This Instant Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta is a quick and yummy dinner that’s sure to please everyone. With flavorful sausage and creamy goodness, it’s comfort food in no time!
The best part? It all cooks in one pot! I love not having to wash a bunch of dishes. Plus, it’s so creamy, you’ll want to go back for seconds—come on, who could resist?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This adds rich flavor to the dish. Feel free to use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, opt for plant-based sausage crumbles or mushrooms.
Penne Pasta: I love penne for its great sauce-holding shape, but you can swap it with rotini, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just keep an eye on the cooking time.
Heavy Cream: This gives the dish its creamy texture. If you want a lighter version, half-and-half works well. For dairy-free, try coconut cream or a cashew cream substitute.
Cheeses: Mozzarella and Parmesan add cheesy goodness. Use shredded cheese for better melting. You can replace mozzarella with provolone or Fontina. Nutritional yeast is a good dairy-free alternative.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Cooks Perfectly in the Instant Pot?
The key to perfect pasta in the Instant Pot is all about layering and liquid measurement. Keep these tips in mind:
- First, sauté your vegetables and sausage to lock in flavors before adding pasta.
- When adding the pasta, spread it evenly without stirring to prevent sticking.
- Cover the pasta completely with broth—any dry parts won’t cook evenly.
- Remember to use the quick release method once it’s done cooking; this prevents overcooking the pasta.
Following these steps keeps your pasta perfectly cooked and delicious every time!
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)
- 3 cups (720ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking, giving you a total of approximately 25 minutes to a creamy and delicious meal. Quick and easy—perfect for a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
Set your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and pour in the olive oil. Once it’s hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until they are beautifully fragrant and the onion is translucent.
2. Brown the Sausage:
Add the Italian sausage directly into the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and no longer pink.
3. Add the Pasta:
Cancel the ‘Sauté’ mode. Now, sprinkle the uncooked penne pasta evenly over the sausage mixture without stirring. This step is important to avoid any sticking!
4. Pour in the Broth:
Gently pour the chicken broth over your pasta, making sure the pasta is fully submerged. Then, add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling adventurous), and season with salt and pepper.
5. Pressure Cook:
Seal the Instant Pot lid and make sure the valve is set to sealing. Select ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 5 minutes. It’s time to sit back and relax!
6. Release the Pressure:
When the timer goes off, carefully do a quick release by moving the valve to venting. Watch out for steam!
7. Make it Creamy:
Once you open the lid, give everything a good stir. Now, slowly mix in the heavy cream, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce is creamy and the cheese has melted. If the sauce is too thick for your liking, add a splash of broth or more cream.
8. Taste and Serve:
Give your pasta a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if desired. Serve hot, topped with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra flavor.
Enjoy your creamy, comforting Instant Pot sausage pasta! Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy evening in!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute penne with other pasta types like rotini or fusilli. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since some shapes may require adjustments to avoid overcooking.
What if I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can use half-and-half for a lighter option or try coconut cream for a dairy-free version. Just blend them in thoroughly to maintain that creamy texture.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sausage and onion mixture in advance, then store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to cook, just add the pasta and broth, and pressure cook as directed!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over low heat or use the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.
