adventure with this Instant Pot Italian Bake—your taste buds will thank you!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 390kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 62mg
