If you’ve been to Costco and browsed their magical take & bake section, you’ll likely have found a pasta that may or may not have been inspired by my world-famous Sausage & Shells. There’s no true way of knowing but when I saw it, I obviously had to try it…and it’s friggin’ delish. It’s not quite as rich or decadent as the sausage & shells because it lacks that creamy, cheesy finish, but what it does have is a light and wonderful garlic-wine sauce to make it special. I re-created it for you and I call this Wholesale Club Pasta as an homage.
Instead of shells, Costco uses orecchiette, a starchy ear or frisbee-shaped pasta. But you can also just as easily use medium shells for this Wholesale Club Pasta if you can’t find that.
Instant Pot Wholesale Club Pasta
If you've been to Costco and browsed their magical take & bake section, you'll likely have found a pasta that may or may not have been inspired by my world-famous Sausage & Shells. There's no true way of knowing but when I saw it, I obviously had to try it...and it's friggin' delish. It's not quite as rich or decadent as the sausage & shells because it lacks that creamy, cheesy finish, but what it does have is a light and wonderful garlic-wine sauce to make it special. I re-created it for you and call this Wholesale Club Pasta as an homage.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) salted butter
- 2 pounds Italian sausage (sweet, hot or a mix of each), sliced into 1/2-inch pieces (see Jeff’s Tips)
- 9 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 1 1/2 cups dry white wine (like a chardonnay), divided (see Jeff's Tips)
- 1 1/2 cups of chicken or garlic broth (e.g Garlic Better Than Bouillon)
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 pound orecchiette (frisbee/ear-shaped pasta, see Jeff’s Tips)
- 10-20 ounces grape or cherry tomatoes
- 5-8 ounces baby spinach
- ½ - 1 cup of Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Add the butter to the Instant Pot. Hit Sauté and Adjust so it's on the More or High setting. Once melted and bubbling, add the sausage and garlic and sauté for 5 minutes until the sausage is lightly browned.
- Add ½ cup of the wine and (deglaze) scrape the bottom of the pot so any browned bits come up. The bottom of the pot should be nice and clear.
- Add the remaining 1 cup of wine, broth and Italian seasoning.
- Add the pasta but do not stir. Just smooth it out with a mixing spoon so it’s mostly submerged in the broth. Top with the tomatoes and spinach and also do not stir. Secure the lid and move the valve to the sealing position. Hit Cancel followed by Manual or Pressure Cook on High Pressure for 6 minutes. Quick release when done.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese (start with ½ cup and then decide if you want more) and serve.
Jeffrey's Tips
The wine makes the flavor of this sauce, but if you cannot tolerate it, simple swap it out for another 1 ½ cups broth.
Orecchiette is pretty easy to find in most markets, but if you can’t feel free to use medium shells or a small penne. Same cook time.
To keep it from caving in and getting a bit messy, a great tip to slicing raw sausage is popping it into the freezer for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This will help it keep its form.
Stella
This is similar to a favorite dish for us Italian-Americans, only we make it with broccoli rabe, without the wine. I’m looking forward to trying it your way!
Kate
Hi,
Could you please explain why you can’t give it a stir ?
Regards Kate.
Trish
Because the liquid needs to stay on the bottom so you don’t get the “burn” notice…. at least that is what I’ve found to be true…. just gently submerge the noodles gently so they are just below the liquid
Maggie
do you remove the skins from the sausage, I find that sometimes, the skin is a bit tough
Jeffrey
No. But you can.
Becky
Can this be successfully divided in half? Would that effect the cook time?
Jeffrey
Sure. Same time.
Mary
Jeffrey, I’ve been a fan of yours for awhile and hav enjoyed many of your recipes. But this?! Shut the front door! I mean. There are no words…I could swim I the butter/garlic/Parmesan sauce. Were I on my deathbed, this would EASILY be the last meal I requested. It’s that good!
Jeffrey
I’m so glad you love it!
Karl McKinney
Jeff,
OMG this is so good. I added some frozen onions and peppers.
I could have died and gone to heaven.
Thanks for another great recipe.
Sara
This was a huge hit here! We love the Costco version, and everyone agrees this was even better. Substituted for chicken Italian sausage and whole wheat pasta to keep things a little healthier. The kids all chowed down. A definite keeper.
Jeffrey
Love how you enjoyed it!
Pam
Some changes I made- used red wine and beef broth. I also added green peppers and onion. All for a richer flavor.
Jeffrey
That will greatly change the flavor. I think I’d prefer it as written with the white wine but glad it worked out!
Gina
Cannot wait to try this! I love your sausage & shells and when I saw this I thought why’d you change the name?
Donna Nordman
I was so disappointed when Costco stopped carrying this dish but you saved the day! I actually prefer your sausage and shells to this one…they are both similar but the addition of sauteed onions and the cheeses are a game changer. This dish never disappoints and is a staple at our house. Thanks for sharing, Jeffrey!
Danielle Harbour
Do you cook the noodles first?
Samantha
No need…the IP cooks them perfectly!
Denise
You did it again, Jeffrey, the family loved this! I had to add about 1 more cup bouillon because the orecchiette soaked up so much liquid. Definitely making this again!
Jeffrey
Celebration time!
Carol Milstein
This was really good! I used only 2 Tbs butter, and 3/4 lb pasta. My turkey Italian sausage didn’t stay sliced, just chunked up, so I might use bulk sausage next time.
The recipe is a keeper, and I will make it again. Hope it freezes well, since there are only 2 of us, and there was lots left!
Thanks!
Jeffrey
Yay!
Brenda
Just made this and the noodles stuck to each other. Any suggestions?
Jeffrey
Stir them when done. They’ll separate.
Tom Clayton
You don’t mention if you use a 6 or 8 qt.
Jeffrey
6 but will also work in an 8.
Tom Clayton
Is this made in a 6 qt. Instant pot?
Jeffrey
In this video? Yes, but it can be made in any size.
Erica
Are you to drain the sausage grease before continuing on?
Jeffrey
Nope! It adds rich flavor to the sauce!
Jess S
Would this reciepe work without an Instant Pot, I’ve been looking all over for a reciepe to replace the Costco pasta since they stopped selling it and this one sounds great except I don’t own an Instant Pot
Elaine Hamilton
are the cherry tomatoes 🍅 whole.
Jeffrey
Yup! They’ll burst as they cook.
Jenny Heinemann
You are magic!!!! Everyone do not hesitate to make this recipe. I have been mourning the loss of the “wholesale club’s” pasta forever and happened upon your recipe. This is beyond delicious and my husband and 3 young kids devoured it! It is so incredible and honestly would rather make this than dine out somewhere. This will be in our meal rotation and I can’t wait to try out your other recipes. Thank you!!!!!!!!
Jeffrey
So happy you approve! Enjoy!