Name: Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 5
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tsp olive oil; 1 lb lean ground beef; 2 cloves garlic; salt; freshly ground black pepper; 12 oz dry spaghetti noodles; 3 sprigs fresh basil,; 1 jar four cheese marinara sauce; 1 can petite diced tomatoes; 2 ⅔ cups warm water; parmesan cheese

This Instant Pot spaghetti recipe is a perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a hearty and delicious meal in no time. Combining the rich flavors of ground beef, garlic, and a four-cheese marinara sauce, this dish is sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings.

Photos of Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe

If you don't usually stock fresh basil or a four-cheese marinara sauce, you might need to find them at the supermarket. The fresh basil adds a fragrant finish, while the four-cheese marinara sauce provides a rich, creamy base that elevates the dish.

Ingredients For Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe

Olive oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps in browning the beef.

Lean ground beef: Provides a hearty and flavorful base for the spaghetti.

Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with its robust and aromatic qualities.

Salt: Used for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.

Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and enhances the dish's flavors.

Dry spaghetti noodles: The main carbohydrate component, cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot.

Fresh basil: Adds a fresh, fragrant finish to the dish.

Four cheese marinara sauce: Provides a rich and creamy base with a depth of cheesy flavor.

Petite diced tomatoes: Adds texture and a touch of acidity to balance the richness of the sauce.

Warm water: Helps in cooking the spaghetti evenly and blending the flavors.

Parmesan cheese: Adds a final touch of nutty and salty flavor, perfect for serving.

One reader, Edith Goode says:

This instant pot spaghetti recipe is a game-changer! The pasta cooks perfectly, and the flavors meld beautifully. It's quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights. Highly recommend!

Edith Goode

Essential Techniques for Making Instant Pot Spaghetti

How to use an Instant Pot: Explanation on setting the Instant Pot to sauté, sealing the lid, and using the manual mode or high pressure. How to brown ground beef: Explanation on breaking the beef into chunks, stirring, and cooking until browned. How to quick-release pressure: Explanation on using the quick-release method according to the manufacturer's instructions. How to chop garlic: Explanation on peeling and finely chopping garlic cloves. How to break spaghetti noodles: Explanation on breaking dry spaghetti noodles in half. How to remove basil sprigs: Explanation on removing basil sprigs from the cooked dish before serving.

How To Make Instant Pot Spaghetti

Easy and instant in just 30 minutes or less, you can make spaghetti with just one cooker. Try out our instant pot spaghetti recipe that’s rich and tasty.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 25 minutes

Total: 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1tspolive oil
1lblean ground beef92% – 96%
2clovesgarlicminced
saltto taste
freshly ground black pepper
12ozdry spaghetti noodles
3sprigs fresh basil,
1jarfour cheese marinara sauce
1canpetite diced tomatoes
2 ⅔cupswarm water
parmesan cheesegrated, for serving

Instructions

Set instant pot to “saute”. Once it reads “hot” add 1 tsp olive oil then break beef into large chunks and add to instant pot along with garlic and a few pinches of salt.
Let beef brown, stirring and breaking up beef occasionally, until cooked through, about 6 minutes. Press the “cancel” button to turn instant pot off.
Break spaghetti noodles in half. Add about 1/6 into an even layer over beef, then add another 1/6 going the opposite direction into an even layer. Repeat this pattern with the remaining noodles four times.
Add in marinara sauce, basil, tomatoes, and water and season lightly with salt and pepper. Don’t stir.
Seal the lid of the Instant Pot, making sure the valve is set to “sealing.” Press the “manual mode” button (or high pressure on other pressure cookers) and set to 7 minutes.
Once the time is up, use the quick-release method according to the manufacture’s instructions. Once sputtering stops open the lid, remove basil and toss spaghetti with a fork.
Let it rest two minutes (this will allow some of that extra liquid to soak in and the noodles to cook through). Serve warm with parmesan and basil leaves or chopped basil ribbons.

Nutrition

Calories: 569.90kcal
Fat: 22.25g
Saturated Fat: 7.46g
Trans Fat: 1.08g
Monounsaturated Fat: 9.34g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.71g
Carbohydrates: 63.89g
Fiber: 5.83g
Sugar: 10.29g
Protein: 26.96g
Cholesterol: 67.13mg
Sodium: 1336.63mg
Calcium: 99.31mg
Potassium: 934.43mg
Iron: 4.16mg
Vitamin A: 59.74µg
Vitamin C: 8.10mg

Pro Tip for Perfect Instant Pot Spaghetti

When layering the spaghetti noodles in the instant pot, make sure to crisscross them in different directions. This helps to prevent the noodles from clumping together and ensures even cooking.

Time-Saving Tips for Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe

Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using pre-minced garlic instead of peeling and chopping fresh cloves.

Pre-browned ground beef: Purchase pre-browned ground beef from the store to skip the browning step.

Instant pot liner: Use an instant pot liner for easy cleanup, saving time on washing dishes.

Pre-chopped basil: Buy pre-chopped basil or use dried basil to eliminate the need for chopping fresh sprigs.

