Instant Pot Creamy Sweet Potato Pasta: Your Ultimate 30-Minute Vegetarian Fall Dinner

Transform your weeknight dinners with this incredibly easy and delicious Instant Pot Creamy Sweet Potato Pasta! This vegetarian marvel brings together tender penne, sweet potatoes, and fresh spinach in a luxurious parmesan cream sauce, all ready in just 30 minutes. It’s not only a fantastic fall meal but also a brilliant way to introduce more vegetables to your family’s diet, even for the pickiest eaters. Get ready to make this your new go-to Instant Pot recipe!

As the leaves begin to turn and the air gets crisp, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting pasta dish for dinner. This Instant Pot creamy sweet potato pasta is my absolute favorite for fall evenings. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that delivers rich flavors without demanding hours in the kitchen.

Imagine perfectly cooked penne enveloped in a luxurious parmesan cream sauce, beautifully balanced with the natural sweetness of soft sweet potatoes and the vibrant goodness of fresh spinach. It’s a complete meal that feels gourmet yet is incredibly simple to prepare.

This recipe is a direct adaptation of our beloved One-Pot Sweet Potato and Spinach Pasta, which has been a staple in our home for years. However, by leveraging the magic of the Instant Pot, we’ve made it even more straightforward and faster than the stovetop version! The Instant Pot has truly become a game-changer for quick and easy meals, allowing us to whip up dishes like Instant Pot Stir Fry, perfectly steamed Instant Pot Broccoli, and delectable Instant Pot Creamy Noodles in a fraction of the usual time.

The Secret to Unforgettable Creaminess and Flavor: Fresh Parmesan!

What truly elevates this sweet potato pasta is its exceptionally thick, rich, and flavorful sauce. The magic ingredient? Freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This isn’t just any Parmesan; it’s Parmesan grated directly from a block. While convenient, pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that hinder proper melting and diminish its flavor. Trust me, the difference is night and day!

When you grate a block of quality Parmesan yourself, you unlock a depth of nutty, salty flavor and a superior melting texture that packaged versions simply cannot replicate. It takes just a few minutes of effort, but the reward is a sauce that tastes like it came from a high-end Italian restaurant. This step is absolutely crucial for the success of this recipe, so please, don’t skip it!

Keep reading for the detailed step-by-step instructions, complete with helpful tips to ensure your creamy sweet potato pasta turns out perfectly every time. You’ll find the full printable recipe card at the bottom of the page!

How to Make Instant Pot Creamy Sweet Potato Pasta

Crafting this delicious Instant Pot pasta is surprisingly simple, even for Instant Pot beginners. Here’s a breakdown of the process to guide you:

Preparing Your Veggies for Maximum Flavor

First, you’ll need to peel and dice one large sweet potato. The size of your dice makes a difference! If you prefer distinct sweet potato chunks in your final dish, cut them into larger pieces. For a sweet potato that virtually melts into the sauce, enriching its flavor and texture, opt for smaller pieces. Personally, I love when the sweet potato softens and becomes part of the creamy base, so I chop mine quite small. Both ways are incredibly delicious!

Alongside the sweet potato, you’ll prepare one medium onion, finely diced, and ten cloves of minced garlic. Don’t be intimidated by the amount of garlic and onion; these aromatic vegetables form the foundational flavor layer for the entire dish, ensuring every bite is packed with deliciousness.

Sautéing and Layering for Success

Begin by adding your diced sweet potato, garlic, onion, and a generous drizzle of olive oil directly into your Instant Pot. Select the “Saute” function and cook the vegetables for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent them from sticking or burning. This crucial step softens the sweet potatoes and allows the onions and garlic to become fragrant and sweet, building a robust flavor base for your pasta. Once the sweet potatoes begin to soften to your liking, turn the Instant Pot to “OFF.” This prevents accidental burning when you add the remaining ingredients.

Next, it’s time to add the penne, fragrant ground sage, thyme, rich vegetable broth, and water to the pot. Stir everything thoroughly, ensuring that the penne pasta is completely submerged in the liquid. Proper submersion is key for even cooking under pressure, so give it a good stir to make sure no dry pasta sticks above the liquid line.

Pressure Cooking to Perfection

Seal the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting for 5 minutes. The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to come up to pressure, indicated by the float valve rising. Once at pressure, the 5-minute cooking cycle will begin. This precise timing is crucial for achieving perfectly al dente pasta; any longer and you risk overcooked, mushy noodles. Always ensure you follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions when operating your Instant Pot.

The Finishing Touches: Creamy Goodness

Once the 5 minutes of cooking time are complete, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure. This means manually opening the steam release valve to quickly depressurize the pot. Once the float valve has dropped, indicating all pressure has been released, you can safely remove the lid. Be cautious of residual steam!

Now for the magic! Stir in your freshly grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream. Give it a good stir for a few minutes; the sauce will begin to thicken beautifully as it sits and you continue to stir. This is also the point to season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference. Finally, toss in the fresh spinach, stirring until it has wilted into the creamy pasta. This last addition not only adds a burst of color but also a healthy dose of nutrients without overpowering the dish.

