If you’re looking for a cozy, satisfying meal that doesn’t require hovering over the stove or juggling multiple pots and pans, this Instant Pot cheese ravioli in tomato Parmesan broth is exactly what you need. It’s fast, filling, and full of rich Italian-inspired flavor—perfect for a family dinner, a casual lunch, or a no-fuss weeknight meal.
This dish combines tender cheese-filled ravioli with a savory tomato broth enhanced by vegetable stock and melted Parmesan cheese. It’s everything you love about a hearty pasta bowl, but made easier and quicker thanks to the Instant Pot.
Why You’ll Keep Making This Ravioli Dish
There are plenty of reasons why this recipe might become a regular in your rotation. First, it uses just a few simple ingredients, many of which are pantry or refrigerator staples. Second, it requires minimal prep work—no need to pre-cook pasta or simmer sauce for hours. Lastly, it delivers warm, comforting results in just minutes, thanks to pressure cooking.
Here are the standout benefits:
Minimal chopping or cooking required
Uses store-bought, ready-to-cook cheese ravioli
Prepares in one pot—no need to drain pasta
Pressure cooking enhances flavor and texture quickly
Rich, tomato-based broth infused with Parmesan for depth and creaminess
This dish is the ideal solution for those nights when you want something warm and flavorful, but don’t have the time or energy for a traditional stovetop pasta recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things easy and accessible. You won’t need anything fancy, and you may already have most of these ingredients at home.
- 20 ounces refrigerated cheese ravioli
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (use your favorite jarred or homemade)
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
You can customize the dish with additional add-ins later, but this base creates a beautiful, balanced combination of carbs, protein, and flavor.
How to Make It – Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Open your Instant Pot and add the vegetable broth, marinara sauce, water, and Italian seasoning. Stir gently to combine all the liquids and spices.
Step 2: Add the cheese ravioli directly into the liquid mixture. Once added, do not stir. This helps prevent the pasta from breaking apart during pressure cooking.
Step 3: Secure the Instant Pot lid and ensure the valve is set to the Sealing position.
Step 4: Choose the Manual or Pressure Cook function. Set the cooking time to 4 minutes at High Pressure.
Step 5: Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a Quick Pressure Release. Carefully turn the valve to the Venting position and allow the steam to fully escape.
Step 6: When the pressure pin drops, open the lid. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, which will begin to melt into the hot broth and thicken it slightly.
Step 7: Let the pasta sit for about 3 minutes in the pot before serving. This allows the sauce to continue thickening and ensures the ravioli finish cooking through.
Step 8: Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Pro Tips for Best Results
Use refrigerated ravioli. It cooks faster than frozen or dried varieties and has a fresher texture that pairs beautifully with the broth.
Do not stir the ravioli once added. Let them cook undisturbed during pressure cooking to prevent them from sticking or falling apart.
Stir Parmesan cheese into the hot broth after pressure cooking. This helps the cheese melt smoothly and prevents sticking or burning during the cooking cycle.
Allow the dish to rest briefly after cooking. This step is important as it allows the flavors to develop further and the sauce to reach its ideal consistency.
Monitor the liquid levels. Always follow the Instant Pot’s maximum fill lines. Pressure cooking relies on adequate liquid volume, and overfilling can lead to safety issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen ravioli?
Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time. Set the Instant Pot to cook at High Pressure for 6 minutes instead of 4. The extra time allows the frozen pasta to cook through properly.
What if the broth is too thin after cooking?
Use the Sauté function after pressure release and simmer the mixture uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce the broth and thicken the sauce. Stir often during this step.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. For a healthy twist, stir in baby spinach or chopped kale after pressure cooking while the broth is still hot. The residual heat will wilt the greens without overcooking them.
What kind of marinara sauce works best?
Use a marinara that you enjoy on its own, since it forms the backbone of your sauce. A traditional or garlic-infused sauce works well, but feel free to experiment with spicy or roasted tomato varieties.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
When reheating, keep in mind that the sauce will have thickened due to the starches released by the pasta and the melted cheese.
To reheat:
Add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen the sauce
Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently
Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until fully heated
Avoid freezing this dish, as the texture of the ravioli tends to become mushy and less appetizing once thawed and reheated
Why This Recipe Works for Everyone
This Instant Pot ravioli recipe is as practical as it is comforting. It’s a lifesaver on busy nights, perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for meal prep. The one-pot approach minimizes cleanup, and the pressure cooker ensures a balanced, flavorful dish with little supervision required.
Whether you’re cooking for kids, serving guests, or just feeding yourself after a long day, this recipe meets the mark for taste and simplicity. It’s also endlessly customizable. You can switch to meat-filled ravioli, change the seasoning, or stir in fresh herbs and greens.
It’s versatile, quick, and warm—just what you want in a comfort meal that doesn’t take much effort.
Final Thoughts
With just a handful of ingredients and a pressure cooker, this recipe proves you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create something satisfying and flavorful. The tender ravioli, creamy Parmesan-enhanced tomato broth, and short prep time make this a go-to dish for busy families or anyone craving an easy, hearty meal.
The Instant Pot takes care of the cooking while you take care of everything else. So the next time you’re low on energy but still want a dinner that feels like home, give this Tomato Parmesan Ravioli a try. It might just become one of your most dependable recipes.