This Instant Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta is a quick and tasty meal that packs so much flavor! With sausage, pasta, and a rich creamy sauce, it’s a family favorite!
I love how everything cooks in one pot—less mess for me! Plus, you’ll get a delicious dinner in no time, perfect for any night of the week. Who doesn’t love that? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: Use mild or spicy based on your preference. For a healthier option, try turkey or chicken sausage instead. Plant-based sausage also works well for a vegetarian alternative!
Penne Pasta: While penne is classic for this dish, you can swap it out for any other pasta like rotini, fusilli, or farfalle. Just keep the cooking time in mind, as smaller shapes may cook quicker!
Heavy Cream: You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce. For a vegan version, use coconut cream or a cashew cream mix instead!
Cheeses: Mozzarella and Parmesan are traditional, but feel free to mix it up! Cheddar or Gouda offer a nice twist. If you’re dairy-free, consider vegan cheese options.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Pasta in the Instant Pot?
Cooking pasta in the Instant Pot can be a bit tricky, but it’s all about the timing and layering. Here are a few tips:
- When adding pasta, place it on top of other ingredients without stirring. This helps to prevent sticking.
- Remember to cover the pasta with liquid to help it cook evenly.
- If you worry about overcooking, you can reduce the pressure cooking time by a minute or two. The pasta continues cooking in the sauce afterward!
These tips will help you achieve perfectly cooked pasta every time. Enjoy your meal!
How to Make Instant Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta (uncooked)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14 oz/400g) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious creamy sausage pasta will take about 10 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes of cooking in the Instant Pot, with a few additional minutes for the pressure release. So, you can have your meal ready in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start the process by setting your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and adding 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once it’s hot, toss in the finely chopped onion and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until it’s nice and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic, cooking for another 30 seconds just until you can smell its lovely aroma.
2. Cook the Sausage:
Add the Italian sausage into the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Stir and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. Make sure it’s cooked all the way; this will add great flavor to your dish!
3. Prepare the Pasta, Tomatoes & Broth:
Once the sausage is ready, cancel the sauté mode. Now add the uncooked penne pasta evenly on top of the sausage but don’t stir it. Next, pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juice and the chicken broth. Press the pasta down gently to make sure it’s mostly submerged, but again, refrain from stirring.
4. Season and Cook Under Pressure:
Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over everything, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Now, secure the lid on your Instant Pot, set it to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ on high, and adjust the timer to 5 minutes. It’s time to cook!
5. Quick Release & Add Cream:
When the cooking time is finished, carefully perform a quick pressure release. Make sure to follow safety instructions for your Instant Pot! Once the steam has released and you can safely open the lid, stir the pasta mixture to combine.
6. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Switch the Instant Pot back to ‘Sauté’ mode. Stir in the heavy cream, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything together until the cheese has melted, and the sauce becomes creamy and thickened. This should take about 2-3 minutes. If needed, you can taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Your creamy sausage pasta is ready! Serve it hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for that final touch. Enjoy your delightful meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is a great choice, you can swap it for any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli, rigatoni, or elbow macaroni. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as smaller or larger pasta may require adjustments.
How Do I Store Leftover Creamy Sausage Pasta?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy.
Can I Freeze This Pasta Dish?
Yes, you can freeze the creamy sausage pasta! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you’d like a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half. For a dairy-free alternative, consider using coconut cream or a cashew cream blend, which will maintain that creamy texture!
