Cooking pasta in the Instant Pot is so easy! Get a printable chart for how long to cook pasta types and how to cook different types of pasta at once. I'm also sharing an easy way to turn it into a complete Instant Pot pasta dinner with tomato meat sauce!
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Cooking pasta in the Instant Pot is one of my favorite ways to skip the big pot of boiling water. Add the dry pasta and water to the pressure cooker, set the cook time, and in just a few minutes you have tender pasta ready for sauce, pasta salad, or dinner. This is a game-changer for making recipes like my street corn pasta salad, or this Viral Tik Tok Pasta.
The trick to making great Instant Pot pasta is using just enough water to cook the noodles without drowning them, choosing the right pressure-cooking time for the pasta shape, and being careful not to overcook it.
I've included my easy pasta cooking-time chart below so you can quickly find a starting time for spaghetti, penne, macaroni, rotini, rigatoni, and more.
Quick Guide to Cooking Pasta in the Instant Pot
For a basic batch of Instant Pot pasta...
- Add dry pasta to the Instant Pot.
- Add enough water to just barely cover the pasta.
- Season lightly with salt and add a little olive oil, if desired.
- Pressure cook on High Pressure using the cooking-time chart below.
- When the cook cycle ends, allow the pressure to release naturally for 2 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure. This is the release method I use with the cooking times in the chart below. Always follow the pressure-release instructions for your specific Instant Pot model.
- Open the pot, stir the pasta well, and let it sit for a minute or two if there is a little water left.
That's it! No separate pot of boiling water and, in many cases, no draining.
How Much Water Do You Need for Instant Pot Pasta?
You don't need nearly as much water as you would when boiling pasta on the stove.
The goal is to barely cover the dry pasta with water.
For the batches I typically make, this is a helpful starting point:
| Dry Pasta | Water |
|---|---|
| 8 oz pasta | About 2 cups |
| 12 oz pasta | About 3 cups |
| 16 oz pasta | About 4 cups |
The pasta measurement is by weight, while the water measurement is by volume.
For example, if you're cooking 8 ounces of dry penne, start with about 2 cups of water. The exact amount can vary a little bit depending on the shape of the noodles and how they sit in the pot.
The most important visual cue is simple: the pasta should be under water, but just barely.
Having a few pieces sticking slightly above the water is totally fine.
Using less water means the Instant Pot can come to pressure quicker, and there is often little or no water to drain once the pasta is done cooking.
Can I Use Broth Instead of Water?
Absolutely! Chicken or vegetable broth can add a ton of flavor to your pasta. Just remember that broth can already contain a good bit of salt, so season the pasta lightly before pressure cooking.
You can also make your own Instant Pot chicken stock to keep on hand for recipes like this.
How Much Pasta Can You Cook in an Instant Pot?
For my 6-quart Instant Pot, I like cooking medium-sized batches rather than filling the pot with a huge amount of pasta. An 8- to 16-ounce batch is a good amount for most everyday meals.
Pasta expands and foams as it cooks, so don't fill the Instant Pot above the ½-fill line when cooking pasta. If your pasta and cooking liquid would go above that line, cook a smaller batch instead. If you need a huge amount of pasta, two smaller batches will give you more consistent results than overfilling the pressure cooker.
How Long to Cook Pasta in the Instant Pot
Most dry pasta actually cooks pretty quickly under pressure. The exact time depends on the thickness and shape of the noodles. Thin pasta, like angel hair, needs much less time than thick pastas, like penne, ziti, or rigatoni.
These are the starting times I use for al dente Instant Pot pasta:
Instant Pot Pasta Cooking Time Chart
| Type of Pasta | Pressure Cook Time |
| Angel Hair | 1 minute |
| Spaghetti | 2 minutes |
| Fettuccine | 3 minutes |
| Linguine | 3 minutes |
| Rotini | 3 minutes |
| Macaroni | 3 minutes |
| Penne | 4 minutes |
| Ziti | 4 minutes |
| Rigatoni | 4 minutes |
These times are for traditional dry pasta cooked on High Pressure, followed by a 2-minute natural release and then a quick release of the remaining pressure. That's the method I use when testing the cooking times in this chart.
Different brands can vary in thickness; when in doubt, start with the shorter cook time. You can always let slightly undercooked pasta sit in the hot liquid for another minute after opening the pot. It's much harder to rescue pasta that's turned mushy!
How to Cook Pasta in the Instant Pot (Step by Step)
Here's the full method I use for making plain pasta in the pressure cooker.
Step 1: Add Pasta and Water to the Instant Pot
Pour your dry pasta into the Instant Pot liner. Add enough water to just barely cover the noodles. For 8 ounces of dry pasta, I typically start with about 2 cups of water.
Don't worry if a couple of pieces are sticking a little above the surface. The noodles will move around a little as the Instant Pot comes to pressure.
Step 2: Add Salt and Olive Oil
Season the water lightly with salt. Because most or all of this cooking liquid stays with the pasta instead of being drained away like traditional pasta water, you don't need to salt it as much as you would a big pot of boiling water.
