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    Home » Instant Pot » Instant Pot Pasta with Sausage in Tomato Cream Sauce

    Instant Pot Pasta with Sausage in Tomato Cream Sauce

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    Published: Feb 13, 2020 Updated: Nov 28, 2020 by Paint the Kitchen Red | 183 Comments

    Instant Pot Pasta - Penne Sausage with Tomato Cream sauce in a white oval serving bowl- Paint the Kitchen Red

    This tasty Instant Pot Penne with Sausage in Tomato Cream Sauce is a quick and easy recipe perfect for busy weeknights.  The best part about this recipe is that the pasta and sauce are cooked together, from scratch. So there’s no need for jar pasta sauce.

    Instant Pot Pasta - Penne Sausage with Tomato Cream sauce in a white oval serving bowl- Paint the Kitchen Red

    [This post was first published in February 2017 and was one of my first Instant Pot recipes! It was completely updated in February 2019 with new photographs and modified instructions to help you avoid the Burn message.]

    Table of Contents


    1. INTRODUCTION
    2. TIPS
    3. INGREDIENTS
    4. STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS
    5. RECIPE CARD – PRINTABLE
    6. RELATED RECIPES

    Introduction

    Can you cook pasta in a pressure cooker? The answer is a resounding ‘yes.’  And it’s so convenient because everything gets done in one pot. This is one of the first recipes I developed when I first got my Instant Pot.

    The really interesting thing about cooking pasta in the Instant Pot is that you don’t drain the pasta water. You pressure cook the pasta, and the cooking water gets absorbed into the dish.

    You may be familiar with stovetop pasta recipes where reserved pasta water is added at the end to make the dish creamier. Well, that’s essentially what happens when you pressure cook the pasta, except you use less water and all of it gets incorporated.

    I combined two different stovetop recipes – Homemade Pasta Sauce and Penne Pasta with Sausage – to make this recipe.

    On a really busy day, you can make a homemade Instant Pot sausage pasta recipe within 30 minutes from scratch (no jar sauce in sight!) and the hands-on time is less than about 10 minutes. This recipe easily feeds four people.

    Here are some other Instant Pot Pasta recipes you might like to try out!
    – Instant Pot Garlic Shrimp Pasta
    – Instant Pot Vegetarian Rigatone Bolognese
    – Instant Pot Italian Wedding Soup
    – Instant Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

    Tips and Substitutions


    Flavor

    If you like things spicy, add extra crushed red pepper or use spicy Italian sausage. I do both when I make this recipe.

    The recipe gives you the option of using broth or water. Using broth makes the penne more flavorful because the broth is absorbed by the penne.


    Pasta

    To avoid the Burn error message, add the pasta at the end right before pressure cooking and don’t stir it. Just push down on it with a spatula until the pasta is submerged in the liquid.

    Penne, farfalle, and ziti would all work for this recipe but you may need to change the cooking time. The rule of thumb for pasta cooking times is to take the cooking time on the box, divide by 2 and add 1. e.g. if the pasta stovetop cooking time is listed as 8 minutes, the Instant Pot cooking time for the pasta would be 5 minutes (8 divided by 2 = 4; 4 + 1 = 5)


    Cream

    Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream to make the recipe healthier. Keep in mind that you will sacrifice some flavor!

    Substitute cream cheese or mascarpone cheese for the cream to get a creamier consistency and different flavor.


    Parmesan

    For maximum flavor, try to use good quality, freshly grated parmesan cheese.


    Meat

    If you want to substitute chicken for the Italian sausage, use boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-size pieces. Or use chicken sausage. Keep the pressure cooking time the same.

    You can make the recipe meatier by adding another 1/4 lb of sausage.


    Crushed Tomatoes

    The recipe calls for a large can of crushed tomatoes. That makes this dish have a pretty strong tomato flavor. The reason for this is that the cream balances out the tomatoes. If you want to reduce the tomato flavor, use 1/2 to 3/4 can e.g. if you’re using less cream.

    The tomatoes are also added at the end and not stirred. Again, this is to help avoid getting the Burn error message.


    Sweetness

    The recipe adds a touch of sugar to balance out the sourness of the tomatoes. You can substitute sugar with some grated carrots, which add sweetness.


    Releasing Pressure

    Doing a quick release (QR) of pressure when cooking pasta can result in food particles spewing out of the steam release valve. When releasing pressure, do it in bursts.

    This means you release steam for 1 second and stop. Repeat multiple times until the steam coming out is less forceful. At that point, you can release the remaining pressure in a steady stream.

    If you’re new to the Instant Pot and aren’t familiar with how to use it, you might find it helpful to first read one of the following guides and then come back here to learn how to make this recipe.

