Instant Pot Spaghetti is a weeknight miracle that brings all the hearty, saucy comfort of classic spaghetti to your table in under 30 minutes—with almost no hands-on cooking! You get perfectly cooked pasta, robust meat sauce, and all the Italian flavors without ever draining a pot. It’s seriously the fastest ticket to pasta night bliss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Everything in One Pot: The Instant Pot Spaghetti method means no juggling multiple pans or draining hot water—just pure, easy magic.
- Lightning Fast Dinner: Start to finish, you’ll have dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes, including hands-off time so you can relax or prep a quick salad.
- Rich, Saucy Flavor: Pressure cooking infuses every bite with the seasonings, meat, and sauce—think classic, cozy spaghetti taste without hours of simmering.
- Customizable for the Whole Family: Choose your favorite meat, swap in gluten-free pasta, or sneak in extra veggies—the recipe adjusts beautifully to your preferences!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Instant Pot Spaghetti is proof that basic pantry staples and a few flavor-boosting touches are all you need. Each ingredient plays a starring role—whether it’s building umami in the sauce or guaranteeing the perfect al dente noodles.
- Lean Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: This is the savory backbone of your sauce—choose beef for classic flavor or sausage for a little extra spice and richness.
- Salt, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning: These simple seasonings transform the meat and sauce, bringing extra depth and unmistakable Italian aroma.
- Spaghetti Noodles: Regular or whole wheat both work—just break them in half so they fit snuggly in the pot and cook evenly.
- Jarred Spaghetti Sauce: Your favorite jar does the trick here, adding tomato richness and ready-to-go seasoning with zero fuss.
- Water: Essential for getting that pasta perfectly tender—it also ensures nothing sticks or burns in the Instant Pot.
- Diced Tomatoes or Tomato Sauce: Adds texture and juicy, fresh flavor—diced tomatoes keep the sauce chunky, while tomato sauce gives a smoother finish.
Variations
The best thing about Instant Pot Spaghetti is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you’ve got specific ingredients on hand, want to make it vegetarian, or need to suit a dietary need, you have a ton of flexibility built in!
- Vegetarian Swap: Omit the meat and double up on diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for a plant-powered version.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti—just check the package for cooking time adjustments and avoid stirring before pressure cooking.
- Cheesy Baked Finish: After cooking, transfer the spaghetti to a casserole dish, top with mozzarella and parmesan, and broil until bubbly for a fun twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or swap in spicy Italian sausage to give your sauce a little heat.
How to Make Instant Pot Spaghetti
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Seasonings
Select the ‘Sauté’ function on your Instant Pot and add the ground beef or Italian sausage. Sprinkle over the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Use a spatula to break up the meat and cook until thoroughly browned and crumbly—this builds so much flavor as the first foundation of your Instant Pot Spaghetti.
Step 2: Layer the Spaghetti and Add Sauces
Turn off the sauté function and carefully drain the fat, if needed. Break the spaghetti noodles in half and layer them crisscross style over the browned meat. Pour the jarred spaghetti sauce, water, and your choice of diced tomatoes or tomato sauce evenly over the top. Gently press the noodles down with a spoon so they’re just submerged—the secret to even cooking in your Instant Pot Spaghetti.
Step 3: Pressure Cook and Quick Release
Seal the Instant Pot and use Manual or Pressure Cook mode set to high pressure. Cook for 8 minutes (no peeking!). Once done, perform a manual quick release to vent the steam. Be careful—this part is hot and fragrant! Open the lid and give everything a thorough stir; the noodles will magically finish absorbing the sauce as you mix.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Your Instant Pot Spaghetti is ready to serve right away! The sauce should be thick, flavorful, and perfectly clinging to every strand of pasta. Dish it up while piping hot for big, cozy bowls of family-style comfort.
Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Spaghetti
- Crisscross Those Noodles: Laying the pasta in alternating directions prevents clumping and helps guarantee every bite is coated in sauce.
- Don’t Stir Before Cooking: Resist the urge! Layering rather than stirring before pressure keeps the pasta from sticking to the bottom and turning mushy.
- Mind Your Liquid: If you use a thicker or chunkier sauce, add an extra splash of water to ensure there’s enough steam to cook the noodles evenly.
- Sauce Absorption: The sauce will seem loose right after opening the lid, but a good stir and a few minutes of rest thickens it up perfectly.
How to Serve Instant Pot Spaghetti
Garnishes
I love to scatter a snowy cloud of freshly grated parmesan or pecorino romano on top—add chopped fresh basil or flat-leaf parsley for a burst of color and freshness. A drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes also makes your Instant Pot Spaghetti look (and taste!) like it was made in a cozy trattoria.
Side Dishes
Round out your meal with garlic bread—perfect for soaking up every drop of sauce—or a simple green salad tossed with balsamic vinaigrette. Steamed veggies, roasted broccoli, or a crisp Caesar are also classic partners for a hearty Instant Pot Spaghetti spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try twirling servings of spaghetti into elegant nests on shallow plates, or serve family-style straight from the Instant Pot for ultimate comfort. For a playful touch, let everyone top their own bowl with favorite extras—mini mozzarella balls, sliced olives, or even a dollop of ricotta cheese bring fun and personality to the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Instant Pot Spaghetti keeps incredibly well! Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld and deepen, and the pasta stays pleasantly saucy—not at all dry or sticky.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover spaghetti in individual portions for future quick dinners or lunches. Let the pasta cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or zip bags (press out excess air). It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your Instant Pot Spaghetti gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or extra sauce to loosen. Stir occasionally until warmed through; the pasta will soak up even more of that savory goodness!
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta for Instant Pot Spaghetti?
Absolutely! While traditional spaghetti noodles hold up beautifully, you can swap in linguine, fettuccine, or even short pastas like penne. Just keep in mind: thinner or thicker shapes may need a minute or two shaved off or added to the cooking time for perfect results.
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How do I prevent the ‘Burn’ warning on my Instant Pot?
This is a common concern with Instant Pot Spaghetti. To avoid it, make sure to scrape up any browned bits after sautéing the meat, don’t stir after layering the noodles and sauce, and always ensure the pasta is fully submerged in liquid before sealing.
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Can I double this recipe in my Instant Pot?
If you have an 8-quart Instant Pot, you can double the recipe as long as you don’t fill above the max fill line. Cooking time remains the same, but be sure to layer the noodles and sauce as directed to prevent sticking.
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Is it okay to add vegetables or extra ingredients?
Definitely! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini all cook perfectly in the Instant Pot with the spaghetti. Add them atop the meat before layering noodles and sauce and enjoy even more flavor and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
If you try just one pressure cooker pasta, let it be this crowd-pleasing Instant Pot Spaghetti—your whole family will cheer for the ease, flavor, and minimal mess. Give it a go tonight and watch it become a weekly favorite!
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
A quick and easy recipe for making delicious Instant Pot spaghetti with a flavorful meat sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a satisfying meal in a hurry.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce:
- 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
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
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: Set the Instant Pot to saute’ and add the ground beef. Add salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasonings. Cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Break the spaghetti in half and place it on top of the meat in the Instant Pot. Pour spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes, and water over the spaghetti. Push down with a spoon to ensure it’s covered in liquid.
- Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot, set to manual mode, high pressure, for 8 minutes. Use quick release when done. Stir well and serve.
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: 40mg
