Name: Instant Pot Spaghetti with Turkey Meat Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 5
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 1 lb 93% ground turkey; ¾ tsp kosher salt; ¼ cup onion; 1 garlic clove; 25.25 oz Delallo tomato basil pomodoro sauce; 2 cups water; 8 oz spaghetti; parmesan cheese

This delightful instant pot spaghetti with turkey meat sauce is a quick and hearty dinner option that brings together the flavors of tender ground turkey, savory tomato basil pomodoro sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. It's an ideal meal for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Photos of Instant Pot Spaghetti with Turkey Meat Sauce Recipe

While most of the ingredients in this recipe are commonly found in many households, you might need to pick up delallo tomato basil pomodoro sauce at the supermarket. This particular sauce is packed with flavor, making it a standout ingredient for your meat sauce. Additionally, be sure to use 93% ground turkey for a healthier, leaner protein option.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Spaghetti with Turkey Meat Sauce

93% ground turkey: A lean and healthy protein source that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well.

kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the turkey and the overall dish.

onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the meat sauce.

garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic flavor to the dish.

delallo tomato basil pomodoro sauce: A rich and flavorful tomato sauce that forms the base of the meat sauce.

water: Helps cook the spaghetti and thins out the sauce to the perfect consistency.

spaghetti: The classic pasta choice that pairs perfectly with the meat sauce.

parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, umami finish to the dish when grated on top.

One reader, Fawn Waterman says:

This Instant Pot spaghetti with turkey meat sauce is a game-changer! The flavors meld perfectly, and the turkey makes it a healthier option. Quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. My family loved it!

Fawn Waterman

Techniques Required for Making Instant Pot Spaghetti

How to press sauté on the Instant Pot: Explanation on how to activate the sauté function on the Instant Pot. How to quick release: Explanation on how to perform a quick release of pressure on the Instant Pot.

How To Make Instant Pot Spaghetti with Turkey Meat Sauce

Enjoy a flavorful plate of instant pot spaghetti! It’s made with whole wheat pasta, served in a thick turkey meat sauce, for a heartier meal.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 20 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1lb93% ground turkey
¾tspkosher salt
¼cuponion,diced
1garlic clove,minced
25.25ozDelallo tomato basil pomodoro sauce,(1 jar)
2cupswater
8ozspaghetti,whole wheat or gluten-free, broken in half
parmesan cheese,grated, optional for serving

Instructions

Press sauté on the Instant Pot. When hot, add the turkey and salt, then cook, breaking up the meat, for about 3 minutes.
Add the onions and garlic, then cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, until softened.
Add the Pomodoro sauce, water, and spaghetti, making sure the liquid covers everything without stirring.
Cover and cook on high pressure for 9 minutes.
Quick release so the pasta doesn’t continue cooking.
Serve topped with grated cheese, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 339.57kcal
Fat: 8.56g
Saturated Fat: 2.02g
Trans Fat: 0.09g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2.60g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.82g
Carbohydrates: 38.61g
Fiber: 3.89g
Sugar: 1.99g
Protein: 28.39g
Cholesterol: 62.60mg
Sodium: 347.49mg
Calcium: 286.11mg
Potassium: 752.64mg
Iron: 6.15mg
Vitamin A: 396.10µg
Vitamin C: 26.55mg

Helpful Technique for Preparing Instant Pot Spaghetti

To ensure your spaghetti cooks evenly in the instant pot, break the pasta in half and layer it in a crisscross pattern. This prevents clumping and ensures that the water and sauce can circulate around the noodles for even cooking.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Spaghetti Recipe

Prep ingredients in advance: Chop the onion and mince the garlic ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

Use pre-made sauce: Opt for a high-quality tomato basil pomodoro sauce like Delallo to save time on making sauce from scratch.

Break spaghetti in half: Breaking the spaghetti in half ensures it fits easily in the instant pot and cooks evenly.

Quick release method: Use the quick release method to prevent overcooking the pasta and save time.

Grate cheese beforehand: Grate the parmesan cheese in advance to have it ready for serving.

Substitute Ingredients For Instant Pot Spaghetti with Turkey Meat Sauce Recipe

93% ground turkey - Substitute with 93% ground chicken: Both are lean meats with similar textures and flavors, making them interchangeable in most recipes.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a similar salinity and can be used in equal amounts.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and can add a subtle sweetness to the dish.
garlic clove - Substitute with garlic powder: Use 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic. It provides a similar flavor profile.
delallo tomato basil pomodoro sauce - Substitute with marinara sauce: Marinara sauce is a versatile tomato-based sauce that can easily replace pomodoro sauce.
water - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth adds more depth of flavor compared to plain water.
spaghetti - Substitute with linguine: Linguine has a similar shape and texture, making it a suitable alternative.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar hard texture and salty flavor, making it a good substitute for Parmesan.

