Easy Instant Pot Spaghetti: The Ultimate Comfort Meal in 30 Minutes

Introduction

There’s something undeniably comforting about a big plate of pasta, especially when it’s as easy to make as Instant Pot Spaghetti. Whether you’re a busy parent, a novice cook, or just looking for a fast, delicious dinner, this recipe is for you! In just under 30 minutes, you can have perfectly cooked spaghetti, a flavorful sauce, and all the rich, savory goodness you crave—without the fuss of simmering sauce for hours.

This Easy Instant Pot Spaghetti is a true weeknight hero. Thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot, you can make an entire pasta dinner in one pot with minimal prep and cleanup. The flavors meld beautifully as the spaghetti cooks directly in the sauce, infusing each strand with rich, savory goodness. Best of all, it’s a one-pot dish, meaning less time spent cleaning up afterward and more time spent enjoying your meal.

As a bonus, this recipe is versatile enough to allow for all kinds of variations, whether you’re craving a vegetarian meal, a meaty version, or even something a little spicier. Let’s dive into why this dish will become your new go-to dinner!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Convenient: In just about 30 minutes, you can have a full, hearty meal on the table. The Instant Pot makes it incredibly fast and simple!
• One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup required—everything cooks in one pot, saving you time and effort.
• Flavorful: The pasta cooks in the sauce, which helps it absorb all the rich, savory flavors.
• Versatile: Add or swap out ingredients to customize the recipe to your liking, from different proteins to additional veggies or spices.
• Family-Friendly: It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for busy families or a quick dinner with friends.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 30 minutes (5 minutes prep, 25 minutes cooking)
• Servings: 4–6 people
• Calories per Serving: Approx. 400 calories (depends on specific ingredients used)

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) spaghetti: The base of the dish. You can use gluten-free pasta if needed, or swap for a different pasta shape.
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or turkey: Adds protein and a rich flavor. You can skip the meat for a vegetarian version or substitute with ground chicken or sausage.
• 1 medium onion, chopped: Provides a savory, aromatic base for the sauce.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: For a punch of flavor in the sauce.
• 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes: A simple, classic tomato base for the sauce. You can also use diced tomatoes for more texture.
• 2 cups (480 ml) beef or vegetable broth: To cook the pasta and create a flavorful sauce.
• 2 tbsp tomato paste: Adds a rich, concentrated tomato flavor.
• 1 tsp dried basil: A classic herb for Italian-inspired flavors.
• 1 tsp dried oregano: A warm, earthy herb that pairs perfectly with tomatoes.
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For a little heat. Adjust to your spice preference.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the sauce.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the meat and onions.
• Parmesan cheese, grated (optional): For topping the spaghetti just before serving.
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional): For garnish and an added burst of color.

Step-by-Step Instructions

STEP 1: Sauté the Meat and Aromatics

Start by setting your Instant Pot to the Sauté function. Add olive oil and let it heat up. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook the meat for about 5–7 minutes, until it’s browned and cooked through.

Next, add the chopped onion and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

STEP 2: Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings

Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef or vegetable broth, and dried herbs (basil, oregano). Stir everything together to combine, scraping the bottom of the Instant Pot to release any brown bits that have formed. These bits add flavor to the sauce!

Season with salt and pepper, and if you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes at this stage.

STEP 3: Add the Spaghetti

Break the spaghetti in half and gently layer it over the sauce. It’s okay if the pasta is stacked a little bit; it will soften and expand as it cooks. Do not stir the pasta in at this stage, as it can cause it to become mushy. Simply press the spaghetti down into the liquid so it’s mostly submerged.

STEP 4: Pressure Cook

Close the lid of the Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to Sealing. Set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook (or Manual) on High for 8 minutes. The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure, so don’t worry if it seems like it’s taking a bit of time.

STEP 5: Quick Release the Pressure

Once the cooking time is up, carefully do a quick release by turning the valve to Venting. Be cautious of the hot steam. Once the pressure has fully released, carefully remove the lid.

STEP 6: Stir and Serve

Give everything a good stir. The pasta should be perfectly cooked, with a slightly saucy consistency. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of broth or water and stir to loosen it up.

Serve the Instant Pot Spaghetti with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley for garnish. You can also drizzle a little olive oil over the top for added richness.

How to Serve

• Side Dishes: Pair with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Wine Pairing: A nice red wine like Chianti, Sangiovese, or a dry Cabernet Sauvignon pairs wonderfully with this hearty spaghetti.
• Kid-Friendly: This recipe is perfect for picky eaters. The flavors are familiar, and the one-pot preparation makes it easy to serve a family quickly.

Additional Tips

1. Use Quality Ground Meat: Whether you choose beef, turkey, or another protein, opt for a higher-quality ground meat for the best flavor and texture. Lean ground turkey is a great low-fat alternative to beef.
2. Customize the Sauce: Feel free to add more vegetables (like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach) to the sauce for extra nutrients and flavor.
3. Don’t Over-Stir the Pasta: When layering the pasta over the sauce, resist the urge to stir immediately. This helps prevent the pasta from clumping together.
4. Check Pasta for Doneness: If the pasta is slightly undercooked after the pressure cooking, just let it sit with the lid on for a few minutes to finish cooking in the residual heat.
5. Make it Vegetarian: You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by using plant-based ground meat or simply skipping the meat altogether. Add more veggies and perhaps a little extra cheese for richness.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the meat with plant-based crumbles or simply load the sauce with more vegetables. You can use zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or even roasted eggplant for a hearty, satisfying meal. If you’re craving more protein, consider adding chickpeas, lentils, or tofu for a plant-based protein boost.
• Spicy Version: For those who love heat, add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce to turn up the spice level. You can also experiment with jalapeños or serrano peppers for a fresher, more intense kick. Adjust the spice to suit your personal taste, and don’t be afraid to add a little more if you like it extra fiery!
• Cheesy Option: If you’re a cheese lover, elevate the dish by adding a handful of shredded mozzarella or ricotta on top before serving. This will melt into the pasta, creating a rich, creamy, cheesy twist that complements the pesto and goat cheese. For an even more indulgent touch, sprinkle some Parmesan or fontina cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
• Bolognese Style: For a heartier, meatier version of this pasta, stir in some ground beef, pork, or turkey at the start of the cooking process. Once the meat is browned, follow the same recipe steps. To add richness to the sauce, stir in some milk or cream at the end of cooking to create a velvety, creamy sauce similar to a classic Bolognese. This variation is great for those who enjoy a deeper, meaty flavor profile.

Storage and Reheating

While best enjoyed fresh, Instant Pot Spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta absorbs the sauce over time, which only enhances the flavor!

To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

For longer storage, you can freeze the spaghetti for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as usual.

Conclusion

Easy Instant Pot Spaghetti is the ultimate one-pot wonder that’s as comforting as it is convenient. With minimal effort, you can create a delicious, flavorful meal that will please both adults and kids alike. The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, allowing you to relax and enjoy your dinner in a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing for a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe is a keeper. It’s quick, easy, and loaded with all the savory flavors you love in a classic spaghetti dinner—plus, you only need one pot to clean up afterward!

So, grab your Instant Pot and get ready to enjoy a simple, satisfying pasta dish that’ll quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation.

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