30-Minute Instant Pot Creamy Cajun Pasta
A hearty one-pot pasta dish that combines tender chicken, smoky sausage, and colorful vegetables in a rich, spiced cream sauce. The Instant Pot makes this comfort food come together quickly while developing deep flavors from the Cajun seasonings and aromatics. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying and flavorful without multiple pans. The combination of cream cheese, Parmesan, and heavy cream creates an indulgent sauce that coats every piece of penne pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium sweet or yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 6 white mushrooms, sliced
- 14 ounce 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 ½ cups chicken broth
- 14 ounce can petite diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon Cajun or Creole seasoning
- ¼ 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
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- 1
Turn Instant Pot to Saute mode and add oil and butter
- 2
Add onion and green pepper, cook until starting to soften
- 3
Add mushrooms, sausage and garlic, cook until fragrant
- 4
Add chicken, paprika, Italian seasoning, chicken broth, tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, and cayenne pepper
- 5
Add pasta and push down into liquid with wooden spoon
- 6
Seal Instant Pot, cancel Saute mode, pressure cook on high for 5 minutes
- 7
Release pressure manually and remove lid
- 8
Stir in cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream until melted
- 9
Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving
Tips
Use Tony Chachere's seasoning for authentic Cajun flavor, or substitute with your preferred Creole blend.
Cut cream cheese into small pieces before adding to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce.
Don't skip pushing the pasta down into the liquid - this ensures even cooking under pressure.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in airtight container
Can prep vegetables and cut proteins 1 day ahead, store separately
Serve immediately while hot with crusty bread or side salad
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the saute step to avoid bland flavors
Push pasta fully under liquid to avoid uneven cooking
Add cream cheese in pieces to avoid lumpy sauce
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, any short pasta like rigatoni, rotini, or shells works well. Keep the same cooking time and liquid ratios for best results.
What if I don't have an Instant Pot?
Cook on stovetop by sauteing ingredients in large pot, adding broth and pasta, then simmering covered 12-15 minutes until pasta is tender.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store in refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to restore creamy texture.