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Instant Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta with Sausage is an Instant Pot one-pot meal that is all about flavor! Made with penne pasta, Andouille sausage or a smoky kielbasa, a Cajun spice blend, and more. This pressure cooker creamy Cajun pasta is full of good stuff! It’s an easy, tasty meal to make in your electric pressure cooker.
Originally published 12/10/17
Instant Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta with Sausage
Today I am updating the blog. There is a lot of work that goes into being a blogger, and one of the most important tasks is keeping up to date on technology, security, and so on.
I knew this amazingly delicious Instant Pot one-pot meal was a delicious option for dinner tonight.
This is another of those “Once upon a time, I made this on the stove” kind of recipes. It still amazes me how often I turn to my Instant Pot® electric pressure cooker to make pasta!
I think my favorite thing about making pasta in the IP is that I don’t have to drain the water from the pasta (and that allows me to use broth instead of water, for even more flavor).
The other thing I love about making Instant Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta with Sausage, and many other recipes in my IP, is that it has a great sauté feature, which means I truly can make one-pot meals in it.
Instant Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta with Sausage isn’t too spicy, unless the Cajun spice blend you use happens to be a spicier mix. If that is the case, you might want to reduce the amount you use.
My Cajun Spice Blend is just a bit spicy as Paul doesn’t like too much heat. It does still have a lot of flavor, though!
This yummy pressure cooker Cajun pasta is one of my most popular recipes, and if you try it you will know why!
I have several Instant Pot pasta recipes to choose from, so if this Instant Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta isn’t what you are looking for, search the website for pasta and you will most likely find something you will really like!
Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Instant Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta
Instant Pot Cheeseburger Pasta
Instant Pot Leftover Turkey Pasta
Instant Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta with Sausage
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Tbsp Butter
- 1 lb Andouille Sausage (or Smoked Kielbasa) sliced in 1/2" rounds
- 1 Chicken Breast, skinless/boneless, cubed
- 1 small Sweet Onion, chopped
- ½ cup Celery, diced
- 4 cloves Garlic, pressed or minced
- 1 ½ Tbsp Cajun Seasoning Blend* (try my recipe or a store bought blend like Tony Chachere's)
- 1 Tbsp Smoked Paprika
- 8 med Mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, chopped
- 4 cups Chicken Broth, low sodium
- 12 to 16 oz Penne Pasta
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- ¼ cup Fresh Flat Leaf Parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Gather all of the ingredients, and get all of your veggies and the sausage chopped before starting, and that will make for a smoother cooking experience!
- Turn on the pot to the Sauté function. When the display reads Hot, add the oil and butter.
- Add the sausage and chicken breast, if using, and cook for 3 or 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the onion and celery. Cook until onion starts to turn translucent.
- Add the garlic, Cajun spice blend, smoked paprika, and mushrooms. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Add the red bell pepper and chicken broth. Stir. Let come to a simmer (the glass lid helps it come to a simmer faster).
- Add the pasta and make sure it is submerged. Then place the lid on the pot and lock into place. Set the steam release knob to the Sealing position.
- Cancel the Sauté function. Press the Pressure Cook/Manual button (or dial) and use the + or - button (or dial) to choose 5 minutes.
- When the cooking cycle has ended, turn off the pot (or press Cancel) and do a Quick Release of the pressure/steam. Start slowly to be sure only steam comes out, and then fully release it.
- When the pin in the lid drops back down, open the lid and stir the pasta.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese, and let it melt.
- Stir in the heavy cream and parsley.
- Let sit uncovered for a couple of minutes to thicken up. This is a saucy dish, so it won't be thick like mac and cheese, but it will thicken some as it cools.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
RESOURCES TO MAKE Instant Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta recipe and more
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Delicious! We loved it even my one son who doesn’t always like spicy foods. I only used a beef kielbasa as I didn’t have any chicken. I followed directions exactly and it turned out great. Thank you!
This was sooooo good! I omitted celery, mushroom & red pepper because I didn’t have them. I cooked on the stove top- Reduced the liquid to 3 cups to compensate. The penne took about 5 minutes longer than what was listed on the package. I stirred frequently to make sure the pasta was covered by liquid, and I did have to put the lid on for about the last 5 minutes of cooking to get the liquid absorbed and pasta cooked through. It was super flavorful and really delicious. One of our new favorites. I had an error and could not select the number of stars. In case there is any doubt – 5 STARS! Thanks for sharing your great recipes.
I made this for the first time tonight. I don’t like chicken at all, won’t even buy it so used ground beef and kielbasa. Our problem was too salty. Don’t know if it was the Parmesan cheese or the Cajun spices. We both have high blood pressure so we have to be careful with the sodium intake. Can you help me??
I understand the sodium concern. I’m sure the kielbasa added to the saltiness. Try a reduced or sodium free spice mix. I have a Cajun spice blend recipe that you can make without the salt: Cajun Spice Blend
This is my go to instant pot meal. So good!! I add shrimp to it and it makes it even better! Thanks for sharing this!
Could I use chicken thighs instead of breast? Change cook time? I saw some used shrimp, yum!
If the thighs are boneless/skinless, and small, you won’t need to adjust the time. If larger, just cut them smaller.
Amazing… I used Andoille from Sprouts and two cutup Boneless Skinless Thighs. The flavor was amazing and had some spicy warmth but not too much. I used your Cajun spice mixture as well. What s great recipe!
My husband said, “This one is a home run!!” He won’t eat anything remotely spicy so I made your Cajun Spice mix without the cayenne. I used 2 packages of kielbasa and no chicken. This will be in our regular rotation. I may try some different meats. Might even try it with rice. The sauce was just delicious!
I’m glad you and your hubby liked this!
Can/how would you prepare this in advance, and freeze? I am meal prepping.
Hi Lindsey, yes, you can freeze this. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap if you are using dishes, or use freezer baggies for individual portions. Like anything you freeze, try to get all of the air out. Kees about 1-2 months.
how many calories for one serving? how much in one serving?
Approx 453 calories in about 1.5 cups.
Hi! Planning on making this tomorrow! I was wondering what a serving size is. Also can you sub Greek yogurt for heavy cream to make this a bit healthier?
A serving size is about a cup. You can use Greek Yogurt, just stir it in at the end. If it is too thick, just add a bit of water to thin it out!