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homemade Instant Pot Baked Ziti photo

Instant Pot Baked Ziti

A quick and comforting cheesy baked ziti made in the Instant Pot with Italian sausage and a simple tomato sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 16 minutes
Servings 6 servings

Equipment

  • Instant Pot or pressure cooker
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Serving spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb mild or spicy Italian sausage casings removed
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 24 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 15 oz diced tomatoes with juices (canned)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 lb ziti pasta
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 3/4 cup ricotta cheese

Instructions
 

  • Place the Instant Pot stainless steel insert in the cooker and select Sauté.
  • Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the insert and heat, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onion is almost translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
  • Stir in 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning and 1 teaspoon dried oregano.
  • Add the Italian sausage (casings removed) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink and browned bits form on the bottom.
  • Press Cancel/Off. Add 1/4 cup water and scrape the browned bits from the bottom to deglaze the pot.
  • Add the ziti and 2 cups water and stir to combine.
  • Pour the 15 oz diced tomatoes (with juices) over the pasta, then add the 2 tablespoons tomato paste and the 24 oz crushed tomatoes; do not stir after adding the tomatoes.
  • Close the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Select Manual/High pressure and set the time for 6 minutes.
  • When the cook time ends, press Cancel/Off and carefully quick-release the pressure by moving the valve to Venting. When the lid can be opened, remove it.
  • Stir in 2 cups shredded mozzarella and 3/4 cup ricotta until melted and evenly combined.
  • Season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, then serve.

Notes

  • Nutrition varies by product used.
  • You can substitute penne for ziti.
  • Use ground beef or your preferred spiciness of Italian sausage.