Lasagna is one of the most beloved comfort foods, but traditional recipes require multiple steps, from boiling pasta to layering ingredients and baking. If you love lasagna flavors but want a hassle-free method, this instant pot recipe is for you.
These lasagna bouquets capture all the rich, cheesy goodness of classic lasagna in a quick and easy one-pot meal.
Why Use an Instant Pot for Lasagna?
The instant pot transforms this dish into a fast, mess-free experience. Instead of baking layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese, everything cooks together in one pot, infusing flavors beautifully.
This method not only saves time but also enhances the taste by allowing the ingredients to meld together. Plus, there’s minimal cleanup since everything happens in a single pot.
Campanelle pasta is the star of this dish. Its curly edges mimic lasagna noodles, catching the sauce and cheese in every bite.
However, if you can’t find campanelle, you can easily substitute ziti or another short pasta without changing the cooking time.
Tips for the Best Instant Pot Lasagna Bouquets
Achieving the perfect texture and flavor in instant pot recipes requires a few key tips:
- Sauté for depth: Browning the onions, garlic, and ground beef before pressure cooking enhances the overall flavor. This step allows the ingredients to develop richness that carries through the dish.
- Don’t stir the pasta: Once the pasta is added, simply press it down so it’s submerged in the sauce, but avoid stirring. This prevents uneven cooking and ensures the perfect texture.
- Use quality cheese: The combination of ricotta, Boursin (or cream cheese), mozzarella, and Parmesan creates an ultra-creamy, indulgent result.
- Quick release pressure: Letting the pressure release quickly keeps the pasta from overcooking and becoming mushy.
Customizing the Recipe
One of the best things about instant pot recipes is their flexibility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to fit your dietary needs or preferences.
- Vegetarian option: Replace the ground beef with mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based crumbles.
- Gluten-free version: Swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. Just check the package for the appropriate cook time.
- Spicy twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes or extra hot sauce to give the dish a bit of heat.
- Extra veggies: Stir in spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Lasagna bouquets are satisfying on their own, but they pair well with a simple green salad or garlic bread. If you love the crispy top of traditional baked lasagna, you can take an extra step to achieve it.
After cooking, transfer the pasta to a baking dish, sprinkle with additional mozzarella, and broil for a few minutes until golden and bubbly.
Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or bake at 350°F until heated through.
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Lasagna
This dish is a game-changer for anyone who loves lasagna but doesn’t want to spend hours making it. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful. The instant pot does all the hard work, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting meal in a hurry.
If you’re looking for instant pot recipes that are family-friendly, packed with flavor, and require minimal effort, this one is a must-try.
The creamy cheese, rich sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together for a dish that’s guaranteed to be a new favorite.
Instant Pot Lasagna Bouquets
Equipment
- Instant Pot (or any pressure cooker)
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced or pressed
- 1½ pounds ground beef or meatloaf mixture
- 4 cups marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
- 3 cups garlic broth or beef broth
- 1-2 tablespoons hot sauce optional
- 1 pound campanelle pasta or substitute with ziti
For the Lasagna Cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 5.2-ounce package Boursin spread (any flavor) or 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics and Meat
- Turn the Instant Pot to the Sauté function and adjust to More/High heat. Add olive oil and let it heat for 3 minutes.
- Stir in the diced onion and cook for about 2 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground beef and stir continuously while cooking for about 2 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until lightly browned. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
Add Liquids and Pasta
- Pour in the marinara sauce and broth, stirring everything together. If using hot sauce, mix it in now.
- Add the campanelle pasta, but do not stir. Gently press the pasta into the liquid to submerge it while keeping some pieces above the surface.
Pressure Cook
- Secure the Instant Pot lid, turn the valve to the sealing position, and select Manual/Pressure Cook on High Pressure for 6 minutes. Once done, perform a quick release of pressure.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- While the pasta cooks, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, dried parsley, and salt in a small bowl.
Finish with Cheese
- Once pressure cooking is complete, stir the ricotta mixture into the pasta. Add the Boursin (or cream cheese), mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir everything together until melted and creamy.
Serve
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Using an Instant Pot Duo Crisp? Add 1-2 cups of shredded mozzarella, switch to the Bake function at 400°F for 3-5 minutes, and crisp until golden brown.
- For an oven finish, transfer the cooked pasta to a casserole dish, sprinkle with 1-2 cups of mozzarella, and bake at 400°F (uncovered) for 5-10 minutes until bubbly and slightly browned.
- Pasta Substitutions: You can swap campanelle for ziti, rotini, or penne—adjust cook time as needed.
- Broth Alternatives: Regular beef broth or vegetable broth can be used instead of garlic broth.
- Spice Level: The hot sauce is optional but adds a slight kick.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace ricotta with a dairy-free alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.