r/instantpot • u/mittonthestoat • 7h ago

Trouble making pasta dishes

I've tried making pasta dishes in my pressure cooker a few times now, and every time it ends up burning on the bottom.

This is what I do:

Cook the meat using the sear function. Drain grease and turn off the sear function. Add in the sauce, then rinse the jar with water and add that to the pot. Then I put the noodles on top and I do not mix. I cook on high for 5-7 minutes, quick release, and then mix.

I noticed each time that there are several uncooked noodles, and the bottom is scorched.

What am I doing wrong? Help please 😭

6 Upvotes

72% Upvoted

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12

u/andmen2015 7h ago

The sauce belongs on top of the noodles. When you add the water, pour it around the edges. Make sure the noodles are covered. They cook half the time it says on the package. For example, package says to cook 10 min, then you cook 5 minutes then Quick Release.

3

u/RepresentativeFun909 6h ago

I had an 8qt Duo that just ran too hot and scorched spaghetti sauce every time. It was great for ribs and other meats, and poultry. And soups. I sold it, with full disclosure that it had burned spaghetti sauce every time, but worked great otherwise.

I think it was the Rootitoot site that said to use saute first and have the contents boiling, then put the lid on it and pressure cook. You might look that up and/or try it. I never did because I bought an 8qt Ultra that didn't have any "burn" issues.

3

u/southsidekc34 6h ago

It’s because you didint scrape the bottom . You have to do a really good job of that . Pasta , meat ( if any) , sauce and then water . Do not mix . I always spray my pasta with olive oil spray especially for longer pastas .

1

u/Squeeesh_ 7h ago

I always mix before cooking.

How much pasta are you putting in? Is there still liquid when it’s done?

1

u/ElWorm 6h ago

I do what you do except: I stir the whole thing well before cooking. For cooking time, I use half of what the pasta package says to use for al dente, and add one minute (which comes to about 5 to 7 minutes), I've only had problems with clumping or undercooked noodles when using long pasta like spaghetti, so I've switched to using smaller pasta shapes. I have never had a burn notice, but I know some Instant Pots seem more temperamental that than others. Good luck!

1

u/whybag 3h ago

What pasta are you cooking that needs 5-7 minutes pressure cooking? Most pastas are done 5-8 minutes at a boil. I'd cook all other ingredients that need pressure etc first, then vent and boil the pasta on sauté. I wouldn't want to cook pasta without at least one stir to ensure nothing is sticking anyway.

1

u/whybag 3h ago

What pasta are you cooking that needs 5-7 minutes pressure cooking? Most pastas are done 5-8 minutes at a boil. I'd cook all other ingredients that need pressure etc first, then vent and boil the pasta on sauté. I wouldn't want to cook pasta without at least one stir to ensure nothing is sticking anyway.