Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pour the dry Cellentani (Cavatappi) pasta into the insert of your Instant Pot.Spread the pasta fairly evenly across the bottom of the pot instead of leaving it piled in one mound.
- Pour 4 cups of water over the pasta.Check that the pasta is fully covered with water. Add up to 1/2 cup more water if needed depending on your pressure cooker and pasta brand.
- Using your hands, a silicone spatula or spoon, gently press the pasta down into the water so most of it is submerged.
- Secure the lid and make sure the valve is turned to SEAL.The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure before the cooking timer begins counting down.
- Pressure cook on HIGH pressure for:5 minutes for softer fully cooked pasta4 minutes for firmer al dente pastaTip: For pasta salad, the 4 minute timing works especially well.
- As soon as the cooking time finishes, carefully perform a QUICK RELEASE.Keep hands and face away from the steam vent.
- Once the pressure pin drops, carefully open the lid.Stir the pasta immediately using a silicone spatula to help separate the curly pieces and prevent sticking.
- Pour the cooked pasta into a colander and drain off the extra water.A small amount of leftover water is completely normal depending on the pasta brand.
- Serve immediately with garlic butter, parsley, parmesan, Alfredo sauce, marinara, pesto, shredded cheese, or your favorite pasta sauce.For pasta salad, rinse briefly under cool water, drain well, and toss with dressing and add-ins.
Video
Notes
- Cellentani (Cavatappi) is a curly corkscrew pasta shape that holds sauces and dressings really well.
- Use enough water to fully cover the pasta before cooking.
- 5 minutes gives softer pasta for hot dinners and side dishes.
- 4 minutes gives firmer pasta that works well for pasta salads.
- Drain immediately after cooking.
- Stirring right away helps prevent clumping.
- This method works best with a 6 qt or 8 qt Instant Pot.
Storage
- Store leftover cooked cellentani (cavatappi) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For plain pasta, toss it with a tiny drizzle of olive oil before storing to help reduce sticking.
- Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water, broth, sauce, or a little melted butter.
- For pasta salad, chill the cooked pasta completely before adding creamy dressings or mayo-based sauces.
Related Recipes
- Try all our Easy Instant Pot Recipes!
- Learn more simple hacks in our Instant Pot 101 Series!
- Check out our Pasta Recipes too!
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.