Best Way to Present Instant Pot Spaghetti With Turkey Meat Sauce

Use a large, flat white plate: This will allow the colors of the spaghetti and turkey meat sauce to stand out, creating a visually appealing contrast.
Twirl the spaghetti into a nest: Use a carving fork to twirl a portion of spaghetti into a neat, compact nest. Place it in the center of the plate for a refined presentation.
Spoon the turkey meat sauce artfully: Gently spoon the turkey meat sauce over the spaghetti, allowing some of the sauce to cascade down the sides of the pasta nest. This creates a natural, elegant look.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a sprig of fresh basil or a sprinkle of chopped parsley on top of the spaghetti for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil: Lightly drizzle some high-quality extra virgin olive oil around the plate to add a touch of richness and a beautiful sheen.
Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Place a small mound of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on the side of the plate, allowing diners to add as much or as little as they prefer.
Add a side of garlic bread: Serve a slice of perfectly toasted garlic bread on a separate small plate or directly on the main plate to complement the dish and add texture.
Finish with a sprinkle of cracked black pepper: Just before serving, add a light sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper over the spaghetti and turkey meat sauce for an extra layer of flavor and a touch of sophistication.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Spaghetti Recipe

Instant Pot: This is the main cooking appliance used to sauté the turkey and cook the spaghetti under high pressure.
Sauté function: A feature on the Instant Pot that allows you to brown the turkey and soften the onions and garlic before pressure cooking.
Spatula: Used for breaking up the ground turkey and stirring the ingredients.
Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring the kosher salt.
Measuring cup: Needed to measure the water and ensure the correct liquid ratio.
Knife: For finely chopping the onion and mincing the garlic clove.
Cutting board: A safe surface for chopping the onion and garlic.
Can opener: If the pomodoro sauce comes in a can, this will be necessary to open it.
Serving spoon: For serving the cooked spaghetti and sauce.
Cheese grater: To grate the parmesan cheese for topping the dish.
Plate: For serving the finished dish.
Tongs: Useful for handling the spaghetti when serving.

Storing and Freezing Instant Pot Spaghetti With Turkey Meat Sauce

Storing leftovers: Allow the spaghetti with turkey meat sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing instructions:
1. Let the spaghetti with turkey meat sauce cool down to room temperature.
2. Divide the dish into individual serving portions and place them in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
3. Remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
4. Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
5. Place the containers or bags in the freezer, where they can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating from the refrigerator:
1. Transfer the desired portion of spaghetti with turkey meat sauce to a microwave-safe dish.
2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
3. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the dish is heated through.
4. Alternatively, you can reheat the dish in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature.
Reheating from frozen:
1. Remove the frozen spaghetti with turkey meat sauce from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator to thaw overnight.
2. Once thawed, follow the reheating instructions for refrigerated leftovers.
3. If you need to reheat the dish directly from frozen, place the frozen portion in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on the defrost setting for 2-3 minutes.
4. Then, follow the reheating instructions for refrigerated leftovers, adding extra time as needed to ensure the dish is heated through.

Interesting Fact About Spaghetti With Turkey Meat Sauce

A unique aspect of this instant pot spaghetti with turkey meat sauce recipe is that cooking the spaghetti directly in the sauce and water mixture allows the pasta to absorb more flavor, resulting in a richer and more cohesive dish.

Is Making Instant Pot Spaghetti With Turkey Meat Sauce Cost-Effective?

This instant pot spaghetti with turkey meat sauce recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Using ground turkey instead of beef reduces costs while maintaining flavor. The pomodoro sauce and spaghetti are affordable pantry staples. Onions and garlic are inexpensive and add depth. Overall, this meal rates an 8/10 for cost-effectiveness. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $12-$15 USD.

Is This Spaghetti Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

This instant pot spaghetti with turkey meat sauce recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional spaghetti dishes. Here's why:

Using 93% ground turkey instead of ground beef significantly reduces the saturated fat content, making it a heart-healthier choice.
The recipe incorporates onions and garlic, which offer various health benefits, such as boosting the immune system and providing anti-inflammatory properties.
The DelAllo tomato basil pomodoro sauce is likely lower in sodium and added sugars compared to many store-bought sauces, as the brand focuses on using quality, natural ingredients.

However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make the recipe even healthier:

The recipe could benefit from the addition of more vegetables, such as diced carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms, to increase the fiber content and provide a wider range of vitamins and minerals.
Whole wheat spaghetti could be used instead of regular spaghetti to increase the fiber content and provide more complex carbohydrates, which can help with blood sugar control and satiety.
The portion size of the pasta could be reduced and replaced with a side salad or roasted vegetables to create a more balanced meal.
Using a controlled amount of parmesan cheese or opting for a lower-fat alternative, such as a sprinkle of nutritional yeast, can help reduce the overall fat content of the dish.