    • Instant Pot DUO Beginner’s Manual
    • Instant Pot ULTRA Beginner’s Manual
    • Instant Pot DUO EVO PLUS Beginner’s Manual
    • Instant Pot DUO NOVA Beginner’s Manual
    • Instant Pot DUO GOURMET Beginner’s Manual
    • Instant Pot DUO CRISP Beginner’s Manual

    Instant Pot Pasta with Sausage – Ingredients

    Instant Pot Pasta - Penne Sausage Tomato Cream Ingredients - pasta, salt, cream, peppers, parsley, onion, herbs, garlic, parmesan, sugar, black pepper, crushed tomato, white wine, olive oil, sausage - Paint the Kitchen Red
    • Penne pasta
    • Salt
    • Cream
    • Bell peppers
    • Parsley
    • Dried basil and oregano
    • Garlic
    • Parmesan
    • Sugar
    • Crushed tomato
    • Onion
    • Black pepper
    • White wine
    • Olive oil
    • Sausage

    How to Make Penne with Sausage in the Instant Pot (Step by Step Instructions)

    1. Turn on Saute mode
    2. Saute sausage
    3. Saute onions and garlic
    4. Add spices and pasta
    5. Pressure cook the sausage and pasta
    6. Quick-release pressure
    7. Stir cream and parsley

    How to Turn on Saute Mode

    Instant Pot Ultra Duo Saute Function collage - arrows pointing to Saute in Duo and Ultra - Paint the Kitchen Red
    • Instant Pot DUO:  Select the Saute function.
    • Instant Pot ULTRA:  Select the Saute function and press Start.

    Saute Sausage

    Instant Pot Penne with Sausage Instructions collage 1 - oil, sausage, cooked sausage - Paint the Kitchen Red
    • Once the inner pot has preheated, add oil to the inner pot and let it heat up.
    • Add sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
    • If the sausage browns too quickly, press Cancel until the Instant Pot cools down a bit and select Saute again. Deglaze as needed with a tablespoon of broth.

    Saute Onions and Garlic

    Instant Pot Penne with Sausage Instructions collage 2 - onions, garlic, deglazed - Paint the Kitchen Red
    • Add the onions and saute until translucent.
    • Add garlic and saute for 30 seconds.
    • Deglaze with white wine, stirring until the liquid has nearly evaporated.
    • Press Cancel to turn Instant Pot off.

    Add Spices and Pasta

    Instant Pot Penne with Sausage Instructions collage 3 - broth and spices, tomatoes, pasta - Paint the Kitchen Red
    • Add in bell pepper, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and broth or water. Stir to combine.
    • Add tomatoes and pasta on top, but don’t stir in.
    • Gently push down with a spatula till the pasta is submerged. This helps avoid the Burn message.

    Instant Pot Duo Pressure Cook 5 minutes

    Instant Pot Duo Manual mode 5 minutes collage - close lid, press manual, press - or +, display shows 5 - Paint the Kitchen Red
    • Close the lid and make sure steam release handle is in Sealing position
    • Press Manual (or Pressure Cook) and + or – until the display reads ‘5′ (5 minutes).

    Instant Pot Ultra Pressure Cook 5 minutes

    Instant Pot Ultra pressure cook 5 minutes collage - close Instant Pot Ultra, set time to 00:05 and select Pressure Cook, press start - Paint the Kitchen Red
    • Close the lid.
    • Select Pressure Cook mode and adjust the time to 5 minutes (00:05).
    • Press Start.

    Pressure Cooking Process (Duo and Ultra)

    Instant Pot Duo Pressure Cooking collage - display shows On, float valve is down, display shows L0:00 - Paint the Kitchen Red
    Instant Pot Ultra pressure cooking collage - Ultra display shows On, float valve is up, display shows 00 00 - Paint the Kitchen Red
    • Instant Pot display will change to On.
    • Once the Instant Pot is pressurized, the float valve will go up.
    • The display will count down to 0; it will then switch to Keep Warm mode and display ‘L0:00’  or ’00 00′ and begin to count up the number of minutes since pressure cooking completed.

    How to Quick Release Pressure (QR) on the DUO

    Instant Pot Quick Release collage - move handle to venting, float valve down, lid propped open - Paint the Kitchen Red
    • Move the steam release handle to Venting. Steam will come out of the steam release handle.
    • When your Instant Pot is depressurized, the float valve will be in the down position.
    • Press Cancel and open the Instant Pot.

    How to Quick Release Pressure (QR) on the ULTRA

    Instant Pot Ultra Release Steam and Open collage - press steam release button, float valve in down position, Instant Pot Ultra is open - Paint the Kitchen Red
    • Press down on the Steam Release Button until it locks into place, and steam begins to come out of the Steam Release Valve.
    • When your Instant Pot is depressurized, the float valve will be in the down position.
    • Press Cancel and open the Instant Pot.

    [Find out more about the pressure release methods and how and when to use them. ]

    Pro Tip


    For some foods such as noodles, I find it helpful to release the steam in small bursts: less than 1-second intervals.  Once the steam coming out is less forceful, I release the remaining pressure in a steady stream. Read more about the different pressure release methods.

