This Instant Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta is a comforting dish that’s both quick and easy! Juicy sausage and creamy sauce blend perfectly with pasta for a delightful meal.
What I love about this recipe is how fast it comes together—no need to boil pasta separately! Just toss everything in the Instant Pot and let it do all the work. Dinner is served in a flash!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: I love using Italian sausage for its great flavor! You can choose between mild or spicy based on your taste. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey sausage works well too.
Onions and Garlic: The onion adds sweetness and depth while the garlic brings a lovely aroma. If you’re short on fresh garlic, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder can suffice. Chopped shallots can also be a delightful substitute for onion.
Pasta: I prefer rigatoni for its robust texture that holds onto sauce perfectly. You can swap it with penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just adjust cooking time slightly if using a different pasta shape.
Cream Cheese: This brings creaminess to the sauce. If you want a lighter version, Greek yogurt or cottage cheese can work as substitutes, but their taste will differ slightly. If dairy-free, try cashew cream for richness.
How Do I Avoid Overcooking the Pasta?
The key to perfectly cooked pasta in this dish is to avoid stirring before cooking. Here’s how to get it right:
- Layer the uncooked pasta on top of the diced tomatoes and broth, then pour in the liquid without disturbing the pasta. This helps prevent sticking.
- Set the time to 5 minutes. Don’t worry; the pasta will cook perfectly under pressure!
- For a firmer texture, do a quick release as soon as the timer goes off. This stops the cooking process immediately.
If your pasta is done but the sauce is too thick, just thin it out with a bit of extra broth or water—easy fix!
Instant Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed and crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
- 12 oz (340g) rigatoni or penne pasta (uncooked)
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes in the Instant Pot, including pressure building and releasing time. You’ll have a delicious, creamy pasta ready in about 30 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage:
Start by setting your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and heat the olive oil. Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook until browned, for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once done, remove the sausage and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Now, add the chopped onion to the Instant Pot. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, which should take around 2-3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant and cozy!
3. Combine Ingredients:
Next, pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and the chicken broth. Then, add the uncooked pasta – but here’s the trick: do not stir! Just ensure the pasta is evenly distributed under the liquid for even cooking.
4. Add Seasonings and Sausage:
Now, return the browned sausage to the pot. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, some salt, and pepper over the top, letting those flavors shine!
5. Pressure Cook:
Seal the Instant Pot lid tightly. Set it to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high for 5 minutes. The Instant Pot will take a few moments to build pressure before cooking begins.
6. Quick Release:
When the cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure. Be cautious of the steam as you do this!
7. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Once the lid is open, it’s time to stir in those creamy delights! Add in the cubed cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and creamy—oh, it smells so good!
8. Taste and Adjust:
Give your pasta a taste. If you need to, adjust the seasoning with a little more salt and pepper. If the sauce is thicker than you’d like, add a splash of chicken broth or a bit of water to achieve your preferred consistency.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Plating time! Garnish your creamy sausage pasta with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese for an extra touch. Serve it up hot and enjoy this flavorful dish!
This recipe showcases the savory goodness of sausage combined with a creamy sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta, making it a perfect weeknight meal that you’ll want to enjoy again and again!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While I recommend rigatoni or penne, you can use other pasta shapes like bow ties or fusilli. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as some shapes may require less or more time under pressure.
Is It Possible to Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can make it dairy-free by using dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based cream, such as coconut cream or cashew cream. Ensure that your Parmesan cheese is also dairy-free or skip it altogether!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth if it seems too thick.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite veggies such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Just sauté them alongside the onions and garlic for added flavor before adding the liquids and pasta.
