Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe

You know those nights when you’re craving something comforting but don’t want to spend forever cooking? Yeah, me too. That’s why I swear by this Instant Pot Spaghetti recipe—it’s a total game-changer.

Picture this: perfectly cooked pasta, rich tomato sauce, and tender beef, all done in one pot. No boiling water, no draining, no extra mess. Just a quick, easy, and ridiculously delicious dinner ready in minutes.

Seriously, once you try this, you’ll never go back to the stovetop method. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a dinner hero—without all the effort. And trust me, even picky eaters will clean their plates.

Grab your Instant Pot and let’s make some spaghetti magic. You’re just one button press away from dinner perfection!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks in the Instant Pot—no need for separate pots and pans.
• Fast and Easy: Enjoy a hearty spaghetti dinner in less than an hour, perfect for busy nights.
• Rich, Flavorful Sauce: The pressure cooking process infuses the sauce with deep, developed flavors.
• No Boiling Required: The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, soaking up all the deliciousness.
• Less Cleanup: Since everything cooks in one pot, washing up is a breeze!

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes (including pressure build-up and release)
• Total Time: About 40 minutes

Servings

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people, depending on portion size.

Difficulty

Beginner-friendly—no advanced cooking skills required!

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this Instant Pot spaghetti, you’ll need:

• Instant Pot (6-quart or larger): Essential for pressure cooking.
• Wooden Spoon: For stirring and breaking up the ground beef.
• Measuring Spoons & Cups: For accurate ingredient portions.
• Knife & Cutting Board: To dice the onion and mince the garlic.

Key Ingredients for the Best Instant Pot Spaghetti

Each ingredient plays an important role in building a rich, well-balanced sauce and perfectly cooked pasta.

• Lean Ground Beef – Adds savory, meaty flavor without excess grease.
• Onion & Garlic – Essential aromatics that enhance depth of flavor.
• Olive Oil – Helps sauté the onion and garlic for extra richness.
• Tomato Paste – Concentrated tomato flavor adds depth and richness.
• Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme for authentic Italian taste.
• Onion Powder & Garlic Powder – Extra layers of seasoning for bold, well-rounded flavor.
• Granulated Sugar – Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Whole Tomatoes & Tomato Sauce – The base of the sauce, creating a hearty, thick consistency.
• Thick Spaghetti – Holds up well to pressure cooking without becoming mushy.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (or Water) – Infuses the pasta with extra flavor while cooking.
• Salt & Pepper – Enhances and balances the flavors.
• Parmesan Cheese – Adds a salty, nutty finishing touch.
• Fresh Basil – Brightens the dish with fresh, herby flavor.
• Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread (Optional) – Perfect for soaking up the extra sauce!

How to Make Instant Pot Spaghetti – Step-by-Step

This method ensures your meat is perfectly browned, the sauce is flavorful, and the pasta cooks evenly without sticking together.

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic

• Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and let it heat up for a minute.
• Add a drizzle of olive oil, followed by the diced onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

• Add the ground beef to the Instant Pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
• Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.
• Drain any excess grease if needed.

3. Season and Build the Sauce

• Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Mix well, ensuring the seasonings coat the meat evenly.
• Pour in the whole tomatoes and tomato sauce, breaking up the whole tomatoes with a spoon.
• Add the granulated sugar to balance acidity.

4. Layer the Spaghetti and Liquid

• Break the spaghetti in half and arrange it in crisscross layers over the sauce. This prevents the pasta from clumping together.
• DO NOT STIR at this stage—this helps prevent a burn warning on the Instant Pot.
• Pour in the chicken broth (or water), ensuring all the pasta is submerged.

5. Pressure Cook the Spaghetti

• Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual (or Pressure Cook) mode on HIGH pressure for 8 minutes.
• Once the cook time is up, allow a 5-minute natural pressure release (this helps prevent liquid from spewing out).
• Carefully turn the pressure valve to “Venting” for a quick release of any remaining steam.

6. Stir, Serve, and Enjoy!

• Open the lid and gently stir the spaghetti to incorporate the sauce evenly.
• If the sauce looks a little thin, let it sit on “Keep Warm” for 5 minutes—the pasta will continue absorbing liquid.
• Top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for extra flavor.
• Serve immediately with crusty garlic bread or a side salad.

How to Serve Instant Pot Spaghetti

This dish is satisfying on its own, but here are a few delicious ways to round out your meal:

• With Garlic Bread: A crispy slice of buttery garlic bread is perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
• Side Salad: A simple Caesar salad or mixed greens balances the richness of the spaghetti.
• Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for extra color and nutrition.
• Cheese Lover’s Upgrade: Sprinkle extra Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or mozzarella over the top for a gooey, cheesy finish.

Storing and Reheating Instant Pot Spaghetti

This dish stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.

Refrigeration

• Cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• For best results, freeze in individual portions for easy reheating.

Reheating

• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth and warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
• Instant Pot: Use the Sauté function, stirring until heated evenly.

Variations and Customizations

This recipe is flexible! Here’s how you can change it up:

1. Meat Variations

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for a different flavor.
• Use a meatless alternative like plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.

2. Sauce Enhancements

• Add red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
• Stir in a splash of heavy cream for a richer, creamier sauce.
• Include sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra vegetables.

3. Low-Carb Option

• Swap spaghetti for zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles (add after pressure cooking).

4. Extra Protein

• Stir in pre-cooked shredded chicken for a heartier meal.
• Top with grilled shrimp for a seafood twist.

Tips and Tricks for Success

To ensure your Instant Pot spaghetti turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

1. Prevent Pasta from Sticking

• Layer the spaghetti in a crisscross pattern instead of piling it all in one direction.
• Do not stir after adding the pasta—this prevents the sauce from getting too thick and triggering a burn warning.

2. Avoid the Burn Notice

• Ensure the liquid fully covers the pasta before sealing the Instant Pot.
• Deglaze the pot after browning the beef by scraping up any browned bits with broth.
• Use enough liquid—Instant Pots need enough moisture to build pressure properly.

3. Adjusting Sauce Consistency

• If the sauce is too thin, let the pasta sit on Keep Warm for 5-10 minutes to absorb excess liquid.
• If the sauce is too thick, stir in a little extra broth or water before serving.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	520
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	60g
Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	6g
Fiber	6g
Sugar	10g
Sodium	580mg

(Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?

Yes! You can use linguine, fettuccine, or penne, but you may need to adjust the cook time slightly.

What If My Sauce is Too Watery?

Let the spaghetti sit on Keep Warm for a few minutes to allow the pasta to absorb excess liquid.

Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add mushrooms or lentils for extra texture.

How Can I Make This Spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or extra black pepper for more heat.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Spaghetti is a game-changer for busy weeknights. With minimal effort and one pot, you get a rich, meaty sauce and perfectly cooked pasta in under an hour. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a must-try.