Creamy Instant Pot Spinach Pasta with Garlic Recipe

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, the quest for the perfect balance between scrumptious and time-saving meals is a constant pursuit.

Picture this: a kitchen filled with the tantalizing aroma of cooking pasta, a symphony of flavors dancing in the air.

In the realm of easy recipes, where simplicity meets indulgence, I stumbled upon the easiest dinner solution that has become my go-to on busy weeknights – Instant Pot Spinach Pasta with Garlic.

 This nutritious meal not only transforms into a creamy spinach pasta delight but is also a testament to the magic of pressure cooker pasta.

As I embarked on this culinary journey, using baby spinach to elevate both the color and nutritional quotient, the end result was a revelation.

 Join me in unraveling the secrets of crafting the perfect easy one-pot meal that will have you saying, "First time was incredible, and there's no doubt there'll be a next time."

Make sure try some of my other popular healthy Weight Watcher recipes.  Low Calorie Wendy's Frosty, 3 Ingredient Cinnamon Muffins , Mini DASH Chaffles, Air Fryer Beignets and The WW Zero Point Apple Crisp Chips.

Why make this recipe?

You don't want to miss out on this super easy instant pot pasta recipe!

Weight Watcher Friendly - This simple instant pot pasta recipe is only 3 points on my WW app for a 1 cup serving.

Since the new Weight Watchers plan is personalized you will have to input the ingredients used into your WW app to get your exact WW personal points.

Easy to make - This spinach garlic pasta requires only 7 ingredients and minutes to prepare.

Ingredients needed and substitutions

Uncooked Pasta - I used Garofalo Ziti but you can use any type of pasta. Penne Pasta works well and if you prefer a little extra fiber use a whole wheat pasta.

Pasta Sauce - I used a jar of Organic Bello organic marinara spaghetti sauce for this recipe. You can check your local grocery stores to find the best sauce. You can swap with a jar of meat sauce for extra protein or just add in some cooked ground turkey, ground beef or Italian sausage for extra protein.

Mozzarella cheese - You can use parmesan cheese or even a dollop of cream cheese for a nice creamy tomato sauce.

How to Make Instant Pot Pasta

1: Press sauté on your instant pot/electric pressure cooker. Once hot add in 1 teaspoon of olive oil and garlic and sauté for 1 minute of cooking time. Then hit the cancel button.

2: Stir in 2 cups of water into your instant pot using a wooden spoon scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze.

3: Add in your uncooked pasta, spinach, salt and tomato sauce and give it a good stir - try to cover all the pasta with sauce. Close the lid of the instant pot and press cook on high for 7 minutes.

4: Open the lid when the pressure subsides - you can use the quick release to help relieve the high pressure. Once the pressure has released remove the lid and stir well. Add 2 dollops of ricotta cheese and your shredded mozzarella cheese - cover again with the lid until all melts.

5: Ready to serve - serving size 1 ½ cups

Watch the How to Make Instant Pot Pasta Video Here

Expert Tips

• Quality Ingredients:Use high-quality pasta, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella for the best flavor.
• Italian Seasoning:Enhance the taste with a generous sprinkle of Italian seasoning for an authentic touch.
• Chicken Broth Boost:Instead of plain water, use chicken broth to cook the pasta for added depth of flavor.
• Optimal Cook Time:Follow the recommended cook time for your pasta type; check the package instructions for guidance.
• Garlic Powder Magic:Add a pinch of garlic powder to infuse a savory garlic flavor throughout the dish.
• Natural Release:Allow a natural release of pressure after cooking to ensure pasta doesn't become mushy.
• Creamy Sauce Creation:Achieve a creamy sauce by stirring in a bit of heavy cream after pressure cooking.
• Pressure Cooking Perfection:Set the Instant Pot to the recommended pressure cooking time, ensuring pasta is al dente.
• Al Dente Pasta Technique:For perfect al dente pasta, slightly undercook it in the Instant Pot, as it continues to cook during natural release.
• Fresh Parsley Finishing:Sprinkle fresh parsley over the pasta before serving for a burst of color and freshness.
• Softer Pasta Option:If you prefer softer pasta, add a minute or two to the cooking time.
• Savory Ground Sausage:Brown and add ground sausage for a savory meaty element to the dish.
• Mozzarella Melting Technique:Add mozzarella towards the end of the cooking process to ensure it melts perfectly.
• Balanced Tomato Sauce:Adjust the acidity of the tomato sauce with a pinch of sugar if needed.
• Flavor Layering:Layer the ingredients in the Instant Pot for even distribution of flavors.
• Seasoning Adjustments:Taste the dish before serving and adjust seasonings like salt and pepper accordingly.
• Mindful Instant Pot Usage:Familiarize yourself with the Instant Pot settings and functions for efficient use.
• Mixing Techniques:Gently mix the ingredients after cooking to blend the flavors without breaking the pasta.
• Airtight Container Storage:Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• Reheating Tips:When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to restore the creamy texture.

Are you a Weight Watcher?

If you follow my Blog you probably already know I am a lifetime member of Weight Watchers and I like to point all of my Recipes with the WW Points System.

This healthy Instant Pot Pasta with spinach recipe is only 3 Points on my app for a one cup serving.

Weight Watchers has a new individualized program right now to make it easier to enjoy the foods you love and still lose weight.

Just plug the ingredients into your WW app to confirm the points for your individual program.

If you want to see the old Purple, Blue and Green WW Food Lists for each plan just click Here… For a list of the 2024 Free WW Food list click here..

Make sure you check out my Newbie WW Tips and Tricks Guide if you are just getting started.

I used to go back and forth between the Purple Plan and the Blue Plan prior to the new program and whenever I hit a plateau I did my own 30 Day Low Carb Meal Plan which jumpstarts the Fat Burning again, so if you feel stuck try it!

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If you are impatient like me... blog visitors can get instant access to the digital download version today for only $1.00 just click here...

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