Quick-release method: Utilize the quick-release method to reduce waiting time after cooking.

Substitute Ingredients For Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe

olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties.
lean ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and works well in pasta dishes.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor when fresh garlic is not available.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor along with a bit of umami.
freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat and can be used in the same quantity.
dry spaghetti noodles - Substitute with whole wheat spaghetti: Whole wheat spaghetti offers more fiber and nutrients.
fresh basil - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil can be used in smaller quantities to provide a similar flavor.
four cheese marinara sauce - Substitute with regular marinara sauce: Regular marinara sauce can be enhanced with a mix of shredded cheeses.
petite diced tomatoes - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes provide a similar texture and flavor.
warm water - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth adds more depth of flavor to the dish.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and nutty flavor.

Presenting Your Instant Pot Spaghetti

Serve smaller portion sizes: Plate a modest amount of spaghetti in the center of a large, white dish to create a refined and elegant presentation.
Use decoration: Garnish with fresh basil leaves or finely chopped basil ribbons to add a pop of color and a touch of sophistication.
Highlight textures: Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over the top to add a contrasting texture and enhance the visual appeal.
Create height: Twirl the spaghetti into a neat, elevated mound using a carving fork or tongs to give the dish a professional, three-dimensional look.
Add a sauce drizzle: Lightly drizzle extra four cheese marinara sauce around the base of the spaghetti for added flavor and a polished finish.
Use high-quality ingredients: Ensure the lean ground beef is cooked to perfection and the garlic is finely minced to distribute flavor evenly.
Incorporate fresh elements: Place a few whole petite diced tomatoes around the plate to add freshness and a burst of color.
Balance flavors: Season the dish with freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of salt to enhance the overall taste profile.
Consider plating tools: Use tweezers or small tongs to place delicate garnishes like basil leaves precisely, ensuring a meticulous and professional presentation.
Finish with a touch of elegance: Add a final sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a light drizzle of olive oil to give the dish a luxurious sheen and depth of flavor.

Essential Tools for Making Spaghetti in an Instant Pot

Instant Pot: This multifunctional pressure cooker will be used to sauté the beef and cook the spaghetti under high pressure.
Olive oil dispenser: To easily measure and pour the olive oil into the Instant Pot.
Garlic press: For mincing the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring and breaking up the ground beef while it browns.
Measuring cups: To measure the warm water accurately.
Can opener: Necessary for opening the can of petite diced tomatoes.
Tongs: Useful for removing the basil sprigs from the cooked spaghetti.
Fork: To toss the spaghetti once it's cooked.
Serving spoon: For serving the spaghetti onto plates.
Grater: To grate the parmesan cheese for serving.
Knife: For chopping the basil leaves into ribbons if desired.
Cutting board: A surface for chopping the basil and other ingredients if needed.

Storing and Freezing Your Instant Pot Spaghetti

Let the spaghetti cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the noodles from sticking together and becoming mushy.
To store in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled spaghetti to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the instant pot spaghetti:
- Divide the cooled spaghetti into portion-sized freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
- If using bags, remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy reference.
- Frozen spaghetti will maintain its best quality for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat refrigerated spaghetti, simply microwave individual portions until heated through, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
For frozen spaghetti, you can either:
- Thaw the spaghetti overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
- Reheat the frozen spaghetti directly in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or marinara sauce to help loosen the noodles as they warm up.
When reheating, be sure to check that the spaghetti is steaming hot all the way through before serving to ensure it's food-safe.

Interesting Trivia About Spaghetti

A unique aspect of this instant pot spaghetti recipe is the layering technique used for the spaghetti noodles. By alternating the direction of the noodles, it helps to prevent them from clumping together, ensuring an even cook and better texture throughout the dish.

Is Making Spaghetti in an Instant Pot Cost-Effective?

This instant pot spaghetti recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Using lean ground beef, dry spaghetti noodles, and a jar of four cheese marinara sauce, the ingredients are affordable and easily accessible. The use of an instant pot ensures efficient cooking, saving both time and energy. For a household of 4, the approximate cost would be around $15-$20 USD, making it a budget-friendly option. Overall Verdict: 8/10.

Is This Spaghetti Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

This instant pot spaghetti recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes lean ground beef, which is a good source of protein, and garlic, which has potential health benefits. The recipe also incorporates fresh basil, adding a burst of flavor and nutrients. However, the dish relies heavily on processed ingredients like jarred marinara sauce and canned tomatoes, which may contain added sugars, sodium, and preservatives. Additionally, the recipe doesn't include any vegetables, missing out on an opportunity to boost the nutritional value of the meal.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Replace half of the ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives like lentils or mushrooms to reduce saturated fat content
Use whole wheat spaghetti noodles instead of regular ones to increase fiber intake
Prepare a homemade marinara sauce using fresh tomatoes, herbs, and spices to control the amount of added sugars and sodium
Add a variety of chopped vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce for added nutrients and fiber
Reduce the amount of cheese used as a topping or opt for a lower-fat alternative like part-skim mozzarella

Our Editor's Opinion on This Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe

This Instant Pot spaghetti recipe is a convenient and flavorful option for a quick weeknight meal. The layering technique for the spaghetti ensures even cooking, and the combination of marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and fresh basil provides a rich, aromatic base. Using the Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time while still allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The final touch of parmesan cheese adds a delightful, savory finish. Overall, it's a well-balanced, efficient recipe that delivers a comforting, homemade taste with minimal effort.

