Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe
Introduction
This Instant Pot Spaghetti recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic comfort meal without the usual fuss. Tender pasta cooks right in a flavorful sauce with ground beef, making cleanup simple and dinner ready in no time.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15 is recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 (24 ounce) jar pasta sauce
- 1 3/4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon (chicken base recommended)
- 8 ounces spaghetti, broken in half
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
- Red pepper flakes, for optional heat
Instructions
- Step 1: Turn on the Instant Pot’s sauté function. Add olive oil, ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, minced garlic (if using), and kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and cooked through.
- Step 2: Pour in the jar of pasta sauce, water, Better Than Bouillon, and add the broken spaghetti noodles. Tuck the noodles beneath the liquid to ensure even cooking.
- Step 3: Close the lid and seal the Instant Pot. Set it to cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Step 4: When cooking is complete, carefully lay a towel over the steam vent to prevent splatters and release the pressure quickly.
- Step 5: Open the lid and stir the noodles and sauce well using tongs. Let the spaghetti rest for 10 minutes so the noodles can absorb the sauce and thicken it.
- Step 6: Stir in the butter until melted for a creamy finish. Serve topped with Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Garlic bread and a simple green salad make perfect sides.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, brown the beef with fresh onion and bell peppers before adding the sauce.
- Use gluten-free spaghetti to make this recipe gluten-free.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, add crushed red pepper flakes along with the seasonings at the start.
- Feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different twist.
- Make sure noodles are submerged to avoid uneven cooking or sticking.
Storage
Store leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth as needed to loosen the sauce and keep the pasta from drying out.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, shorter pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni work well. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the pasta is tender but not mushy.
What if I don’t have Better Than Bouillon?
You can substitute with 1 teaspoon of chicken bouillon powder or 1 chicken bouillon cube dissolved in the water. If you prefer a vegetarian version, vegetable broth or bouillon can be used instead.
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Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Instant Pot Spaghetti recipe delivers a delicious, hearty meal with tender pasta cooked perfectly in a rich, flavorful sauce. Using an Instant Pot speeds up the process, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while making cleanup easy. Ideal for a weeknight dinner, this dish combines ground beef, Italian seasonings, and a savory sauce, finished with butter and Parmesan for richness.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Liquids and Pasta
- 1 (24 ounce) jar pasta sauce
- 1 3/4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon (chicken base)
- 8 ounces spaghetti, broken in half
Finishing Touches
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Parmesan cheese, for topping
- Parsley or basil, for garnish
- Red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- Meat Preparation: Turn on the Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add olive oil, ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, minced garlic (if using), and kosher salt. Sauté until the beef is browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally to break up the meat and ensure even cooking.
- Add Sauce and Pasta: Pour in the jar of pasta sauce, 1 3/4 cups of water, and 1 teaspoon of Better Than Bouillon chicken base. Stir gently to combine. Then add the broken spaghetti noodles, making sure to tuck them underneath the liquid so they are mostly submerged.
- Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to seal. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. This short cook time will perfectly soften the pasta while allowing it to absorb the flavors of the sauce and seasonings.
- Release Steam Safely: Carefully lay a towel over the steam vent to prevent splattering, then immediately perform a quick release of the pressure to avoid overcooking the noodles.
- Rest and Absorb: Open the lid and stir the contents using tongs to evenly distribute the sauce. The dish will appear saucy at this point. Let the spaghetti rest for 10 minutes inside the pot; this allows the noodles to absorb the liquid fully and thicken the sauce so it clings well.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in 4 tablespoons of butter until melted and creamy. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of parsley or basil, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve with garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Breaking the spaghetti in half helps it fit better into the Instant Pot and ensures even cooking.
- The quick pressure release is important to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
- Letting the dish rest after cooking improves texture by allowing the noodles to soak up the sauce.
- Better Than Bouillon adds extra depth of flavor to the sauce but can be omitted or substituted with chicken broth or bouillon cubes if preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable bouillon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Instant Pot Spaghetti, Easy Pasta Recipe, One Pot Spaghetti, Quick Dinner, Ground Beef Spaghetti, Pressure Cooker Pasta
