If you’re craving a comforting classic dinner without hovering over the stove—or washing a pot for each step—Instant Pot Spaghetti is your new weeknight hero. This one-pot wonder delivers saucy, flavorful pasta in record time, with perfectly cooked noodles and hearty meat sauce, all thanks to the magic of your pressure cooker!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Simplicity: No more fussing with multiple pans—everything cooks together in your Instant Pot for speedy prep and near-zero cleanup.
- Rich, Flavorful Results: Cooking the noodles right in the sauce gives every bite the savory depth of a slow-simmered supper, ready in minutes.
- Customizable Goodness: Use beef, sausage, or go meatless—plus, you can sneak in extra veggies or adjust spices to your family’s taste.
- Foolproof for Beginners: With clear instructions and handy tips, even Instant Pot newbies can nail this recipe on the very first try.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Instant Pot Spaghetti recipe keeps things delightfully simple, calling for just a handful of pantry staples and classic flavor-makers. Each ingredient brings its own magic to the dish, from the juicy savoriness of ground meat to the herby brightness of Italian seasoning.
- Lean Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Provides the savory, meaty base. Choose your favorite or mix both for extra flavor depth!
- Salt, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning: This quartet infuses the meat with classic Italian warmth and aromatics—don’t skimp on the Italian seasoning for that unmistakable flavor.
- Spaghetti Noodles: Traditional spaghetti is the star here. Breaking them in half helps them fit and cook evenly in the Instant Pot.
- Jarred Spaghetti Sauce: Your shortcut to robust tomato flavor. Pick a variety you love for best results.
- Diced Tomatoes or Tomato Sauce: Either option boosts the sauce’s body and helps the pasta absorb even more tomato goodness.
- Water: Essential for cooking the noodles right in the pot and ensuring nothing sticks or burns. Measure it using your empty sauce jar for less waste and a perfectly balanced sauce!
Variations
One of the best things about Instant Pot Spaghetti? You can easily make it your own! Whether you want to sneak in more veggies, swap the meat, or keep it completely dairy-free, a few tweaks make this recipe endlessly adaptable.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Skip the ground meat and double up on chopped mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a hearty, plant-based dish.
- Cheesy Finish: Stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella or parmesan right after cooking for extra richness and gooey texture.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti noodles, but reduce the cook time by 1–2 minutes to prevent mushiness.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the meat for a little heat.
- Hidden Veggies: Grate carrots or dice bell peppers and add them with the meat for even more nutrition, especially if you have picky eaters at home!
How to Make Instant Pot Spaghetti
Step 1: Brown the Meat with Seasonings
Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and add the ground beef or sausage directly to the pot. Sprinkle in the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning, then break up the meat as it cooks. Sauté until the meat is fully browned and fragrant, then drain off any excess fat for a lighter sauce.
Step 2: Add the Spaghetti and Sauces
Break your spaghetti noodles in half (trust me, it’ll help them fit snugly in the pot). Spread them over the meat in a crisscross pattern to avoid sticking. Pour the jar of spaghetti sauce, can of diced tomatoes or tomato sauce, and measured water right over the top. If needed, gently push the noodles down so they’re just submerged in the liquid.
Step 3: Pressure Cook to Perfection
Secure the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and cook on manual high pressure for 8 minutes. When the timer beeps, perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve to “Venting.” (Expect some steam!) Stir the spaghetti thoroughly as it may look a bit soupy at first—this is normal. The sauce will thicken beautifully as you mix it all together.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Give the Instant Pot Spaghetti another good stir, season with additional salt or Italian seasoning if desired, and serve while piping hot. Top with your favorite cheese, herbs, or even a drizzle of good olive oil, and dinner is officially done!
Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Spaghetti
- Crisscross Noodles for No Clumps: Spread the broken spaghetti in a zigzag or crisscross pattern over the meat to help them cook evenly and prevent sticking.
