Instant Pot Baked Ziti
A comforting one-pot meal featuring ziti pasta, savory Italian sausage, rich marinara sauce, and melty cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 24 ounces marinara sauce Use a high-quality marinara for best flavor.
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Divided into two portions.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Set your Instant Pot to the sauté mode. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the ziti pasta, marinara sauce, water, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir everything together to combine well.
Cooking
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set it to pressure cook on high for 8 minutes.
- After cooking, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes before quickly releasing any remaining pressure by turning the valve.
Finishing Touches
- Open the lid and stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese until well combined.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Close the lid again and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
Serving
- Serve the baked ziti hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
You can personalize your Baked Ziti by adding vegetables, trying different pasta shapes, or experimenting with various cheeses. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.