Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious? Meet the Instant Pot Creamy Italian Sausage and Shells—your new go-to recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave your family begging for seconds! In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a creamy, cheesy pasta dish infused with the robust flavors of Italian sausage, making it perfect for busy evenings or cozy gatherings. Don’t miss out on the chance to impress your loved ones with this easy-to-follow recipe that combines convenience and flavor in the most delightful way!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 8 ounces medium shell pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and measure out the remaining ingredients. This will help streamline the cooking process.
- Set your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' mode. Once it’s hot, add the pound of Italian sausage. Cook the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- After the sausage is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Next, pour in the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the 2 cups of chicken broth. Stir to combine all ingredients, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to prevent burning.
- Add the 8 ounces of medium shell pasta to the pot. Do not stir; just make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid to ensure even cooking.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to 'Sealing'. Select the 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' setting and set the timer for 4 minutes. The pot will take some time to come to pressure before the cooking time begins.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, carefully perform a quick release by turning the valve to 'Venting'. Be cautious of the steam that will escape.
- After the pressure has fully released, open the lid and stir the contents. The pasta should be cooked through and the mixture may look a little soupy.
- Add the 1 cup of heavy cream to the pot and stir well to combine, creating a creamy sauce. Let it simmer on the 'Sauté' mode for about 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Finally, remove the pot from heat and stir in the 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and well incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the creamy Italian sausage and shells hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To make the cooking process even smoother, prep your ingredients in advance. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and measure out your other ingredients before you start cooking.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t skip the sautéing step! Browning the Italian sausage and softening the onion and garlic first will enhance the overall flavor of your dish.
- Layering Ingredients: When adding the pasta, ensure it’s fully submerged in the liquid but avoid stirring it in. This helps prevent the pasta from clumping together and ensures even cooking.
- Quick Release Caution: Be careful when performing the quick release after cooking. Use a long utensil to turn the valve to 'Venting' to keep your hands safe from the steam.
- Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a richer sauce, feel free to add more heavy cream or cheese to taste. You can also use half-and-half for a lighter option.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the flavor profile of your dish.
- Leftover Magic: This dish reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 95mg
