If you’re craving a comforting Italian meal with barely any mess and almost zero babysitting, Instant Pot Spaghetti is your new best friend. This dish is everything we adore about classic spaghetti—rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, and savory meat—harnessed for modern weeknight ease. The magic is in how the pasta, sauce, and beef all cook together in one pot, soaking up flavors for a truly robust meal, all in record time. Whether you’re a busy parent, a spaghetti aficionado, or a total Instant Pot rookie, this recipe promises hearty, flavor-packed results that the whole family will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Whipping up Instant Pot Spaghetti is all about a handful of essential ingredients that work together beautifully. Each one adds its own touch—be it richness, freshness, or classic Italian flair. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:
- Olive Oil: Gives a velvety start and enhances every layer of flavor.
- Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Adds meaty depth and makes the sauce stick-to-your-ribs satisfying.
- Onion (diced): Sweetens the base and softens into the sauce for subtle bite.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses warmth and an irresistible aroma.
- Italian Seasoning: Delivers that telltale herby bouquet—don’t skip it!
- Salt and Black Pepper: Keeps things balanced, highlighting every other ingredient.
- Marinara Sauce (24 ounces): The backbone of your sauce—pick a favorite brand or homemade jar.
- Water or Beef Broth: Provides enough liquid to perfectly cook the noodles; broth adds a richer taste.
- Uncooked Spaghetti (8 ounces, broken in half): Breaking it helps it cook evenly and fit nicely in the Instant Pot.
- Tomato Paste (optional): Brings an extra punch of umami and thickens your sauce.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Offers a gentle heat for those who like a subtle spicy kick.
- Grated Parmesan and Fresh Basil (for serving): The finishing touches—cheesy, aromatic, and bright.
How to Make Instant Pot Spaghetti
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Meat
Start by setting your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and drizzling in the olive oil. Once hot, toss in the diced onion and give it a stir for 2–3 minutes until it softens and becomes fragrant. Next, add the ground beef (or Italian sausage if you want that craveable fennel flavor) and break it up with your spoon as it browns. This step builds a delicious flavor base you’ll taste all through the finished spaghetti.
Step 2: Season and Layer the Flavors
Once the meat is no longer pink, stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and (if you’re feeling extra zesty) the tomato paste. Let everything sizzle together for about a minute, releasing wonderful aromas. After that, hit cancel on the Sauté mode. Pour in half the marinara sauce; this forms a cushion for the pasta to cook evenly and soak up that lovely tomato flavor.
Step 3: Add the Pasta and Sauce—No Stirring!
Take your uncooked spaghetti and snap it in half so it fits snugly and doesn’t clump. Lay the pasta on top of the meat mixture, arranging it in a crisscross pattern for the most even cooking. Pour the remaining marinara sauce and the water or broth over the pasta, making sure as much of the spaghetti is submerged as possible. Resist the urge to stir! Keeping layers intact prevents the dreaded “burn” notice.
Step 4: Pressure Cook to Perfection
Seal the lid on your Instant Pot, turn the valve to Sealing, and set it to pressure cook on High for exactly 8 minutes. Once the timer beeps, perform a quick release (a dish towel over the valve keeps splatter to a minimum!). Carefully open the lid, and you’ll reveal a bubbling, saucy masterpiece.
Step 5: Stir and Serve
Give everything a good stir so the noodles, meat, and sauce come together. If the sauce looks a bit loose, let the Instant Pot Spaghetti sit for a few minutes—it’ll thicken up beautifully. Then, twirl onto plates and finish with a snowfall of grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil.
How to Serve Instant Pot Spaghetti
Garnishes
Top your steaming bowls with plenty of grated Parmesan for a nutty richness and freshly torn basil for a pop of color and freshness. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or even a dollop of ricotta can make it feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair Instant Pot Spaghetti with warm garlic bread—ideal for mopping up extra sauce—or a crisp green salad tossed with balsamic vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, a platter of roasted vegetables or antipasto on the side never fails.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in shallow pasta bowls, twisting the noodles into a nest shape with tongs. For family style, pile everything onto a large platter and garnish generously for a rustic, inviting centerpiece. Leftover Instant Pot Spaghetti also makes an amazing base for spaghetti pie—bake the leftovers with mozzarella and eggs until golden and sliceable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool your leftover Instant Pot Spaghetti to room temperature, then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to four days in the fridge—perfect for quick lunches or busy nights when you just don’t want to cook.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for later, transfer the spaghetti into freezer-safe bags or containers. Let it cool completely first to avoid condensation. It’ll keep well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your Instant Pot Spaghetti back to its saucy, delicious glory, reheat gently in the microwave or in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce, and stir occasionally until heated through. A fresh sprinkle of Parmesan brings everything back to life!
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti in the Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that different types of pasta may require slight tweaks to the cooking time. Start with the same instructions, but shave off a minute for gluten-free varieties and add a minute for thicker whole wheat noodles.
Why do I need to layer the pasta and not stir in the Instant Pot Spaghetti?
Layering keeps the pasta from sticking or clumping, and prevents the sauce from burning on the bottom. Placing the uncooked spaghetti in a crisscrossed pattern ensures every strand cooks evenly without creating a sticky mess.
What if my sauce looks watery when I open the lid?
This is completely normal! Just give your Instant Pot Spaghetti a gentle stir and let it sit for a few minutes with the lid ajar. The pasta will soak up the extra moisture, leaving you with a thick, luscious sauce.
How can I make Instant Pot Spaghetti vegetarian?
No problem! Swap the meat for mushrooms, zucchini, or even plant-based crumbles. Follow the same sautéing steps to build flavor, and you’ll still enjoy a hearty, meatless meal packed with Italian vibes.
Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
Yes, but be mindful not to exceed the Instant Pot’s max fill line (especially with liquid and pasta). Double everything except the cooking time, and make sure the pasta is layered properly for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about sitting down to a plate of homemade Instant Pot Spaghetti, especially when you know it came together with minimal fuss. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or just want a bowl of cozy carbs at the end of a long day, this recipe absolutely delivers. Grab your Instant Pot, gather your ingredients, and enjoy a true Italian-American favorite—dinner has never been this easy or this satisfying!
Print
Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a delicious and easy-to-make Instant Pot Spaghetti that is perfect for busy weeknights. This one-pot meal is loaded with savory flavors and is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
Remaining Ingredients:
- 2 cups water or beef broth
- 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti, broken in half
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Grated Parmesan and fresh basil for serving
Instructions
- Sauté the Meat: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Cook onion, add meat, and seasonings.
- Add Sauce and Pasta: Layer sauce, pasta, and water/broth without stirring.
- Pressure Cook: Seal the lid and pressure cook on High for 8 minutes. Perform a quick release.
- Finish and Serve: Stir everything, let thicken, and serve hot with Parmesan and basil.
Notes
- To make it vegetarian, omit the meat and sauté mushrooms or zucchini instead.
- Adjust cooking time based on pasta thickness.
- For creamier sauce, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream after pressure cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes (plus time to come to pressure)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
