No Bake Ziti for InstaPot

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We recently saw the YouTube video linked at the end of this post and since we were in the mood for comfort food decided it was time to break the “no pasta, no cheese” standoff we had been in and try it out.

OMG this was so, so good. I am not sure I will ever make ziti any other way and suggest if you are reading this you run, not walk, to your grocery store, buy the supplies and make it quickly. I promise you won’t regret it.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 tbsp of crushed garlic
  • 1-1.5 lbs of ground beef (I used 1/2 ground beef (90%) and 1/2 ground pork.  Ground Sausage would also work).
  • 4 cups of a sauce of your choice 
  • 3 cups of water or chicken broth (add 1 more cup if using an 8qt over a 6qt)
  • 1 lb box of Ziti
  • 1 cup (8 oz) of ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp of dried parsley
  • 1/2 tsp of kosher salt
  • 5.2 oz of Boursin cheese (Garlic & Herb)
  • 8 oz bag (2 cups) of shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/3 cup of grated parmesan cheese

Directions:

  1. Add the olive oil to the InstaPot and then hit “Sauté” and adjust so it’s on the “More” or “High” setting. Let the oil heat for about 2 minutes
  2. Next, add the onion and cook for 2 minutes until lightly softened and lightly translucent/browned and then add in garlic and cook for another minute
  3. Then, add in the meat. Stir constantly as it cooks so it crumbles and browns for 2 mins. Make sure you deglaze (scrape) the bottom of the pot as it cooks so nothing sticks to it
  4. Pour in the marinara sauce and water. Stir well
  5. Lastly, add in the ziti noodles and just smooth them out so they’re submerged in the sauce (DO NOT STIR)
  6. Secure the lid, hit “Keep Warm/Cancel” and then hit “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” High Pressure for 6 minutes. Quick release when done
  7. While the pasta’s cooking, combine the ricotta, egg, dried parsley and salt in a mixing bowl
  8. When the lid comes off, stir in the ricotta mixture, Boursin, mozzarella and parmesan
  9. Stir everything until well combined, top with some extra parmesan if desired and serve

Original video:

No Baked Ziti original video:   https://pressureluckcooking.com/recipe/instant-pot-unbaked-ziti/


Kelly's InstaPot White Bean & Chicken Chili

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I created this a few weeks ago after craving White Chicken Chili and had just some of the ingredients a recipe I saw online require. We both loved it and Guy told me not to make it any other way :)

Ingredients

  • 4 medium to large boneless Chicken Breasts, cut up into small bite size pieces
  • 1 onion chopped small
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic (fresh or from jar)
  • 1 can Rotel (do not drain)
  • 2 cans Great Northern beans (do not drain)
  • 1 large can corn, drained
  • 1 can Bush's Black Bean Fiesta
  • 1 package chili seasoning

In the InstaPot

Saute onions and garlic in olive oil until soft
Add all other ingredients except chicken, stir well
Add Chicken, stir well again
Set IP to Manual, High, cook for 10 minutes and let naturally release

My Spin on Cowboy Chicken and Rice

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So last week I was in Publix and their Aprons Simple Meal of the week was Cowboy Chicken and Rice. I took the sample offered and really enjoyed it.I looked at the recipe card and knew I had most of the items at home or an ingredient just like it so decided I had to make this one night.Instead of using all the ingredients listed I skipped the collard greens (gross) and the red wine vinegar.  Instead I used these (plus two pounds of chicken I cut up into bite size pieces and was sauteing in Coconut Oil when I took the photo.

1 can diced tomatoes w/green peppers and onions
1 can Bushs White Chili Beans in mild sauce
2 cups frozen corn
1 1/2 teaspoons roasted garlic and herb seasoning
1 package Uncle Ben's Brown Rice and Quinoa

Once the chicken was ready I simply added each ingredient to the skillet, stirred well and let is cook on low for about 15 minutes.I then served it with fresh pineapple and Guy had buttered bread with it.

This quick 30 minute meal was so yummy and so easy it will easily be repeated many times over.