Spicy Cajun Sausage Pasta: Instant Pot Recipe

This easy Instant Pot Cajun Sausage Pasta is a spicy and flavorful one-pot meal that is perfect for busy weeknights! With tender pasta, savory andouille sausage, and a creamy Cajun sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!

Photo byThe Cookin' Chicks

Why You’ll Love this Instant Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta

• Quick and Easy– using simple ingredients and only about 20 minutes of cook time, this meal is perfect when short on time!
• Family Approved– I have three picky eaters in my house and can happily say they each give this meal two thumbs up.
• Customizable– have fun with it and make it your own by adding in addition veggies, increasing/decreasing the Cajun seasoning, change pasta type, etc. So many great options to customize it!
• A one pot meal– if you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to add some sides, no worries! This recipe includes your pasta, protein, and veggie, so technically, it is a full meal in itself.

Photo byThe Cookin' Chicks

Instant Pot Cajun Pasta Ingredient Notes

• Oil– I use vegetable oil, however canola oil or avocado oil work as well.
• Butter– use unsalted to control the salt levels a bit more.
• Green Bell Pepper– diced, you can use any color desired.
• Onion– diced yellow or white onion is best.
• Smoked Andouille Sausage– use whichever flavor and brand desired. To increase the spice levels, try jalapeno smoked sausage, one of our favorites!
• Garlic– fresh minced garlic is best as it adds the most flavor, jarred works too.
• Paprika, Italian Seasoning, Cajun Seasoning, Cayenne Pepper– this adds lots of flavor and heat to the pot.
• Chicken Broth– try to use reduced sodium if you can, homemade works great too.
• Diced Tomatoes– one can, any brand, but don’t drain it as you will need the additional liquid.
• Penne Pasta– uncooked, I have recently started using whole wheat penne pasta and it is delicious. Feel free to use a different type of pasta such as rotini.
• Cream Cheese– full fat is best, allow to soften before using so it blends into the pasta easier.
• Parmesan Cheese– grated is best, but if you only have shredded, that works great too.
• Heavy Whipping Cream– this gets added after the pasta has cooked and adds to the overall creaminess. You can use half and half if you don’t have whipping cream on hand.

Photo byThe Cookin' Chicks

How to make Instant Pot Cajun Sausage Pasta

1. Turn sauté mode on Instant Pot and add in the oil and butter to the bottom of the pot.
2. Add in the green pepper and onion, allowing to sauté about 3 minutes.
3. Add in the garlic and sausage, sautéing an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Add in the paprika, Italian seasoning, broth, tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, Cayenne pepper, and uncooked pasta.
5. Stir a bit to push down the pasta into the liquid.
6. Turn off saute function and place lid securely on top. Ensure valve is in sealing position.
7. Cook manual, high pressure, for 5 minutes followed by a quick release.
8. Once pin drops, open pressure cooker lid and stir in the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream.
9. Once cheeses have melted and all has been incorporated, serve!

Photo byThe Cookin' Chicks

Tips for success

• I use a 6 quart electric pressure cooker for this recipe. You can use an 8 quart, but I don’t recommend going any smaller.
• If you want to add in some additional vegetables, mushrooms, olives, or additional peppers are great options!
• To cut down on spice, feel free to use less Cajun seasoning or use an all-purpose seasoning in place of the Cajun.
• Diced chicken works great in place of the sausage, saute it a bit before adding it to the rest of the ingredients, but then you will have a yummy Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta instead!
• Ensure the cream cheese is softened before adding it so it melts evenly and smoothly.

Photo byThe Cookin' Chicks

Storing Cajun Pasta with Sausage

• Once fully cooled, place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days.
• To freeze, place in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
• To reheat, place serving into microwave for about 1 minute, or until heated through.

Photo byThe Cookin' Chicks

Exact Ingredients

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• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 green pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 14 oz smoked andouille sausage, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 14 oz diced tomatoes *don't drain
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning *Chupacabra or Slap Ya Mama
• 1 dash Cayenne pepper
• 12 oz Penne pasta, uncooked
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream