Instant Pot Sausage and Shells
Try this Instant Pot sausage and shells recipe.
Try this Instant Pot sausage and shells recipe.
- 1 tsp of italian seasoning
- 2 large shallots diced
- 4 tbsp (1/2 stick) of salted butter
- 1 tbsp of crushed garlic
- 1 lb of italian sausage (sweet hot or mixed), sliced into 1/2″ pieces while raw (use 2 lbs if you want it to be super sausagey)
- 3 cups of garlic broth (i used 1 tbsp of garlic better th
- 1 cup of white wine (any dry one such as a chardonnay, will do and you can use white cooking wine too if it’s all you have. if you don’t wish to use wine, add another cup of broth)
- 1/2 tsp of dried parsley
- 10 oz (approx) of cherry or grape tomatoes (you can doub
- 1 lb (1 box) of medium shells (i strongly suggest using
- 5 oz of baby spinach
- 1/3 cup of half & half or heavy cream
- 5.2 oz package of boursin garlic & fine herbs cheese (or cut into small crumbles (secret ingredient! this is usually always found in the deli/cheese/cured meat section of any market and costco sells it in packs of 3. if you cannot find it, 5 oz from a brick of cream cheese will do)
- 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese plus more for topping if desired (make sure it’s grated and not shredded as it melts/blends into the sauce properly)
- 14 oz can of artichoke hearts drained and roughly ripped up by hand
- Carbohydrate 0 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0 g
- Saturated Fat 0 g
- Serving Size 1 1 (1480g)
- Sodium 0 mg
- Sugar 0 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Calories 0 calories
Step-by-step
- Add butter to the Instant Pot, hit “Sauté” and “Adjust” to “More” or “High”.
- Once melted, add shallots and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add sausage, garlic, and stir for 2 minutes.
- Add wine, broth, Italian seasoning, parsley, and tomatoes. Stir well.
- Add pasta shells; do not stir. Submerge as much as possible.
- Top with spinach; do not stir.
- Secure lid, hit “Keep Warm/Cancel”, then “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” High Pressure for 6 minutes (5 for al dente).
- Quick release.
- Stir in cream, Parmesan, Boursin, and artichokes for 2 minutes until Boursin melts.
- Rest for a minute or two to thicken.
- Transfer to a serving dish.
Instant Pot Sausage and Shells: A Weeknight Wonder
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner needs to be quick, delicious, and preferably something the whole family will enjoy. That's where my Instant Pot Sausage and Shells recipe comes in. This recipe isn't just a lifesaver on busy weeknights; it's a testament to the magic of efficient cooking. It takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, and the results are unbelievably flavorful and comforting. The rich, creamy sauce coats perfectly cooked pasta shells, bursting with the savory notes of Italian sausage and the subtle tang of Boursin cheese. It's the kind of dish that leaves everyone feeling satisfied and happy, a warm hug on a plate after a long day. I particularly love the ease of cleanup; one pot means less dishes to wash – a definite bonus in my book!
The secret to this recipe’s success lies in the Instant Pot’s ability to pressure cook the pasta and sausage simultaneously. This method creates a beautifully tender pasta with a creamy, flavorful sauce all in one go. No more boiling water, draining pasta, and making a separate sauce. Everything cooks together in perfect harmony, resulting in a dish that’s both elegant and effortlessly simple. I've adapted this recipe over time, tweaking ingredients and cooking times to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From experimenting with different types of sausage (I've found that a blend of sweet and hot Italian sausage adds a delightful kick), to adjusting the amount of spinach based on my family’s preferences, this recipe has truly become a staple in our household.
Beyond the convenience, this recipe is also incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. A sharp cheddar or a creamy mozzarella could be delightful alternatives to the Boursin. You can also easily customize the vegetables. Adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini would add more depth of flavor and nutritional value. If you’re not a fan of artichoke hearts, simply leave them out. The beauty of this dish is its adaptability. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity, allowing you to make it your own. This recipe consistently delivers a satisfying and flavorful meal without demanding hours in the kitchen. It's the perfect embodiment of delicious simplicity.
Beyond the Recipe: Embracing the Ease of Instant Pot Cooking
The Instant Pot has revolutionized my cooking. It’s not just a kitchen appliance; it’s a time-saving miracle worker. Before discovering the Instant Pot, I often felt overwhelmed by the demands of meal preparation, especially after a long day at work. Dinner was a battle, a stressful chore that added to the already heavy weight of juggling work, family, and other responsibilities. The Instant Pot changed that. It allows me to create delicious, home-cooked meals without sacrificing precious time. This recipe is a perfect example. The Instant Pot simplifies the entire process, eliminating multiple steps and significantly reducing cooking time.
More Than Just a Meal: A Family Gathering Point
Beyond the deliciousness and convenience, this Instant Pot Sausage and Shells recipe is a significant part of our family routine. The aroma that fills our home while it's cooking is comforting and inviting. It’s a sensory experience that signals the start of a relaxing family dinner. This shared meal isn't just about nourishment; it's about connection, laughter, and creating lasting memories. The simplicity of the recipe allows me to truly focus on being present with my family during dinner time, which is something I cherish greatly.
A Recipe for Life's Busy Moments
Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, moments where we need a quick and easy solution. This Instant Pot Sausage and Shells recipe is my answer to those moments. It’s a reliable go-to meal that consistently delivers delicious results without demanding excessive time or effort. It’s a recipe that reflects my philosophy on cooking: to nourish my family with delicious, healthy food while making the most of my precious time. So, next time you're short on time but craving a comforting and flavorful meal, give this recipe a try. It might just become your new weeknight favorite.
