Instant Pot Creamy Sausage Tortellini is an easy dinner recipe made with chicken sausage and tortellini in a tomato cream sauce. Just dump, cook and eat!
This delicious chicken sausage tortellini is one of my family's favorite Instant Pot recipes. I've made it about 3 or 4 times in the last couple of weeks, and they gobbled it up every time -- even the picky eater approved!
So, I've been going through my favorite one pot dinner recipes and converting them into Instant Pot dinner recipes, which is one reason why I made this one so many times. Only tried and true Instant Pot recipes here, folks! But honestly, it's so dang easy and good that I didn't mind!
Actually, the original sausage tortellini skillet recipe is pretty amazing, but this Instant Pot recipe is even easier. There's no stirring or standing by the stove. Just dump everything into the pressure cooker, press Start, and let the Instant Pot do the work!
It really is a dump and start dinner. As much as I hate to use the word "dump" when describing a recipe, that's exactly what you do here. And believe me, this easy dump dinner is exactly what you need when you're too tired to cook or when you're on vacation!
How to make Instant Pot creamy sausage tortellini
At first, I was worried about cooking tortellini in the Instant Pot, since I didn't want it to overcook and turn to mush. But you guys, you can cook tortellini in the pressure cooker without any trouble at all.
First, I like to add a little bit of olive oil to the pot to prevent the sausage from sticking. Then, you add the sausage slices, tortellini, water and marinara sauce.
I used Aidells brand of Italian chicken sausage since that's what I've always used for this recipe. It's precooked, so it saves time. You can use any brand you want, though.
I also used just one cup of jarred marinara sauce here. If you want to cut down on the sodium, you can use an 8-ounce can of tomato sauce with no salt added.
Personally, I prefer the marinara sauce, but either sauce will work. If you do use the tomato sauce, be sure to add some Italian seasoning for extra flavor!
You can cook the sausage tortellini for 2 minutes if you like it more al dente, but 3 minutes is perfect if you like it a little softer. Then, add a little cream and grated Parm, and you're good to go!
Don't be afraid to add a little more cream or Parm if you want. You've got this!
Here are more dump and start Instant Pot recipes
- Instant Pot Pasta and Meatballs
- Instant Pot Creamy Kielbasa Tortellini
- Instant Pot Salsa Verde Chicken
- Instant Pot Peach Dump Cake
- Instant Pot Cherry Dump Cake
Recipe for Instant Pot Creamy Sausage Tortellini
Recipe
Instant Pot Creamy Sausage Tortellini
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1-pound package cooked Italian chicken sausage, sliced thin (Aidell's)
- 1 20-ounce package refrigerated tortellini
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups water
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Add the olive oil to the inner instant pot, and spread evenly around bottom of pot
- Arrange the sausage slices evenly in pot, then layer tortellini on top
- Pour water around and over tortellini, then add marinara sauce over tortellini. DO NOT STIR
- Cover with lid, and turn vent to sealing position. Hit PRESSURE COOK for 3 minutes. Pot may take 10 minutes to reach pressure.
- After 3 minutes cook time, do a quick release when pot beeps. When pin drops, carefully remove lid, stir, then stir in cream and Parmesan cheese until blended. Sauce will thicken as it stands.
Notes
Nutrition information is estimated. Please do your own calculation to fit special diets.
Nutrition
I hope you enjoy this easy Instant Pot Creamy Sausage Tortellini as much as we do!
Rian says
If I was to double the recipe , how long would I cook it for? I am new to the instant pot recipes. Thanks
Dee says
The cook time is the same even if you double it. 🙂
Krystle says
Can you use a slow cooker for this?
Dee says
I've never tried it that way, but you can cook it on the stove. Here's the recipe
AA says
I am an IP novice (specifically, I own the Aldi 6qt. version). I was able to find all the ingredients at Aldi (probably $14 total); while pricey, it serves a crowd with leftovers for tomorrow's lunch. I must add that it is filling! This recipe is great, the tortellini ended up tender but firm, absolutely perfect. I did not have anymore leftover homemade sauce in the freezer, so I used a jar of Aldi organic marinara; I did not regret this. For families, this is a MUST on a busy night full of extra-curricular activities. I work for child protective services and very busy shuffling kiddos from my job and those at home. This fits perfectly in the schedule. Took a total of 35 minutes for me (including the cooking of the turkey sausages). Much love from Dayton, Ohio 🙂
Dee says
Thanks so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Grant says
what's the best way to reheat this dish so it's not dry?
Dee says
If you're reheating individual portions, I usually just use the microwave and maybe add a little more cheese or cream at the end if needed. I use the stove to reheat leftovers for the family and add in a little extra sauce or cream if needed.
Terrece Davis says
can you use slow cooking on the instant pot, if there is no button that says pressure cook
Dee says
Does your Instant Pot have a "manual" button? If so, that's what you would use. I have never tried slow cooking this, so I'm not sure about how to do it.
Nicole says
How would the time change if you used frozen tortellini and frozen sausage?
Dee says
I haven't made it from frozen before, but generally, the cook time remains the same. The pot will just take a little longer to reach pressure.
Nicolle Trujillo says
What would you recommend if you have dry tortellini? Will it cook the same?
Dee says
I would try half the time that the package recommends if you're using dry pasta. 🙂
Alicia says
I have the same question, so are you inferring to cook the pasta before putting in the IP? I’m not understanding your response to this at all. Sorry!
Dee says
I use refrigerated tortellini in this recipe. It's uncooked, but needs less time to cook because it's not dried. Dried tortellini, which is normally found in the pasta aisle, takes longer to cook.
Caroline says
Can you use milk (like 2%) instead of the heavy cream? Or does it not turn out the same?
Dee says
It might be thinner, but it would still work. 🙂
Steve says
You didn't mention if it should cook longer once you add the cream and Parmesan? Therefore I assume once the instant pot turns off after the 3 minutes, and you add the cream and Parmesan, you just let it sit without the instant pot adding any heat?
Dee says
I usually let it go on the "keep warm" setting while I mix in the cheese and cream, but I have turned the pot off a few times right after I released the pressure, and it was still fine. There's enough heat after cooking to melt the cheese and warm the cream.
Dawn says
did you use frozen tortellini?
Dee says
No -- This is was Buitoni brand from the refrigerated section.
Will says
Did you cook on high,Med, or low in the IP?
Dee says
I used the default setting --high.
Demeter says
Instant pot meals are just amazing....so easy and quick to get on the table! This looks fantastic!
carrie @ frugal foodie mama says
Looks like the perfect comfort food to me! 🙂
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says
This needs to happen at my house very soon!!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
I love dishes like this! In fact, even though it's first thing in the morning, I'd love to dig into this! And the Instant Pot to make things easier!
Anna says
I love cooking pasta in my IP! This looks so good!
Dee says
Thanks, Anna. IP pasta is the best!
I Heart Naptime says
Yum! Looks so creamy and delicious!
Dee says
Thank you! My family just loves this. 🙂
Meghan says
This dish looks so incredibly creamy and flavorful! Definitely pinning for my weekly menu!
Dee says
Thanks, Meghan. It's one of our favorite Instant Pot recipes! 🙂