If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that fits into your busy weeknight schedule, look no further than Creamy Instant Pot Pasta with Broccoli. This dreamy dish wraps tender pasta and fresh broccoli in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, all done in one pot with barely any effort or cleanup. It’s the sort of meal that feels like a hug after a long day, and you can have it ready to serve with just a handful of everyday pantry staples. Let’s dive in—you’re going to fall in love with how simple and rewarding this recipe truly is!

Creamy Instant Pot Pasta with Broccoli Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creamy Instant Pot Pasta with Broccoli celebrates the beauty of everyday ingredients, and each one has a special purpose in making the final dish truly mouthwatering. Here’s what you’ll need, along with why each addition matters for the flavor, texture, or pop of color in every bite.

Olive oil: Adds rich flavor and a silky base for sautéing your aromatics.
Minced garlic: No pasta dish is complete without that punch of garlicky goodness—use plenty!
Dried oregano: Adds a subtle herbal note that pairs well with creamy sauces.
Garlic powder: Boosts the overall garlicky depth without overpowering the other flavors.
Broccoli florets: For color, crunch, nutrition, and a pop of fresh flavor throughout the dish.
Uncooked penne pasta: Classic tube-shaped pasta cooks up perfectly al dente in the Instant Pot.
Vegetable broth: Infuses the pasta with savory undertones that keep the sauce flavorful.
Heavy cream: Creates that ultra-creamy, decadent sauce that makes the dish so satisfying.
Kosher salt and cracked black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for nutty, cheesy richness—use the real stuff for the best flavor!
Fresh chopped parsley: A bright finishing touch that adds color and a hint of freshness.
Extra shredded Parmesan cheese: Perfect for topping the finished pasta if you love a little extra cheesy bite.
Red pepper flakes: Optional but fantastic for a little heat and extra depth.

How to Make Creamy Instant Pot Pasta with Broccoli

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

Start by turning your Instant Pot to the sauté function, then drizzle in the olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your minced garlic, dried oregano, garlic powder, and a couple pinches of salt and freshly cracked pepper. This step is where your kitchen starts to smell amazing—let everything sizzle for about a minute, stirring frequently, just until the garlic becomes fragrant without burning.

Step 2: Add Broccoli & Deglaze

If you see little brown bits sticking to the bottom, no worries—it’s flavor! Simply splash in a bit of vegetable broth to help loosen and deglaze the pan so nothing sticks. Immediately add your bite-sized broccoli florets to soak up those savory flavors.

Step 3: Layer in Pasta and Liquids

Now it’s time for the stars of the show! Gently pour in the uncooked penne pasta, then add the remaining vegetable broth and creamy heavy cream. Don’t forget a couple more generous pinches of salt and pepper to ensure every piece of pasta is perfectly seasoned. Give everything a good stir to combine.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Seal the Instant Pot and set it for 4 minutes of high pressure. That’s it—four minutes is all it takes for perfectly cooked pasta and just-tender broccoli, with all the flavors mingling together beautifully under pressure.

Step 5: Quick Release & Rest

Once the timer goes off, carefully use the quick-release vent to let the steam out—all the smells escaping at this point will make your mouth water. After removing the lid, stir the pasta once, then let the pot sit uncovered for about 3 minutes. This little pause helps the sauce thicken slightly, so your Creamy Instant Pot Pasta with Broccoli is silky and luscious.

Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Seasoning

Sprinkle in the freshly shredded Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce. The result? Absolute creamy bliss. Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately while everything is piping hot, and get ready for rave reviews!

How to Serve Creamy Instant Pot Pasta with Broccoli

Garnishes

A finishing sprinkle of chopped parsley and extra shredded Parmesan cheese brings fresh color and extra savory depth right before serving. If you love a bit of a kick, don’t hesitate to add a pinch of red pepper flakes—they highlight the richness of the sauce while inviting just a little extra excitement to each bite.

Side Dishes

Creamy Instant Pot Pasta with Broccoli is wonderful on its own, but it also pairs perfectly with a simple green salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette or crispy garlic bread for that extra crunch. If you’re serving a crowd, a platter of roasted veggies or a bright tomato salad complements the creamy, cheesy goodness and adds a lovely contrast in texture.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, swirl the pasta onto plates for a restaurant-style look and top with “cheese snow” by grating Parmesan right before serving. If you want to make it even more hearty, try adding in sautéed mushrooms or grilled chicken. Another fun way is serving the pasta in individual bowls with a build-your-own topping bar—a sprinkle of nuts or crispy breadcrumbs can provide extra crunch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover Creamy Instant Pot Pasta with Broccoli to room temperature, then pack it into airtight containers. Refrigerate and enjoy within 3-4 days for the best flavor and texture. The sauce may thicken slightly, but a splash of cream or broth when reheating brings it right back to life.

Freezing

While you technically can freeze this pasta, dairy-based sauces sometimes separate after thawing. If you plan to freeze, let the pasta cool completely and transfer to freezer-safe containers. When it’s time to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before gently reheating.

Reheating

To reheat Creamy Instant Pot Pasta with Broccoli, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream and stirring to restore its creamy texture. Stir frequently and heat just until hot—overheating can make the sauce separate or become a little oily.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is classic for Creamy Instant Pot Pasta with Broccoli, other short shapes like rigatoni, rotini, or fusilli work just as well—just make sure to use a similar cook time so the texture stays perfect.

Can I swap the heavy cream for a lighter option?

For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind the sauce will be less rich and a bit thinner. Sometimes, a tablespoon of cream cheese stirred in at the end can help thicken things up if needed.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking or burning in the Instant Pot?

Deglazing the pot with broth after sautéing your garlic is key—make sure there are no bits stuck on the bottom before you add the pasta and liquids. Stir well before sealing and give everything a good mix after cooking.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Definitely! Creamy Instant Pot Pasta with Broccoli is a great canvas for cooked shredded chicken, cooked sausage, sautéed mushrooms, or even some crispy chickpeas if you want to keep it vegetarian but heartier.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

It’s a hit with kids and adults alike! If your family prefers, you can chop the broccoli extra small or skip the red pepper flakes to keep things mild and creamy.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give Creamy Instant Pot Pasta with Broccoli a spot in your meal rotation—it’s fast, comforting, and always a winner at the table. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up and how flavorful every creamy, cheesy bite turns out. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to dinner for rushed weeknights or cozy weekends alike!

Creamy Instant Pot Pasta with Broccoli Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 11 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in a rich and creamy pasta dish with a pop of freshness from broccoli, all made effortlessly in the Instant Pot. This Creamy Instant Pot Pasta with Broccoli is a comforting and satisfying meal that comes together in no time.

Instructions

Turn on Sauté Function: Turn Instant Pot to the sauté function and add olive oil.
Sauté Aromatics: Sauté minced garlic, oregano, and garlic powder with salt and pepper for a minute. Stir frequently.
Add Broccoli: Add a splash of broth to deglaze the pan if needed. Add broccoli.
Add Pasta and Liquid: Add pasta, remaining broth, and heavy cream with salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
Cook: Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.
Release Pressure: Use the quick-release vent and let the steam out.
Rest: Remove the lid, let it sit for 3 minutes.
Finish: Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper. Serve and enjoy!