If you’re craving a comforting pasta dish but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this Instant Pot Pasta with Sausage is your new weeknight hero! Packed with hearty Italian chicken sausage, vibrant bell peppers, tender pasta, and melty mozzarella, this one-pot wonder brings all the flavors of a classic Italian meal with a fraction of the effort.
With minimal prep and just 2 minutes of pressure cooking time, this cozy, satisfying dish is perfect for busy nights when you need something quick, filling, and full of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Pasta
✅ One-Pot Meal – No need to boil pasta separately or use multiple pans.
✅ Ready in 30 Minutes – Fast enough for a last-minute dinner.
✅ Family-Friendly – Mild, comforting flavors that everyone will love.
✅ Nutritious & Hearty – Includes lean protein, whole grains, and veggies.
✅ Super Versatile – Use any sausage or pasta you have on hand!
What Is Instant Pot Pasta with Sausage?
This dish is a clever twist on traditional pasta recipes, cooked entirely in the Instant Pot. By sautéing sausage and onions, layering in pasta and marinara, and finishing with fresh spinach and melty cheese, you get all the flavors of a hearty Italian dinner—without the mess.
It’s similar to lasagna soup in taste, but with more bite and texture from whole wheat penne and chunky vegetables. Perfect for cozy dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prepping for the week!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together in just one pot for a flavorful, complete meal:
For the Base:
– Olive oil – To sauté the sausage and veggies.
– Italian chicken sausage – Pre-cooked or raw, mild or spicy.
– Onion – Adds depth and sweetness.
– Bell peppers – Use any color for flavor and color.
– Marinara sauce – Choose your favorite jarred sauce.
– Water – Helps the pasta cook evenly.
– Italian seasoning – Classic herbs like oregano and basil.
– Whole wheat penne pasta – Holds up well in the pressure cooker.
– Fresh spinach – Stirred in at the end for added nutrients.
– Mozzarella cheese – Melts into the pasta for gooey, cheesy bites.
How to Make Instant Pot Pasta with Sausage
This recipe comes together easily with just a few simple steps:
Step 1: Sauté the Sausage & Onion
Turn on the sauté function. Add olive oil, sliced (or crumbled) sausage, and chopped onion. Cook until the sausage is browned and the onion is softened. Press “Cancel.”
Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients (No Stirring!)
Add chopped bell peppers, water, 1 cup of marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning. Stir to deglaze.
Add penne pasta in an even layer. Do not stir. Pour the remaining sauce on top to cover the pasta.
Step 3: Pressure Cook
Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 2 minutes (adjust based on your pasta—see tips below). It may take about 20 minutes to come to pressure.
Step 4: Quick Release & Finish
Once cooking ends, carefully quick release the steam. Open the lid, stir the pasta, and mix in the spinach and mozzarella until well combined. Serve warm!
Ways to Serve This Pasta Dish
This Instant Pot pasta is satisfying on its own but can be served in various delicious ways:
🍽 With garlic bread – A classic pairing for scooping up every bite.
🥗 With a side salad – Try Caesar, arugula, or mixed greens.
🧀 Topped with Parmesan – Extra cheesy goodness is always a win.
🌶️ Add a kick – Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for heat.
🍷 With a glass of red – Pair with Chianti or a light red blend.
Tips for the Best Instant Pot Pasta
👨🍳 Use the right cook time – Follow the guide: 2 mins for 6–9 min pasta, 3 mins for 10–12, and 4 for 13+.
🌿 Don’t skip the deglaze – Scrape the pot bottom after sautéing to avoid the burn warning.
🥄 Don’t stir the pasta – Layering keeps it from sticking.
🧀 Stir in cheese at the end – This keeps it from sticking to the pot and ensures smooth melting.
🧊 Add spinach after cooking – Keeps it bright and fresh, not overcooked.
Storage & Reheating Tips
🥡 Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
❄️ Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
🔥 Reheat: Microwave or reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or marinara.
💡 Pro Tip: You can also freeze the dish before adding cheese and spinach—just reheat, then stir in fresh ingredients when serving!
FAQs About Instant Pot Pasta with Sausage
Q: Can I use raw sausage instead of pre-cooked?
A: Absolutely. Just remove it from the casing, crumble, and sauté until browned.
Q: Can I use another type of pasta?
A: Yes! Just adjust the cook time based on the pasta package instructions.
Q: What if I don’t have spinach?
A: You can omit it or swap in kale, arugula, or frozen peas for extra greens.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. It’ll still be delicious!
Q: What’s the best way to prevent a “burn” warning?
A: Be sure to deglaze the pot after sautéing and don’t stir the pasta after layering it.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Pasta with Sausage is your go-to recipe for comfort food that’s quick, hearty, and easy to clean up. With rich Italian flavors, simple ingredients, and a 30-minute cook time, it’s a perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you just need a bowl of something warm and satisfying.
Try it tonight and enjoy a hearty, home-cooked meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen—without all the effort!
Short Version
Instant Pot Pasta with Sausage
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound Italian chicken sausage see notes
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 bell peppers chopped
- 3 cups water
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 12 ounces whole wheat penne pasta about 4 ½ cups dry or white penne pasta
- 25- ounce jar marinara sauce
- 3 cups fresh spinach coarsely chopped
- 2 ounces mozzarella cheese shredded (about ½ cup)
Instructions
- Turn on the Instant Pot sauté function and add the olive oil to the pot.
- If using pre-cooked sausage, slice it and add it to the Instant Pot. If using raw sausage, remove it from the casings and add it to the pot.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté with the sausage until the sausage is browned and the onion is softened. If using uncooked sausage, break it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Press cancel to turn off the sauté function.
- Add the bell peppers, water, Italian seasoning, and 1 cup of marinara sauce. Stir, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.
- Add the penne pasta on top without stirring. Press it down into an even layer. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the pasta without stirring.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set the steam release valve to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 2 minutes. (This time is for whole wheat penne with a stovetop cook time of 9 minutes for al dente. Adjust as needed for different pasta types.)
- The Instant Pot will take about 20 minutes to reach pressure before the cook time begins. Once the cooking time ends, quick release the pressure by carefully moving the steam release valve to the venting position. When the steam has fully escaped and the pin drops, open the lid. There may be a little extra liquid, but it will absorb as the pasta rests.
- Stir the pasta, then mix in the spinach, followed by the shredded mozzarella. Serve warm.
Notes
