If you’re on the hunt for a dish that brings the zest and spirited flavors of Cajun cuisine right to your dinner table, look no further than this Instant Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta. This luscious, creamy pasta is packed with bold, smoky flavors and comes together in a fraction of the time it would take to prepare a traditional pasta dish. The Instant Pot does the heavy lifting, allowing the ingredients to meld beautifully while you kick back and relax. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into a bowl of this comforting goodness!

Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation

This Instant Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta is a perfect addition to your weeknight meal roster for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile – you can adjust the spice level to suit your taste or swap in your favorite proteins or vegetables. Secondly, it’s a one-pot wonder, which means cleanup is a breeze! Finally, the creamy sauce, combined with the Cajun seasoning, creates a symphony of flavors that will have your family asking for seconds. Trust me; this is a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Gather These Ingredients

To whip up this delightful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 tablespoon Vegetable oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 medium sweet or yellow onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
6 white mushrooms, sliced
1 (14-ounce) package smoked sausage, sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 (14-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, undrained
1 tablespoon Cajun or Creole seasoning (I use Tony Chachere’s)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
12 ounces uncooked penne pasta
4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into pieces
1 cup freshly grated or shredded Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Must-Have Equipment

To make this Instant Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta, you will need:

Instant Pot – This is the star of the show, allowing for quick cooking and easy cleanup.
Cutting board and knife – For chopping your veggies and proteins.
Measuring cups and spoons – To ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
Stirring spoon – For mixing and incorporating all the delicious flavors!

From Start to Finish: Instant Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta

Step 1: Sauté Your Ingredients

Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function. Add the vegetable oil and butter, allowing it to melt and heat up. Once hot, toss in the diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Next, add the sliced mushrooms and continue cooking for another 2 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Sausage and Chicken

Stir in the sliced smoked sausage and the bite-sized chicken pieces. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to brown slightly and the sausage to release its flavorful juices. Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning, stirring everything together for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Pour in the Liquids

Pour in the chicken broth and the undrained petite diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. This will create a delicious base for your pasta.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

Add the uncooked penne pasta directly to the pot. Do not stir; just push it down into the liquid. This helps to ensure that it cooks evenly without clumping.

Step 5: Season It Up

Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper over the pasta. Close the lid of the Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to ‘Sealing.’ Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ setting and set the timer for 5 minutes.

Step 6: Quick Release and Stir

Once the cooking time is up, carefully do a quick release by turning the valve to ‘Venting.’ Once all the steam has escaped, open the lid. Stir the pasta mixture to combine it well.

Step 7: Add the Creaminess

Add the softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream to the pot. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce becomes creamy and luxurious. This is where the magic happens!

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the creamy Cajun pasta into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this dish!

Dietary Swaps & Alternatives

If you’re looking to make this dish fit specific dietary needs, consider these alternatives:

For a vegetarian version, swap the smoked sausage and chicken for your favorite plant-based proteins or additional vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
For a lighter option, use low-fat cream cheese and reduce the amount of heavy cream.
Gluten-free pasta can be used in place of traditional penne pasta to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
If you prefer a dairy-free option, look for dairy-free cream cheese and use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.

Cook’s Commentary

This Instant Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta is not just a meal; it’s an experience! The combination of the smoky sausage, tender chicken, and creamy sauce creates a flavor profile that is both hearty and satisfying. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper. Plus, the one-pot cooking method means you spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal!

Store, Freeze & Reheat

Leftovers of this Instant Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen the sauce.

Ask & Learn

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is used in this recipe, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like rotini or fusilli. Just be mindful of the cooking time as it may vary slightly.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To ramp up the heat, you can increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper. Additionally, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. You can also make the entire dish and reheat it later, though the pasta might absorb more sauce as it sits.

What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?

If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can make this dish on the stovetop. Simply cook the ingredients in a large pot, adding the pasta and liquids as directed, and simmer until the pasta is cooked through.

Final Bite

This Instant Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta is your ticket to a flavorful, comforting meal that comes together in no time. With just a few simple steps, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and sure to please the whole family. So go ahead, bring the taste of Louisiana to your kitchen, and enjoy every creamy, spicy bite!