Instant Pot Asparagus and Pasta is a dish I remember my maternal Grandmother making on the stove.  This easy pressure cooker version uses gluten free pasta.  Grandma made this dish with lots of pepper!

 

I have toned down the pepper a bit so that people can season their individual servings to their liking.

This gluten free pressure cooker meal will serve about 10 people.  You can add more liquid to any leftovers as the pasta will continue to soak it up as it sits.  I just add water the next day but you could probably also add any broth you have on hand.

Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.

Be sure to read through the entire post so that you don’t miss out on any important tips and tricks!

The first step to making Asparagus with Pasta was to cut up one bunch of asparagus into pieces about 1″ long.  A bunch of asparagus is probably between 3/4 to 1 pound.

Then I put some olive oil into the Instant Pot and turned it to the Saute Less function for 5 minutes.  I dumped in the cut up asparagus.

While the asparagus was in on Saute Less, I cut up 6 medium sized potatoes into cubes.

Once Saute Less turned off on the Instant Pot I removed the asparagus and put it aside to add later.

I poured the juice from a can of peas into the Pot and used it to deglaze, scraping any stuck on bits from the bottom.

Deglazing is a very important step in order to avoid the Burn message later when the Instant Pot is coming to pressure.

Next I added in 4 cups of water and some salt and pepper.

Then I dumped in the potatoes that I had cut into cubes.

I added in 5 more cups of water.

Then I broke bunches of the spaghetti noodles in half and laid them in a criss cross pattern over top of the potatoes.  I did not stir but gently pushed the noodles into the liquid.

Then I placed the lid on the Instant Pot, turned the steam release handle to the sealing position and set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook High for 3 minutes.

Once the Instant Pot was done cooking, I allowed it to do a Natural Release for 5 minutes before turning the steam release handle to the venting position.

After removing the lid I stirred in the peas and the asparagus that I had set aside earlier.  I set the Pot to the Sauté Less function again for 3 minutes to heat the vegetables.

Each serving of Instant Pot Asparagus and Pasta can now be made as “peppery hot” as you like.  This is a quick and easy pressure cooker recipe that is a great way to add asparagus to your diet.

Every mouthful of Asparagus and Pasta brings back fond memories of my Grandmother!

Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.

More Instant Pot Pasta Recipes for You to Enjoy…

PRINTABLE VERSION OF THE RECIPE CAN BE FOUND AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make this Instant Pot Asparagus and Pasta:

• 1 lb asparagus (1 bunch)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 14 oz can of peas
• 6 medium potatoes cut into cubes
• 9 cups water
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 340 g Catelli Gluten Free Spaghetti

How to Make Instant Pot Asparagus and Pasta:

1. Cut asparagus into about 1″ pieces
2. Add the olive oil to the Instant Pot and turn it to Saute Less for 5 minutes.
3. Add the asparagus to the Pot.
4. While the asparagus cooks cut the potatoes into cubes.
5. When the Pot turns off remove the asparagus and set aside until later.
6. Open the can of peas and drain the liquid into the Pot and use it to deglaze the Pot. This means scraping any bits from the bottom to avoid the Burn message later when the Pot is coming to pressure. Set the peas aside for later.
7. Pour about half of the water and the salt and pepper into the Pot.
8. Add the potatoes to the Pot.
9. Pour in the remaining water.
10. Break the spaghetti noodles in half and lay them in a criss cross patter over top of the potatoes. Do not stir but gently push the spaghetti into the liquid.
11. Place the lid on the Instant Pot, tun the steam release handle to the sealing position and set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook High for 3 minutes.
12. Once the Instant Pot is done cooking, allow it to do a Natural Release for 5 minutes before turning the steam release handle to the venting position.
13. Remove the lid and stir the contents.
14. Stir in the peas and asparagus that you had set aside earlier.
15. Turn the Pot to Saute Less for 3 minutes to heat the vegetables.
16. Serve and season with salt and pepper to taste.
17. Enjoy!

FAQS:

What should I serve with Instant Pot asparagus and pasta?

