Bowl of instant pot creamy tomato and sausage pasta next to a can of Muir Glen Organic Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes and a wedge of parmesan on a wood board.

Instant Pot™ Creamy Tomato and Sausage Cavatappi

Clock icon
25 Minutes Prep
55 Minutes Total
Pie icon
8 Servings

Sure to become a family favorite, this creamy pasta, loaded with Italian sausage and baby spinach, is made entirely in the Instant Pot™. Whenever a dish is a joy to eat and a breeze to clean up, we call it a win (or in this case, dinner).

Ingredient List

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil Small check mark in a circle icon
  • 1 lb bulk Italian sausage Small check mark in a circle icon
  • 1 cup chopped onions Small check mark in a circle icon
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped Small check mark in a circle icon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Small check mark in a circle icon
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Small check mark in a circle icon
  • 1 can (28 oz) Muir Glen™ organic fire roasted crushed tomatoes, undrained Small check mark in a circle icon
  • 2 cups chicken broth Small check mark in a circle icon
  • 12 oz uncooked cavatappi pasta (4 cups) Small check mark in a circle icon
  • 1 package (8 oz) mascarpone, softened Small check mark in a circle icon
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (4 oz) Small check mark in a circle icon
  • 1 package (5 oz) fresh baby spinach leaves Small check mark in a circle icon
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves Small check mark in a circle icon

Preparation

  1. On 6-quart Instant Pot™, select SAUTE; adjust to normal. Heat oil in insert. Add sausage, onions, garlic, salt and pepper flakes; cook 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly cooked. Select CANCEL.
  2. Stir in tomatoes, broth and pasta. Secure lid; set pressure valve to SEALING. Select MANUAL; cook on high pressure 7 minutes. Select CANCEL. Set pressure valve to VENTING to quick-release pressure. Stir in mascarpone cheese and Parmesan cheese until cheeses melt. Stir in spinach and basil; let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Tips

  • Trademarks referred to herein are the properties of their respective owners.
  • Fresh Italian sausage typically comes in both mild and hot varieties. We tested this recipe with mild Italian sausage, but if you like your pasta on the hot side, feel free to use hot Italian sausage.
  • Make sure to thoroughly stir the dried pasta, broth and tomatoes into the sausage mixture before you begin pressure cooking. This will help the pasta cook more evenly.
  • Cavatappi is a macaroni-type corkscrew-shaped pasta. It holds up well to hearty sauces.
  • Shredded Parmesan cheese makes a tasty garnish for this pasta.

Related Products