Instant Pot Cajun Sausage and Shrimp Pasta

The Instant Pot Cajun Sausage and Shrimp Pasta is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Louisiana right to your kitchen. With its creamy sauce enveloping tender pasta, flavorful sausage, and succulent shrimp, this recipe is perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. You’ll be amazed at how quick and easy it is to create such a restaurant-quality meal in just a few simple steps.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: The Instant Pot cuts down cooking time significantly, making this dish ready in under 40 minutes.
• Flavorful: Packed with Cajun seasoning, the dish offers a rich and spicy flavor profile that tantalizes your taste buds.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the recipe with different vegetables or proteins based on what you have on hand.
• One-Pot Wonder: Enjoy effortless cleanup since everything is cooked in one pot, leaving you more time to enjoy your meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing: With its creamy texture and bold flavors, this dish is sure to impress both family and guests alike.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious pasta dish, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will help streamline the cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Instant Pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stirring spoon

Why These Tools Matter

• Instant Pot: This handy appliance not only saves time but also locks in flavors while cooking under pressure.
• Cutting board & Knife: Essential for safely chopping ingredients like onions, garlic, and bell peppers.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the right balance of flavors in your dish.

Ingredients

A creamy sauce envelopes curly pasta, sliced sausage bites, and tender shrimp. A recipe with amazing flavor that rivals anything you could order at a restaurant.

For the Base

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup diced onion
• 3 large garlic cloves, minced
• 3 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth

For the Protein

• 1 (13 oz) package chicken chicken chicken chicken andouille sausage or smoked sausage, sliced into ½ inch pieces (see note)
• 1 (12 oz) package frozen cooked shrimp – tail off, peeled and deveined (see note)

For the Pasta

• 1 pound uncooked cavatappi or penne pasta
• 1-2 cups sliced or quartered mushrooms

For Flavor

• 1 Tbsp cajun seasoning
• 1 (14.5 oz) can fire roasted tomatoes

For Creaminess

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 bell pepper, cored and thinly sliced (I used orange but green or red work too)

For Serving

• 1 cup shredded or grated parmesan cheese

How to Make Instant Pot Cajun Sausage and Shrimp Pasta

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

1. Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Once it displays HOT, add in the olive oil and swirl it around.
2. Add in the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
3. Next, add minced garlic and sauté for about 20 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze.

Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients

1. Layer in the sausage slices evenly over the broth mixture.
2. Add sliced mushrooms, uncooked pasta, cajun seasoning, and fire roasted tomatoes without stirring.

Step 3: Pressure Cook

1. Secure the lid on your Instant Pot ensuring the valve is set to sealing.
2. Set the manual/pressure cook button for 4 minutes.
3. After cooking time is up, perform a quick release by carefully moving the valve to venting. If foam starts coming out of the pot, return it back to sealing briefly before trying again.
4. Once steam has fully released, remove the lid.

Step 4: Combine Creaminess

1. Stir in softened cream cheese along with sliced bell peppers and frozen shrimp into the pasta mixture.
2. Cover again for about 5 minutes on warm settings so that everything heats through properly.
3. Open the pot after resting time and stir until cream cheese is fully incorporated along with parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your Instant Pot Cajun Sausage and Shrimp Pasta warm topped with extra parmesan if desired!

How to Serve Instant Pot Cajun Sausage and Shrimp Pasta

Serving Instant Pot Cajun Sausage and Shrimp Pasta is easy and delightful. This creamy dish works well for various occasions, from family dinners to casual gatherings. Here are some ideas to enhance your dining experience.

Pair with Fresh Greens

• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with a vinaigrette can balance the richness of the pasta.
• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with parmesan, croutons, and Caesar dressing complements the dish nicely.

Add Garlic Bread

• Classic Garlic Bread: Toasted bread with garlic butter adds a crunchy texture that pairs well with the creamy pasta.
• Cheesy Garlic Bread: For an indulgent twist, add mozzarella cheese on top before toasting.

Include Seasonal Vegetables

• Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus provides a fresh, vibrant side that enhances the meal.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These offer a nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the pasta’s creaminess.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Cajun Sausage and Shrimp Pasta

To ensure your Instant Pot Cajun Sausage and Shrimp Pasta turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Bold Preparation: Make sure to sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant; this builds a strong flavor base.
• Bold Timing: Stick closely to the recommended cooking times for best results; overcooking can make shrimp rubbery.
• Bold Ingredients: Use high-quality chicken sausage for more depth of flavor and texture in your dish.
• Bold Seasoning: Adjust the cajun seasoning according to your taste; feel free to add more if you like it spicy!
• Bold Cheese Choice: Opt for freshly grated parmesan for better melting and flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Cajun Sausage and Shrimp Pasta

Side dishes can elevate your meal by providing balance and variety. Consider these delicious options when serving Instant Pot Cajun Sausage and Shrimp Pasta.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic make a comforting side that pairs well with any pasta dish.
2. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brings freshness to the table, especially when grilled or boiled with butter.
3. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a healthy crunch alongside the rich pasta.
4. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the heaviness of the pasta.
5. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs offers another carb option that complements the main dish well.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful peppers stuffed with rice or quinoa make for an eye-catching side that’s nutritious too.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Instant Pot Cajun Sausage and Shrimp Pasta, it’s easy to make a few common errors that can affect the final dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.

• Ignoring the Sauté Step: Skipping the sauté function can lead to underdeveloped flavors. Always sauté the onion and garlic before adding other ingredients for a richer taste.
• Overcrowding the Ingredients: Adding too many items at once can affect cooking time and texture. Layer your ingredients correctly and avoid stirring before sealing the lid.
• Using Regular Sausage Instead of Smoked: Regular sausage lacks the smoky flavor needed for this dish. Choose chicken chicken chicken andouille or smoked sausage for the best results.
• Not Allowing the Cream Cheese to Incorporate Fully: If you rush this step, you might end up with lumps in your sauce. Let the cream cheese warm up with the pasta before stirring it in.
• Forgetting to Adjust Seasonings: Taste your dish just before serving. Depending on personal preference, you may need to add extra cajun seasoning or salt.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Instant Pot Cajun Sausage and Shrimp Pasta

• Use freezer-safe containers for storage.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Instant Pot Cajun Sausage and Shrimp Pasta

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Instant Pot Cajun Sausage and Shrimp Pasta?

Instant Pot Cajun Sausage and Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful dish made with creamy sauce, pasta, sausage, and shrimp cooked quickly in an Instant Pot.

Can I customize this Instant Pot Cajun Sausage and Shrimp Pasta recipe?

Absolutely! You can add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini or adjust spices according to your taste preferences.

How do I ensure my shrimp are cooked perfectly?

Add frozen shrimp at the end after pressure cooking; they will cook quickly with residual heat while warming through with other ingredients.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Cavatappi or penne are excellent choices due to their shape, which holds onto sauce well. Feel free to experiment with other short pasta types!

Can I use different protein options in this recipe?

Yes! Chicken or turkey sausage works great as alternatives, providing similar flavors without compromising on taste.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Cajun Sausage and Shrimp Pasta is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it based on your preferences by adding different proteins or vegetables. Try it out today for a quick meal that feels gourmet!

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