This creamy sausage pasta is a cozy bowl of goodness made quickly in the Instant Pot. With flavorful sausages and a rich sauce, it’s like a warm hug on a plate!
I love how everything cooks together, meaning fewer dishes to clean up! Plus, there’s nothing like the smell of pasta and sausage filling the kitchen. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: You can choose either mild or spicy sausage based on your preference. If you want a lighter option, turkey or chicken sausage works great too. Just keep in mind that the flavors might vary slightly.
Pasta: Penne is perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce, but you can swap it for any pasta shape you love. Rotini, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta can work well too.
Heavy Cream: To lighten up the dish, use half-and-half or oat cream as a substitute. The sauce will still be creamy, but with fewer calories. I’ve tried it and it’s a nice alternative!
Cheeses: While mozzarella and Parmesan are traditional, you could use cheddar for a sharper taste or a mix of cheese for added flavor. Just remember, fresh cheese melts better!
Diced Tomatoes: If you prefer a fresher taste, you can use fresh diced tomatoes instead. Just make sure to cook them a bit longer so they soften up nicely.
How Do I Get That Perfect Creamy Sauce?
Making the sauce creamy is key for this dish! After pressure cooking, it might look a bit thin, but don’t worry. Stirring in the heavy cream and cheeses is where the magic happens.
- Start by ensuring the Instant Pot is on sauté mode after the pasta is cooked. This helps the sauce thicken.
- Slowly stir in the heavy cream first; it will lighten the sauce and brighten the flavor.
- Next, add the mozzarella and Parmesan gradually, stirring until melted. This will create that rich, creamy texture.
- If the sauce is still too thin for your liking, simmer on sauté mode for a few extra minutes while stirring constantly. It will thicken beautifully!
How to Make Instant Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy sausage pasta recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and around 5 minutes of cooking in the Instant Pot. After that, you’ll want to allow for a few minutes to let everything cool down and to release the pressure, so you’re looking at roughly 30 minutes total from start to finish. Quick and delightful!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Sausage:
First, set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat up the olive oil. Once hot, add the Italian sausage. Using a spoon, break the sausage apart as it cooks. Keep cooking until it’s browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. When done, use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside, but leave those tasty juices in there!
2. Cook the Vegetables:
Next, toss in the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about 3 minutes until it softens. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it releases a wonderful aroma. Stir in the dried Italian seasoning to enhance those delicious flavors.
3. Add Liquids and Pasta:
Pour in the chicken broth and take a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot. This deglazing step is important to lift up all those lovely browned bits of flavor! Now, add the penne pasta in an even layer—do not stir. Following that, pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices. Lastly, return the cooked sausage back to the pot, spreading it evenly over the pasta.
4. Pressure Cook:
Close the lid of your Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to sealing. Set the pot to pressure cook on high for 5 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick release by turning the valve to venting—watch out for hot steam!
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Once you can safely open the lid, give everything a good stir. You might notice that the sauce looks a little thin right now, but no worries! Stir in the heavy cream, mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce gets all creamy and dreamy.
6. Final Touches:
Give the pasta a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. When you’re ready to serve, dish out the pasta and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy every bite of your rich and creamy sausage pasta!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is used here for its great texture, you can substitute it with other shapes like rotini, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if the pasta requires more or less than 5 minutes under pressure.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No problem! You can use half-and-half or whole milk as a lighter alternative. Just keep in mind that the sauce might not be as rich, so you may want to add a bit more cheese to compensate!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider using spicy Italian sausage instead of mild. You can also add red pepper flakes when you stir in the Italian seasoning for extra spice!
