Instant Pot Sausage & Shells
Introduction
When you need a hearty, comforting meal on the table in under 30 minutes, Instant Pot Sausage & Shells is the answer. This recipe offers irresistible flavor—savory Italian sausage, tender pasta shells, and a robust tomato-cream sauce—all in one easy, crowd-pleasing dish.
Hailed for its simplicity and depth of flavor, this one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough for casual gatherings with family and friends.
What Makes This Instant Pot Sausage & Shells Special?
This dish stands out because it’s incredibly creamy, with perfectly cooked pasta and just the right amount of spice from the sausage. Using the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart, all ingredients are cooked together, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully with minimal effort. No need to boil pasta in a separate pot—less mess and less stress!
Key Steps for Creamy, Flavor-Packed Results
Start by prepping your vegetables and sausage. A quality chopper like the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper speeds up dicing onions or peppers for the sauce.
Sautéing the sausage directly in your Instant Pot creates flavor-packed browned bits and ensures even cooking. The magic comes as you add shells, broth, and sauce—no draining required.
Allow for a short natural pressure release to ensure the pasta is tender and the sauce is silky. Stir in cream and Parmesan at the end for that classic, velvety finish.
Assembling and Serving Your Instant Pot Sausage & Shells
Once cooked, a gentle stir helps bring the ingredients together. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh basil for visual appeal and added flavor.
For quick, even mixing, try the Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher to break up sausage as it browns and blend ingredients smoothly.
Want to portion leftovers for lunch? Pack them in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup)—they’re microwave-safe and spill-proof.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings for a Complete Meal
This dish is mouthwatering on its own but also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. If you’re on the go, use a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl for a fresh side salad to complete your meal.
For a more decadent presentation, top with freshly ground black pepper, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of good olive oil.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe makes about 6 generous servings. Each portion contains roughly 475–525 calories, depending on sausage variety and whether you use extra cream or cheese. It’s a balanced meal rich in protein and fiber thanks to the sausage and pasta, but certainly a satisfying comfort classic to enjoy occasionally!
Instant Pot Sausage & Shells (Recap)
In just one pot, you get the zesty flavor of sausage, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked shells. This quick, foolproof meal is a standout for busy nights, appealing to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Set your Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart to “Sauté.” When hot, add the sausage. Use the Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher to break it into crumbles and brown evenly, about 5 minutes.
- Add diced onion (and optional bell pepper). Sauté 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds, stirring often.
- Turn off Sauté mode. Add pasta shells, marinara sauce, Italian herbs, and chicken broth. Stir to combine, making sure shells are just submerged but not stuck to the bottom.
- Seal the Instant Pot lid. Set to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high for 5 minutes.
- When cooking ends, let pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release.
- Carefully open the Instant Pot. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until well combined and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley. Portion leftovers into Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) for easy meal prep.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes
Enjoy this comforting, flavor-packed meal that brings everyone to the table with ease!