Some nights just call for a warm, filling meal that doesn’t take a ton of time. This Instant Pot Italian Sausage Pasta delivers exactly that. You get rich, meaty sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy tomato-based sauce—all cooked together with almost no cleanup.
We first made this on a rushed weeknight and it instantly became a regular. Everything goes into the pot, and about 30 minutes later, it’s dinner time. You’re not juggling pans or waiting for water to boil. Just hit pressure cook, stir in a little cream at the end, and it’s ready to serve.
Why This Recipe Works in the Instant Pot
Cooking pasta and sausage together isn’t new, but the Instant Pot makes it faster and easier. Instead of boiling pasta in one pot and simmering sauce in another, you combine them in one shot.
- Everything cooks in one place, so flavors come together better.
- The sausage gets deeply browned, adding more flavor to the sauce.
- No need to drain pasta, which helps the sauce cling better with the starch.
You’ll end up with pasta that’s saucy and flavorful, not watery or bland.
Simple Ingredients with Big Flavor
This is a pantry-friendly dinner, but it still feels rich and satisfying. Keep the list tight, and it still delivers.
- Italian sausage – Mild or spicy works. Browning it adds depth.
- Pasta – Short types like penne or rigatoni hold up best under pressure.
- Garlic and onion – Build the savory foundation for the sauce.
- Crushed tomatoes – Adds body and a little acidity.
- Heavy cream or half-and-half – Stirred in at the end to smooth it out.
A little salt, pepper, and maybe red pepper flakes finish it off.
How to Make It – Step by Step
Here’s how it all comes together without needing separate pots or pans.
- Brown the sausage
Set the Instant Pot to sauté and cook sausage until browned. Break it up with a wooden spoon. Remove excess fat if needed. - Add aromatics and tomatoes
Stir in chopped onions and garlic. Cook until softened. Add crushed tomatoes and seasonings, scraping the bottom to loosen browned bits. - Add pasta and water
Pour in pasta and enough water or broth to just cover. Do not stir. Just gently press the pasta into the liquid. - Pressure cook
Seal the lid and set to HIGH pressure for 5–6 minutes, depending on pasta type. Quick release the pressure once done. - Finish with cream
Stir in cream or half-and-half while it’s still hot. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. - Taste and serve
Adjust salt and pepper. Serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired.
What Goes Well With Sausage Pasta
Need something on the side? These options round out the meal without adding much work.
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Garlic bread | Crunchy, buttery, and easy to make |
| Simple green salad | Fresh contrast to the rich pasta |
| Steamed broccoli | Light, healthy, and fast to cook |
| Caesar salad | Classic pairing with creamy dressing |
| Roasted zucchini | Mild and earthy, balances the tomato sauce |
| Sautéed spinach with garlic | Quick and flavorful without feeling heavy |
| Caprese skewers | Light and refreshing with tomato and basil |
Storage and Reheat Tips
You’ll likely have leftovers—and they hold up well for a few days.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Add a splash of broth or milk before microwaving to keep it creamy.
Avoid freezing, as pasta can turn mushy after thawing.
Common Questions About This Recipe
Can I use another type of sausage?
Yes, chicken sausage or even ground beef works. Just adjust seasoning to fit the flavor.
Is this too spicy for kids?
Use mild sausage and skip red pepper flakes to keep it family-friendly.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Toss in spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms before pressure cooking.
Will dairy curdle under pressure?
Add cream after pressure cooking, not before, to avoid curdling or separating.
Instant Pot Italian Sausage Pasta
Equipment
- Instant Pot For pressure cooking the full meal
- Wooden Spoon To stir and break up sausage
- Measuring Cups To portion water and cream
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage casings removed
- 1 small onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 12 ounces short pasta penne or rigatoni recommended
- 1 can crushed tomatoes 14–15 oz
- 2.5 cups water or broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté. Brown the sausage, breaking it into small pieces until cooked through.
- Add chopped onion and garlic to the pot. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, pasta, salt, pepper, and water or broth. Press the pasta down gently to submerge. Do not stir.
- Seal the lid and cook on HIGH pressure for 5 minutes. Quick release the pressure after cooking.
- Stir in the cream to finish the sauce. Let rest for a few minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken slightly.
Notes
- Use broth instead of water for deeper flavor.
- Add spinach or kale at the end for extra greens.
- Top with grated Parmesan for more richness.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.