If you love classic Italian comfort food but want a faster, hands-free cooking method, this Instant Pot Baked Ziti is a game-changer. With rich tomato sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and layers of gooey melted cheese, this one-pot recipe is the easiest way to make baked ziti without turning on the oven. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Perfect Pasta
- Quick and Easy . The Instant Pot cooks everything in one pot, eliminating extra dishes.
- Flavorful and Cheesy . A rich tomato-based sauce and layers of cheese create the perfect bite.
- No Boiling Required . The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors.
- Customizable . Easily adjust with different meats, veggies, or spice levels.
With minimal effort, you get a delicious, hearty meal that tastes like it came straight from an Italian restaurant.
What Does Instant Pot Baked Ziti Taste Like?
Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish made with pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese, often baked until golden and bubbly. This Instant Pot version skips the baking step while delivering the same comforting flavors in a fraction of the time.
The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking function locks in moisture, ensuring perfectly cooked pasta every time. The result? A creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish that feels like it took hours to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ziti or Penne Pasta - The base of the dish, these pasta shapes hold up well to pressure cooking, absorbing the sauce while maintaining a firm texture.
- Ground Beef or Sausage - Provides a hearty, savory element that enhances the richness of the sauce. Sausage adds extra seasoning and depth of flavor.
- Olive Oil - Used to sauté the meat and aromatics, developing a deeper, more complex taste in the sauce.
- Onion & Garlic - The aromatic foundation that builds flavor, adding sweetness and a savory depth to the sauce.
- Crushed Tomatoes & Tomato Sauce - Form the rich, tangy base of the dish, giving the baked ziti its signature saucy consistency.
- Italian Seasoning - A classic blend of basil, oregano, and thyme that infuses the sauce with authentic Italian flavors.
- Salt & Black Pepper - Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the dish.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional) - Adds a subtle heat for those who enjoy a little spice.
- Ricotta Cheese - Brings creaminess to the dish, creating a smooth and slightly tangy contrast to the rich tomato sauce.
- Mozzarella Cheese - The ultimate gooey, melty topping that makes baked ziti so irresistible.
- Parmesan Cheese - Adds a salty, nutty bite that enhances the overall flavor and provides a slightly crispy texture when melted.
- Water or Broth - Necessary for cooking the pasta under pressure, ensuring even cooking and preventing sticking or burning.
These ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful Instant Pot Baked Ziti that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
How To Make Instant Pot Baked Ziti
- Sauté the Meat and Aromatics . Turn the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and heat the olive oil. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Stir in onions and garlic , cooking until fragrant.
- Add the Sauce and Pasta . Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well. Add the pasta and water (or broth), ensuring the pasta is fully submerged but not stirred.
- Pressure Cook . Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” mode on high pressure for 4 minutes. Once the time is up, do a quick release to prevent overcooking the pasta.
- Stir and Add Cheese . Remove the lid and stir the pasta. Dollop in ricotta cheese and mix slightly for a creamy texture. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top, then close the lid for 2-3 minutes to let the cheese melt.
- Serve and Enjoy . Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, serve warm, and enjoy your homemade Instant Pot Baked Ziti.
Tips And Tricks
Mastering Instant Pot Baked Ziti is easy with the right techniques. These tips will help ensure a perfectly cooked, flavorful, and satisfying dish every time:
- Do Not Stir the Pasta . Layering the pasta over the sauce prevents a burn warning.
- Use Broth Instead of Water . This boosts the flavor of the pasta while cooking.
- Let the Cheese Melt Naturally . No need to broil; the residual heat will do the work.
- Quick Release is Key . Overcooking leads to mushy pasta, so be sure to release pressure immediately.
- For a Thicker Sauce . Let the pasta sit for a few minutes after cooking to absorb extra liquid.
Variations
Instant Pot Baked Ziti is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit different tastes, dietary preferences, and ingredient availability. Here are some creative variations to try:
- Vegetarian- Skip the meat and add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
- Spicy- Use hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes for heat.
- Creamy Alfredo- Mix in heavy cream and extra Parmesan for a rich, creamy twist.
- Protein-Packed - Add grilled chicken or even shrimp for extra protein.
