There’s something about a giant pot of saucy, slurpable noodles that brings instant comfort, and this Instant Pot Spaghetti delivers all that joy—with way less effort and cleanup! Everything cooks together in a single pot, so you get big flavor and perfectly tender pasta in minutes. Honestly, it’s become my go-to dinner for busy weeknights when I crave a cozy classic, but don’t want to fuss over the stove.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All-in-One Magic: Meat, noodles, and sauce cook together, so there’s no juggling pots—and hardly any cleanup!
- Super Quick Comfort: From weeknight chaos to bowlfuls of cozy, classic spaghetti in just 15 minutes—seriously.
- Bold, Savory Flavor: Browning the beef right in the Instant Pot infuses the sauce and pasta with extra-rich, meaty goodness.
- So Customizable: Tweak the protein, swap in different noodles, or add veggies—this recipe is a delicious blank canvas.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Instant Pot Spaghetti is that you only need a handful of classic ingredients, but each one has a special job—layering flavor, thickening the sauce, and making sure every bite is deeply comforting. Here’s what you’ll need (and why you’ll love it!):
- Lean Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: This adds savory richness and a hearty texture—the perfect base for any spaghetti night! Sausage will bring a little extra spice and sweetness.
- Salt, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder & Italian Seasoning: Each spice builds extra layers of flavor, so your sauce tastes like it’s simmered for hours (without the wait).
- Spaghetti Noodles: The classic shape soaks up all the sauce right in the pot, so each strand is juicy and never dry.
- Spaghetti Sauce (Jarred): Your favorite marinara makes this unbelievably quick. Go for a brand that you already love!
- Water: The secret to perfectly cooked noodles and sauce consistency. No sticky or undercooked pasta here.
- Diced Tomatoes or Tomato Sauce: Adds extra body and tang to the sauce. Diced tomatoes give a bit of texture, while tomato sauce will make it blissfully smooth—your call!
Variations
Once you’ve made Instant Pot Spaghetti the classic way, you’ll want to play around! This recipe is as flexible as it is delicious—try these swaps and tweaks to make it your own, or to fit any special dietary needs or cravings:
- Go Vegetarian: Skip the meat and toss sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers into the pot for a plant-based spaghetti night.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti noodles and slightly reduce the cook time (check the noodle’s instructions).
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for a little heat.
- Cheesy Twist: Once cooked, stir in a handful of parmesan or mozzarella cheese for a silky, decadent finish.
How to Make Instant Pot Spaghetti
Step 1: Brown the Meat with Seasonings
Start by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add the ground beef (or sausage, if that’s your style) along with the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Sizzle and stir, breaking up any big pieces, until the meat is browned and deeply aromatic. If you see any excess grease, just spoon it off or carefully drain—it keeps your sauce balanced and never greasy.
Step 2: Layer in the Spaghetti and Sauce
Break your spaghetti noodles in half (trust me, this helps them fit and cook evenly!). Lay them on top of the browned meat in the Instant Pot. Next, pour in the jar of spaghetti sauce and the can of diced tomatoes or tomato sauce, followed by water. Don’t stir yet—just gently press the noodles down with a spoon so they’re beneath the liquid. This is the secret to avoiding clumps and making sure every noodle gets saucy.
Step 3: Pressure Cook
It’s time for Instant Pot Spaghetti magic! Seal the lid, set your Instant Pot to manual (high pressure) for 8 minutes, and let it do its thing. When the timer beeps, use a quick release (just be careful of the steam). Open the lid and give everything a good stir to marry the sauce, noodles, and meat. You’ll be floored by how luscious and thick the sauce is—no watery bits!
Step 4: Stir and Serve
Just give your Instant Pot Spaghetti a couple enthusiastic tosses with tongs so the sauce coats every strand. If things look a bit soupy, let it sit for a minute—the noodles will soak up the remaining liquid fast! Serve it steaming hot, and watch everyone race to grab a fork.
Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Spaghetti
- Noodle Nesting Technique: Crisscross spaghetti noodles as you layer to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Taste-Building Browning: Sauté the meat thoroughly for that crave-worthy depth of flavor—don’t rush this step!
- Sauce Consistency Control: If the sauce looks too thin after cooking, let the spaghetti rest for a couple of minutes—the noodles will absorb the liquid fast.
- Quick Release Caution: Always use a towel over the valve for quick release as starchy steam can sputter a bit. Safety first, spaghetti always!
How to Serve Instant Pot Spaghetti
Garnishes
Give your Instant Pot Spaghetti the finishing touch by showering each bowl with lots of grated parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley, and (if you love it) a dusting of cracked black pepper or red pepper flakes. Don’t skip that drizzle of good olive oil for a little shine and extra flavor!
Side Dishes
There’s nothing like a thick slice of buttery garlic bread to soak up the last spoonfuls of sauce. Add a big green salad with tangy vinaigrette, roasted broccoli, or even steamed green beans to balance the meal. For something extra, serve with a simple caprese salad for compliments all around!
Creative Ways to Present
Pile your Instant Pot Spaghetti high in a large serving bowl and twirl hefty nests with tongs for each plate. Top with a meatball or two for extra drama. Or, for a fun family meal, let everyone build their own bowls with a spread of toppings—think mini mozzarella balls, roasted veggies, and extra sauce on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftover spaghetti cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days—if it lasts that long!
Freezing
Instant Pot Spaghetti freezes wonderfully. Portion into meal prep containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge whenever you need a speedy, homemade dinner fix.
Reheating
Reheat the spaghetti gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to loosen it up. You can microwave single servings, covering the bowl to keep in moisture—just stir halfway for even heating.
FAQs
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Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti in the Instant Pot?
Yes! Whole wheat and gluten-free noodles work beautifully in Instant Pot Spaghetti, but they sometimes cook a bit faster than traditional noodles. Reduce the pressure cook time by 1-2 minutes and use quick release to avoid overcooking. Always check noodle doneness before serving.
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My sauce turned out too thin or too thick. What can I do?
If your Instant Pot Spaghetti is too thin, let it sit uncovered for a few minutes—the pasta will soak up more sauce and thicken. If it’s too thick, stir in a splash of hot water or extra tomato sauce to loosen it to your liking.
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Do I have to pre-cook the noodles?
Not at all! The beauty of this recipe is everything cooks together in the Instant Pot. The noodles absorb flavor from the sauce and meat as they cook, making Instant Pot Spaghetti even more delicious and hands-free.
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Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! You can safely double Instant Pot Spaghetti in a 6- or 8-quart Instant Pot. Don’t fill past the max line, and be sure to quick release in short bursts to prevent sauce from bubbling up. Enjoy plenty of leftovers or feed a hungry group with ease.
Final Thoughts
If you’re hunting for a dinner that’s equal parts soul-warming and wildly convenient, Instant Pot Spaghetti is pure magic. Once you see how simple (and ridiculously tasty) it is, you’ll want to bookmark this recipe for life. Let me know how your spaghetti night turns out—happy cooking!
Print
Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Instant Pot spaghetti with this easy and quick recipe. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
For the Meat:
- 1 pound Lean Ground Beef or Italian Sausage
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning
For the Spaghetti:
- 1 pound Spaghetti Noodles
- 1 (24 Ounce) Jar Spaghetti Sauce
- 36 ounces Water (1 1/2 Jars)
- 1 (14.5 Ounce) Can Diced Tomatoes or Tomato Sauce
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: Set the Instant Pot to saute’ and add the ground beef or sausage. Season with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add Spaghetti: Break spaghetti in half and place on top of the meat. Pour over spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes, and water. Press the spaghetti down with a spoon to ensure it’s covered in liquid.
- Cook: Seal the Instant Pot, set to manual mode, high pressure, and cook for 8 minutes. Use quick release to open the pot. Stir well before serving.
Notes
- You can customize the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
- Feel free to add vegetables or cheese for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