- Don’t Stress Soupy Sauce: Right after cooking, the pasta may seem watery—just give it a good stir and let it rest a minute. The noodles will absorb the liquid and the sauce will thicken up perfectly.
- Season as You Go: The flavor of your Instant Pot Spaghetti is all about the sauce and seasonings—taste and adjust spices or add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a bright, zippy finish.
- Use a Flavorful Sauce: Pick a high-quality jarred spaghetti sauce you genuinely enjoy, since it forms the backbone of this speedy supper.
How to Serve Instant Pot Spaghetti
Garnishes
For the finishing touch, shower your bowl of Instant Pot Spaghetti with freshly grated parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil, or a swirl of extra-virgin olive oil. A hint of cracked black pepper or crushed red pepper flakes is also lovely for a gentle kick.
Side Dishes
This classic pasta dinner pairs beautifully with a simple green salad—think arugula tossed in lemon vinaigrette—or sautéed greens. Warm garlic bread or a slice of crusty baguette is always welcome for mopping up that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Twirl the spaghetti into neat nests with tongs and top each mound with herbed ricotta or a dollop of creamy burrata. Serve individual portions in shallow bowls or layer into a casserole, sprinkle with cheese, and broil for a bubbly, golden finish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Instant Pot Spaghetti stores remarkably well—simply refrigerate any cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors tend to deepen even more, making leftovers a treat for quick lunches.
Freezing
Want to freeze? Let the spaghetti cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It will keep up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight for easiest reheating and best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, splash a tablespoon or two of water into the pasta and warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until piping hot. This prevents the noodles from drying out and brings everything back to life!
FAQs
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Can I double this Instant Pot Spaghetti recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe as long as you don’t fill your Instant Pot past the “max fill” line. Keep the cook time the same, but be sure to stir well before serving since a larger batch may need an extra minute of resting to absorb all the sauce.
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How do I stop my spaghetti noodles from sticking together in the Instant Pot?
Avoid clumps by breaking the spaghetti in half and laying it in a crisscross pattern over the meat, rather than adding it all in one pile. If a few noodles do stick, gently separate them with a fork after cooking.
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Can I make this Instant Pot Spaghetti vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just omit the meat and sauté your favorite chopped veggies—like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell pepper—in the first step instead. The rest of the cooking method stays the same.
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What size Instant Pot should I use for this spaghetti recipe?
This recipe fits perfectly in a 6-quart Instant Pot, but can also be made in larger models. If you have a mini (3-quart), halve the ingredient amounts to prevent overfilling.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tried making Instant Pot Spaghetti, you may never go back to the stovetop! It’s hearty, satisfying, and so easy—plus, it frees you up from the kitchen when you need it most. Give this recipe a whirl, and let it become your new go-to for cozy, stress-free family dinners!
Print
Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Instant Pot
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A quick and easy Instant Pot spaghetti recipe that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. This hearty and delicious meal is made with ground beef, spaghetti noodles, and a flavorful tomato sauce.
Ingredients
For the Meat:
- 1 pound Lean Ground Beef or Italian Sausage
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning, or more to taste
For the Rest of the Dish:
- 1 pound Spaghetti Noodles
- 1 (24 Ounce) Jar Spaghetti Sauce
- 36 ounces Water (1 1/2 Jars)
- 1 (14.5 Ounce) Can Diced Tomatoes or Tomato Sauce
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: Set the Instant Pot to saute’ and add the ground beef. Add the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasonings. Cook the meat until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add Ingredients: Break the spaghetti in half and place on top of the meat. Pour over spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes, and water. Ensure the spaghetti is covered in liquid.
- Cook: Seal the Instant Pot, set to manual mode, high pressure, and cook for 8 minutes. Use quick release to open. Stir well before serving.
Notes
- This spaghetti may seem liquidy after cooking, so stir well before serving.
- To prevent noodles from clumping, crisscross them in the Instant Pot. Use a fork to separate any stuck noodles.
- Adjust the seasoning and use a flavorful spaghetti sauce for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 63mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 46mg