Enhance Your Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Bread: Garlic Bread: Imagine the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, its crust perfectly crisp and the inside soft and fluffy. Infused with butter and garlic, this side dish is the ultimate companion to your spaghetti. A sprinkle of parsley and a dash of parmesan will elevate it to gourmet status.

Caesar Salad: Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing, topped with crunchy croutons and shavings of parmesan cheese. This classic salad adds a refreshing contrast to the rich and hearty spaghetti. A squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of black pepper will make it sing.

Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes roasted to perfection with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs. The caramelized edges and tender insides provide a delightful textural contrast to the spaghetti.

Caprese Skewers: Caprese Skewers: Skewers of fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves drizzled with balsamic glaze. These bite-sized delights offer a burst of flavor and a touch of elegance. The juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella complement the spaghetti beautifully.

Tiramisu: Tiramisu: End your meal on a sweet note with this classic Italian dessert. Layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone cheese, dusted with cocoa powder. The rich and velvety texture of tiramisu is the perfect finale to your spaghetti feast.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Instant Pot Spaghetti

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Indulge in a luscious blend of chicken, garlic, and parmesan cheese in this creamy pasta dish. Perfect for a cozy night in, this recipe brings together tender chicken and a rich, velvety sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. Top with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

One-Pot Beef Stroganoff: Savor the classic flavors of beef stroganoff with a modern twist. This one-pot wonder combines succulent beef, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce, all cooked together with egg noodles for a hearty and satisfying meal. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill.

Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo: Experience the ultimate comfort food with this Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo. Tender pieces of chicken breast are cooked to perfection in a creamy alfredo sauce made with butter, cream, and parmesan cheese. Serve over fettuccine noodles and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: Enjoy the flavors of classic lasagna in a comforting soup form. This vegetarian version is packed with zucchini, spinach, and ricotta cheese, all simmered in a rich tomato broth. Top with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and fresh basil for a delightful twist on a beloved dish.

Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup: Warm up with a bowl of this zesty and flavorful Chicken Tortilla Soup. Made in the Instant Pot, this recipe features tender chicken, black beans, corn, and a medley of spices. Serve with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, and a squeeze of lime for a burst of freshness.

Appetizers and Desserts That Complement This Spaghetti Recipe

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Elevate your appetizer game with these delectable stuffed mushrooms. Imagine plump mushroom caps filled with a savory mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The mushrooms are then baked to perfection, creating a delightful contrast between the creamy filling and the tender mushroom exterior. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top adds a touch of elegance and a burst of flavor. Serve these stuffed mushrooms warm, and watch them disappear in no time.

Bruschetta: Transport your guests to Italy with a classic bruschetta. Start with slices of toasted baguette, rubbed with a hint of garlic for an extra layer of flavor. Top each slice with a vibrant mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The combination of the crispy bread and the juicy, tangy tomato topping is simply irresistible. This bruschetta is perfect for any gathering, offering a burst of freshness in every bite.

Desserts:

Tiramisu: Indulge in a classic Italian delight with layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and a rich mascarpone cream. The cocoa powder dusting on top adds a touch of bitterness that perfectly balances the sweetness. This dessert is best served chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Garnish with chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of elegance.

Panna Cotta: Experience the silky smoothness of this creamy Italian dessert. The vanilla-infused cream is set to perfection, creating a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Pair it with a fruit coulis or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a burst of flavor. Top with fresh berries or a sprig of mint to add a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy base.

Why trust this Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe:

This instant pot spaghetti recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. The lean ground beef adds rich flavor while the four cheese marinara sauce and petite diced tomatoes create a deliciously creamy and tangy base. The fresh basil infuses the dish with aromatic freshness. Cooking the spaghetti noodles directly in the instant pot ensures they absorb all the savory goodness. Plus, it's a one-pot meal, making cleanup a breeze. Trust this recipe for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dinner.

Want to share your own favorite Instant Pot pasta recipes or discuss tips for making this Instant Pot Spaghetti dish? Head over to our Recipe Sharing forum and join the conversation!

FAQ:

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef if you prefer. Just follow the same steps for browning the meat.

Do I need to stir the ingredients before sealing the Instant Pot?

No, you don't need to stir the ingredients. Just layer them as instructed and let the Instant Pot do its magic.

Can I use whole wheat spaghetti noodles?

Yes, you can use whole wheat spaghetti noodles. The cooking time should remain the same, but the texture might be slightly different.

How do I prevent the spaghetti from sticking together?

Layering the spaghetti in a crisscross pattern helps prevent sticking. Also, make sure to toss the spaghetti with a fork after cooking.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Sure thing! You can add veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. Just chop them up and add them in with the marinara sauce and tomatoes.