This Instant Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta is a warm hug in a bowl! Juicy sausage, creamy sauce, and pasta all cook together quickly for a meal that feels fancy but is super easy.
Cooking everything in one pot means less mess. I love how the flavors mingle and create a delicious dinner. Plus, the kids go wild for it—bonus points for happy bellies! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: You can choose between mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your heat preference. Turkey or chicken sausage are great lighter alternatives, too!
Pasta: Rigatoni or penne work wonderfully here, but feel free to swap for any short pasta. Fusilli or farfalle can also add a fun twist to the texture.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness. Vegetable broth is a perfect substitute to make this dish vegetarian.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, use half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free option that still adds creaminess.
Parmesan Cheese: While I love the flavor of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano can be a tasty alternative. Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free option!
How Do I Properly Sauté Ingredients in an Instant Pot?
Sautéing in the Instant Pot is essential for building flavor. First, make sure the pot is hot before adding ingredients. This helps to brown meats and caramelize vegetables.
- Set the pot to sauté mode and wait until it shows “hot.”
- Add the olive oil, then the sausage, browning it for about 5-7 minutes. Remove it afterward to keep it juicy.
- Add onions to the drippings and cook until they’re soft. Don’t skip the garlic; it adds a fantastic aroma!
How to Make Instant Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed and crumbled
- 12 oz (340g) rigatoni or penne pasta
- 3 cups (720ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1 can (14 oz / 400g) diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes, undrained
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (100g) shredded Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 10 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook in the Instant Pot. Add in a few minutes for releasing the pressure, and you have a delicious meal ready in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Sausage:
Start by turning your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add the olive oil and allow it to heat up. Once it’s hot, add the crumbled Italian sausage. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and fully cooked. After that, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside, leaving the tasty drippings behind.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté it in the drippings for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until you can smell that wonderful aroma.
3. Combine the Main Ingredients:
Now it’s time to make the sauce! Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and the can of diced tomatoes (with all the juices). Stir in the Italian seasoning, and season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add the Pasta:
Carefully add the uncooked pasta right into the pot. Make sure it is submerged in the liquid—but don’t stir! Just let it sit on top.
5. Add the Sausage:
Return the previously cooked sausage to the pot, spreading it evenly over the pasta. This will help flavor the pasta while it cooks.
6. Cook in the Instant Pot:
Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. While that’s happening, go ahead and get excited for the deliciousness that awaits!
7. Release the Pressure:
Once the cooking is complete, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure by turning the valve to venting. Be cautious of steam! After the pressure has fully released, open the lid.
8. Stir and Serve:
Stir the pasta mixture thoroughly to combine everything nicely. Add the shredded Parmesan cheese and mix until it melts and gives that creamy consistency. Let the pasta sit for 1-2 minutes to thicken slightly.
9. Garnish and Enjoy:
Serve your creamy sausage pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy every savory bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can swap the Italian sausage for turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option. Even a plant-based sausage works well for a vegetarian version!
How Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream. You can also use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor.
What Should I Do If the Pasta Is Overcooked?
If the pasta comes out a little softer than you’d like, try adding a bit of heavy cream or chicken broth to loosen it up. Stir gently to combine, and let it sit for a minute to absorb the moisture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to maintain creaminess.
