Name: Easy Instant Pot Spaghetti: The Ultimate Comfort Meal in 30 Minutes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
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.

Description

Easy Instant Pot Spaghetti is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that brings together the convenience of a pressure cooker with the comforting flavors of a classic pasta dish. With just a few simple ingredients—pasta, sauce, and seasonings—you can have a delicious, perfectly cooked spaghetti in under 30 minutes. The Instant Pot ensures the pasta is tender and coated in a rich, flavorful sauce that’s ready to serve in no time. This dish is ideal for busy families, beginners, or anyone looking for a hassle-free meal. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, and the versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite ingredients like ground beef, vegetables, or extra seasonings. Whether served as a solo meal or paired with a side salad and garlic bread, this Instant Pot Spaghetti will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients

Scale

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.

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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.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 400 kcal
Fat: depends on specific ingredients used