If you’ve ever dreamed of a rich, comforting pasta dinner that practically makes itself while you get on with your day, then this Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe is just the thing for you. Combining the robust flavors of seasoned ground beef, savory Italian spices, and a perfectly cooked thick spaghetti, all in one pot, this dish delivers a hearty, delicious meal in under 20 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or inviting friends over, this Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and ease together beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is a breeze for this recipe, yet each one plays a critical role in crafting the vibrant flavors and satisfying textures you’ll love. From fresh aromatics to pantry staples, they come together perfectly without any fuss.
- Lean ground beef: Provides rich, savory flavor and a hearty protein base to the dish.
- Medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a subtle bite to balance the meatiness.
- Olive oil: Ideal for sautéing and bringing out the aromas of your ingredients.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the sauce with fragrant depth and warmth.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce slightly.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that evoke classic Italian charm and earthiness.
- Onion powder and garlic powder: Boost flavor complexity without overpowering.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes for a smoother taste.
- Whole canned tomatoes: The base of the sauce, providing bright, natural tomato flavor.
- Tomato sauce: Adds body and richness to the sauce.
- Thick spaghetti: Holds up beautifully in the Instant Pot without turning mushy.
- Low sodium chicken broth (or water): Creates the perfect cooking liquid to cook pasta and meld flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to tailor the dish to your taste.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a creamy, salty finish that is simply irresistible.
- Fresh basil, chopped: Brings a refreshing herbal brightness to the finished plate.
- Crusty bread or garlic bread (optional): A perfect partner for soaking up every last drop of sauce.
How to Make Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion
Hit the “sauté” button on your Instant Pot and heat a drizzle of olive oil. Add the lean ground beef and diced onion, stirring occasionally until the beef is beautifully browned and the onion becomes translucent. This step builds the foundational savory flavor that will carry throughout the dish.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Seasonings
Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, granulated sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook everything together for about a minute to let the spices release their aromas and deepen the flavor. After this, press “cancel” to stop sautéing before moving on.
Step 3: Layer the Tomatoes, Pasta, and Broth
Pour in the canned whole tomatoes and tomato sauce, then use a potato masher to crush those whole tomatoes directly in the pot—a satisfying and rustic touch. Next, break the thick spaghetti in half and layer it crosswise right on top of the sauce. Finally, add the chicken broth and gently stir, making sure you scrape the bottom to prevent any scorching during cooking.
Step 4: Pressure Cook Your Spaghetti
Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “sealing.” Pressure cook on high for 8 minutes—this magical step cooks the pasta perfectly while infusing it with all those flavors you’ve built. Once the timer’s up, perform a quick manual release of the pressure.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Open the lid carefully, then use a pasta fork to break up any clumps and give everything a good stir. Stir in half a cup of Parmesan cheese and the chopped fresh basil. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediate portions, optionally accompanied by some crusty or garlic bread for the full Italian comfort meal experience.
How to Serve Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a few torn fresh basil leaves add an elegant finish that elevates the dish visually and flavor-wise. For extra indulgence, you can drizzle a little good-quality olive oil or add chili flakes if you like some heat.
Side Dishes
This spaghetti stands well on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad, roasted seasonal vegetables, or garlic bread to soak up every trace of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe in individual shallow bowls topped with a sprig of basil and a dusting of Parmesan. You could even turn it into a pasta bake by transferring it to a casserole dish, topping with mozzarella, and broiling briefly for a golden crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This spaghetti keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually develop even more after resting, making for an easy next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to save portions for later, this Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe freezes well. Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a bit of room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to warm evenly and maintain that perfect sauce consistency.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and will give you a slightly lighter but still flavorful take on this Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe. Just be sure to brown it thoroughly for the best texture.
What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
You can make a similar spaghetti on the stovetop, but the Instant Pot really saves time and blends flavors uniquely. If using a regular pot, brown the meat and onion, add the sauce and seasonings, then separately boil the pasta and combine at the end.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based protein, like lentils or crumbled tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The seasonings will still make it sing.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
Breaking the spaghetti in half before layering and stirring the liquid over it helps prevent clumping. After cooking, using a pasta fork to break up any clumps and stirring in Parmesan cheese also keeps the texture nice and separate.
Is this Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe spicy?
No, this dish is mild and comforting by default, but if you love a little kick, adding red pepper flakes either during cooking or as a garnish is a great way to customize it to your taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about turning a handful of simple ingredients into a rich, homestyle meal with the ease and speed of the Instant Pot. This Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to dinners when I want that warm, satisfying comfort food without hours in the kitchen. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and discover just how delicious and fuss-free homemade spaghetti can be!
Print
Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Instant Pot Spaghetti recipe delivers a rich, flavorful pasta dinner that’s ready in under 20 minutes. Ground beef is sautéed and combined with aromatic herbs, garlic, and tomatoes before layering spaghetti directly into the pot. The sauce and pasta cook together under pressure, absorbing all the tasty flavors for a perfectly tender and hearty meal. Topped with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, this dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Sauces
- Drizzle of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Canned and Packaged Goods
- 1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth (or water)
- 1 pound thick spaghetti
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Crusty bread or garlic bread, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Brown beef: Press the “sauté” button on the Instant Pot, add a drizzle of olive oil, then add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onions are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add flavor: Stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, granulated sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture for 1 minute to let the flavors meld. Then press “cancel” to stop the sauté mode.
- Layer ingredients: Add the canned whole tomatoes and tomato sauce to the pot. Use a potato masher or spoon to crush the whole tomatoes. Break the spaghetti in half and layer it crosswise directly into the pot on top of the tomato mixture. Pour in the chicken broth or water. Stir gently to combine, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to prevent any food from sticking and scorching.
- Pressure cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the “sealing” position. Select high pressure and cook for 8 minutes. Once cooking is complete, carefully perform a manual pressure release by turning the valve to “venting” to release all the steam.
- Serve: Open the lid and use a pasta fork or tongs to stir and break up any clumps of spaghetti. Mix in the Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as necessary. Serve immediately with additional Parmesan and crusty or garlic bread on the side, if desired.
Notes
- Breaking the spaghetti in half helps it fit neatly into the Instant Pot and cook evenly.
- Scraping the bottom of the pot thoroughly before cooking prevents the burn warning and ensures even cooking.
- You can substitute ground turkey or sausage for ground beef for a different flavor profile.
- Use chicken broth for extra flavor or water for a lighter dish.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.
