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How to Cook One Box of Penne Pasta in Your Instant Pot!

How to Cook One Box of Penne Pasta in Your Instant Pot!

By Mona - Far From The Farm
May 12, 2026
Learn this easy mess-free Instant Pot method for cooking penne pasta in minutes and never make pasta on the stovetop again!
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Makes: 6 (1 x 1lb box of penne serves 4 - 6)
Approximate cost $1.50
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Additional Time 10 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings: 6 (1 x 1lb box of penne serves 4 - 6)
Course: Dinner, Ingredient, Pasta, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian, Pasta
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb penne pasta - (16 oz / 454g)
  • 4 cups water - (32 fl oz / 946ml)

Equipment

  • Instant Pot 6 or 8 qt pressure cooker or other pressure cooker
  • Measuring jug
  • Silicone spatula
  • colander

Method
 

  1. Add the dry penne pasta and water to the insert of your Instant Pot.
  2. Spread the pasta evenly so most pieces are fully covered by water.
  3. Place the insert back into the Instant Pot. Close the lid and set the valve to SEAL.
  4. Cook on HIGH pressure for:
    5 minutes for softer pasta
    4 minutes for al dente pasta
  5. Carefully perform a QUICK RELEASE when cooking finishes.
  6. Open the lid and stir immediately to help prevent sticking.
  7. Drain using a colander.
  8. Serve immediately plain or with butter, olive oil, parmesan, or your favorite pasta sauce.

Video

Notes

  • Different pasta brands can cook slightly differently.
  • Penne holds up really well in the Instant Pot compared to thinner noodles.
  • This method works beautifully for meal prep.
  • You can double the recipe in an 8 qt Instant Pot if needed.
  • Stirring immediately after cooking helps prevent sticking. 
 

Storage

  • Store leftover cooked pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • You can toss leftovers with a tiny bit of olive oil before refrigerating to help reduce sticking.
  • Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water or sauce to help bring the texture back.
 

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Nutrition

Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 10gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 12mgPotassium: 169mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gCalcium: 21mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.