If you’re craving a comforting and hearty meal that comes together quickly and tastes like it simmered all day, this Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe is your new best friend. Combining the ease of pressure cooking with classic Italian flavors, this dish brings tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and savory ground beef all into one pot, making dinner night stress-free and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe hits all the marks for flavor, convenience, and pure comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, pantry-friendly, and each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and that perfect spaghetti texture you’ll want to savor. From the savory ground beef to the fresh basil, everything works in harmony to deliver a dish that feels homemade and full of love.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: The hearty protein base that adds richness without too much fat.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds a natural sweetness and depth as it browns.
- Drizzle of olive oil: Helps brown the beef and onion without sticking and adds subtle fruitiness.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the entire sauce with warm, aromatic notes—don’t skimp on this!
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and gives the sauce a luscious thickness.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings that classic, familiar Italian flair.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the onion’s flavor and rounds out the seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the garlic punch without overpowering.
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar: Balances tomato acidity for a smoother sauce.
- 1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes: The heart of the sauce; crush them fresh in the pot for the best texture.
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce: Adds body and richness to the tomato base.
- 1 pound thick spaghetti: Break it in half to fit the pot and ensure even cooking.
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth (or water): Provides the liquid needed for pressure cooking and adds subtle flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the dish’s full flavor.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving: Adds a nutty, salty finish that melts perfectly into the sauce.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped: Brightens the dish with refreshing herbaceous notes.
- Crusty bread or garlic bread, for serving (optional): Perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce.
How to Make Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion
Start by pressing the “sauté” button on your Instant Pot to heat the oil. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is nicely browned and no longer pink, and the onions have softened to bring out their natural sweetness. This foundational step builds flavor and readies the pot for the sauce.
Step 2: Add Flavorful Seasonings
Next, stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook these together for about a minute to release their aromas and meld the flavors, creating a deeply savory base that will make your sauce sing. Then press “cancel” to stop sautéing.
Step 3: Layer the Tomatoes and Pasta
Pour in the canned whole tomatoes and tomato sauce. Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to crush the whole tomatoes right in the pot, releasing juicy bursts of flavor. Break the spaghetti in half to fit, then layer it crosswise over the sauce without stirring. Pour the chicken broth over the top and gently stir once to make sure nothing is stuck to the bottom—this prevents burning during pressure cooking.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Spaghetti
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “sealing.” Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes to perfectly cook the spaghetti in the flavorful sauce all at once. When the timer dings, carefully perform a quick manual pressure release for best texture.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once the pressure is released, open the lid and use a pasta fork or tongs to break up any clumps and stir everything together. Mix in the Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, tasting to adjust salt and pepper as needed. Your Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe is now ready to serve piping hot, ideally paired with crusty or garlic bread to soak up that delicious sauce.
How to Serve Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes take this meal from great to unforgettable. Sprinkle extra Parmesan or Romano cheese on top, add torn basil leaves, or even a few red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. A drizzle of good quality olive oil right before serving will add a lovely glossy finish and boost richness.
Side Dishes
Though the spaghetti is a complete meal on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables elevates the experience. These sides introduce crunch, fresh brightness, and complementary flavors that round out the plate beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family style dinner, serve the spaghetti right from the Instant Pot in the center of the table with bowls of Parmesan and basil for everyone to customize. Another fun idea is plating individual portions with a fresh basil sprig crown and a parmesan crisp to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers arguably even better. Just be sure to stir before reheating as the pasta tends to absorb the sauce.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover spaghetti in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. When freezing, portion into individual servings to make thawing easier. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat spaghetti gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and avoid drying out the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage can be swapped in for the beef. Just adjust cooking time slightly if using very lean meats to prevent drying out.
Do I need to break the spaghetti in half?
Breaking the spaghetti helps it fit neatly into the pot and ensures even cooking. If you prefer longer strands and have a larger Instant Pot, you can try it whole, but be prepared for some spaghetti sticking out of the sides.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
Water works fine if you don’t have broth on hand, but using chicken broth adds extra flavor and richness that enhances the overall dish.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the ground beef and double the mushrooms or add favorite vegetables instead. Use vegetable broth and consider adding plant-based protein for an equally satisfying meal.
Is this dish spicy?
Not by default. The seasoning creates a balanced, savory sauce, but feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer some heat.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe is a total game changer for busy nights when you want a comforting, homemade-style meal without the fuss. Once you try this one-pot wonder, it’s likely to become a weekly favorite thanks to its incredible flavors and effortless cooking process. So go ahead, gather your ingredients and dive into a plate of pure, hearty goodness!
Print
Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 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, and hearty pasta dish cooked quickly using the pressure cooker. Ground beef is browned and combined with fragrant garlic, Italian seasonings, and a robust tomato sauce, then layered with spaghetti and chicken broth before pressure cooking to perfectly tender spaghetti infused with delicious sauce. Topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, this easy one-pot meal is perfect for weeknights and serves 8 generously.
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 Goods
- 1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
Pasta and Liquids
- 1 pound thick spaghetti
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth (or water)
Garnishes
- 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 brown the lean ground beef along with the diced onion until the meat is fully cooked and onions are softened.
- Add flavor: Stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, granulated sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture for about 1 minute to release the aromatic flavors, then press “cancel” to stop sautéing.
- Layer ingredients: Add the canned whole tomatoes and tomato sauce into the pot. Crush the whole tomatoes using a potato masher for texture. Break the spaghetti in half and arrange crosswise on top of the sauce. Pour in the chicken broth, then gently stir, scraping the bottom of the pot to prevent any food from sticking or scorching.
- Pressure cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the “sealing” position. Select high pressure and cook for 8 minutes. When the cooking time completes, perform a manual pressure release by carefully turning the valve to “venting.”
- Serve: Open the lid and use a pasta fork to break up any clumps of spaghetti. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately with crusty bread or garlic bread, if desired.
Notes
- Breaking the spaghetti in half helps it fit better and cook evenly in the Instant Pot.
- Using low sodium chicken broth allows better control of the saltiness of the dish.
- Manually releasing the pressure ensures the pasta does not overcook.
- For a vegetarian version, omit ground beef and use vegetable broth instead.
- Adding sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes leaving a well-rounded flavor.
