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- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream - 1 small onion, finely diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) If you need dairy-free options, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. For gluten-free pasta, select a gluten-free penne. You can also swap in vegetable broth for chicken broth, if you prefer. For a lighter dish, try using half-and-half in place of heavy cream. - Always choose fresh basil; it adds great flavor. - Use ripe, high-quality canned tomatoes for the best taste. - Store your pasta in a cool, dry place away from moisture. - Check the expiration dates on broth and cream for freshness. - Keep your garlic and onion in a dry, dark space to maintain flavor. Start by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add a splash of olive oil. Next, add the finely diced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion looks clear and smells great. Then, add the minced garlic. Stir for another 30 seconds. You want the garlic to smell good but not get brown. Now, pour in the penne pasta. Add the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth next. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Season with salt and pepper. Stir everything well. Make sure all the pasta is under the liquid. Next, secure the lid on the Instant Pot. Ensure the valve is set to sealing. Cook on manual high pressure for 5 minutes. When it’s done, turn the valve to venting for a quick release. After the steam stops, open the lid carefully. Gently stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream. Mix until it blends well. Then, fold in the roughly chopped basil leaves. Stir them through the pasta for a fresh taste. Now, taste the pasta. Add more salt and pepper if you think it needs more flavor. For a creamier dish, you can add more cream or a bit of reserved pasta water. Serve the creamy pasta hot in bowls. If you like, top each bowl with grated Parmesan cheese. You can also add extra fresh basil leaves for color and flavor. For a nice touch, include a piece of crusty bread on the side. It’s perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce! To make the best creamy tomato basil pasta, follow these tips: - Use penne pasta for its shape, which holds sauce well. - Always measure your liquid. Too little can lead to burnt pasta. - Stir the pasta well to ensure it cooks evenly. - Let the Instant Pot release pressure quickly to keep the pasta from overcooking. Watch out for these mistakes: - Don’t skip the sauté step. It adds flavor to your dish. - Avoid using too much cream at once. Add gradually for better control. - Don’t forget to adjust the seasoning. Taste is key to a great dish. - Don’t rush when adding the basil. It adds freshness and flavor. To boost creaminess, try these ideas: - Use full-fat coconut cream for a rich, dairy-free option. - Add more cream or a splash of pasta water for a silkier sauce. - Stir in grated cheese at the end for added richness. - Top with extra basil to enhance the creamy texture. These tips will help you create a delightful pasta dish that impresses everyone! {{image_4}} You can boost the protein in this dish easily. Try adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage. Just sauté the protein with the onion and garlic. If you want a meat-free option, use chickpeas or white beans. Both add protein and texture. Remember to adjust the cooking time if using raw meat. Cook it until it's fully done before adding the pasta. This recipe works great for vegetarians! Just skip the Parmesan cheese for serving. If you want it vegan, swap heavy cream for coconut cream. Use vegetable broth to keep it plant-based. You can also add more veggies, like spinach or bell peppers. They bring color and nutrients to your meal. To enhance the flavor, think about adding fresh herbs. A sprinkle of parsley or thyme can add a nice touch. You can toss in more garlic for a stronger taste. If you like spice, add more red pepper flakes. For a smoky flavor, try a dash of smoked paprika. These small changes can make a big difference in taste! After enjoying your pasta, store leftovers in an airtight container. Let it cool first. Place it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh. If you plan to eat it later, save some basil for garnish. To reheat, use the microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, place the pasta in a bowl. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps it warm evenly. If using the stovetop, add a splash of water to a pan. Heat on low, stirring until it’s warm. This keeps the pasta creamy. You can freeze this pasta for up to three months. To do this, let it cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container. For best results, divide into meal-sized portions. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned above. Remember, fresh basil should be added after reheating for the best flavor. Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta in this recipe. Look for penne made from rice or chickpeas. Keep in mind that gluten-free pasta may cook faster, so check it after 3 minutes under pressure. This helps prevent mushiness. You can use coconut cream for a dairy-free option. It gives a rich and creamy texture. Cashew cream is another great substitute. Simply blend soaked cashews with water until smooth. To prevent sticking, ensure all pasta is submerged in the liquid. Stir well before sealing the pot. Using enough sauce helps too. Adding a bit of oil to the sauté step can also help. A natural release usually takes about 10 minutes. After cooking, let the pot sit without touching the valve. This helps the flavors meld and the pasta finish cooking perfectly. Yes, you can make this dish in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It tastes even better the next day, as the flavors deepen. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to keep it creamy. In this blog post, I covered key ingredients and tips for making a great pasta dish. You learned about main ingredients and useful substitutes. I walked you through step-by-step instructions to ensure ease and success. We also explored variations and how to store leftovers. Remember, with practice, you’ll perfect your pasta skills. Embrace your creativity with flavors, adjustments, and choices. Cooking can be fun and rewarding, so dive in and enjoy every bite.

Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta! This quick and easy recipe combines penne pasta, crushed tomatoes, and a rich creamy sauce, all cooked perfectly in your Instant Pot. With just a few simple ingredients like garlic, basil, and optional Parmesan, you can create a comforting meal in minutes. Click through for full instructions and make this delicious dish tonight!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz (340g) penne pasta

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 cup vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for a dairy-free alternative)

1 small onion, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

Sauté the Aromatics:

    - Start by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Once heated, add a splash of olive oil along with the finely diced onion. Sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

      - Next, incorporate the minced garlic into the pot, stirring for an additional 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

        Incorporate the Pasta:

          - Carefully pour the penne pasta into the pot, followed by the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until well combined, ensuring that all the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid.

            Pressure Cook:

              - Secure the Instant Pot lid and ensure the valve is set to sealing. Cook on manual high pressure for 5 minutes. When the cook time concludes, perform a quick release of pressure by turning the valve to venting.

                Stir in Cream and Basil:

                  - After the pressure has been released and it is safe to open the lid, gently stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream), mixing until it is well incorporated. Fold in the roughly chopped basil leaves, stirring them through the pasta.

                    Adjust Seasoning:

                      - Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as necessary, adding more salt and pepper if desired. For a richer creamy texture, consider adding more cream or a splash of reserved pasta water.

                        Serve:

                          - Serve the creamy pasta hot in bowls, topping each serving with grated Parmesan cheese if you choose. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves for brightness and flavor.

                            Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 4 servings

                              - Presentation Tips: For an inviting presentation, serve in deep bowls and finish with a light sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper along with extra basil leaves for color. Including a piece of crusty bread on the side is highly recommended for enjoying the creamy sauce!