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 is a super delicious one pot meal with penne pasta, smoky kielbasa, red bell pepper, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce. A pressure cooker one pot meal!
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Tbsp Butter
- 1 lb Andouille Sausage (or Smoked Kielbasa) sliced in ½" 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
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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!
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Turn on the pot to the Sauté function. When the display reads Hot, add the oil and butter.
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Add the sausage and chicken breast, if using, and cook for 3 or 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Add the onion and celery. Cook until onion starts to turn translucent.
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Add the garlic, Cajun spice blend, smoked paprika, and mushrooms. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
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Add the red bell pepper and chicken broth. Stir. Let come to a simmer (the glass lid helps it come to a simmer faster).
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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.
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Cancel the Sauté function. Press the Pressure Cook/Manual button (or dial) and use the + or - button (or dial) to choose 5 minutes.
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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.
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When the pin in the lid drops back down, open the lid and stir the pasta.
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Stir in the parmesan cheese, and let it melt.
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Stir in the heavy cream and parsley.
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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.
*It's easy to make homemade your own Cajun Spice Blend
RESOURCES TO MAKE Instant Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta recipe and more
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Kemilyn Thisdell
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!
Suzanne
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!
Sandy
I'm glad you and your hubby liked this!
Lindsey
Can/how would you prepare this in advance, and freeze? I am meal prepping.
Sandy
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.
Lexie
how many calories for one serving? how much in one serving?
Sandy
Approx 453 calories in about 1.5 cups.
Emily
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?
Sandy
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!
Natalie
SO EXCELLENT. I used the stove-top method because we use GF pasta and well, it NEVER turns out in the IP. But, nonetheless, fabulous flavor. I cut the broth to 2 c. which yielded more than enough "juice" for us. =) I pretty much quadrupled the garlic (as I usually do) and it was perfect. I also added chopped, fresh spinach which I do to most everything...haha.
Will double this recipe next time for leftovers. Fantastic flavor, thank you!!! For some reason, it won't let me add my star rating, but 5+++ for sure!
Sandy
That's great, Natalie! Looks like the stars showed up. Thank you! I also add lots of garlic! Your version sounds super!
Erica
This was delicious and so easy to make! Even my kids ate it, talk about a miracle! Thanks for the recipie!
Sandy
That's so great, Erica! It's so nice when the kids enjoy their dinner. Then you can enjoy yours, too! 🙂