I’ve got to say, the Instant Pot Penne Rustica is a game-changer in my kitchen. I mean, you get creamy penne, tender chicken, shrimp, and crispy prosciutto, all cooked in one pot. How cool is that? Plus, it only takes 5 minutes under pressure, which is perfect for those chaotic weeknights when you want a delicious meal but don’t have all evening. Trust me, you won’t want to miss the magic of that rich sauce. Ready to get started?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something truly delightful about whipping up a rich, creamy pasta dish in just one pot, isn’t there?
The instant pot penne rustica steals my heart every time. Imagine this: tender penne enveloped in a luscious sauce, with succulent chicken, flavorful shrimp, and a touch of prosciutto. It’s comfort food that can make a long day feel instantly lighter.
Plus, you don’t have dishes piling up in the sink. Talk about a win-win! All those savory flavors mingle together, and I can’t help but get excited every time it bubbles away.
Even if I mix up ingredients sometimes—who hasn’t forgotten the garlic?—it still turns out delicious.
Seriously, you’ve gotta try it. You won’t regret it.
Equipment List
To whip up this Instant Pot Penne Rustica, you’ll want to gather a few essential tools that make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
First off, of course, the Instant Pot is key—it’s like having a magic kitchen fairy.
Next, you’ll need a good chopping board and a sharp knife because nobody wants to wrestle with dull blades, right?
A measuring cup will keep me from pouring an avalanche of pasta or sauce, and a spatula is perfect for stirring things up.
Don’t forget a sturdy mixing bowl; things can get a bit messy otherwise.
Ultimately, keep a trusty ladle handy for serving—trust me, you’ll need it for that creamy sauce.
For the best results, consider investing in premium baking equipment to elevate your culinary creations.
Now, let’s get cooking!
Our Ingredients
When it comes to whipping up a delightful dish like Instant Pot Penne Rustica, the magic truly lies in the ingredients. You might’ve seen some fancy pasta recipes that require an entire grocery haul, but not this one. The beauty of this recipe is that it uses a mix of simple, fresh ingredients that work together to create an explosion of flavor.
Plus, who doesn’t love a dish that comes together in a flash, especially when pasta is involved? Imagine comforting, creamy pasta mixed with juicy chicken, succulent shrimp, and that irresistible Parmesan cheese—sounds dreamy, right? So, let’s dive right into the ingredients you’ll need to make this dish sing.
- 16 oz penne pasta
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 6 oz peeled, deveined shrimp
- 2 oz chopped prosciutto
- 1 shallot, diced
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 3 tbsp Marsala wine
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp rosemary
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp thyme
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan
- ½ cup milk
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Now, before you rush off to grab these ingredients, let’s pause for a moment to think about what makes some of these elements special. For instance, the Dijon mustard—it adds that punchy kick that can elevate the whole dish.
And if you can get your hands on fresh rosemary, your kitchen is going to smell like a dreamy Italian garden. But hey, if all you have are the dried herbs, that works too—just remember fresh ones tend to pack more flavor.
Oh, and don’t be afraid to adjust the salt and pepper to your taste; cooking is all about personal flair and making it your own. So, gather those goodies, and let’s get ready to create some culinary magic!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking up a storm in your Instant Pot can be a game changer, especially when it comes to sumptuous dishes like Instant Pot Penne Rustica. Trust me, mixing together the ingredients is a breeze, and before you know it, you’ll have a comforting, creamy pasta that’s sure to impress. Ready to jump in? Let’s get started with some easy-to-follow steps.
- Start by activating the sauté mode on your Instant Pot. Add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pot. Once it’s hot, toss in 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts that you’ve cut into bite-sized pieces. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, or until they’re lightly browned (we’re looking for that lovely golden hue).
- Now, introduce 6 ounces of peeled, deveined shrimp along with 2 ounces of chopped prosciutto, 1 diced shallot, and 2 tablespoons of minced garlic to the party. Sauté everything together for another 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turns pink and those shallots soften—ah, can you smell that? Delicious already.
- Add 16 ounces of penne pasta into the pot. Pour in 3 tablespoons of Marsala wine, 1½ cups of chicken broth, and 2 cups of water to give your pasta the perfect cooking liquid. Don’t forget to add 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard for that extra kick, along with 2 teaspoons of rosemary, ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of thyme, and ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Stir everything well until combined.
- Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. While you wait, maybe give yourself a little pep talk. You’ve got this; soon you’ll be dining like royalty!
- Once the time is up, use the quick release to release the pressure. Carefully open the lid—watch out for that steam! Stir the pasta mix gently, then pour in 2 cups of heavy whipping cream, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and ½ cup of milk. Give it a good stir until everything is combined.
- Now, there’s a little magic here: let the mixture simmer on the sauté mode for a few minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking. You want it to coat the pasta beautifully, not drench it—I mean, we want creamy, not soup!
- Finally, taste your creation. Feel free to adjust the salt and black pepper to suit your preference because this dish is all about you.
And there you have it, your very own Instant Pot Penne Rustica! It’s creamy, indulgent, and ready to win hearts and stomachs alike. Now, go ahead and serve it up hot, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top, and enjoy this delicious bowl of comfort. Happy cooking! Plus, using essential kitchen appliances can enhance your overall cooking experience.
Tips & Variations
While whipping up this Instant Pot Penne Rustica, don’t hesitate to let your creativity shine through with some fun tips and variations. If you’ve got basil lying around, sprinkle that in for an extra kick; it’ll make your dish sing.
Oh, and if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, swap the shrimp for some cooked sausage or toss in some spinach for extra greens. I mean, who can resist more color?
Just remember, if you’re not a fan of super creamy sauces, cut back on the heavy cream a bit. Don’t worry, nobody’s judging.
And, always taste as you go—it’s the best part of cooking, right? You’ll find your personal twist before you know it.
How to Serve?
Serving up a bowl of Instant Pot Penne Rustica feels like a cozy hug on a plate, doesn’t it?
When I dish it out, I like to sprinkle extra Parmesan on top—why not indulge a little? Sometimes, I toss a few fresh herbs for that pop of color and flavor.
I’ll grab a crusty piece of bread to soak up all that rich sauce; trust me, you’ll want to. If I’m feeling fancy, I might serve it alongside a crisp salad or a glass of chilled white wine.
Picture it: a casual dinner with friends, laughter floating in the air, and my Penne Rustica stealing the spotlight.
Who’s ready to dig in? It’s pure comfort in a bowl.
Storage & Reheating Guide
After enjoying a hearty bowl of Instant Pot Penne Rustica, you might find yourself with some leftovers.
Now, I know what you’re thinking—can pasta really taste good the next day? Spoiler alert: it absolutely can! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
When you’re ready to dive back in, just reheat it gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to revive that creamy goodness.
It’s also a great idea to consider soup freezer containers for longer storage if you plan on saving larger portions or other meals.
I’ve tried microwaving it, but it can get a bit dry, and who wants sad leftovers? So, stovetop it is!
This dish is so tasty; you might even find yourself hoping for leftovers after every meal. Enjoy your pasta adventure!
Final Thoughts
Cooking up a pot of Instant Pot Penne Rustica can feel a bit like magic in the kitchen, don’t you think? It’s one of those recipes that transforms humble ingredients into a comforting feast while saving time—something we all need.
I can’t help but smile when I think of how the creaminess hugs the pasta, making every bite an indulgence. The pressure pot is like my culinary superhero, swooping in to save dinner.
If you’ve ever burned water, trust me, you can master this dish. And hey, even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen, the simplicity is so forgiving.