Description
A rich and creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese made indulgent with Italian sausage, fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and plenty of garlic butter, ready in just 15 minutes. This wholesome, comforting dish combines tender pasta with a savory, cheesy sauce that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy meal any time.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz Spaghetti (or your favorite pasta shape)
Meat
- 1 lb Italian Sausage (can substitute with turkey or chicken sausage)
Vegetables
- 4 cups Fresh Spinach (or kale)
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
- 4-5 cloves Garlic (minced, fresh is best)
Dairy & Fats
- 4 tbsp Butter (can substitute with olive oil for lighter option)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese or Shredded Mozzarella (freshly grated is best)
Oils & Seasonings
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for cooking sausage)
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Boil the pasta: Fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add sliced Italian sausage and cook 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and crispy. Transfer the sausage to a plate with a slotted spoon, leaving drippings in the skillet.
- Sauté garlic in butter: Reduce heat to medium-low in the skillet with sausage drippings. Add 4 tablespoons butter and allow it to melt and foam gently. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook vegetables: Stir in fresh spinach and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until spinach wilts and tomatoes soften and start to release their juices, creating a flavorful sauce base.
- Combine sausage and pasta: Return sausage to the skillet, add drained spaghetti, and gently toss everything together. Gradually add reserved pasta water in increments, stirring until the pasta is well coated and the sauce reaches the desired creaminess. Simmer 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Add cheese and season: Sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella. Stir until the cheese melts completely into the sauce. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy mac and cheese into bowls immediately. Garnish with extra cheese and freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Substitute Italian sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
- Use kale instead of spinach if preferred; just be sure to cook it longer to soften.
- Reserve pasta water is crucial to achieve the creamy sauce consistency without adding heavy cream.
- Freshly grated cheese melts better and enhances flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Adjust garlic quantity based on your preference for more or less pungency.
