Welcome to a game-changer in your weekly meal rotation: the Instant Pot Italian Sausage with Penne Pasta Recipe. This dish proves how simple ingredients can transform into a hearty meal that's both delicious and easy to make. Perfect for those busy weeknights, this recipe promises a delightful dinner on the table in less time than it takes to watch an episode of your favorite show.
Jump to:
WHAT SETS THIS ITALIAN SAUSAGE PASTA APART?
This recipe's clever use of the electric pressure cooker makes it stand out. Combining the robust flavors of hot Italian sausage with the comforting texture of penne pasta, the dish is elevated with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. The cooking time and pressure cooking functionality ensure that every bite is infused with Italian seasoning, making it a favorite for the whole family.
MARY'S TWO CENTS
From a budget perspective, this dish falls into the 'frugal' category of our recipes. It's designed to feed a crowd without breaking the bank by using ingredients like olive oil, pasta sauce, and a type of sausage of your choice. Plus, the flexibility in sausage selection means you can opt for pork, chicken, or turkey, depending on what's on sale or what you already have in your fridge.
INGREDIENTS
Simple, readily available ingredients are all you need to pull off this quick weeknight dinner wonder.
For the full recipe with quantities, see the recipe card at the end of the post.
KEY INGREDIENTS
The stars of this dish are undoubtedly the sausage and pasta. Choosing a good kind of sausage, like chicken sausage or hot Italian sausage, is key. The pasta, preferably a type of pasta that holds sauce well, like penne or rotini, becomes perfectly al dente under the high pressure of the Instant Pot. These elements, combined with the rich pasta sauce and a dash of black pepper and red pepper flakes, create an irresistible creamy sausage pasta.
SWAP IT OUT!
Flexibility is the name of the game. Swap out the pasta for different pasta shapes if you're looking to change things up. For a lighter version, vegetable broth can replace water, and baby spinach can be added for a nutritional boost. If dairy isn't your thing, skip the parmesan and mozzarella cheese or opt for a vegan alternative.
DIFFERENT TAKES ON ITALIAN SAUSAGE WITH PASTA
Variety is easy to achieve with this base recipe. Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies, or stir in cream cheese for an even creamier texture. Switching up the sausage links for chicken sausage or even using ground meat can keep this dish fresh each time you make it.
EQUIPMENT ESSENTIALS
- The essential tool here is, of course, the Instant Pot (electric pressure cooker).
- A wooden spoon is perfect for giving the ingredients a good stir and scraping the bottom of the pot to ensure nothing sticks during the initial sauté phase.
KEEP IT FRESH
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The pasta continues absorbing the sauce, so it may thicken upon reheating. A little water or broth can revive its creamy texture.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Add the olive oil and sausage and cook on sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sausage is cooked.
Step 2: Pour in 1 cup of the water and stir, using your spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Step 3: Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine well.
Step 4: Add the uncooked pasta and push down gently to tuck the noodles into the sauce.
Step 5: Pour the remaining cup of water over the top of the pasta, so it's all covered. Secure the lid and double-check that the pressure valve is set to sealing (not venting).
Step 6: Press cancel to stop sauté mode, then press manual/high pressure and set the timer for 8 minutes. (It will take the Instant Pot about 8-10 minutes to come up to pressure.)
Step 7: After it's cooked for 8 minutes and the floater valve has dropped, carefully open the Instant Pot lid and gently stir the pasta.
Step 8: Remove the pasta from the Instant Pot and serve garnished with basil and Parmesan cheese if desired.
FAQ'S
Yes, most pasta shapes work well, but cooking times vary slightly. Stick to similar-sized pasta for the best results.
This recipe is designed for pressure cooking, but adaptations can be made for stovetop cooking with adjustments to liquid amounts and cooking time.
TOP TIPS
My top tip is to know how to operate your pressure cooker. You should have received a user's manual with your purchase. If you can find it, check online for a copy. These appliances are miracle workers but must be operated properly to be safe.
For the best thing about making this dish, remember these tips: Use the quick-release feature to prevent the pasta from overcooking. Experiment with the original recipe by adding your favorite veggies or cheeses. And finally, always ensure the lid is sealed correctly to maintain high pressure throughout the cooking time.
Equipment
- Instant Pot or slow cooker, or Dutch oven
- wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 8 ounces ground Italian sausage (pork, chicken, or turkey)
- 2 cups water
- 24 ounces jarred marinara sauce or 3 cups of your favorite pasta sauce
- 12 ounces penne pasta or similar
- spinach or basil Optional garnish
Instructions
- Press the sauté button on the Instant Pot.
- Add the olive oil and sausage and cook on sauté mode for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sausage is cooked through. (If desired, drain any excess fat.)
- Pour in 1 cup of the water and stir, using your spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine well.
- Add the uncooked pasta and push down gently to tuck the noodles into the sauce.
- Pour the remaining cup of water over the top of the pasta, so it's all covered.
- Secure the lid and double-check that the pressure valve is set to sealing (not venting)
- Press cancel to stop sauté mode, then press manual/high pressure and set the timer for 8 minutes. (It will take the Instant Pot about 8-10 minutes to come up to pressure.)
- After it's cooked for 8 minutes, carefully quick-release the steam by switching the pressure valve to venting.
- When the floater valve has dropped, carefully open the Instant Pot lid and gently stir the pasta.
- Feel free to stir in spinach or fresh basil or sprinkle with cheese to serve.
Nutrition
RELATED RECIPES
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
PAIRING SUGGESTIONS
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Instant Pot Italian Sausage with Penne Pasta:
Comment