You can also add a little drizzle of olive oil.
I like using a little oil when pressure cooking pasta because it can help with foaming and keep the noodles from clumping up as much.
Step 3: Pressure Cook the Pasta
Lock the Instant Pot lid into place and set the pot to High Pressure.
Choose the cooking time based on the chart above.
As a general guide:
- Thin pasta (like angel hair) needs about 1 minute.
- Spaghetti needs about 2 minutes.
- Macaroni, rotini, linguine, and fettuccine usually need about 3 minutes.
- Penne, ziti, and rigatoni usually need about 4 minutes.
Remember - the pasta is also heating while the Instant Pot comes to pressure, so the total time in the pot is longer than the number displayed on the setting screen.
Step 4: Release the Pressure Carefully
Once the pressure-cooking cycle is finished, leave the Instant Pot sealed and allow the pressure to release naturally for 2 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure. This is the release method I use when testing the pasta cooking times above.
If starchy liquid starts sputtering from the valve while you're releasing the pressure, stop venting and give the pot more time (another 2 minutes or so) before trying again.
Always follow the pressure-release instructions for your specific Instant Pot model, and keep your hands and face away from the steam-release area while the pot is pressurized.
Step 5: Stir the Pasta
Once the pressure is completely released and it is safe to open the lid, stir the pasta well. Don't panic if you see a little bit of water in the bottom of the pot.
As the pasta is stirred and rests for another minute or two, the remaining starch usually helps absorb and thicken that moisture.
Then, you can add your favorite sauce or use the pasta in another recipe.
How to Cook Spaghetti in the Instant Pot
Spaghetti and other long noodles take a little more attention because they can stick together more easily.
- Break the spaghetti in half if needed so it fits comfortably in the Instant Pot.
- Instead of dropping all of the noodles in one bundle, spread them around the pot in different directions. This helps keep them from cooking into one big clump.
- Add enough water to cover the noodles as evenly as possible.
- For standard dry spaghetti, I usually start with about 2 minutes on High Pressure, followed by a 2-minute natural release and then a quick release of the remaining pressure.
- Once the pasta is finished, stir it immediately so the strands separate.
- The same method can be used for linguine and fettuccine, although those thicker noodles may need a little bit more cooking time.
How to Cook Different Types of Pasta at the Same Time
Here's one of my favorite Instant Pot pasta tricks!
If you have a few partially used boxes of pasta in the pantry, you can cook different shapes at the same time using a divided steamer basket.
This is perfect for family pasta night when everyone wants something different.
I might have a little penne, some whole wheat rotini, and half a bag of macaroni left over. Instead of making three separate pots, I can cook them together.
How to Cook Multiple Pasta Shapes
Put each type of pasta in its own pressure-cooker-safe steamer basket. Place the baskets inside the Instant Pot liner and add water until the pasta is just covered. Season lightly with salt and add a little olive oil if you'd like.
Choose your cooking time based on the pasta in the pot that needs the shortest reasonable cooking time. Because different shapes cook at different speeds, the finished textures may vary a little bit. Once the pasta is cooked and the pressure has released safely, carefully remove the baskets using oven mitts.
This is such a fun way to serve several types of pasta with different sauces, vegetables, or proteins!
Can You Cook Pasta and Sauce Together in the Instant Pot?
You definitely can! It's easy to turn this basic Instant Pot pasta method into a complete one-pot dinner. One of the most simple versions is Instant Pot spaghetti with ground beef and jarred tomato sauce.
Variation: Instant Pot Pasta With Meat Sauce
- Set the Instant Pot to Sauté and add a little oil.
- Add 1 chopped onion and 1 pound of ground beef, Italian sausage, ground turkey, or ground pork, season with salt and pepper to taste, then cook until the meat is browned and the onion is tender, draining any excess grease if needed.
- Add 24oz of tomato pasta sauce and enough additional water for the pasta to cook (about 2 cups). Then add 8oz of spaghetti, arranging the noodles so they aren't sitting together in one tight bundle.
- Pressure cook on High Pressure for 2 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 2 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure, following the release instructions for your specific Instant Pot model.
- Stir everything together before serving. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and dinner is done.
What About Alfredo or Cream-Based Sauces?
I don't recommend pressure cooking pasta directly in a heavy cream-based sauce. If you want creamy Instant Pot pasta, pressure cook the noodles with the appropriate thin cooking liquid first, then stir in the cream, cheese, Alfredo sauce, or other creamy ingredients after the pressure has been released and the pasta is cooked.
This will give you much more control over the finished texture!
If you're interested in trying a few more Instant Pot pasta recipes, I'd recommend this Sun-Dried Tomato Creamy Chicken Pasta (one of my favorites!) or Chili Onion Crunch Pasta (great if you love spice).
