Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe

This Instant Pot Spaghetti is a game-changer for pasta lovers who need dinner on the table fast. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a hearty, flavorful pasta dish that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. The beauty of this one-pot wonder is that everything—meat, sauce, and pasta—cooks together, infusing every bite with incredible flavor while saving you from washing multiple pots and pans!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Time-Saving Magic: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights when you’re rushing between activities.
• One-Pot Simplicity: Everything cooks together in your Instant Pot, meaning fewer dishes to wash and more time to enjoy your evening.
• Family-Friendly: This crowd-pleasing classic has that homemade taste kids and adults crave, without hours of simmering on the stove.
• Flavor Infusion: The pressure cooking method forces the flavors into every strand of pasta, creating a depth of taste that’s hard to achieve with traditional cooking methods.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground Beef: The foundation of our sauce, providing rich flavor and satisfying protein. You could substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce. Try to dice it finely for the best texture.
• Minced Garlic: Infuses the dish with that unmistakable aroma and flavor that makes Italian food so irresistible.
• Water: Helps create the steam needed for pressure cooking and ensures your pasta cooks properly.
• Spaghetti: The star of the show! Breaking it into thirds makes it easier to stir and ensures even cooking.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Provides texture and that fresh tomato flavor that brightens the whole dish.
• Marinara Sauce: Brings instant flavor and depth to your spaghetti. Choose a high-quality brand for the best results.
• Beef Broth: Adds richness and helps create enough liquid for the pasta to cook properly without sticking.
• Oregano, Basil, Salt, Pepper: The classic Italian herb combination that gives the dish its traditional flavor profile.
• Crushed Red Pepper: Adds a gentle heat that wakes up all the flavors. Adjust according to your spice preference.
• Parsley: Adds a fresh, bright finish and beautiful color contrast.

Variations

Protein Swap

Try ground turkey, Italian sausage, or a plant-based ground meat alternative for different flavor profiles. For a meatless version, add extra vegetables or mushrooms to create a hearty texture.

Veggie Boost

Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition. Stir these in with the onions to soften them before pressure cooking.

Cheese Please

Mix in ricotta or cream cheese after cooking for a creamier sauce. For a baked pasta effect, sprinkle mozzarella on top after cooking and cover for a few minutes to melt.

Spice It Up

For a spicier version, double the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne. Italian seasoning or fennel seeds can also add complexity to the flavor profile.

How to Make Instant Pot Spaghetti

Step 1: Brown the Meat Mixture

Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and brown the ground beef along with the diced onion and minced garlic. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat to prevent your sauce from becoming greasy.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

Break the spaghetti into thirds and arrange it in a criss-cross pattern on top of the meat mixture. This prevents the pasta from clumping together during cooking.

Step 3: Add Sauce Components

Pour the crushed tomatoes and marinara sauce directly over the spaghetti layer. This layering technique is crucial – it prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot and potentially triggering the burn notice.

Step 4: Add Liquid and Seasonings

Carefully pour the beef broth around the edges of the pot, avoiding disturbing the tomato layer too much. Sprinkle the oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper over everything.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Secure the lid, set the valve to “sealing,” and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. The pasta will absorb the flavors of the sauce while cooking to al dente perfection.

Step 6: Release and Rest

After cooking, perform a quick pressure release. Once the valve drops, remove the lid and let everything sit for 10-12 minutes. This resting period is essential for the pasta to finish cooking and the sauce to thicken.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Give everything a good stir to combine all the layers, breaking up any pasta that may have stuck together. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Layering is Key: Never mix the ingredients before pressure cooking. The layering method prevents the dreaded “burn” notice and ensures even cooking.
• Scrape the Bottom: After browning the meat, use a wooden spoon to thoroughly scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These flavor-packed remnants can trigger the burn sensor if left stuck to the pot.
• Breaking the Pasta: Don’t skip breaking the spaghetti into thirds. This allows it to fit properly and cook evenly.
• Pasta Selection: If you prefer pasta with more bite, reduce cooking time by 1 minute. For softer pasta, add 1 minute to the cooking time.
• Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thin after cooking, use the sauté function for a few minutes to reduce it. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or water.

How to Serve

Main Course Magic

Serve this hearty spaghetti with garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese takes it to the next level.

Make It Fancy

For dinner guests, transfer to a large serving bowl, top with fresh basil leaves and additional red pepper flakes, and serve with a side of roasted vegetables and crusty bread.

Family Style

Set out bowls of additional toppings like extra cheese, fresh herbs, or toasted pine nuts, allowing everyone to customize their plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This spaghetti actually tastes even better the next day! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pasta will continue to absorb the sauce, creating an even more flavorful dish.

Freezing

Portion cooled spaghetti into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months for quick future meals. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.

Reheating

For refrigerated leftovers, microwave with a splash of water to revive the sauce, stirring halfway through. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or use the defrost function on your microwave before heating on full power.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes for this recipe?
Absolutely! However, you’ll need to adjust cooking times based on the pasta type. Thicker pastas like rigatoni may need an extra minute, while thinner pastas like angel hair would need less time. The key is to use the package cooking time as a guide – set your Instant Pot for half the lowest recommended cooking time.

Why did my Instant Pot give me a burn notice?
This typically happens when there’s not enough liquid or when thicker ingredients sink to the bottom and scorch. Make sure you’re layering as instructed, thoroughly scraping the bottom after browning the meat, and pouring the broth around the edges rather than disturbing the layers. Never stir everything together before pressure cooking.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Skip the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can add plant-based meat alternatives, or bulk up with extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a satisfying meatless version. The cooking time remains the same.

My pasta came out too soft/too firm. What went wrong?
Pasta doneness is highly personal, and variables like altitude, pasta brand, and exact Instant Pot model can affect cooking times. If your pasta was too soft, reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes next time. If it was too firm, either increase the cooking time by 1 minute or let it naturally release pressure for 5 minutes before quick-releasing the remaining pressure.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Spaghetti isn’t just a meal—it’s your new weeknight superpower! I’ve made this countless times when I need a reliable, delicious dinner that satisfies everyone without keeping me chained to the stove. The incredible flavor development in such a short time feels like kitchen magic, and the minimal cleanup makes it even more satisfying. Give yourself the gift of this family-friendly, time-saving recipe—I promise it will earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!

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