What To Eat With Instant Pot Baked Ziti
Instant Pot Baked Ziti is a rich, cheesy, and comforting dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Whether you’re looking for something light and refreshing or more indulgent, here are some delicious options to complete your meal:
- Garlic Bread - Perfect for scooping up the extra sauce.
- Caesar Salad - A fresh and crisp contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Steamed Broccoli - A simple, healthy side that complements the dish.
- Roasted Vegetables - Adds extra nutrition and flavor.
- Red Wine or Sparkling Water - Complements the richness of the pasta.
How Long Does It Last?
Instant Pot Baked Ziti stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors tend to develop over time, making leftovers even more delicious.
To reheat, simply microwave individual portions with a splash of water or broth to keep the pasta from drying out. If you’re reheating a larger batch, warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Can You Freeze It?
For longer storage, you can freeze baked ziti for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
When you’re ready to eat your leftovers, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
More Of Our Best Pasta Recipes
- Baked Feta Pasta
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- Chicken Penne Pasta
- Baked Mostaccioli
- Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Instant Pot Baked Ziti Recipe | Easy Pour And Cook Pasta
Ingredients
- ▢ 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- ▢ 1 pound Ground Beef
- ▢ 1 Onion , diced
- ▢ 4 cloves Garlic , minced
- ▢ 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- ▢ 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- ▢ 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- ▢ 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- ▢ 12 ounces Ziti
- ▢ 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes
- ▢ 15 ounces Tomato Sauce
- ▢ 2 1/2 cups Water
- ▢ 1/2 cup Ricotta Cheese
- ▢ 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese
- ▢ 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
- ▢ Basil , for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Meat and Aromatics . Turn the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and heat the olive oil. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Stir in onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Add the Sauce and Pasta . Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well. Add the pasta and water (or broth), ensuring the pasta is fully submerged but not stirred.
- Pressure Cook . Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” mode on high pressure for 4 minutes. Once the time is up, do a quick release to prevent overcooking the pasta.
- Stir and Add Cheese . Remove the lid and stir the pasta. Dollop in ricotta cheese and mix slightly for a creamy texture. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top, then close the lid for 2-3 minutes to let the cheese melt.
- Serve and Enjoy . Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, serve warm, and enjoy your homemade Instant Pot Baked Ziti.
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Instant Pot Baked Ziti Recipe | Easy Pour And Cook Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1 Onion diced
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 12 ounces Ziti
- 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes
- 15 ounces Tomato Sauce
- 2 1/2 cups Water
- 1/2 cup Ricotta Cheese
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
- Basil for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Meat and Aromatics . Turn the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and heat the olive oil. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Stir in onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Add the Sauce and Pasta . Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well. Add the pasta and water (or broth), ensuring the pasta is fully submerged but not stirred.
- Pressure Cook . Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” mode on high pressure for 4 minutes. Once the time is up, do a quick release to prevent overcooking the pasta.
- Stir and Add Cheese . Remove the lid and stir the pasta. Dollop in ricotta cheese and mix slightly for a creamy texture. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top, then close the lid for 2-3 minutes to let the cheese melt.
- Serve and Enjoy . Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, serve warm, and enjoy your homemade Instant Pot Baked Ziti.
Instant Pot Baked Ziti Recipe | Easy Pour And Cook Pasta https://twosleevers.com/instant-pot-baked-ziti-recipe/
Eating well on a budget is mostly about two things. Repeat ingredients on purpose and choose dinners that are fast, flexible, and leftover-friendly. This 7-day plan uses recipes to build a full week of affordable dinners, mixing quick air fryer wins, Instant Pot “dump-and-go” meals, and a couple of comfort-food nights that feel special.
Why You’ll Love This Budget-Friendly Dinner Plan
- Built for real budgets . Affordable staples (bread, pasta, chicken, salsa, frozen veggies) do most of the heavy lifting.
- Fast weeknight wins . Several dinners are on the table in about 20–30 minutes, so you’re not paying for convenience via takeout.
- Smart ingredient overlap . Salsa, cheese, chicken, and seasonings get reused across multiple nights. Less waste, fewer “extra” purchases.
- Leftovers that actually help . Many of these recipes make leftovers to be repurposed, giving you an easy “new” dinner on Day 7 with almost zero extra cost.