Serve your Instant Pot Creamy Sweet Potato Pasta immediately, perhaps with an extra sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top for an added layer of flavor and a visually appealing finish. A side of crusty bread or a simple green salad would make this a complete and satisfying meal.

Why This Pasta is a Family Favorite (Even for Picky Eaters!)

This dish isn’t just a win for busy adults; it’s a huge hit with kids too! My toddler absolutely devoured this creamy sweet potato pasta, and I was thrilled knowing he was getting a healthy dose of sweet potatoes and spinach without even realizing it. The rich parmesan cream sauce is so irresistible that it effectively camouflages the vegetables, making it a fantastic “hidden veggie” meal. It truly tastes like a decadent, fancy restaurant pasta, yet it’s something you can whip up on a busy weeknight.

Tips for Success & Variations

• Preventing Burn Notices: Ensure you scrape the bottom of the Instant Pot after sautéing the vegetables to remove any stuck-on bits before adding the liquid and pasta. This helps prevent a “burn” warning during pressure cooking.
• Sweet Potato Size: As mentioned, adjust the dice size of your sweet potatoes based on whether you want them chunky or to meld into the sauce.
• Add Protein: To make this a heartier meal, consider adding cooked chicken, Italian sausage, or even chickpeas during the sautéing stage or at the end.
• Other Veggies: Feel free to experiment with other quick-cooking vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms during the sauté step, or stir in kale instead of spinach at the end.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the herbs can give this dish a subtle kick.
• Make it Vegan: For a vegan alternative, use full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream instead of heavy cream, and a dairy-free parmesan substitute. Ensure your vegetable broth is also vegan.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

This creamy pasta makes excellent leftovers! Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or vegetable broth to restore its creamy consistency. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through.

I genuinely hope you try this incredibly easy, flavorful, and family-friendly recipe. It’s a definite winner in our household, especially when I can create a dinner that both adults and children enthusiastically enjoy. Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below!

More Instant Pot Recipes You’ll Love!

If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and speed of Instant Pot cooking, you’re in good company! Be sure to explore some of our other favorite Instant Pot recipes. A must-try is our creamy, cheesy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese recipe – perfect for another quick and comforting meal!

4.67 from 9 votes

Instant Pot Creamy Sweet Potato Pasta

By:

Joy Shull

Vegetarian instant pot creamy sweet potato pasta in a parmesan cream sauce. A quick and easy family-friendly dinner ready in just 30 minutes!

Prep:

5 minutes mins

Cook:

15 minutes mins

Additional Time:

10 minutes mins

Total:

30 minutes mins

Servings:
6

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Ingredients 

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  3 tablespoons olive oil

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  1 onion, diced

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  10 cloves garlic, minced

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  1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced**

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  4 cups vegetable broth

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  1 cup water

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  1/4 teaspoon ground sage

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  1/4 teaspoon thyme

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  2 1/2 cups spinach, roughly chopped

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  1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

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  1 lb penne pasta

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  1 1/2 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more to top

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  Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions 

• Turn your Instant Pot to “Saute” and add the olive oil.
• Add in your diced sweet potato (see notes for chunk preference), onion, and minced garlic.
• Saute for 7 – 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning, until the sweet potato begins to soften. For sweet potatoes that stay in chunks, cook for less time. If you prefer them to break down and become part of the sauce, cook longer.
• Once the vegetables have softened, turn your Instant Pot to “OFF” to stop the heating process.
• Add the penne pasta, ground sage, thyme, vegetable broth, and water to the pot.
• Stir well, ensuring all the penne pasta is fully submerged in the liquid to ensure even cooking.
• Seal the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and turn to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook,” setting the timer for 5 minutes.
• Once the Instant Pot reaches pressure (this usually takes a few minutes), it will begin the 5-minute countdown.
• When the 5 minutes are up, perform a quick release of the pressure by carefully turning the steam release valve to the “Venting” position.
• After the float valve has dropped, indicating all pressure has been released, safely remove the lid.
• Stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until well combined and the cheese has melted.
• Let the pasta sit for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools slightly.
• Add in the roughly chopped spinach and stir until it has wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve immediately, topped with additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

** For sweet potatoes that stay in distinct chunks, dice them into larger pieces. For sweet potatoes that blend into the sauce, dice them into smaller pieces.

Nutrition

Calories:
566
kcal

,

Carbohydrates:
71
g

,

Protein:
21
g

,

Fat:
22
g

,

Saturated Fat:
10
g

,

Polyunsaturated Fat:
2
g

,

Monounsaturated Fat:
9
g

,

Cholesterol:
39
mg

,

Sodium:
1071
mg

,

Potassium:
455
mg

,

Fiber:
4
g

,

Sugar:
7
g

,

Vitamin A:
7341
IU

,

Vitamin C:
8
mg

,

Calcium:
364
mg

,

Iron:
2
mg

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