Instant Pot Spaghetti

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Instant Pot Spaghetti is the quickest and easiest way to enjoy a classic Italian dinner. With just one pot and minimal effort, you can have perfectly cooked spaghetti in a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s a weeknight favorite that delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

Instant Pot Spaghetti 10 Instant Pot Spaghetti is the quickest and easiest way to enjoy a classic Italian dinner. With just one pot and minimal effort, you can have perfectly cooked spaghetti in a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s a weeknight favorite that delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef or sausage
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups beef broth or water
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 12 oz spaghetti, broken in half
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for cooking

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Sauté the Meat: Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Add Aromatics and Seasonings: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir everything together, making sure to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.
  4. Add Spaghetti: Break the spaghetti in half and layer it on top of the sauce. Don’t stir, but make sure the noodles are submerged in the liquid.
  5. Pressure Cook: Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, do a quick release of the pressure.
  6. Finish and Serve: Open the lid, stir the spaghetti to coat it in the sauce. Serve hot with grated Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes (including pressure buildup and release)
  • Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

  • Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based ground meat and vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
  • Add Veggies: Include bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
  • Spicy Option: Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for more heat.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if the pasta has absorbed too much liquid.
Instant Pot Spaghetti
Instant Pot Spaghetti 11 Instant Pot Spaghetti is the quickest and easiest way to enjoy a classic Italian dinner. With just one pot and minimal effort, you can have perfectly cooked spaghetti in a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s a weeknight favorite that delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta?

Yes, whole wheat pasta works well, but it may require slightly more cooking time.

2. Can I use frozen meat in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen meat. Just cook it for a few extra minutes and break it apart before continuing with the recipe.

3. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

4. Can I make this in a slow cooker instead?

Yes, you can layer the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

5. Can I add other sauces to the spaghetti?

You can add a jar of marinara or Alfredo sauce for a different flavor, or mix in some pesto for a twist.

6. Can I use other pasta shapes?

Yes, feel free to use penne, rigatoni, or any pasta you prefer.

7. Can I freeze this spaghetti?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked spaghetti for up to 3 months. Just store it in a freezer-safe container and reheat when ready.

8. How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you want a thicker sauce, you can simmer the sauce uncovered before adding the pasta, or add a small amount of tomato paste.

9. How do I prevent pasta from sticking together?

Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in liquid and stir after cooking to break up any clumps.

10. What should I serve with this spaghetti?

Serve with a side of garlic bread, salad, or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Spaghetti is a convenient and delicious way to enjoy a classic pasta dish. With minimal prep and one-pot cooking, it’s the perfect solution for busy nights when you need a quick and tasty dinner.

Print
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Instant Pot Spaghetti

Instant Pot Spaghetti

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  • Author: Kim Cooks Easy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes (including pressure time)
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 46 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course, Pasta
  • Method: Instant Pot
  • Cuisine: Italian, American

Description

This easy Instant Pot spaghetti is the ultimate weeknight dinner. It’s quick, flavorful, and all made in one pot! With pasta, marinara sauce, and savory seasonings, this dish is a family favorite and perfect for busy nights.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • :
  • 1 lb spaghetti
  • 1 lb ground beef (or turkey, or sausage)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
  • Grated parmesan for serving (optional)

Instructions

  • :
  • Sauté: Turn on the Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. Heat olive oil and add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until soft.
  • Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef and garlic to the pot. Cook, breaking the meat apart, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  • Add the Sauces: Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  • Add the Pasta: Break the spaghetti in half and add it to the pot, pushing it into the sauce. Do not stir.
  • Pressure Cook: Close the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
  • Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.
  • Serve: Open the lid, stir the spaghetti, and serve with fresh herbs and grated parmesan if desired.

Notes

  • :
  • If you want extra flavor, try adding red pepper flakes for a slight kick or a splash of red wine to the sauce.
  • You can use gluten-free pasta or a different type of pasta, but cooking times may vary.
  • This recipe can also be made with a combination of ground meats for added flavor.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

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