Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe

If you’re craving a big bowl of cozy, saucy comfort but don’t want to fuss over the stove, this Instant Pot Spaghetti is about to become your new weeknight hero. Imagine perfectly cooked pasta, tender beef, and a rich tomato sauce—all done in a single pot, with just a handful of pantry staples and almost zero cleanup. Yes, it’s that easy!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of Instant Pot Spaghetti’s appeal is its simplicity: each ingredient plays a crucial role in building comforting flavor and texture, with no extras or tricky steps. These are the basics you’ll always want on hand for a dinner everyone will love.

• Lean Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Both bring savory richness—choose beef for classic flavor or sausage for more herbiness and a spicy kick.
• Salt, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning: This quartet lays down the essential rustic Italian notes and gives serious depth to the meat and sauce.
• Spaghetti Noodles: The star of the show! Standard spaghetti noodles work perfectly here—just break them in half to fit your Instant Pot.
• Spaghetti Sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce for ease, or pick a bold, garlicky one for extra punch.
• Water: Necessary for the Instant Pot to come to pressure and cook the noodles evenly—it all absorbs in the sauce, so nothing’s wasted.
• Diced Tomatoes or Tomato Sauce: Adds chunky texture and extra tomato flavor for a sauce that’s luscious and not too thick.

Variations

One of my favorite things about Instant Pot Spaghetti is how endlessly adaptable it is. Swap out proteins, sneak in more veggies, or spice it up—whatever works for your mood, pantry, or dietary needs!

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for extra heartiness and earthy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Spaghetti: Use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti noodles; just be mindful to reduce the cooking time by a minute or two for a perfect bite.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in a cup of shredded mozzarella or parmesan after opening the lid for extra creaminess and gooey goodness.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat as it browns or use spicy Italian sausage for a little heat.

How to Make Instant Pot Spaghetti

Step 1: Brown the Meat & Seasonings

Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and toss in your ground beef or Italian sausage. Sprinkle in the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning right away—this gives the meat tons of robust flavor as it cooks. Break the meat up with a spoon and let it sizzle until fully browned, then turn off the sauté mode. If there’s excess grease, drain it off for a lighter sauce.

Step 2: Layer the Pasta & Sauce

Break your spaghetti noodles in half (it’s key so they fit snugly!). Layer them over the browned meat—don’t just toss them in a big clump, but try to crisscross them so they’re less likely to stick. Pour in the jar of spaghetti sauce, followed by the diced tomatoes or tomato sauce, and finally the water. If needed, gently press down on the noodles with a spoon to ensure they’re submerged.

Step 3: Pressure Cook and Finish

Seal your Instant Pot, set it to manual (high pressure), and cook for 8 minutes—that’s all it takes! As soon as the timer beeps, use the quick release to vent the steam. Open the lid, give everything a really good stir to incorporate any extra liquid, and revel in the saucy, steamy goodness. It might look a little watery at first, but after a minute and a good mix, the sauce will cling perfectly to the noodles.

How to Serve Instant Pot Spaghetti

Garnishes

A flourish of freshly grated parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil, and a twist of black pepper will make Instant Pot Spaghetti look and taste like you ordered it from your favorite trattoria. For extra decadence, a drizzle of good olive oil or a dollop of ricotta makes each bowl sing.

Side Dishes

Nothing beats old-school garlic bread served hot and golden for soaking up the last drop of sauce! I also love a crisp green salad tossed with a zesty Italian vinaigrette, or quickly sautéed green beans or broccoli for a veggie boost alongside your spaghetti.

Creative Ways to Present

Try plating individual nests of spaghetti for a dinner-party effect, or serve buffet-style with bowls of toppings (fresh herbs, cheese, chili flakes) so everyone can create their perfect bowl. For kids, consider twirling a mound of noodles into muffin tins and baking a few minutes with mozzarella for fun mini spaghetti “cupcakes.”

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftover Instant Pot Spaghetti into airtight containers once it cools. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—perfect for quick lunches or “eat again” dinners when you need a break from cooking.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze your spaghetti! Divide cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The noodles may soften a bit, but the flavors get even better with time.

Reheating

For best results, reheat spaghetti gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to loosen things up as necessary. Stir often for even warming, and sprinkle with fresh cheese or herbs before serving for a little lift.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s just something soul-soothing about a steamy plate of Instant Pot Spaghetti, especially when dinner comes together in a flash and still tastes like a hug in a bowl. Give this simple, savory classic a try—it’s sure to earn a spot in your regular rotation. Can’t wait to hear how you make it your own!

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