Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe

Introduction

This Instant Pot Spaghetti recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic comfort food with minimal effort. Tender pasta cooks right in the flavorful sauce, making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a satisfying meal fast.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (85/15 recommended)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 (24 ounce) jar pasta sauce
• 1 3/4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon (chicken base recommended)
• 8 ounces spaghetti, broken in half
• 4 tablespoons butter
• Parmesan cheese, for topping
• Parsley or basil, for garnish
• Red pepper flakes, optional

Instructions

1. Step 1: Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, minced garlic (if using), and kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
2. Step 2: Pour in the jar of pasta sauce, water, and Better Than Bouillon. Add the broken spaghetti, making sure the noodles are fully submerged and tucked under the liquid.
3. Step 3: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, seal the vent, and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
4. Step 4: After cooking, carefully lay a towel over the pressure release vent to prevent splatters, then quickly release the steam immediately to avoid overcooking the pasta.
5. Step 5: Open the lid and use tongs to stir the spaghetti and sauce thoroughly. Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes to allow the noodles to absorb the sauce and thicken nicely.
6. Step 6: Stir in the butter until melted and creamy. Serve topped with Parmesan cheese, parsley or basil, and red pepper flakes if desired. Enjoy with garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, omit the beef and use vegetable broth with your favorite meatless sauce.
• Break the spaghetti in half to fit better in the Instant Pot and ensure even cooking.
• Add extra spices like crushed red pepper or fresh herbs to brighten the flavor.
• If you like your sauce thicker, let it rest a bit longer after cooking to absorb fully.

Storage

Store leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, but cooking times and liquid amounts may need adjustment. Thicker or larger pasta shapes may require slightly longer pressure cooking or more liquid.

What if I don’t have Better Than Bouillon?

You can substitute with 1 teaspoon of chicken bouillon powder or a small amount of chicken broth concentrate. Alternatively, use broth instead of water for added flavor.

Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 141 reviews

This Instant Pot Spaghetti recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to enjoy classic spaghetti with ground beef and a rich tomato sauce, all cooked to perfection under pressure. Ready in under 40 minutes, it combines convenience with comforting Italian flavors, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Instant Pot
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

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Meat and Seasoning

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (85/15)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Sauce and Noodles

• 1 (24 ounce) jar pasta sauce
• 1 3/4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon (chicken base)
• 8 ounces spaghetti, broken in half

Finishing Touches

• 4 tablespoons butter
• Parmesan cheese, for topping
• Parsley or basil, for garnish
• Red pepper flakes, optional for heat

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat: Turn on the Instant Pot’s sauté function and add olive oil. Once hot and sizzling, add the ground beef along with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and kosher salt. Sauté the meat, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and fully cooked through.
2. Add Sauce and Noodles: Pour the jar of pasta sauce, water, and Better Than Bouillon chicken base into the Instant Pot over the browned meat. Add the broken spaghetti noodles, ensuring they are submerged and tucked beneath the liquid to ensure even cooking.
3. Cook under Pressure: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. This allows the noodles to cook perfectly and the flavors to meld together.
4. Release Steam Carefully: Once cooking is complete, place a towel over the steam release vent to prevent splatter, then perform a quick release to immediately release the pressure and stop the cooking process, preventing overcooked noodles.
5. Let it Rest: Open the lid and notice the saucy texture. Use tongs to gently stir the mixture to distribute the sauce evenly through the noodles. Let the spaghetti rest inside the pot for 10 minutes so the noodles can absorb the sauce and thicken the consistency.
6. Finish and Serve: Stir in the butter until completely melted, creating a creamy texture. Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley or basil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Pair with garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Notes

• Breaking the spaghetti in half ensures it fits easily in the Instant Pot and cooks evenly.
• Using Better Than Bouillon adds a depth of flavor to the broth, but it can be substituted with chicken broth or water if preferred.
• The quick release method is crucial to avoid overcooked, mushy noodles.
• Resting the spaghetti after cooking helps the noodles soak up the sauce fully for better texture and flavor.
• Add red pepper flakes to taste for a bit of heat.
• Butter adds richness and enhances flavor, but can be omitted for a lighter dish.

Keywords: Instant Pot spaghetti, quick spaghetti recipe, pressure cooker pasta, easy spaghetti dinner, ground beef pasta