Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe

This Instant Pot Spaghetti is what weeknight dinner dreams are made of—rich, comforting, and ready in well under an hour, with almost no hands-on time. Get ready for the ultimate one-pot classic that brings together perfectly cooked pasta, a savory sauce, and everyone’s favorite: less cleanup!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is refreshingly simple, letting the basics shine—every ingredient layers on flavor and ensures that classic, craveable spaghetti texture. Here’s the lineup that guarantees weeknight comfort in under an hour!

• 1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey: Gives your sauce hearty depth and protein, with an option to lighten things up.
• 4 cups water: Ensures the spaghetti cooks evenly and absorbs plenty of saucy goodness.
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: Delivers that familiar, herby flavor that makes spaghetti so irresistible.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings in savory warmth—no need to fuss with peeling and mincing fresh garlic.
• ¾ teaspoon salt: Enhances every bite and balances the acidity of the tomato sauce.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Offers just the right pop of background heat.
• 16 ounces uncooked spaghetti (white or whole wheat): Pick your favorite for the perfect tangle of noodles—just be sure not to stir them in.
• 15 ounce can tomato sauce: Provides a silky base and rich tomato flavor.
• 25 ounce jar marinara sauce: Choose a high-quality brand since the flavor of your finished dish depends on it.

Variations

It’s so easy to make Instant Pot Spaghetti your own—just a few tweaks and swaps, and you’ve got a totally new flavor or made it fit your lifestyle perfectly. Don’t be shy about riffing on this recipe!

• Go Vegetarian: Skip the meat and sauté chopped onions, bell peppers, and carrots before adding liquids and pasta for a wholesome, veggie-forward dinner.
• Use Ground Sausage: Try Italian sausage in place of ground beef or turkey for a spicy, deeply savory twist.
• Boost the Veggies: Toss in chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms right after browning the meat to sneak in extra nutrients.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular spaghetti for a sturdy gluten-free brand and adjust the cook time to match the package directions—just watch those noodles don’t overcook.

How to Make Instant Pot Spaghetti

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Turn on the Instant Pot’s sauté function and add your ground beef or turkey directly to the pot. Break up the meat as it cooks until it’s no longer pink and beginning to brown—this step builds savory flavor and makes the sauce extra hearty. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat once it’s browned for a lighter, cleaner finish.

Step 2: Add Seasonings and Water

With the meat cooked, turn the Instant Pot off. Pour in the water and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir and be sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—this prevents the dreaded “burn” warning and adds loads of flavor.

Step 3: Layer the Spaghetti and Sauces

Break your spaghetti noodles in half (trust me—it helps them fit and cook evenly!). Scatter them in the pot in a crisscross pattern so they don’t clump together, but don’t stir. Pour the tomato sauce and marinara sauce evenly over the pasta, once again resisting the urge to mix. This layering is the secret to perfect Instant Pot Spaghetti texture—thank me later.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Lock the lid in place and turn the steam valve to sealing. Set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure—7 minutes for regular white spaghetti (the kind with a 9–11 minute stovetop time), or just 5 minutes for whole wheat. The pot will take about 15–20 minutes to come to pressure, so you can tidy the kitchen or prep garnishes in the meantime!

Step 5: Quick Release, Stir, and Rest

When the beep sounds, immediately do a quick release by carefully moving the steam valve to the venting position (use a towel or oven mitt). As soon as the pin drops, open the lid, give everything a thorough stir, and let the pasta sit for 3–5 minutes. That extra liquid will be absorbed and your Instant Pot Spaghetti will thicken to saucy, dreamy perfection.

How to Serve Instant Pot Spaghetti

Garnishes

Give your plate that Italian trattoria flair with a shower of freshly grated Parmesan, a handful of chopped basil or parsley, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper if you like a little heat. A drizzle of olive oil just before serving is pure magic.

Side Dishes

Pair Instant Pot Spaghetti with a crisp green salad tossed in zesty vinaigrette, fluffy garlic bread, or buttery roasted vegetables. A simple Caesar salad is always a dinner-table hit!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve family-style in a big platter for instant coziness, or create individual bowls topped with a swirl of sauce, generous parmesan, and a basil leaf. You could even stuff cooked spaghetti into bell peppers, top with cheese, and bake for a fun twist on leftovers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Instant Pot Spaghetti keeps beautifully! Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and stash in the fridge for up to 4 days—the flavor just gets better as the sauce soaks into the noodles.

Freezing

Freeze cooled portions in single-serve containers for up to 3 months. Spaghetti does tend to soften a bit after freezing, but the convenience of an Italian dinner in minutes is unbeatable.

Reheating

Simply warm leftovers in the microwave with a splash of water or sauce to loosen things up, or heat gently on the stove over low, stirring until hot and revived. Add extra cheese for a gooey touch!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something easy, delicious, and sure to win smiles, make this Instant Pot Spaghetti tonight. It’s pure cozy comfort in a bowl—no fuss, just flavor and family togetherness. Can’t wait to hear how you make it your own!

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