This Instant Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta is a warm, comforting dish that’s super easy to make! With juicy sausage, creamy sauce, and pasta, it hits the spot every time.
No fuss cooking means less time in the kitchen and more time to enjoy with family. I love to sprinkle some cheese on top before serving—because cheese makes everything better!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian sausage: This ingredient is key for flavor! I suggest using mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your taste. If you prefer a leaner option, turkey sausage works well too. For a vegetarian version, consider using a meat substitute or mushrooms.
Onion: A small onion is perfect for flavor, but shallots or green onions could work as substitutes if you’re out of regular onions. I like to use sweet onions for a milder taste.
Pasta: Penne is great here, but any short pasta like rigatoni or rotini will do. If you’re gluten-free, try using gluten-free penne or other alternatives like quinoa pasta.
Heavy cream: It adds rich creaminess, but you can substitute it with half-and-half or even coconut milk for a lighter and dairy-free option. I often mix in a bit of cream cheese for an extra creamy texture.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-packaged. If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or even a cheese blend can work as a tasty substitute.
How Do You Avoid Burnt Food in the Instant Pot?
A common concern when using the Instant Pot is getting a “burn” notice due to food sticking to the bottom. Here’s how to prevent that:
- Always make sure to deglaze the pot. After browning the sausage and onions, pour in the chicken broth and scrape any bits off the bottom with a wooden spoon.
- When adding pasta, don’t stir it into the liquid—just let it sit on top. This helps avoid sticking during the pressure cooking.
- If you find the pot getting too hot, you can switch to ‘Sauté’ mode occasionally to keep an eye on it and mix as needed.
With these tips, you’ll have a delicious, creamy sausage pasta without any hassle!
Instant Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup (100g) shredded Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and 5 minutes to cook under pressure. After that, allow a few minutes to release pressure and mix in the creamy sauce. In total, you can have this delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Sausage:
First, set your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and let the olive oil heat up. Once hot, add the Italian sausage, breaking it into pieces with a spoon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. This will give your dish a rich flavor!
2. Add Onions and Garlic:
Next, throw in the finely chopped onion. Let it cook for about 3 minutes until it’s translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. You want it fragrant, but be careful not to burn it!
3. Pour in the Broth and Add Pasta:
Now, pour the chicken broth into the pot. Make sure to use a wooden spoon to scrape off any delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom—this adds flavor! Next, add the uncooked penne pasta to the pot. Spread it evenly but don’t stir it in.
4. Season and Pressure Cook:
Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes over the top of the pasta. Lock the Instant Pot lid, seal the vent, and set it to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ on high pressure for 5 minutes. This cooks the pasta perfectly!
5. Release Pressure and Add Cream:
When cooking is finished, do a quick release of the pressure. Carefully open the lid, and you’ll see a delightful mixture of sausage and pasta! Stir it all together. Now, pour in the heavy cream and the shredded Parmesan cheese, mixing until it’s creamy and well combined.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh chopped basil and some extra Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy this creamy, comforting pasta dish!
There you go! With this recipe, your Instant Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta will be a hit at any dinner table. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Sausage in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just ensure to thaw the sausage completely before cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Then, proceed with the recipe as directed.
What Pasta Can I Substitute for Penne?
If you don’t have penne, other short pastas like rigatoni, rotini, or farfalle work well too. Just make sure to keep the cooking time the same!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to the point of adding the cream and cheese ahead of time, then refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat on the stove and add the final ingredients.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or cream to regain that creamy texture!