Velvety Instant Pot Tomato Penne Gluten-Free Dairy-Free

This Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Penne is my gluten free and dairy free version of Noodle & Company’s Penne Rosa! Al Dente penne, mushrooms, and spinach are cooked in a slightly spicy, creamy tomato sauce. This recipe is quick and easy – ready in just 20 minutes! Gluten free, dairy free, soy free. 

The Ultimate One-Pot Wonder: Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Penne

There’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty bowl of pasta, and for me, it truly speaks my love language. Back in my college days, I had the pleasure of working at Noodles & Company, and to this day, their Penne Rosa remains one of my most cherished comfort foods. The vibrant flavors, the perfect al dente bite, and that irresistible creamy tomato sauce—it’s pure bliss. Inspired by those delicious memories, I’ve crafted this Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Penne with Mushrooms & Spinach, a healthier, gluten-free, and dairy-free rendition that comes remarkably close to the original, if not better! And the best part? It’s astonishingly easy to make, even if you’re a complete novice with your Instant Pot. Get ready to transform your weeknight dinners with this quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Penne Rosa Remake

• **Effortlessly Quick:** This recipe goes from pantry to plate in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave homemade comfort food without the fuss.
• **One-Pot Magic:** Thanks to the Instant Pot, everything cooks in a single pot, significantly cutting down on cleanup time. No need to boil pasta separately!
• **Dietary Friendly:** Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, this pasta dish is inclusive and delicious for those with sensitivities or dietary preferences. It’s also soy-free!
• **Packed with Flavor & Veggies:** Al dente penne is enveloped in a rich, slightly spicy, and incredibly creamy tomato sauce, beautifully complemented by earthy mushrooms and fresh spinach.
• **Versatile and Adaptable:** Easily customize the spice level, add your favorite proteins, or incorporate other vegetables to make it your own.

Crafting the Perfect Creamy Texture: Dairy-Free & Dairy Options

The secret to this dish’s luxurious texture lies in its creamy element. I’ve focused on fantastic dairy-free alternatives that deliver the same rich mouthfeel without compromising on taste or dietary needs. My personal go-to is **Kite Hill Almond Milk Cream Cheese**, which you can readily find in most grocery stores. It melts beautifully and provides a wonderful tang. However, there are several other excellent options to achieve that perfect creaminess:

• **Original Flavor Nut Pods:** These plant-based creamers offer a neutral taste that blends seamlessly into the sauce, providing richness without overpowering other flavors.
• **Cashew Cream:** For a homemade, whole-food option, blend soaked cashews with a little water until smooth. This creates an incredibly velvety and rich cream.
• **Full-Fat Coconut Milk/Cream:** While it might lend a subtle coconut flavor, full-fat coconut milk or cream can add a fantastic depth and richness, especially if you enjoy that hint of tropical sweetness. Be sure to use the thick cream from the top of the can for best results.
• **Regular Heavy Cream (if dairy-tolerant):** If dairy isn’t an issue for you, traditional heavy cream or even regular cream cheese can be used to achieve a classic creamy tomato sauce. This provides maximum flexibility for all eaters.

Experiment with these options to find your favorite, or even combine a couple for a unique flavor profile!

Essential Ingredients for Your Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Penne

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step towards creating this delightful pasta. Many of these are pantry staples, ensuring this recipe is as convenient as it is delicious.

• **Jovial Foods Gluten-Free Penne:** This is my absolute favorite gluten-free pasta brand. It holds its shape incredibly well and has a fantastic texture that truly mimics traditional pasta. You can find it in many well-stocked grocery stores or conveniently order it from Thrive Market. If you’re new to Thrive Market, using this link can get you 25% off your first order plus a free gift, which is a fantastic deal! While Jovial is preferred, feel free to use your favorite brand of gluten-free penne, just be mindful of potential slight variations in cooking times.
• **Olive Oil:** A good quality olive oil forms the base for sautéing our aromatics and vegetables, adding a subtle fruity note.
• **Canned Diced Tomatoes with Juices:** These provide the foundational tomato flavor and a bit of liquid for the sauce. Don’t drain the juices – they’re crucial for the Instant Pot’s pressure cooking process.
• **Tomato Paste:** This concentrated tomato product deepens the savory umami flavor of the sauce, giving it a richer, more robust taste.
• **Fresh Spinach:** Not only does spinach add a vibrant color and fresh taste, but it also boosts the nutritional content of the dish. It wilts down beautifully into the creamy sauce.
• **Sliced Mushrooms:** Earthy mushrooms add a wonderful texture and savory depth to the pasta. White button or cremini mushrooms work perfectly here.
• **Chicken or Veggie Broth:** Essential for cooking the pasta in the Instant Pot and forming the base of our sauce. Use vegetable broth for a strictly vegetarian/vegan version, or chicken broth for added richness.
• **Italian Seasoning:** A blend of classic Italian herbs like oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme, this seasoning provides a fragrant and authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• **Onion Powder:** Offers a smooth, consistent onion flavor without the texture of fresh onions. A pantry must-have for depth. You can find high-quality onion powder here.
• **Crushed Red Pepper:** This is where the “slightly spicy” kick comes in! Adjust the amount to your preference – omit it entirely for a mild sauce or add a little extra for more heat.
• **Sea Salt:** To enhance all the flavors and balance the sauce.
• **Creamy Element:** As discussed above, choose from Kite Hill Almond Milk Cream Cheese, Original flavor Nut Pods, full-fat coconut milk/cream, cashew cream, or regular heavy cream.