When serving instant pot asparagus and pasta, you can complement the dish with a variety of side dishes or accompaniments to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some ideas:

1. Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette or a Caesar salad can be a great side dish to balance the flavors of the pasta and asparagus.
2. Gluten Free Bread: Serve some gluten free crusty bread or garlic bread on the side. You can also make garlic bread by toasting slices of bread with butter and minced garlic in a pan or in the oven.
3. Protein: Consider adding a protein source like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make the meal more substantial.
4. Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of the asparagus and pasta. It adds a creamy, salty element to the dish.
5. Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted or grilled vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes, can complement the asparagus and pasta.
6. Pesto Sauce: Pesto sauce is a delicious accompaniment to asparagus and pasta. You can either drizzle it over the dish or serve it on the side.
7. Herbs and Spices: Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or dill can add a burst of flavor to your dish. You can also add some crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
8. Fruit: A side of fresh fruit, like a citrus salad or berries, can provide a refreshing contrast to the pasta and asparagus.

Remember to balance the flavors and textures to create a satisfying and harmonious meal. Your choice of side dish will depend on your personal preferences and dietary restrictions. Feel free to mix and match to create a meal that suits your taste.

How do I store Instant Pot asparagus and pasta?

Storing Instant Pot asparagus and pasta is easy, and it can be done to preserve its freshness and flavor. Here’s how to do it:

1. Cool: Allow to cool down to room temperature before you proceed with storing it. This helps prevent condensation inside the storage container, which can lead to sogginess or bacterial growth.
2. Portioning: If you plan to consume the dish over multiple days, consider dividing it into individual portions. This will make it easier to reheat only what you need without exposing the entire batch to multiple temperature changes.
3. Storage Containers: Use airtight, food-safe containers for storage. Options include plastic or glass containers with lids, or you can use freezer bags if you have the freezer space.
4. Refrigerator Storage:
   • If you plan to consume the dish within 3-4 days, store it in the refrigerator.
   • Place the asparagus and pasta in the container and make sure it’s sealed tightly.
   • Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness. Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your asparagus and pasta soup, you can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Heat until it’s piping hot, stirring occasionally.
5. Quality Check: When reheating, you might need to add a bit of extra liquid, such as broth or water, to reach your preferred consistency,  as the pasta will absorb moisture.
6. Serve: Once the dish is heated through and reaches the desired temperature, serve and enjoy!

Properly storing and reheating your Instant Pot asparagus and pasta will help preserve its flavor and texture. Just be sure to follow food safety guidelines and pay attention to the recommended storage times to ensure the soup remains safe to eat.

Can I freeze Instant Pot asparagus and pasta?

Freezing asparagus and pasta made in an Instant Pot is possible, but it’s important to keep a few considerations in mind to maintain the quality of the soup when you reheat it. Here are some tips for freezing Instant Pot asparagus and pasta:

1. Cool: Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before freezing. Placing hot dishes directly in the freezer can raise the temperature inside your freezer and negatively affect the quality of other frozen foods.
2. Portion: Divide the dish into portion-sized containers. This makes it easier to reheat only the amount you need later, reducing waste.
3. Use Freezer-Safe Containers: Use containers that are specifically designed for the freezer to prevent freezer burn and maintain the dish’s flavor and texture. You can also use heavy-duty freezer bags if you prefer.
4. Remove Air: If using containers, make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing them. If using freezer bags, squeeze out excess air before sealing.
5. Label and Date: Label each container or bag with the contents and the date you froze it. This helps you keep track of how long the dish has been in the freezer.
6. Freeze Quickly: Place the containers in the freezer promptly. The quicker the dish freezes, the better the quality when you eventually reheat it.
7. Reheating: When you’re ready to use, you can reheat it directly from the freezer. You can do this in a microwave, on the stovetop, or even in your Instant Pot. Simply adjust the cooking time as needed to heat it through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Keep in mind that some ingredients, especially pasta, may become softer or change in texture after freezing and reheating. Asparagus, too, can become a bit softer. While the flavor will still be good, the texture may not be as crisp as when the dish was first made.

It’s recommended to consume within 2-3 months for the best quality. Always use your best judgment when evaluating the quality  after thawing and reheating.