Weeknight dinner becomes effortless and satisfying with this creamy, flavorful Instant Pot Sausage Rigatoni.
Some evenings call for a big, cheesy pasta hug. While light, nourishing bowls are great, there are nights when comfort food is the only answer. This Instant Pot Sausage Rigatoni is exactly that—rich, cheesy, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Using the Instant Pot keeps the process quick and hands-off, and the rigatoni cooks perfectly without becoming mushy. With just six minutes under pressure, you get tender pasta tossed in a creamy, sausage-studded marinara that’s guaranteed to please the whole family.
Ingredients
1 lb mild Italian sausage (or hot, if you prefer)
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
24 ounces marinara sauce (1 jar)
3 cups water
16 ounces rigatoni
½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Step by Step Instructions
Photo 1. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté/Brown. Add the Italian sausage and break it into small pieces with a spatula as it browns.
Photo 2. Add the olive oil and diced onion. Cook 4–5 minutes until the onion softens.
Photo 3. Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning and cook one more minute to bloom the flavors.
Photo 4. Pour in the marinara sauce, then add the water.
Photo 5. Stir gently to combine the sauce and liquids.
Photo 6. Add the rigatoni. Do not stir it into the sauce; simply press the pasta down so it’s submerged in the liquid. This helps avoid a burn warning.
Photo 7. Keep the pasta mostly undisturbed—just ensure it’s covered by the liquid.
Photo 8. Close the lid, seal the vent, and cook on HIGH pressure for 6 minutes. Perform a quick release when the time is up. Open the pot, then stir in the heavy cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Serve hot, topped with fresh parsley. This dish is a family favorite—rich, comforting, and ready in minutes.
Other cozy pasta recipes to consider…
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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta (Dump and Bake!)
-
Enchilada Meatball Pasta Bake
-
Italian Chicken Sausage Pasta Bake
-
Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Instant Pot Sausage Rigatoni
Ingredients
- 1 lb mild Italian sausage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 24 ounces jar marinara sauce
- 3 cups water
- 16 ounces rigatoni
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, for topping
Instructions
- Turn the Instant Pot to the brown/saute function.
- Add the sausage and break it up as it cooks until browned.
- Add the olive oil and onion, cooking until the onion softens, about 4–5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; cook for one minute.
- Pour in the marinara and water and stir to combine.
- Add the rigatoni without stirring; press it down so it’s submerged to prevent a burn notice.
- Close the lid, seal the vent, and cook on HIGH manual pressure for 6 minutes. Perform a quick release.
- Stir in the heavy cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan until well combined.
- Serve topped with fresh parsley. Enjoy!
Nutrition
|
Carbohydrates: 67 g
|
Protein: 32 g
|
Fat: 38 g
|
Saturated Fat: 16 g
|
Sodium: 1629 mg
|
Fiber: 5 g
|
Sugar: 8 g
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