Instant Pot Kielbasa and Rice with peas is a fast, one‑pot dinner you can make in the pressure cooker in about 30 minutes. Minimal ingredients and big flavor make this a perfect weeknight meal.
This budget‑friendly dish pairs savory smoked kielbasa with fragrant jasmine rice and peas for an easy recipe even picky eaters enjoy. Since the kielbasa is pre‑cooked, the recipe comes together quickly and requires just a few pantry staples.
Think of it as a variation on chicken and rice: the principle is the same, but it’s even simpler because the sausage only needs to be warmed and browned.
How to Make Smoked Sausage and Rice in the Pressure Cooker
You’ll only need a handful of ingredients — no canned soups or complicated steps. You can dump everything into the pot, but I recommend browning the kielbasa and onions first for extra flavor.
After browning, deglaze the pot with a little chicken broth to lift any browned bits. Then add rinsed jasmine rice on top of the sausage. I like a simple seasoning blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder and smoked paprika — sprinkle it on the sausage, the rice, or both.
Pour the remaining chicken broth over the rice and press the rice down gently so it’s submerged. Do not stir; just ensure the rice is covered with liquid so it cooks evenly.
How Long to Pressure Cook Sausage and Rice
Use the same timing as for Instant Pot jasmine rice: pressure cook for 4 minutes, then allow a 10 minute natural release. The pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure before the timed cook begins.
When the pressure has released and you remove the lid, stir in frozen peas — the residual heat will thaw and warm them. If you prefer, you can thaw them beforehand.
The jasmine rice cooks up tender with just enough stickiness to hold the sausage and peas together. For a richer finish, stir in shredded cheese until melted — kids especially love it that way.
This kielbasa and rice is a comforting, easy dinner that’s ideal for busy nights. It’s quick, flavorful, and makes great leftovers.
More Instant Pot Kielbasa Recipes
- Instant Pot Pierogi Casserole
- IP Cabbage and Noodles
- Pressure Cooker Smoked Sausage Mac and Cheese
- Instant Pot Creamy Kielbasa Tortellini
Instant Pot Kielbasa and Rice Recipe
Instant Pot Kielbasa and Rice
Equipment
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Instant Pot Pressure Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 rope kielbasa sliced
- ½ cup onion chopped
- 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice rinsed well
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup peas
- shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
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Press SAUTE on the Instant Pot. When it reads Hot, add olive oil, sliced kielbasa and chopped onion.
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Cook until the onions are slightly softened. Add a splash of broth to deglaze the pot if necessary.
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Press Cancel to turn off the pot. Add rinsed rice over the sausage and sprinkle sea salt, garlic powder, black pepper and smoked paprika over the rice.
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Pour the chicken broth over the rice and press the rice down so it is covered. Do not stir everything together.
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Place the lid on the pot, set the vent to Sealing, and select PRESSURE COOK (High) for 4 minutes. The pot will take a few minutes to reach pressure, then begin cooking.
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When the cook time ends, allow a 10 minute natural release, then quick release any remaining pressure.
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When the pin drops, remove the lid and stir in the peas. Add shredded cheese if desired, stir until combined, and serve.
Notes
This recipe was made in a 6‑quart Instant Pot electric pressure cooker, but it works in other electric pressure cooker brands as well.
You can double the ingredients without changing the cook time.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
