instant pot pasta with italian sausage

Are you ready to whip up something tasty in no time? I can’t wait to share my Instant Pot Pasta with Italian Sausage recipe with you! It’s easy, tasty, and perfect for busy nights when you just want something comforting and satisfying. Let’s get cooking!

Simple Ingredients for Delicious Instant Pot Pasta with Italian Sausage

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making a fantastic Instant Pot Pasta with Italian Sausage. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in.

• 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil: This will help sauté the onions and peppers, adding a rich flavour.
• 1 cup sliced onion: Use sweet or yellow onions for a mild flavor that complements the dish.
• 1 cup sliced bell peppers: Any color will work! I love using red and yellow for sweetness.
• 1 (12-ounce) package Italian-style chicken sausage links: Look for a flavorful brand that you enjoy.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds an aromatic touch.
• 1 (26-ounce) jar marinara sauce: Choose your favorite jar or a homemade version if you have it on hand.
• 3 cups water: This helps to cook the pasta evenly in the Instant Pot.
• 3 cups chopped fresh spinach: Spinach adds a pop of color and is a great way to sneak in some greens.
• 10 ounces penne pasta: Penne works perfectly, but feel free to swap it out for another pasta shape if you prefer.
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil: Fresh basil enhances the italian flavors beautifully.
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs will round out the dish nicely.
• 1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend: Keep it cheesy! You can use mozzarella, parmesan, or a blend for topping.

Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before starting so you can enjoy the cooking process without interruptions!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Instant Pot Pasta with Italian Sausage

Now that you have your ingredients organized, it’s time to bring everything together in your Instant Pot! Follow these simple steps to create a hearty, flavorful meal.

1. Sauté Vegetables: Start by setting your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Once it’s hot, add olive oil. After a minute, throw in the sliced onion and bell peppers. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until they begin to soften.

1. Brown the Sausage: add the Italian chicken sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.Aim to brown it lightly for about 4 to 5 minutes.This adds depth to the dish!

1. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. The aroma will be irresistible.

1. Mix in Sauces and pasta: Pour in the marinara sauce and water,then gently stir in the chopped spinach,penne pasta,basil,and Italian seasoning. Everything should be well mixed so the pasta can soak up all the flavors.

1. Pressure Cook: Cancel the “Sauté” function. Close and lock the lid. set your Instant Pot to high pressure for 5 minutes.It may take about 10 to 15 minutes for the pressure to build up before cooking begins.

1. Release Pressure: After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully switch to rapid release to let out the remaining pressure.

1. Final Touch: Remove the lid and stir in 1/2 cup of shredded Italian cheese until it’s melted and combined. Top with the rest of the cheese for an extra cheesy delight.

Now you’re all set to serve up a warm bowl of Instant Pot Pasta with Italian Sausage! Enjoy every bite of this comforting and delectable dish.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips for Instant Pot Pasta with Italian Sausage

Once you’ve put together this lovely Instant Pot Pasta with Italian Sausage, it’s time to think about how to serve and store it. This dish makes a satisfying meal that can easily become a favorite for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

Serving Suggestions:

• Garnish: I like to top my pasta with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parmesan cheese for an added layer of flavor.
• Pairing: Serve it alongside a fresh green salad or some crusty garlic bread to make a complete meal.
• Presentation: For a nice touch, you can serve the pasta in individual bowls, adding an extra sprinkle of cheese on top. This adds a delightful visual element that’s sure to impress your guests.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: If you have leftovers (which is rare,but it happens!),let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.It can be kept in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, consider freezing the pasta. Place it in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space for expansion. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months.
• Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them gently on the stove or in the microwave. You may want to add a splash of water or a bit more marinara sauce to keep the pasta moist.

With these serving and storage tips, you can savor your delicious Instant Pot Pasta with Italian Sausage again and again!

Helpful Notes and Troubleshooting for Instant Pot Pasta with italian Sausage

creating the perfect Instant Pot Pasta can be a breeze, but sometimes things may not go exactly as planned. Here are some helpful notes and troubleshooting tips to ensure your dish turns out just right.

Helpful Notes:

• Cooking Time: The 5 minutes of cooking time in the Instant Pot should yield perfectly cooked pasta, but make sure not to overfill the pot. Keeping within the maximum fill line is crucial for even cooking.
• Flavor Variations: Feel free to get creative! You can add vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to enhance the dish. You could also try different types of sausages or even plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian version.

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Pasta is Too Soft: If your pasta comes out too mushy, try reducing the cooking time next time. Remember that the pasta continues to cook a bit after you release the pressure.
• Burn Notice: If you see a burn notice on your Instant Pot, this might be due to not enough liquid. Always ensure you have the right amount of water or sauce to prevent this issue.
• Too Dry: If the pasta seems dry when serving, a splash of water or extra sauce can bring it back to life.

With these tips in mind, you can cook with confidence and enjoy every delicious bite of your Instant Pot Pasta with Italian Sausage!