This pasta dinner is creamy, rich and chock-full of andouille sausage, plump and tender shrimp, penne pasta and loads of Cajun flavor. And the best part, it comes together in only 20 minutes. This one is a perfect weeknight meal.
1poundraw shrimp21-25 count, thawed, peeled, and deveined
½cupbutter (unsalted)1 stick, cut into small pieces and softened
1cupparmesan cheesegrated
4ouncescream cheesecut into small cubes and softened
Instructions
Set out the heavy whipping cream, butter, and cream cheese to warm and soften.
add theStock, Pasta, and Sausage
Pour the chicken stock into the pot and then add the pasta. Now, add the sliced sausage to the pot and then sprinkle the garlic powder and one tablespoon of Cajun seasoning over everything.
set the Cooking Time
Cook for 4-Minutes: Close the Instant Pot, adjust the pressure release valve to 'Sealing' and set the pot to cook on 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook', 'High Pressure' for 4 minutes.
Prepare Cajun Alfredo Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the Cajun Alfredo sauce. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, gradually whisk the flour into a ½ cup of the heavy cream until a smooth paste is formed. Add a tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and whisk until smooth. Then add the remaining heavy cream and gently whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
2-Minute NPR: Once the cooking time has finished, allow for a 2 minute NPR (natural pressure release) and then release any remaining pressure. After the pressure has been released and the pin has dropped, open the pot. Leave on 'Keep Warm'.
After Cooking
Add Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the pot and mix into the pasta. Cover the pot with the lid and move the pressure release valve to 'Sealing' to hold the heat in. Allow to sit for 10 minutes. If you cannot get the lid to close fully, that's ok, just leave it sitting on top.
Add Butter: Open the pot, add the butter and, using a large spoon, mix it into the pasta until it has fully melted.
Add Cajun Alfredo Sauce & Cheeses: Add the Cajun Alfredo sauce, parmesan, and cream cheese to the pot. Mix into the pasta until the cheeses fully melt. Cancel out of 'Keep Warm'.