    Stir in Cream and Parsley

    Instant Pot Penne with Sausage Instructions collage 4 - cooked pasta, add cream, sprinkled with parsley and parmesan - Paint the Kitchen Red
    • There might seem to be more liquid than you’d like, but don’t worry, the liquid will get absorbed by the pasta as it rests.
    • Carefully stir in cream.
    • Select Saute and simmer the pasta and sauce for a couple of minutes until heated through.
    • Let the Instant Pot pasta rest for a few minutes and it will thicken up.
    • Sprinkle each serving with grated parmesan, parsley, and crushed red pepper (if using).
    Instant Pot Pasta - Penne Sausage with Tomato Cream sauce in a white bowl- Paint the Kitchen Red

    Instant Pot Pasta | Penne with Sausage in Tomato Cream Sauce

    Tasty Penne with Sausage in Tomato Cream Sauce is quick and easy. This Instant Pot Pasta can be ready in 30 minutes with just 10 minutes hands-on time.
    4.84 from 56 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 364 kcal
    Author: Paint the Kitchen Red

    Ingredients

    • 1 Tbsp  vegetable oil
    • 1 lb Italian sausage - casing removed, cut into 1/2 inch chunks
    • 1/2 cup chopped onion
    • 1 Tbsp garlic - minced
    • 1/2 cup dry white wine
    • 1 cup bell peppers - 1 inch cubes
    • 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
    • 1 1/2 tsp  dried basil
    • 1 tsp  dried oregano
    • 1 tsp  salt - or to taste
    • 1/4 tsp  black pepper powder
    • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth - or water
    • 28 oz. (1 can) crushed tomatoes
    • 1/2 lb dry penne pasta
    • 1/2 cup heavy cream
    • parmesan cheese - shredded
    • Chopped parsley to garnish
    • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper - or to taste, optional

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot

    Instructions

    • Select 'Saute' and add oil to inner pot of Instant Pot.
    • Add sausage, and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Break up the sausage if the pieces are too large. (If the sausage browns too quickly, press 'Cancel' until the Instant Pot cools down a bit and select 'Saute' again.)
    • Add onions and garlic. Stir until onion is translucent.
    • Deglaze pot with white wine, stirring until liquid has nearly evaporated.
    • Turn off Instant Pot.
    • Stir in bell peppers, sugar, dried basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and broth or water.
    • Add in the tomatoes and pasta. Don't stir but just gently push down to submerge in the liquid.
    • Close the lid and pressure cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes.
    • Do a Quick Release of steam, and open the Instant Pot. [Read More: The Different Pressure Release Methods]
    • Select 'Saute'.
    • Stir in cream and simmer the pasta for a couple of minutes until heated through.
    • Turn off Instant Pot and if desired, let the pasta rest for a few minutes to absorb any remaining liquid.
    • Sprinkle each serving with Parmesan and parsley, and crushed red pepper, if using.

    Notes

    • Prep time does not include steps that are already accounted for in the ingredient list, e.g. chopped onions, minced garlic, diced chicken, etc.
    • To lighten the dish, you could substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
    • The sugar adds a nice balance to the flavor of the tomatoes, but feel free to leave it out or add some grated carrots.
    • See the blog post for more detailed recipe tips.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 364 kcal | Carbohydrates: 44 g | Protein: 17 g | Fat: 13 g | Saturated Fat: 7 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6 g | Sodium: 742 mg | Fiber: 8 g | Sugar: 11 g
    CourseMain Dishes
    CuisineAmerican, Italian
    Main Ingredientpasta, pork
    Have you made this recipe?I love seeing your photos! Tag me on Instagram @PaintTheKitchenRed hashtag #paintthekitchenred
    Thank you for visiting Paint the Kitchen Red. All photos and content are copyright protected. Please don’t use any content without prior written permission. If you’ve made this recipe and would like to share it with your friends, please link back to this recipe. Thank you!

    I am not a certified nutritionist.  I provide my best estimate of nutritional information merely as a courtesy to my readers.  If you depend on nutritional information for dietary or health reasons,  I suggest using your favorite online nutrition calculator to confirm the nutritional value of this recipe based on the actual ingredients that you use.

    If you loved this recipe, please give it a five ⭐ rating in the comment section below and please share it on social media using the social media share buttons at the top and bottom of this post. Thank you so much!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tanya

      February 16, 2021 at 7:24 pm

      5 stars
      I love this recipe! I have made it many times and it has become one of my go to recipes. Everyone loves it!!

      Reply
      • Paint the Kitchen Red

        February 17, 2021 at 9:37 am

        Hey Tanya, thanks for commenting – I’m so happy to hear this.

        Reply
    2. Peter

      February 08, 2021 at 6:10 pm

      5 stars
      Nice simple, quick and tasty recipe.
      I added a bit more pasta and also sautéed the sausage in a frying pan. Mostly because sausages are usually fatty. So I cooked them fully and drained them before adding to the pot.

      Reply
      • Paint the Kitchen Red

        February 10, 2021 at 9:52 am

        Peter, thanks for your comment and suggestions – great option to avoid some of the fat.

        Reply
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