Instant pot spaghetti is perfect for those busy nights where you need dinner to come together quickly. It’s cooked in just one pot in 30 minutes, making the clean up a breeze!
Quick and Easy Spaghetti
This is by far the EASIEST way to make spaghetti! I’ll show exactly how to use the Instant Pot to make spaghetti with absolutely NO precooking the noodles. It’s perfect for those nights when you have no idea what’s for dinner and need to make something FAST!
I usually have all the ingredients on hand and make it at least once a month. I love to add ground beef when making mine similar to my easy spaghetti and meat sauce, but you could easily include noodles only. The pressure cooker does everything for you in one pot, making clean up SUPER easy.
The best part about this spaghetti is that everyone in my family will eat it and actually enjoys it. That’s a win in my book. I’m all about easy recipes that I can make for my family during the week that aren’t a hassle. This and my goulash in the Instant Pot are those meals!
Reasons to Love It:
This recipe may not include your traditional homemade spaghetti sauce or spaghetti bolognese sauce (which if you have the time, you need to try!), but it still tastes amazing. Whenever I’m craving spaghetti but need something easy and fast, this instant pot version is my saving grace. It’s so delicious and requires hardly any dishes and time.
- Made in one pot. Any meal that only requires only one pot is an immediate winner!
- No precooking noodles. Add the dry noodles to the instant pot. No precooking needed.
- 30 minutes. This is a quick 30-minute meal that won’t have you slaving in the kitchen all day.
- Easy clean up. Only one pot to clean! Talk about a dream come true.
Tips for Success
- Thaw your meat. If you’re pulling out meat from the freezer, thaw it in the fridge overnight so that it’s ready to go the next day. You can also thaw it in the microwave for a quicker alternative.
- Sauté first. Make sure to brown the meat first with the onions and garlic. Definitely don’t just add the meat in raw. That’s the beauty of the instant pot…you can sauté and pressure cook all in one pot!
- Break the noodles. Before adding them into the pot, make sure to break the noodles in half. Then layer them into the pot crisscrossed on top of the meat. This helps keep them from clumping up. Also, no stirring once you add the noodles in the pot!
- Use a glove. Make sure to use a glove when removing the lid. The steam makes it super hot to touch, so you don’t want to burn your hand.
- Watery. When you first remove the lid, the spaghetti may appear a little watery. This is normal. Give it a good stir, then let the pasta rest for a few minutes before serving. It will thicken right up!
Modifications
- You can use ground turkey for a lighter alternative.
- You can use frozen cooked meatballs instead of ground beef. Warm them up separately in the microwave while the spaghetti cooks, then mix them in with the noodles once you remove the lid.
- Make vegetarian by omitting the ground beef.
- If you like heat, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- To make creamy, mix in a few Tablespoons of cream cheese.
- Transform this dish into a whole new meal by using leftovers to make cheesy spaghetti boats.
Favorite Sides for Serving
While the spaghetti cooks, feel free to whip up a few quick sides for serving. Below are some yummy ideas to try:
- Easy garlic bread
- Chopped salad
- Parmesan broccoli
- Steamed vegetables
- Italian salad
- Garlic cheese rolls
FAQs
There are a few reasons why you do not want to stir your pasta after layering it over the meat in this Instant Pot spaghetti recipe. First, you are placing the tomato sauce on top of the noodles to prevent burn. Stirring will disrupt this order and tomato sauce on the bottom of the pot could lean to a burn warning. Second, stirring the pasta may cause it to become mushy.
If your pasta looks watery right after it is done, that is okay! Now is the time to give it a stir, place the lid back on and rest it for 3-5 minutes. Any of the residual steam from the pot should incorporate back into the pasta and sauce.
For this Instant Pot spaghetti recipe, use quick release. This helps to prevent overcooked pasta. Be careful as there will be a lot of steam.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. You can also freeze leftovers in a freezer safe container up to 3 months. Thaw and then reheat in the microwave.
More Easy Instant Pot Dinners
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all the newest recipes!
Instant Pot Spaghetti
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ¾ pound lean ground beef
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 12 ounces uncooked spaghetti noodles , about 3/4 package
- 24 ounce jar spaghetti sauce
- 14 ounce can petite diced tomatoes
- 2 2/3 cups water
For serving (optional): Chopped basil or parsley and parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Set instant pot to saute and add the onions and garlic. Cook a minute and then add in the ground beef, salt and pepper. Cook until lightly browned. Drain any grease if needed and season to taste. Then turn the instant pot off.
- Break the noodles in half and layer (crisscross) on top of the meat in the instant pot. Then pour the spaghetti sauce, tomatoes and water over top.
- Seal the instant pot and set it to manual, high pressure for 7 minutes. When the time is up, use the quick release (with a glove) and stand back. Remove the lid and toss the spaghetti with tongs. Let sit for a minute or two to release extra liquid and then serve while hot.
- Top spaghetti with shredded parmesan and basil if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: 30 Minute Meals, 30 Minute Meals, Beef, Dinner, Instant Pot, Instant Pot, Italian, One Pot, One Pot, Pasta
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
My husband asked me never to make spaghetti on the stove again! We love this recipe!
So glad to hear you’ve enjoyed this recipe! It’s so much easier!
So so sooooooo good, only way I make spaghetti now! My family loves it, even the 4&5 yr olds.
Yay, I’m so glad your kids love it! Thanks for your comment and review, April :)
This is the only way that I make spaghetti now. So quick and the flavor seems to soak into the noodles too. Will never go back to boiling water over the stove. I love that it is only one pot to clean too.
Super love this spaghetti recipe, thanks a lot for sharing this.
You are so welcome! So glad you love it :)
This turned out perfect and was so easy to put together. Thanks!
This turned out perfect and was so easy to put together. Thanks!
Oh wow! My teens are going to absolutely love this instant pot recipe! We are always looking for new recipes to try for our instant pot!
This instant pot spaghetti is AMAZING! So hearty and loaded with flavors. :)