Instant Pot Chunky Pasta Sauce
Try this Instant Pot or stovetop chunky pasta sauce with sausage, tomatoes, and herbs recipe.
Try this Instant Pot or stovetop chunky pasta sauce with sausage, tomatoes, and herbs recipe.
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp. dried basil
- 1 pkg. (19.5 oz.) hot turkey italian sausage or pork
- 5 t olive oil divided
- 3 cans (14.5 oz.) petite diced tomatoes drain 2 cans and keep the liquid in the other one
- 2 t minced garlic (or more)
- 1 tsp. dried greek oregano
- 1 t ground fennel
- 1/4 – 1/3 cup (or more) finely chopped fresh basil (or
- 2 t chopped fresh oregano
- salt and fresh-ground black pepper to tasteâ (i hig but if fresh herbs are not available you can still make a pretty good sauce by slightly increasing the amount of dried herbs.)
- freshly-grated parmesan for serving (optional but
- Carbohydrate 0.0040000000033814 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 11.2720000000186 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0.11400000009637 g
- Saturated Fat 1.5644000000093 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -8 servings of sauce (21g)
- Sodium 32.8250000275584 mg
- Sugar 0.0040000000033814 g
- Trans Fat 0.305650000000845 g
- Calories 100 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in the Instant Pot on SAUTE / HIGH HEAT.
- Squeeze turkey or pork Italian sausage out of the casings and add to Instant Pot; cook, breaking apart with a turner while browning.
- While sausage cooks, drain 2 of the cans of tomatoes.
- When the sausage is brown, push it to the side; add another 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, dried basil, dried Greek oregano, and ground fennel; cook 2-3 minutes more.
- Add 2 cans drained tomatoes, 1 can undrained tomatoes, and beef broth.
- Lock the lid, set the Instant Pot to HIGH PRESSURE, and cook 10 minutes, then QUICK RELEASE.
- Check if you want a thicker sauce. If so, use SAUTE / HIGH HEAT to cook until reduced to your preferred thickness (about 5 minutes).
- Change to SAUTE / LOW HEAT, stir in chopped herbs and 1 tablespoon more olive oil; simmer about 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and fresh ground pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, with pasta or zucchini noodles and freshly grated parmesan cheese.
- The sauce can be kept in the refrigerator for about a week or frozen for several months; reheat on low heat.
A Weeknight Wonder: My Go-To Chunky Pasta Sauce
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy meal can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and the never-ending cycle of laundry, the thought of spending hours in the kitchen often feels overwhelming. But I've discovered the secret to effortlessly creating flavorful, satisfying meals that don't sacrifice taste or quality: simple, efficient recipes that utilize time-saving kitchen tools. And my absolute favorite for a quick, satisfying, and flavorful weeknight dinner is this chunky pasta sauce.
This Instant Pot (or stovetop!) chunky pasta sauce recipe has become my culinary lifeline. It’s quick, easy to customize, and incredibly versatile. The best part? The entire cooking process, from start to finish, barely takes 20 minutes, leaving me with more time to spend with my family instead of slaving over a hot stove. I often prepare a large batch on the weekend, storing it in the freezer for those particularly hectic evenings when even the simplest meal feels like a major undertaking. The sauce freezes beautifully and reheats just as well, making it a perfect solution for busy lives.
The flavors in this sauce are rich and satisfying. The Italian sausage adds a wonderful depth of savory goodness, while the tomatoes provide a vibrant sweetness. The blend of herbs – basil, oregano, and fennel – creates a complex aromatic profile that elevates the dish far beyond a simple tomato sauce. And because it's so easy to adapt, I constantly experiment with variations. Sometimes I'll add a splash of red wine for an extra layer of sophistication. Other times, I'll swap the Italian sausage for chicken or even vegetarian crumbles, making it a flexible recipe that suits every dietary preference.
I've served this sauce over everything from classic spaghetti to zucchini noodles, adding a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese for an extra touch of indulgence. My kids adore it over pasta, while I often enjoy mine over zucchini noodles for a lighter option, perfect for a warm summer evening. The versatility of this sauce is truly its strongest asset. It's equally delicious served with a crusty loaf of bread, used as a pizza base, or even as a filling for stuffed shells. The possibilities are truly endless.
Beyond its deliciousness and convenience, this recipe embodies my approach to cooking: smart, resourceful, and focused on maximum flavor with minimal effort. It's about finding the balance between creating delicious, homemade food and cherishing the precious time I have with my family. The joy isn't just in the eating, but in the ease and efficiency with which I can create a meal that my family loves, allowing me to savor the moments that truly matter.
Tips and Tricks for Pasta Sauce Perfection:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Boost the veggies: Include diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end for a richer sauce.
- Fresh herbs are best: While dried herbs work in a pinch, fresh herbs will always deliver a more vibrant flavor.
- Don't be afraid to experiment: Try different types of sausage, add other vegetables, or experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own signature sauce.
This recipe isn't just about a simple pasta sauce; it's a testament to finding joy in the kitchen, even amidst the chaos of a busy life. It's a celebration of resourceful cooking, demonstrating that creating delicious, homemade meals doesn't have to be a monumental undertaking. It's about making the most of your time and resources to create meals that nourish both body and soul, leaving you with more time to focus on the things that truly matter.
This simple pasta sauce is more than just a recipe; it's a time-saving solution that allows me to bring the warmth and comfort of a homemade meal to my family's table without sacrificing precious time. Try it, and you'll see why it's become a cherished staple in our home.
