Instant Pot Baked Ziti

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This Instant Pot Baked Ziti is your new go-to recipe for busy weeknights. Made with savory Italian sausage, tender ziti pasta, and gooey mozzarella cheese, it’s a family favorite that comes together in a fraction of the time. Don’t have an Instant Pot? Fret not…I’ve included the stovetop directions in the recipe card too.

Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Baked Ziti

I have a bit of an obsession with pasta + sauce + cheese. Spaghetti, Lasagna, Manicotti, Cannelloni, you name it, I love it. However, I typically don’t eat these kinds of meals very frequently because of how long they take to make. Baked Ziti included. But, ya’ll I found the cheat sheet, the magic sauce, the silver bullet. And that cheat sheet is called my pressure cooker.

I was super skeptical about cooking pasta IN the sauce IN the pressure cooker because I thought the only outcome would be mush. I was wrong. DEAD wrong.

Not only did I not get mush, but the sauce tasted slow-cooked, the pasta was cooked to al dente, it wasn’t watery or soupy in the least, and I stirred in plenty of fresh mozzarella to take this into heavenly realms. Oh, and did I mention it was ready in 25 minutes? It’s a great recipe!

If you don’t own a pressure cooker, never fear! Directions for making this on the stove are also included below. It obviously takes a little longer to make on the stove, but still equally delicious.

More Instant Pot recipes to try: Birria Tacos Instant Pot, Instant Pot Pork Chops, Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs, Cauliflower Soup (Instant Pot & Slow Cooker Directions), Instant Pot Risotto, Instant Pot Mac and Cheese.

Ingredients Needed For Instant Pot Baked Ziti

This is the easiest Instant Pot pasta recipe! Here’s everything you’ll need to make perfect Baked Ziti in a pressure cooker or on the stovetop!

• Sweet Italian Sausage – if you are vegetarian, simply leave this part out for a meatless baked ziti. The sweet Italian sausage brings so much flavor to this recipe.
• Olive Oil, Onion, and Garlic – all sautéed together for a great base.
• Diced Tomatoes – canned and ready to go! Easy right?
• Marinara Sauce – buy store-bought or use a homemade version.
• Water – the amount depends on whether you are using the stovetop or pressure cooker method.
• Dried Oregano, Bay Leaves, and Dried Basil – all the seasonings for a tasty Italian dish. You could instead use your favorite Italian Seasoning.
• Salt and Pepper – to taste.
• Ziti Pasta – you could also swap this out for penne pasta if you can’t find ziti pasta.
• Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese – double the cheese for twice the flavors! Yum!

Variations

• Ground Turkey or very Lean Ground Beef (97/3) instead of sausage for a leaner option.
• Whole Wheat Pasta for a healthier twist.
• Ricotta Cheese or Cottage Cheese or Heavy Cream mixed in for added creaminess.
• Chicken Broth instead of water for more flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes or finely diced red bell pepper for a spicy kick.

How to Make Instant Pot Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti in just 25 minutes? Yes please! For full recipe details, including ingredient measurements see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. Here is step-by-step instructions for making this recipe:

1. Brown Italian Sausage

Brown Italian Sausage in the Instant Pot using the Brown/Saute function, breaking apart as it cooks. Drain if needed.

2. Add Oil, Onion + Garlic

Add in olive oil, onion, and garlic to the bottom of the pot and sauté until mostly tender, about 3 minutes.

3. Add in Remaining Ingredients

Stir in diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, 2 1/2 cups of water, basil, oregano, bay leaves, salt, pepper, and uncooked pasta. Stir well. Ensure all the pasta is immersed in liquid (you don’t want any pasta sticking out of the top so it doesn’t cook).

Pro Tip: Ensure there’s enough liquid in the pressure cooker to avoid triggering the burn notice.

4. Add Instant Pot Lid + Set Cooking Function

Add the lid, lock in place, ensure pressure valve is not releasing pressure and switch cooking functions to ‘Beans/Chili’, ‘high pressure’ and set cooking time for 5 minutes.

5. Quick Release Pressure, Adjust Seasonings + Serve

Once the timer chimes, quick release pressure immediately. Give it a good stir, and adjust seasonings if needed. Stir in both cheeses and serve hot.

Stovetop Directions

If you don’t have an Instant Pot pressure cooker or similar, you can make this recipe on the stove top!

1. In a large pot, brown sausage, breaking apart as it cooks. Drain if needed. Replace back in the pan.
2. Add in olive oil, onion, and garlic and sauté until mostly tender, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, 1 cup of water (a reduced amount from the ingredients listed), basil, oregano, bay leaves, salt, black pepper. Stir well. Cover and simmer 20-30 minutes.
4. Toss sauce with cooked ziti. Stir in cheeses and serve.

Storing + Make Ahead Directions for Instant Pot Baked Ziti

Any leftovers you have can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days! Simply reheat in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

To Freeze: freeze cooked baked ziti in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

To Make Ahead: you can prepare the sauce and store it in the fridge. Add pasta and cook when ready to serve.

What to Serve with Baked Ziti

There are classic side dishes that go with any pasta dinner. Those are breadsticks and salad, so good. I have an entire blog post with side dish ideas for What To Serve With Baked Ziti. Here are a couple of my favorites that go with baked ziti!

• Craigo’s Breadsticks
• Caprese Salad with Garlic Balsamic Dressing
• Oven Roasted Asparagus Recipe
• Cheesy Garlic Bread Pull-Apart Rolls

Love Baked Ziti? Try these other pasta recipes!

If you loved this Baked Ziti recipe you’ll love these other baked pasta recipes.

• Baked Rigatoni Pasta
• Brown Butter Alfredo Baked Ravioli
• Baked Spaghetti Casserole
• Italian Herb Baked Cheesy Tortellini
• Classic Baked Ziti

This Instant Pot Baked Ziti recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It’s an easy, cheesy delight that the whole family will love! The printable recipe card is below, make sure to save it because it’s a good one. Enjoy friends! 🙂

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.