The Easiest Instant Pot Spaghetti

Instant Pot Spaghetti! This is one of the easiest meals you can make in your Instant Pot. So, whether you are a newbie or have been using the Instant Pot for years, this is a classic Spaghetti recipe.

I love this recipe; I make it about every week. My kids, two teenage boys, can eat and eat, which is the perfect meal for them. I usually pair it with a salad and some air fryer garlic bread, and you have an authentic budget-friendly meal.

My mother could not believe how well the spaghetti was done in the Instant Pot; she comes from Italy. So, you know she has some experience with spaghetti! 

The main benefit of making spaghetti in the Instant Pot is that you do not have to watch it, perfect for busy weeknights. It cooks itself. And if you are like me, a busy mom, you need all the help you can get with dinnertime.

Watch How To Make Easy Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe

Ingredients Needed For Instant Pot Spaghetti

Here are the simple ingredients, you will need for this recipe:

​Remember the step-by-step directions are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information. 

• ​Olive Oil: You can also use high-heat oil such as avocado or grapeseed.
• Minced Onions: Finely diced, yellow, or white onions.
• Ground Beef: Another great option is ground turkey or ground chicken; lean ground beef is best in this recipe!
• Marinara Sauce: Use any of your favorite pasta sauce or tomato sauce! 
• Liquid: Use Water, Chicken Stock, or Beef Broth
• Seasonings: Italian Seasoning, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, and Red Pepper Flakes for some heat!
• Spaghetti: use any of your favorite uncooked spaghetti
• Serving: Fresh basil, and grated Parmesan cheese

How To Cook The Easiest Instant Pot Spaghetti:

Here are the simple steps for making spaghetti in the Instant Pot:

​Step One: Saute Vegetables and Ground Beef

Start by adding the olive oil to the bottom of the pot. Press the saute button, and let the oil heat up for about 30 seconds. Add the diced onions, and saute for about 2-3 minutes, enough time to soften the onions. Stir in your ground meat, breaking it up as it cooks, and saute until the beef is brown. Then carefully drain the excess grease. Using a wooden spoon, stir the bottom of the pot, so you do not get any brown bits on the bottom, which will give you a burn notice.

Mix well with the spaghetti sauce, beef broth, and broken spaghetti. Place the spaghetti noodles in a criss-cross pattern so the spaghetti noodles do not stick together. Ensure your water line is above the spaghetti, and add just enough water to have your noodles under the water. 

Step Two:  Set Time

Add your Instant Pot lid, and turn the vent to the sealing position. Set manual high pressure for 10 minutes. When the time is up, do a quick pressure release, then remove the lid, allowing the remaining pressure and the pressure valve to have completely gone down, and stir right before serving. 

Step Three: Serve

​​Serve with fresh herbs and grated parmesan cheese, and enjoy!

The Easiest Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe Tips​

• Use enough liquid: It’s important to use enough liquid when cooking pasta in an Instant Pot to prevent it from sticking or burning. A good rule of thumb is to use 4 cups of liquid for every 1 pound of pasta.
• Break the pasta: Breaking the pasta in half before adding it to the Instant Pot can help prevent it from clumping together during cooking.
• Add oil: Adding a tablespoon of oil to the Instant Pot can help prevent the pasta from sticking together.
• Use high pressure: Cooking pasta on high pressure for 4-8 minutes is typically sufficient, depending on the type of pasta and your desired level of doneness.
• Natural pressure release: Allowing the pressure to release naturally for a few minutes before quick releasing can help prevent the pasta from foaming up and spilling out of the Instant Pot.
• Stirring: Stirring the pasta after cooking can help separate the strands and prevent clumping.
• Drain well: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well to remove any excess liquid and prevent the dish from becoming too watery.

Serving Suggestions For The Easiest Instant Pot Spaghetti

• Garlic bread: A classic side dish for spaghetti, garlic bread pairs well with the savory flavors of the pasta.
• Salad: A simple salad can provide a refreshing contrast to hearty pasta. A Caesar salad or garden salad are good options.
• Grilled vegetables: Grilled zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers can add some healthy veggies to your meal and complement the flavors of the spaghetti.
• Meatballs: Classic Italian meatballs are a perfect topping for spaghetti. You can cook them separately in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese is a must-have topping for spaghetti. It adds a nutty, savory flavor to the dish.
• Red wine: A glass of red wine can perfectly accompany spaghetti, primarily if you’re serving it with a meat-based sauce.

The Easiest Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe Faqs

Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe? Yes, you can use any type of pasta, but spaghetti or other long noodles like linguine or fettuccine work best. If using shorter pasta shapes, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Do I need to break the spaghetti in half? Yes, it’s recommended to break the spaghetti in half to fit it into the Instant Pot evenly. This ensures the pasta cooks uniformly without clumping together.

Can I add meat to the spaghetti? Absolutely! You can sauté ground beef, turkey, or sausage using the sauté function before adding the pasta and sauce. This adds flavor and makes the dish heartier.

How much liquid should I use? Typically, you’ll need to add enough water or broth to just cover the pasta. A general rule is to use about 4 cups of liquid for every 12 ounces of spaghetti.

How long should I cook the spaghetti in the Instant Pot? Cook the spaghetti on high pressure for about 8 minutes if you prefer it more al dente, or 9 minutes for a softer texture. After cooking, perform a quick release of the pressure.

Should I stir the pasta before cooking? It’s best to avoid stirring after adding the pasta and liquid. Instead, layer the ingredients, ensuring the pasta is spread out and submerged in the liquid. Stirring before cooking can lead to clumping.

Can I use jarred pasta sauce? Yes, jarred pasta sauce works well for this recipe. Pour the sauce over the pasta and liquid without stirring, to prevent it from sticking to the bottom and triggering a burn notice.

How do I avoid the “burn” notice? To prevent a burn notice, make sure the pasta is fully submerged in liquid, and avoid stirring the sauce into the pasta before cooking. Layer the ingredients with the sauce on top.

Can I add vegetables to the spaghetti? Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. Sauté them with the meat, or add them directly to the Instant Pot with the pasta.

How do I store leftovers? Store leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

More Instant Pot Recipes

• Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash
• Instant Pot Meatballs Recipe
• Easy Instant Pot Spaghetti Sauce