Get ready to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Louisiana with this mind-blowing Instant Pot Voodoo Pasta! In just 35 minutes, you'll conjure up a magical dish that combines the bold, fiery flavors of Cajun cuisine with the convenience of modern cooking. Imagine succulent shrimp dancing with perfectly cooked penne, all bathed in a rich, spicy sauce that will make your dinner guests wonder if you've cast a delicious culinary spell!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients on a clean workspace. Ensure that your Instant Pot is clean and ready for use.
- Set your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' mode. Allow it to heat up for a few minutes.
- Add a splash of oil to the pot. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the Cajun seasoning to the pot, stirring well to coat the vegetables and release the spices' aroma.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (with juices) and the chicken broth. Stir to combine all the ingredients in the pot.
- Add the penne pasta to the mixture, ensuring that the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Do not stir the pasta after adding it, as this can cause it to stick.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Close the Instant Pot lid and ensure the valve is set to 'Sealing'.
- Set the Instant Pot to 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' mode for 4 minutes. The pot will take some time to come to pressure before the cooking time begins.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a quick release of pressure by carefully turning the valve to 'Venting'. Be cautious of the steam.
- After the pressure has fully released, open the lid and stir the pasta mixture. Add the shrimp to the pot and gently fold them into the pasta.
- Close the lid again and set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve the Instant Pot Voodoo Pasta hot, garnished with fresh herbs or grated cheese if desired. Enjoy your flavorful Cajun dish!
Tips
- Spice Level Control: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to match your heat tolerance. Start with less and add more if needed.
- Shrimp Perfection: Don't overcook the shrimp! They should be pink and just barely cooked to maintain their tender texture.
- Liquid is Key: Ensure the pasta is fully submerged in liquid to guarantee even cooking and prevent burning.
- Quick Release Caution: When releasing pressure, use a long utensil or wear oven mitts to protect yourself from steam.
- Fresh is Best: For an extra flavor boost, use fresh garlic and consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or green onions as a garnish.
- Pasta Consistency: If the pasta seems too dry after cooking, you can add a little more chicken broth to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to customize with additional vegetables or swap shrimp for chicken if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 180mg
