Description
This Indulgent Creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese recipe delivers a rich and flavorful pasta dish with Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and juicy cherry tomatoes, all enveloped in a creamy garlic butter sauce and melted Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a perfect comforting meal for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz Spaghetti (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 4 tbsp Butter (can substitute with olive oil for lighter option)
- 4-5 cloves Garlic (minced, fresh is best)
- 4 cups Fresh Spinach (or kale)
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese or Shredded Mozzarella (freshly grated is best)
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
Sausage
- 1 lb Italian Sausage (can substitute with turkey or chicken sausage)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for cooking sausage)
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt. Bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain the spaghetti in a colander and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced Italian sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
- Sauté Garlic in Butter: Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low and add 4 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt and foam gently. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden without burning.
- Cook Vegetables: Stir in the fresh spinach and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts and tomatoes soften, releasing their juices to create the base of the sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sausage: Return the crispy sausage to the skillet, then add the drained spaghetti. Toss together gently while gradually adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve the desired creaminess. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Add Cheese and Season: Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or shredded mozzarella) over the pasta. Stir until fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Dish the creamy garlic butter spaghetti into bowls. Garnish with extra cheese and freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately while warm and inviting.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and enhance creaminess.
- Use fresh garlic and freshly grated cheese for the best flavor.
- Substitute kale for spinach if preferred.
- Use turkey or chicken sausage as a leaner option.
- For a lighter version, replace butter with olive oil.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy texture at its best.
