Craving a meal that combines the bold, fiery flavors of Cajun cuisine with the convenience of one-pot cooking? Look no further! This Instant Pot Cajun Sausage and Shrimp Pasta is about to become your new weeknight dinner obsession. Imagine tender, perfectly cooked pasta swimming in a rich, spicy sauce, loaded with succulent shrimp and zesty Cajun sausage - all prepared in just 25 minutes! Whether you're a busy home cook or a spice enthusiast, this recipe promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Cajun sausage, sliced
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Cajun seasoning to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by slicing Cajun sausage into half-moon shapes, peeling and deveining shrimp, dicing onion, and mincing garlic.
- Turn Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode and add a small amount of oil. Sauté sliced sausage until lightly browned, approximately 3-4 minutes, then remove and set aside.
- In the same Instant Pot, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 2 minutes.
- Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, uncooked penne pasta, and Cajun seasoning. Stir ingredients to ensure pasta is mostly submerged in liquid.
- Close Instant Pot lid, set valve to sealing position, and cook on high pressure for 4-5 minutes.
- Once cooking cycle completes, perform a quick release of pressure.
- Open lid, stir pasta, and immediately add browned sausage and raw shrimp, mixing gently.
- Cover pot and let residual heat cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional Cajun spice if desired. Serve hot in bowls.
Tips
- For the most authentic Cajun flavor, use a high-quality Andouille sausage and don't be shy with the Cajun seasoning.
- Make sure to use fresh, large shrimp for the best texture and flavor. Frozen shrimp can work, but thaw completely and pat dry before adding.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when seasoning.
- To prevent the pasta from sticking, stir gently and ensure it's mostly submerged in liquid before pressure cooking.
- For a creamier version, stir in some heavy cream or cream cheese after cooking for a luxurious finish.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and added freshness.
- If you don't have an Instant Pot, this recipe can be adapted for stovetop cooking with slight modifications to liquid and cooking time.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 250mg
