This Instant Pot Penne Pasta is fresh, saucy, and loaded with healthy vegetables! Ready in about 15 minutes, and the pasta cooks under pressure. This is a simple and healthy meal, and perfect for those nights when you are too busy to cook… the Instant Pot does all the work for you.
This Instant Pot Penne Recipe Is:
- Bright
- Fresh
- Saucy
- Hearty
- Satisfying
- Versatile
- Vegan, Vegetarian, and Gluten Free
- Ready in about 15 minutes
This recipe for pasta in the Instant Pot is what I call an Easy Weeknight Meal – which is on your table in about 30 minutes. These quick and simple recipes are perfect for those nights when you want a healthy homecooked meal but don’t hours to spend in the kitchen . I have a whole section of this site dedicated to Easy Weeknight Meals, that are great for the whole family. From soups and stews, to pastas and proteins – a healthy meal can be on your table in no time. Even faster than ordering takeout!
What’s In This Instant Pot Penne Recipe?
- Penne Pasta: use gluten free if you avoid wheat – you can use regular or whole wheat pasta too if you aren’t GF
- Tomatoes: I use a lot of tomatoes in this recipe for a nice depth of flavor. This Instant Pot Pasta sauce has both diced tomatoes and canned tomato paste.
- Olive Oil: for richness and a creamy texture
- Garlic: becuase can you even eat pasta without garlic?
- Zucchini: I chopped up a zucchini for this recipe, but you can use any fresh chopped vegetable you have on hand.
- Kale: Also picked some kale for the garden to go in this pasta, but you can use spinach or another leafy green instead of kale.
- Spices: oregano, basil, salt, and red pepper flakes!
- Water: which both cooks the pasta, and also makes this recipe extra saucy and delicious!
This vegan one pot pasta recipe is so simple to cook, all it takes is a few pushed buttons are you are done! It’s a versatile recipe too: if you don’t have zucchini or kale, you can substitite any other fresh vegetable of your choice: roasted red peppers and spinach, or peas and arugula would be delicious combinations too!
How Do I Make This Vegan Instant Pot Pasta Recipe?
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except for the penne. Stir well to combine until sauce becomes an even consistency.
- Add the dried penne pasta to the bottom of the Instant Pot. Pour the sauce over the pasta. Do not stir. Lock lid, and set to Pressure Cook for 5 minutes.
- Quick release the steam, taking care not to put your hands or face near the steam valve.
- Once steam has vented and the pressure valve has gone down, stir the pasta. It will continue to thicken for a few minutes.
- Serve with a side of fresh garlic bread and too with nooch or parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Dietary Modifications
This penne pasta recipe is naturally vegan, gluten free, vegetarian, and refined sugar free!
To make this oil free, simply leave out the olive oil and add some white wine or vegetable stock instead.
For a low sodium version, make sure the tomatoes are no salt added (we only buy no salt added canned vegetables!) and skip the salt in the sauce. Between the aromatic spices, fresh vegetables, and the richness from the tomatoes you won’t miss the sauce! You could also stir in a scoop of homemade pesto to boost the flavor.
Other Healthy 30 Minute Pasta Recipes You’ll Love!
Creamy Vegan Hummus Pasta (Gluten Free, Pantry Staple Recipe)
Vegan Mediterranean One Pot Pasta (Gluten Free, Dairy Free)
Cold Asian Noodle Salad (Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free)
Creamy Tahini Alfredo Sauce (Vegan, Gluten Free, Pantry Staple Recipe)
Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff (Vegan, Gluten Free, Non-Dairy)
As always, if you make this vegan Instant Pot Penne Pasta recipe be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe, and tag me on Instagram so I can feature you. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!
Don’t forget to follow over on Pinterest & Instagram – I’d love to connect with you there!
Instant Pot Penne Pasta Recipe (Vegan, GF)
Ingredients
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup diced zucchini
- 1 cup chopped kale or spinach
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 cups water
- 8 ounces dried penne use gluten free
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except for the penne. Stir well to combine until sauce becomes an even consistency.
- Add the dried penne pasta to the bottom of the Instant Pot. Pour the sauce over the pasta. Do not stir. Lock lid, and set to Pressure Cook for 5 minutes.
- Quick release the steam, taking care not to put your hands or face near the steam valve.
- Once steam has vented and the pressure valve has gone down, stir the pasta. It will continue to thicken for a few minutes.
- Serve with a side of fresh garlic bread and too with nooch or parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
I love pasta and adding those healthy vegetables adds to this delicious recipe