Mastering Your Instant Pot: Step-by-Step Instructions

The Instant Pot makes this recipe incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked, creamy pasta dish every time.

How To Make This Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Penne:

1. **Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms:** Begin by turning your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode. Once hot, add the olive oil. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms begin to soften and release their moisture, and the garlic is fragrant. This step builds a foundational layer of flavor.
2. **Layer the Ingredients:** Now, it’s time to add the rest of the foundational ingredients. Carefully pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, followed by the tomato paste. Next, add the dry penne pasta, making sure to spread it out as much as possible but do not stir it into the tomatoes yet. Pour in the chicken or veggie broth. Finally, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, onion powder, sea salt, and crushed red pepper.
3. **A Gentle Stir & Pressure Cook:** Give everything a good, gentle stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Lock the lid securely in place and turn the vent to “Sealing.” Select “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on High Pressure and set the timer for 4 minutes. This timing is ideal for al dente pasta. If you prefer a softer pasta texture, increase the cooking time to 5 minutes.
4. **Release Pressure & Incorporate Creaminess:** Once the cooking cycle is complete, carefully perform a manual quick release of the steam. Once the float valve drops, open the lid. Turn the Instant Pot back to “Sauté” mode (or “Keep Warm” if you prefer to avoid further cooking). Add in the fresh spinach and your chosen dairy-free cream cheese (or other creamy alternative). Stir continuously until the spinach has wilted completely and the cream cheese has melted, creating a rich, smooth, and creamy sauce that coats every piece of pasta.
5. **Serve and Enjoy:** Ladle your delicious Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Penne into bowls. For a fresh finish, top with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and savor the comforting flavors!

No Instant Pot? No Problem! Stove Top Method

While the Instant Pot offers unparalleled convenience, you can absolutely make this creamy tomato penne on the stove top. It requires a couple more steps, but the delicious result is well worth it!

Can I Make This Creamy Tomato Penne on the Stove Top?

You sure can! Here’s how to adapt this recipe for traditional stove-top cooking:

1. **Cook the Pasta Separately:** First, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until it reaches your desired al dente tenderness. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. **Prepare the Sauce Base:** While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add in the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and the garlic is fragrant.
3. **Build the Sauce:** Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, Italian seasoning, onion powder, sea salt, and crushed red pepper. Pour in 1 cup of chicken or veggie broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer while your pasta finishes cooking.
4. **Combine and Finish:** Once the pasta is drained, add it directly to the simmering sauce in the skillet. Stir well to combine. Add in the fresh spinach and continue to stir for a few minutes until the spinach has wilted down into the sauce. Finally, stir in your chosen dairy-free cream cheese or other creamy alternative until it’s fully melted and the sauce is smooth and luscious.
5. **Serve:** Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if you like. Enjoy your stove-top creamy tomato penne!

Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Tomato Penne

• **Don’t Skimp on the Stir:** When adding the pasta and liquids to the Instant Pot, ensure a good initial stir to prevent pasta from sticking together or to the bottom. However, avoid excessive stirring after adding the cream cheese to maintain its smooth texture.
• **Adjust Spice to Your Liking:** The crushed red pepper provides a gentle warmth. If you love heat, feel free to add a bit more. For a completely mild version, simply omit it.
• **Fresh Herbs for Garnish:** A sprinkle of fresh parsley, basil, or even a few torn mint leaves can elevate the flavor and presentation of this dish.
• **Don’t Overcook the Spinach:** Add the spinach towards the very end, just enough for it to wilt. This preserves its vibrant color and nutrients.
• **Taste and Adjust:** Always taste your sauce before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or other seasonings as needed. Different broths and tomato brands can vary in sodium content.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Penne is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides to create a more elaborate dinner:

• **Crisp Green Salad:** A light, refreshing green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a nice contrast to the rich pasta.
• **Garlic Bread or Crusty Bread:** Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious creamy sauce.
• **Roasted Vegetables:** A side of roasted broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini would complement the flavors and add extra nutrients.
• **Protein Boost:** For a heartier meal, consider stirring in cooked shredded chicken, white beans, or chickpeas after the pressure cooking cycle.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

This pasta tastes fantastic as leftovers, making it a great meal prep option!

• **Storage:** Store any leftover Creamy Tomato Penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• **Reheating:** To reheat, you can use the microwave or warm gently on the stove top over medium-low heat. You might find that the sauce has thickened significantly in the fridge. To restore its creamy consistency, add a splash of vegetable broth, water, or your preferred dairy-free milk/cream while reheating, stirring until it reaches your desired consistency.

I genuinely hope you love this Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Penne as much as I do! It’s a true testament to how easy and delicious healthy, allergy-friendly eating can be. If you give this recipe a try, I’d absolutely love to see your creations! Be sure to tag me on Instagram so I can share your culinary triumphs!

Looking for another tasty Instant Pot pasta recipe? Be sure to check out my Dairy-Free Instant Pot Cajun Pasta for another flavor-packed, one-pot meal!

*This post contains affiliate links. This means if you use one of my links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Mary’s Whole Life!