Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe

Introduction

Instant Pot Spaghetti is a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic pasta dish without the mess of multiple pots. This one-pot meal combines flavorful ground beef, savory marinara sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti for a comforting dinner any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 3 cups (24 oz / 680g) marinara or pasta sauce
• 3 cups water or low-sodium beef broth
• 12 ounces (340g) dry spaghetti, broken in half
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add olive oil, then ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 4–5 minutes, breaking up the meat until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Step 2: Stir in minced garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Pour in marinara sauce and water or beef broth. Stir gently to combine.
4. Step 4: Break spaghetti in half and arrange it in a crisscross pattern over the sauce. Press the noodles down gently so they are mostly submerged, but do not stir.
5. Step 5: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes.
6. Step 6: When cooking is complete, carefully perform a quick release to release the pressure. Open the lid and stir everything together. The sauce will thicken as it sits.
7. Step 7: Let the spaghetti rest for 2–3 minutes before serving. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped herbs if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a spicier, richer flavor.
• Add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or omit for milder taste.
• Stir in vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms before pressure cooking for extra nutrition.
• If you prefer gluten-free, use gluten-free spaghetti and check that your sauce is gluten-free.

Storage

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

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, but cooking times may vary. Shorter pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni can work well but adjust breaking or layering accordingly. Always check doneness before serving.

Do I need to pre-cook the spaghetti before pressure cooking?

No, the broken spaghetti cooks perfectly in the Instant Pot along with the sauce and seasonings, saving time and reducing cleanup.

Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 99 reviews

This Instant Pot Spaghetti recipe delivers a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal featuring perfectly cooked spaghetti combined with seasoned ground beef, savory marinara sauce, and a blend of Italian spices. Quick and convenient, it simplifies dinner preparation by layering ingredients and using pressure cooking to achieve tender noodles infused with meaty sauce, topped with freshly grated Parmesan and herbs for a comforting Italian classic.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Instant Pot
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Aromatics

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Oils

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Liquids and Pasta

• 3 cups (680g or 24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
• 3 cups water or low-sodium beef broth
• 12 ounces (340g) dry spaghetti, broken in half

To Serve

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Sauté the meat: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add olive oil, then the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spatula until browned and the onion is softened. Drain excess grease if necessary.
2. Add garlic and seasoning: Stir in minced garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika if using. Cook for an additional 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant, stirring continuously to avoid burning.
3. Layer the ingredients: Pour the marinara sauce and water or beef broth into the pot over the meat mixture. Stir gently to combine all the flavors evenly, ensuring the sauce is well mixed with the meat.
4. Add spaghetti (do not stir): Break the dry spaghetti in half and arrange it in a crisscross pattern directly on top of the sauce. Gently press the noodles down so they are mostly submerged but avoid stirring to prevent clumping.
5. Pressure cook: Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes to perfectly cook the pasta in the sauce.
6. Quick release: Once the cooking time is complete, carefully perform a quick pressure release to let out all the steam. Open the lid and stir the spaghetti and sauce together. The sauce will thicken as it rests.
7. Finish & serve: Let the spaghetti rest in the pot for 2 to 3 minutes. Serve warm, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and optionally garnished with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a burst of fresh flavor.

Notes

• Breaking the spaghetti prevents clumping and helps it cook evenly.
• Do not stir the pasta after adding it before pressure cooking to avoid sticking.
• Using beef broth instead of water adds more depth of flavor.
• Drain excess grease after browning the meat to avoid greasy sauce.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit entirely.
• Letting the dish rest thickens the sauce and improves texture.

Keywords: Instant Pot spaghetti, one pot pasta, pressure cooker spaghetti, quick spaghetti recipe, Italian dinner, easy weeknight meal