Instant Pot Spaghetti

Instant Pot Spaghetti! This is one of the most leisurely 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.

Instant Pot Cooking has never been so good; this makes for a great meal the next day! And, of course, this is a delicious recipe that is perfect for busy nights, resulting in a perfect spaghetti dish every time!

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.

Can You Cook Spaghetti In Instant Pot?​

You can cook spaghetti in an Instant Pot, a versatile kitchen appliance that can pressure cook, sauté, steam, and more. Cooking spaghetti in an Instant Pot is a quick and convenient way to make a satisfying meal.

By simply adding spaghetti, water, olive oil, and salt to the pot, you can cook the pasta in just 8 minutes under high pressure. Once the cooking time is up, you can quickly release the pressure and open the lid to perfectly cooked spaghetti ready to be served with your favorite sauce. The cooking time can be adjusted to your preference, making achieving your desired level of doneness easy.

Overall, using an Instant Pot to cook spaghetti is an excellent option for anyone looking for a quick and easy way to make a delicious and satisfying meal.

​Why Cook Spaghetti In a Pressure Cooker?

​Cooking spaghetti in a pressure cooker, such as an Instant Pot, can be beneficial for a few reasons. Firstly, it can significantly reduce the cooking time compared to cooking spaghetti on a stovetop. This is because pressure cookers use high pressure to cook food quickly, which can reduce the cooking time of spaghetti by half or more. This can be particularly useful when you’re short on time or want to prepare a quick and easy meal.

Secondly, cooking spaghetti in a pressure cooker can help lock in the pasta’s flavors and nutrients. The high pressure and steam create a sealed environment that allows the pasta to cook in its juices, retaining more of its natural flavor and nutrients. This can result in a more flavorful and nutritious meal.

Finally, cooking spaghetti in a pressure cooker can also be convenient as it allows for a one-pot meal. You can cook the spaghetti and sauce in the pressure cooker, eliminating the need for multiple pots and pans. This can save time on both cooking and cleaning.

Cooking spaghetti in a pressure cooker can be a convenient, time-saving, and flavorful way to prepare this famous pasta dish.

Watch How To Make Easy Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe

Ingredients Needed For Instant Pot Spaghetti

​Are you looking for a delicious dinner option that doesn’t require an hour of cooking? Instant pot spaghetti is just the meal you need! This hearty dinner using your instant pot will reduce the time and effort required to create this classic dish while yielding a flavorful result. Plus, it has minimal ingredients, making it perfect for those busy weeknight dinners. Keep reading to learn more about this quick and easy pasta dinner made in your trusty electric pressure cooker.

​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! 
• 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 Spaghetti In Instant Pot​

Are you looking for a delicious dinner option that doesn’t require an hour of cooking? Instant pot spaghetti is just the meal you need! This hearty dinner using your instant pot will reduce the time and effort required to create this classic dish while yielding a flavorful result. Plus, it has minimal ingredients, making it perfect for those busy weeknight dinners. Keep reading to learn more about this quick and easy pasta dinner made in your trusty electric pressure cooker.

​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!

​Pro Tips For Cooking Pasta In Instant Pot​

Here are some pro tips for cooking pasta in an Instant Pot:

• 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.

By following these pro tips, you can ensure that your pasta comes out perfectly cooked and delicious every time you use Instant Pot.

​What To Serve With Instant Pot Spaghetti

​Instant Pot spaghetti is a versatile dish that can be served with various sides and toppings. Here are some ideas:

• 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.

Overall, the possibilities are endless when serving Instant Pot spaghetti. You can experiment with different sides and toppings to create a meal that suits your taste buds.​

​How To Store Leftover Spaghetti

​If you have leftover spaghetti, here are some tips on how to store it properly:

• Storing: Cool the spaghetti: Allow the leftover spaghetti to cool to room temperature before storing it. Store in an airtight container: Transfer the spaghetti to an airtight container, such as a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid or a resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate promptly: Place the container of spaghetti in the refrigerator as soon as possible, ideally within two hours of cooking.
• Using: Use within 3-4 days: Leftover spaghetti should be consumed within 3-4 days. If you won’t be able to eat it all in that time, consider freezing it (see below).
• Reheating: Reheat properly: When reheating leftover spaghetti, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a bit of water or sauce to prevent it from drying out; in a couple of minutes, you can have great comfort food.
• Freezing: Leftover spaghetti can also be frozen for longer storage. Allow the spaghetti to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

What Types Of Pasta Can You Cook In The Instant Pot?

​You can cook a wide variety of pasta with the Instant Pot. Here are some types of pasta that work well:

• Spaghetti: Spaghetti is a popular pasta that cooks well in the Instant Pot; whole wheat spaghetti is a healthier option. 
• Penne: Penne is a tube-shaped pasta that holds sauce well. It can be cooked in the Instant Pot just like pasta noodles.
• Rigatoni: Rigatoni is a larger tube-shaped pasta that is similar to penne. It can also be cooked in the Instant Pot.
• Fusilli: Fusilli is a spiral-shaped pasta that is great for holding sauces. It can be cooked in the Instant Pot and works well in pasta salads.
• Macaroni: Macaroni is a small, elbow-shaped pasta commonly used in mac and cheese dishes. It can also be cooked in the Instant Pot.
• Rotini: Rotini is a corkscrew-shaped pasta that holds sauce well. It can be cooked in the Instant Pot and works well in pasta salads.
• Lasagna noodles: Lasagna noodles can also be cooked in the Instant Pot. Just layer them with sauce and other ingredients and cook on high pressure.

Overall, the Instant Pot can handle various pasta types, allowing you to prepare a wide range of delicious and satisfying meals.

More Instant Pot Recipes

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