Transform your weeknight dinners with our incredibly simple, yet profoundly flavorful Instant Pot sausage and cabbage with noodles recipe. This hearty one-pot dish, reminiscent of classic comfort food, takes the ease of pressure cooker cabbage to a new level by incorporating savory ground sausage or kielbasa and tender pasta. Whether you’re using an Instant Pot or a Ninja Foodi, this recipe promises a delicious meal topped with parmesan cheese that the whole family will adore.
Here at The Typical Mom blog, we’re always exploring delicious and easy-to-make Instant Pot recipes, especially with garden-fresh ingredients. This year, our garden is overflowing with cabbage, inspiring us to create this delightful sausage and cabbage casserole. It’s quickly become a family favorite, joining our collection of simple yet satisfying meals.
When it comes to simple cabbage recipes, we simply can’t get enough! They are incredibly quick to prepare and surprisingly versatile. Even my three girls, who can be picky eaters, happily devour almost any dish featuring this often-underestimated vegetable. Perhaps it’s a family gene!
In the past, we’ve enjoyed a fantastic Crockpot cabbage and sausage with potatoes, which was a huge hit. This time, we decided to switch things up by incorporating noodles instead of potatoes for a fun and different starch component. You can also easily substitute ground sausage with sliced kielbasa, cut into convenient dials or half-moons, for a slightly different texture and flavor profile.
Ninja Foodi Sausage and Cabbage: Pressure Cooking Perfection
If you own a Ninja Foodi, you’re in luck! This recipe seamlessly transitions to your versatile pressure cooker and air fryer appliance. This dish is proudly featured in our roundup of easy Ninja Foodi recipes. To prepare this meal, you’ll utilize the unattached pressure cooker lid, ensuring all ingredients become exceptionally tender and meld beautifully. You won’t need the air fryer function for this particular dish, as our goal is maximum tenderness and flavor infusion through high-pressure cooking.
Essential Tips for a Perfect Pressure Cooker Meal
The most crucial tip for achieving a perfectly cooked dish is to ensure your pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. This guarantees that your noodles will cook evenly and reach that ideal tender consistency. I recall my Grandma making similar dishes on the stovetop for years, and while I was initially hesitant as a child, once I discovered the “magical all-in-one appliance” (the Instant Pot), I was completely hooked. My very first creation was a pressure cooker fried cabbage recipe, inspired by her handwritten notes. I adapted her timeless stovetop method for my Instant Pot, and it was an immediate success with everyone. That experience sparked my journey to create more pressure cooker wonders, leading directly to this flavorful Instant Pot cabbage and sausage recipe.
This recipe is surprisingly straightforward, requiring only a handful of common ingredients. Similar to our Ninja Foodi cabbage, which simply calls for salt and pepper, you’ll need about half a head of cabbage. Of course, an electric pressure cooker is essential. If you frequently use your Instant Pot, I highly recommend investing in a non-stick inner pot for effortless cooking and cleaning.
Detailed Ingredient Guide
Understanding each ingredient’s role is key to mastering this dish:
- **Cabbage:** We prefer using half a head of green cabbage for its optimal texture and flavor when pressure cooked. If you opt for red (or purple) cabbage, which is generally firmer, you might need to add an extra minute to the pressure cooking time. For best results, follow our guide on how to cut cabbage into bite-sized squares, typically around 1-inch pieces, which are perfect for this casserole.
- **Ground Sausage:** While various meats can be used, ground sausage is our top choice for this recipe due to its rich flavor. We often combine half spicy Jimmy Dean sausage with half regular Italian sausage to achieve a balanced, medium heat level. Feel free to use all hot sausage if you prefer a bolder kick! Ground sausage offers a depth of flavor that complements the cabbage and noodles wonderfully, often surpassing beef in this particular combination.
- **Diced Tomatoes:** A can of petite diced tomatoes is our preference. These small tomato pieces blend seamlessly into the sauce, adding a touch of acidity and sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.
- **Noodles:** We’ve successfully used penne noodles, but any small-to-medium-sized pasta shape will work beautifully. Options like mostaccioli, rotini, or even elbow macaroni are great choices. The noodles are optional, but they make the dish a complete and satisfying meal.
- **Broth:** Chicken broth is our go-to for this recipe, providing a savory base. However, vegetable or beef broth can be used interchangeably based on your preference or what you have on hand. The broth is essential for cooking the noodles and creating the flavorful sauce.
- **Minced Garlic:** Freshly minced garlic or pre-jarred minced garlic will infuse the dish with aromatic depth. Garlic is a non-negotiable flavor booster in this recipe.
- **Onion:** A small onion, diced or sliced, adds a foundational layer of flavor when sautéed with the sausage.
Here are the basic steps for cooking cabbage and sausage under high pressure. First, you’ll want to prep everything: this primarily means dicing your onions and cutting the cabbage into roughly 1-inch squares. The rest is incredibly easy! And yes, you absolutely can use sausage links sliced into rounds instead of ground sausage. Just ensure they are browned adequately during the initial sauté step to develop their rich flavors.
Elevate Your Meal with Cabbage and Sausage with Kielbasa
From start to finish, this recipe will have a perfectly cooked cabbage and sausage with noodles dish on your table in under 30 minutes. If you prefer, you can easily substitute the ground meat with kielbasa sausage links. Simply slice the kielbasa into dials or half-moons. Follow the same initial steps, sautéing the kielbasa with a bit of olive oil to bring out those delicious smoky pork flavors before proceeding with the rest of the recipe. This variation offers a wonderful textural contrast and a distinct, savory profile that is equally satisfying.
