Try another great Ninja Foodi recipe: Taco Pasta — easy to make gluten-free!
The Ninja Foodi is my go-to appliance for fast, one-pot meals, and this Taco Pasta is a perfect example. I made it using the pressure cooker function, which yields perfectly cooked pasta every time.
I adapted my usual taco pasta recipe to cook in the Ninja Foodi, but you can also make it in an Instant Pot. I was surprised how well gluten-free pasta held up — it turned out just as good as regular pasta. I used Tinkyada gluten-free pasta for this batch.
Follow along on YouTube for more Ninja Foodi recipes
I’m sharing step-by-step videos on my YouTube channel, including one that walks through this exact recipe. I’ll be adding more videos as I learn and improve, so if you enjoy video recipes, check them out.
Can you make pasta in a Ninja Foodi?
Yes. The Ninja Foodi cooks pasta well — you can add it uncooked along with liquid and other ingredients and pressure-cook it for a short time. For this recipe, I used 4 cups of water for 12–16 ounces of pasta so the noodles were fully covered.
How to make Gluten-Free Ninja Foodi Taco Pasta
Start by browning the ground beef using the Ninja Foodi’s sauté function. Once the beef is cooked (and drained if necessary), add the taco seasoning, pasta, water, tomato sauce, and diced green chilies. Make sure the liquid covers the pasta, secure the pressure lid, set the valve to seal, and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. Quick-release immediately when the timer finishes to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
What you need
- Ninja Foodi (or Instant Pot)
- Gluten-free pasta (or regular pasta)
- Water
- Tomato sauce (15 oz can)
- Diced green chilies (small can)
- Lean ground beef (1 lb)
- Gluten-free taco seasoning (package)
- Shredded Mexican cheese (for topping)
Tips for success
– Use very lean ground beef so you won’t need to drain excess fat. If you do need to drain, remove the pot with oven mitts, drain, and return it to the Foodi.
– Quick-release the pressure immediately when cooking finishes; delaying the release will make the pasta mushy.
– Sauté the beef first, then use the pressure cooker function for the pasta. This recipe made enough to serve about eight and pairs well with corn or a simple salad.
Recommended items
A Ninja Foodi or Instant Pot is required for this method. I also recommend a pair of heat-resistant mitts for handling the inner pot and lid safely.
Ready for a tasty, easy dinner? Let’s eat!
Ninja Foodi Taco Pasta (Gluten-Free)
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 package gluten-free taco seasoning
- 16 oz gluten-free or regular pasta
- 4 cups water
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 small can diced green chilies
- Shredded Mexican cheese, for topping
Instructions
- Warm the Ninja Foodi using the sauté function on high.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
- Drain if needed, then return the beef to the pot.
- Stir in the taco seasoning according to package directions.
- Add the pasta, 4 cups of water, tomato sauce, and diced chilies. Ensure the pasta is fully covered by liquid.
- Secure the pressure cooker lid and set the valve to “seal.”
- Cook on manual high pressure for 6 minutes.
- Quick-release the pressure immediately when cooking finishes to avoid mushy pasta.
- Carefully remove the lid, stir, and let the pasta sit for about 5 minutes to cool slightly.
- Serve topped with shredded cheese.
Video
Notes
- As a guideline, cook gluten-free pasta in the pressure cooker for about half the time listed on the package. For example, if the box says 12 minutes, pressure-cook for 6 minutes.
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?
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