- Family-friendly comfort food . Pizza night, pasta night, taco soup, and crispy chicken keep everyone happy without pricey ingredients.
This plan delivers quick, crowd-pleasing dinners that reuse budget staples and leftovers so you spend less, waste less, and still eat really well all week.
Quick Look: Your 7-Day Budget Dinner Schedule
- Day 1: Air Fryer French Bread Pizza
- Day 2: Instant Pot Salsa Chicken
- Day 3: Savory Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup
- Day 4: Bacon Pasta (Bacon Parmesan Pasta)
- Day 5: Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Day 6: Cowboy Chicken (Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs)
- Day 7: Leftover Remix Night (Salsa Chicken 3 Ways)
Can I Swap Chicken Breasts And Thighs To Match Sales?
Yes, this plan is very “shop what’s on sale.” Taco soup uses boneless skinless chicken thighs in the recipe card, while Salsa Chicken uses breasts; swapping is usually fine as long as you adjust cook time and cut pieces similarly.
What Are The Fastest Dinners This Week?
French Bread Pizza is 16 minutes total, Bacon Pasta is 20 minutes total, and Cowboy Chicken is 27 minutes total. Reach for these dinners on the nights you’re pressed for time to avoid breaking your food budget on takeout.
Cowboy Chicken | Bacon Wrapped Chicken Recipe
This Air Fryer French Bread Pizza recipe delivers crispy, cheesy pizza in just 16 minutes with no dough required, using sliced French bread, pizza sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, and Italian seasoning. Perfect for busy weeknights and kid-friendly meals, this easy French bread pizza gets golden and bubbly at 375°F and is ready to customize with your favorite toppings.
Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe | Crispy Parmesan Chicken
This Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe makes juicy chicken breasts with a crispy, golden Parmesan and breadcrumb coating for an easy weeknight dinner that’s ready in 18 minutes. Seasoned with garlic powder and paprika, this quick crispy Parmesan chicken is delicious on its own, sliced over salads, or stuffed into sandwiches.
Bacon Pasta Recipe | Bacon Parmesan Pasta
This Bacon Pasta Recipe is a creamy, comforting bacon parmesan pasta made with spaghetti, crispy bacon, garlic, heavy cream, and plenty of grated Parmesan for rich flavor in every bite. Perfect for busy nights, this easy creamy bacon pasta comes together fast with simple ingredients and tastes like a restaurant-style dinner at home.
Savory Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup + Video
This Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup is a quick, cozy dump-and-go dinner that’s ready in about 30 minutes, made with chicken, frozen mixed veggies, taco seasoning, and a creamy finish. Easy to customize for low carb or keto, this flavorful pressure cooker taco soup is perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.
Salsa Chicken | Instant Pot Salsa Chicken Recipe
This Instant Pot Salsa Chicken is a fast, flavorful shredded chicken recipe made with chicken breasts, salsa, cumin, oregano, and garlic powder for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep staple. Pressure cook for 10 minutes and use it for tacos, burrito bowls, salads, nachos, and wraps with your favorite toppings.
French Bread Pizza | Air Fryer French Bread Pizza Recipe
This Air Fryer French Bread Pizza recipe makes crispy, cheesy pizza fast with sliced French bread, pizza sauce, mozzarella, and your favorite toppings for an easy weeknight meal or kid-friendly snack. Ready in 16 minutes and cooked at 375°F, it delivers a golden crust and bubbly cheese without turning on the oven.
For the last night of this budget-friendly week of dinners, use any leftovers you have for a delicious mash-up of flavors. My favorite way to enjoy them is using salsa chicken or chopped up parmesan crusted chicken to stuff a chicken quesadilla!
Get the clickable shopping list to add everything you need to make these recipes straight to your Walmart shopping cart here: https://walmrt.us/4t6oTvM #WalmartPartner
Double-check the quantities of the items needed (for example: weight of meat, quantity of rotisserie chickens, fresh produce volume) before checking out, as the amounts do not always add to the cart correctly.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly dinner plan that doesn’t feel like you’re “making do,” this 7-day lineup is the sweet spot: fast meals, repeat ingredients, and leftovers you can actually use. Save this post, shop your sales, and rotate these cheap weeknight dinners anytime you want a lower-stress (and lower-cost) week.
