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baked ziti pasta in a white bowl.
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Meatless Baked Ziti in Instant Pot

This Meatless Baked Ziti in Instant Pot is the perfect easy weeknight dinner—creamy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious! Best of all, it’s ready in just 30 minutes!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword instant pot baked ziti, meatless baked ziti, vegetarian baked ziti
Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 17 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 3 Servings
Calories 664kcal
Author Maria Doss

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic chopped
  • 1 ½ cups marinara sauce (I used Prego - tomato, basil & garlic)
  • 1 cup chicken stock (I used 33% less sodium)
  • ½ + ⅛ teaspoon salt or use according to taste
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 8 ounces ziti pasta
  • ¼ cup ricotta cheese
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella divided
  • 2 tablespoons grated paremsan
  • fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

  • Set Instant pot to saute setting. When hot, add olive oil and then chopped onion and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently for 2 minutes, until translucent. 
  • Press cancel and then stir in the marinara sauce, stock, salt, Italian seasoning and pepper. Give a good mix.
  • Place the pasta on top and gently press it into the sauce, making sure that they are mostly immersed into the sauce. Don't stir the pasta!
  • Close and lock the lid, making sure the valve is in the sealed position. Cook on manual for 6 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix the ricotta and heavy cream until smooth and well combined. Stir in ½ cup of mozzarella and set aside. This simple step adds a rich, creamy touch to the pasta.
  • Quick-release the pressure as soon as the cooking time ends. Open the lid and gently stir in the ricotta mixture.
    Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh basil over the top. Close the lid for 2–3 minutes to let the cheeses melt. Serve and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Tomato Sauce – I used Prego (tomato, basil & garlic), but feel free to use your favorite. Just adjust the salt based on the sauce’s seasoning.
Stock – I used 33% less sodium chicken stock. If using regular or no-sodium stock, adjust the salt to taste.
Vegetarian Option – Use vegetable stock to keep the dish fully vegetarian.
Salt – The amount needed will vary depending on your choice of sauce and stock. Taste and adjust as needed.
 
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1 Serving | Calories: 664kcal | Carbohydrates: 71g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 1496mg | Potassium: 741mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1202IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 335mg | Iron: 3mg