Optimal Cooking Time for Instant Pot Sausage and Cabbage
You might be surprised by how quickly this meal comes together! Because noodles and diced cabbage leaves cook rapidly under pressure, you only need to prep your ingredients, then set your Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi to manual high pressure for just 3-4 minutes. Once pressure cooking is complete, perform a quick release. Keep in mind that the size of your noodles will slightly influence the cooking time. Larger pasta shapes like penne or mostaccioli typically require 4 minutes, while smaller noodles, like butter noodles or elbow macaroni, may only need 3 minutes. The quick cooking time makes this an ideal meal for even the busiest weeknights.
Instant Pot Sausage and Cabbage with Noodles
Print Recipe
Equipment
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1 pressure cooker
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage, half Italian, half spicy sausage for balanced heat
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 small onion, sliced or diced
- 1/2 head cabbage, cut into 1-inch cubes or squares
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced (fresh or jarred)
- 1 can diced tomatoes, petite preferred
- 2 cups noodles, uncooked, such as penne or mostaccioli (optional)
- 1.5 cup broth, vegetable or chicken broth (if omitting noodles, use only 3/4 cup)
Instructions
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Set your pressure cooker to the “Sauté” function. Add olive oil, ground sausage, and diced onions.
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Cook and crumble the sausage until it’s no longer pink. Stir in the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Turn OFF the “Sauté” function and carefully scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze, loosening any browned bits (you can add a splash of broth if needed to help with this). This step is crucial to prevent a “burn” notice.
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Add the can of diced tomatoes and spread them evenly across the bottom of the pot. Do NOT stir with the sausage mixture.
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Carefully layer the uncooked noodles on top of the tomatoes. Again, do NOT mix. Pour the broth gently over the noodles, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Finally, place the cubed cabbage leaves on the very top. If you choose to omit noodles entirely, reduce the broth to 3/4 cup.
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Secure the lid on your pressure cooker and close the steam valve. Set the cooking time to Manual or Pressure Cook on HIGH pressure for 3-4 minutes (3 minutes for small noodles, 4 minutes for larger noodles like penne).
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Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release by carefully turning the steam release valve to the “Venting” position. After the pressure has fully released and the float valve drops, open the lid. Stir the contents well, especially if you’ve added noodles, to ensure everything is thoroughly combined and the flavors meld. Place the lid back on (without sealing) and allow the dish to rest for 3-5 minutes. This brief resting period helps the noodles absorb a bit more liquid and achieve perfect tenderness.
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Serve hot, and for an extra burst of flavor, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
If you’ve ever wondered what you can do with a head of cabbage, we hope this recipe has sparked a few exciting ideas! Beyond this delicious casserole, consider trying our comforting pressure cooker cabbage soup, another fantastic way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable.
For those who love exploring new flavors, we have an extensive roundup of other Instant Pot sausage recipes perfect for dinner, many of which are kid-approved!
- For a delightful twist that takes a little longer, but is incredibly rewarding, try our slow cooker stuffed cabbage soup. It’s a true labor of love that results in an amazing, deeply flavorful meal.
- If you’re looking for a vegetarian version of this pressure cooker sausage and cabbage recipe, simply substitute the meat with plant-based sausage and follow our pressure cooker cabbage and noodles instructions. It’s just as hearty and delicious!
To maximize the shelf life of your cabbage, try to avoid damaging or bruising it, as this can accelerate degradation and reduce its vitamin C content. When properly stored whole in your refrigerator, cabbage can last anywhere from 3 weeks to up to 2 months. If you’ve cut your cabbage in half, it should be stored in an airtight freezer bag or container to maintain freshness. Once cut, cabbage typically lasts only a few days before the cut edges begin to brown and the texture starts to break down.
Why Choose This Pressure Cooker Cabbage and Sausage Recipe?
In today’s fast-paced world, finding dinner ideas that are both quick and wholesome can be a challenge. This Instant Pot sausage and cabbage with noodles recipe is the perfect solution. It’s a complete meal made in a single pot, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. The pressure cooker ensures that the cabbage becomes incredibly tender, almost melting into the savory sauce, while the sausage infuses the entire dish with its rich, aromatic goodness. The added noodles make it a truly satisfying and filling meal, providing comfort in every bite. It’s an ideal recipe for busy weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you crave a hearty and flavorful dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
While delicious as is, this recipe is incredibly versatile and can be customized to your family’s tastes. Consider adding other vegetables like sliced carrots or bell peppers during the sauté step for extra nutrition and color. A pinch of red pepper flakes can kick up the heat, or a dash of smoked paprika can add a subtle smoky depth. For a creamy finish, stir in a bit of cream cheese or heavy cream after the pressure cooking is done. Serve this casserole with a side of crusty bread to soak up all the flavorful sauce, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives before serving can also enhance the presentation and add an extra layer of freshness.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
This Instant Pot sausage and cabbage with noodles casserole makes fantastic leftovers, making it perfect for meal prepping. Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm individual servings in the microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also gently reheat it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. This dish holds its flavor exceptionally well, often tasting even better the next day as the ingredients have more time to meld.
The Underrated Appeal of Cabbage in Your Kitchen
Cabbage is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins K and C, and dietary fiber, yet it’s often overlooked. When cooked in a pressure cooker, it sheds its raw crunchiness and transforms into a sweet, tender component that beautifully absorbs the flavors of the sausage, tomatoes, and broth. It’s also incredibly affordable, making this a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition. Embracing cabbage in your cooking opens up a world of delicious possibilities, and this Instant Pot recipe is an excellent starting point.
We hope this comprehensive guide inspires you to try our Instant Pot sausage and cabbage with noodles. It’s a testament to how quick, easy, and satisfying home-cooked meals can be, especially with the help of modern kitchen appliances like the Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi. Enjoy creating this flavorful one-pot wonder in your own kitchen!