Step-by-Step Video
FAQs & Troubleshooting
More Easy Pasta Recipes
Instant Pot Pasta
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of your choice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoon olive oil
- water (just to cover pasta)
Instructions
- Add the pasta and water. Add 8 ounces of dry pasta to the Instant Pot, then pour in about 2 cups of water. The pasta should be barely covered; it's fine if a few pieces stick slightly above the water.
- Season. Season lightly with salt. Add a small drizzle of olive oil, if desired.
- Pressure cook. Lock the lid in place and select Pressure Cook/Manual on High Pressure. Use the cooking time that matches your pasta: angel hair, 1 minute; spaghetti, 2 minutes; fettuccine, linguine, rotini, or macaroni, 3 minutes; penne, ziti, or rigatoni, 4 minutes.
- Naturally release the pressure. When the cooking cycle ends, leave the pot sealed and allow the pressure to release naturally for 2 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure. Follow the pressure-release instructions for your specific Instant Pot model.
- Stir and serve. Carefully open the lid and stir the pasta well. If a little water remains, let the pasta sit for 1-2 minutes; the noodles and starch will usually absorb the extra moisture. Add your favorite sauce or use the pasta in another recipe.
Notes
- Water ratio: Start with about 2 cups water for 8 ounces pasta, 3 cups for 12 ounces, or 4 cups for 16 ounces. The pasta measurement is by weight; the water measurement is by volume.
- Don't overfill: Pasta expands and foams while cooking, so keep pasta and liquid below the ½-fill line.
- Cooking times are starting points. Pasta thickness varies by shape and brand, so start with the shorter time when you're unsure.
- For spaghetti and other long noodles: Break the noodles in half if needed and spread them around the pot in different directions instead of adding them in one tight bundle.
- Whole wheat pasta: I use the same starting times as traditional dry pasta.
- Gluten-free pasta: I prefer cooking gluten-free pasta on the stovetop because it can become mushy very quickly under pressure.
- Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth can be substituted for the water. Season lightly if your broth already contains salt.
- Larger batches: I cook up to 16 ounces at a time in my 6-quart Instant Pot, as long as the pasta and liquid remain below the ½-fill line.
- Follow this chart for estimated pasta cooking times:
Angel Hair 1 minute Standard Spaghetti 2 minutes Linguine/Fettuccine 3 minutes Rotini 3 minutes Macaroni 3 minutes Penne 4 minutes Ziti 4 minutes Rigatoni 4 minutes
Nutrition Facts
Leslie Lambert is a lifestyle writer and content creator specializing in home organization, family recipes, and intentional living. With 17 years of experience in blogging and digital storytelling, she helps busy women create calm, purposeful homes they love.
We really enjoyed this recipe! It was so easy to follow!
Love these recipes. Have you tried fresh pasta?
Hi John, I haven't in the instant pot. Fresh pasta usually requires much less cooking time, so not sure it would translate to pressure cooking. But I would love to give it a try!
Are the cooking times on the table for high under the pressure cook setting? Thanks!
Yes, all of those are for high pressure.
I just got done making this for my fur-babies, so I had to make a few changes for the obvious reasons. This was my first time making it in my instant pot and holy cow what a difference. I have to say my sweet little blessings absolutely love it. I didn’t add onions and I used a little ground plain pork, 80/20 ground beef, and about 1/8 cup of beef liver and made my own spaghetti sauce. Thank You for sharing this recipe using an instant pot, it has become my absolute favorite pot and it really does make a huge difference. Thank you for all the step by steps, it was very informative and helpful. Unlike some other recipes that I’ve found from other people. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Hi there. I can't wait to try this and will post back, when I do. I just have a question first. When you say double the oz for the pasta to water ratio, I want to make sure I understand. Water is liquid ounces by volume and pasta comes in ounces by weight, not by volume. I want to make sure that I understand you are ignoring the volume in pasta and are using the weight? I'm sure you must be but I just wanted to ask, first.
Yes, double the liquid ounces of the weight ounces of pasta. So if I cook 8oz of pasta by weight, I would use 16 liquid ounces of water. Sorry for the confusion!
Need to cut salt down to 1 teaspoon. Otherwise very simple and easy.
Can you cook 16oz in an instant pot? I have a large family and cooking it twice seems time consuming.
That shouldn't be an issue as long as you have at least a 6 quart Instant Pot! I wouldn't go above 16 ounces of pasta though.
I tried this method with penne pasta so that I could cook outside using the instant pot -it's too hot to add heat in the kitchen! I paired it with Ina Garten's Summer Pasta marinated tomato "sauce" which just marinates rather than cooks. Hooray for no heat! The method worked beautifully, and the only thing I would change is to add far less salt to the pasta water. My pasta turned out so salty that I ended up rinsing it to try to remove some, and I didn't even use the recommended amount. I will try using about 1/4 -1/3 the amount of salt. Overall though, great information and that I especially appreciate on hot day! I look forward to trying this for other pastas. Thank you!
❤️ love this! What a wonderful simplification of a tedious step in cooking pasta 😋 The olive oil is genius for keeping the bubbles down!
Thank You ☺️