Editor's Opinion on This Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe

This recipe for instant pot spaghetti with turkey meat sauce is a fantastic, time-saving option for a hearty meal. The use of ground turkey makes it a leaner alternative to traditional beef, while the delallo tomato basil pomodoro sauce adds a rich, flavorful base. Cooking the pasta directly in the sauce ensures it absorbs maximum flavor, and the quick release method prevents overcooking. Topping with parmesan cheese adds a perfect finishing touch. Overall, it's a well-balanced, delicious dish that's both easy to prepare and satisfying.

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

Garlic Breadsticks: Imagine pairing your instant pot spaghetti with turkey meat sauce with warm, buttery garlic breadsticks. The crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior make them the perfect vehicle for soaking up every last drop of that savory pomodoro sauce.

Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad with crunchy romaine lettuce, creamy Caesar dressing, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese would add a refreshing contrast to the hearty turkey meat sauce. The tangy dressing and crunchy croutons will elevate your meal to a new level.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: For a burst of flavor and texture, serve roasted Brussels sprouts alongside your spaghetti. The caramelized edges and tender centers of the sprouts, seasoned with a hint of garlic and lemon zest, will complement the rich tomato basil sauce beautifully.

Caprese Skewers: Add a touch of elegance with Caprese skewers. Fresh mozzarella balls, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves drizzled with balsamic glaze create a delightful, bite-sized side that pairs wonderfully with the spaghetti.

Tiramisu: End your meal on a sweet note with a classic tiramisu. The layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone cheese, and a dusting of cocoa powder will provide a luxurious finish to your Italian-inspired dinner.

Similar Recipes to Instant Pot Spaghetti With Turkey Meat Sauce

Turkey Bolognese with Zoodles: Transform your classic bolognese by swapping out traditional pasta for zucchini noodles. This dish is a low-carb delight, packed with ground turkey, tomato sauce, and a medley of Italian herbs. Top it off with some freshly grated parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

Turkey Meatball Soup: Warm up with a comforting bowl of turkey meatball soup. This hearty soup features tender turkey meatballs, vegetables, and a rich broth. Perfect for a cozy night in, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.

Turkey Lasagna: Layer up a delicious turkey lasagna that's sure to please the whole family. With layers of ground turkey, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and marinara sauce, this dish is a comforting classic. Serve it with a side of garlic bread for the ultimate meal.

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Ideal Appetizers and Desserts to Serve With Instant Pot Spaghetti

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Elevate your appetizer game with these delectable stuffed mushrooms. Imagine plump, juicy mushrooms filled with a savory mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The cream cheese adds a rich, creamy texture, while the garlic and herbs provide a burst of flavor. Bake them until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden brown. These bite-sized delights are perfect for any gathering and will leave your guests craving more.

Bruschetta: Transport your taste buds to Italy with this classic bruschetta. Start with slices of crusty baguette, toasted to perfection. Top each slice with a vibrant mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. The tomatoes provide a juicy, refreshing bite, while the basil and garlic add aromatic depth. Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt and a dash of balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness. This appetizer is a crowd-pleaser and pairs beautifully with a glass of wine.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Imagine a warm, molten chocolate center encased in a delicate, cake shell. This dessert is a symphony of textures and flavors, with the richness of the chocolate perfectly balanced by a hint of vanilla. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an added layer of indulgence. The contrast between the warm cake and the cold ice cream creates a delightful experience that will leave your guests craving more.

Lemon Meringue Pie: Picture a buttery, flaky crust filled with a tangy lemon curd and topped with a cloud of toasted meringue. The zesty lemon filling provides a refreshing counterpoint to the sweet, airy meringue, making each bite a perfect balance of flavors. This dessert is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a visual delight, with its golden peaks of meringue and vibrant yellow filling. Serve it chilled for a refreshing end to any meal.

Why trust this Instant Pot Spaghetti with Turkey Meat Sauce Recipe:

This recipe for instant pot spaghetti with turkey meat sauce is a must-try because it combines convenience with deliciousness. Using an instant pot ensures a quick and easy cooking process, perfect for busy weeknights. The ground turkey provides a lean protein option, while the pomodoro sauce adds rich, authentic Italian flavors. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this dish is both accessible and satisfying. Top it off with some parmesan cheese for an extra layer of taste. Trust this recipe for a wholesome, flavorful meal that the whole family will love.

Have you tried this Instant Pot Spaghetti with Turkey Meat Sauce Recipe? Share your experience and any tweaks you made in the Recipe Sharing forum!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of ground meat instead of turkey?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey with ground beef, chicken, or even pork. Just keep in mind that the cooking time and flavor might slightly change.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use different types of pasta, but you might need to adjust the cooking time. Thicker pastas may require a bit more time, while thinner ones might cook faster.

What if I don't have delallo tomato basil pomodoro sauce?

No worries! You can use any marinara or tomato-based sauce you have on hand. Just make sure it's around the same quantity, about 25 ounces.

How do I prevent the spaghetti from sticking together?

Make sure to spread the spaghetti out in the pot and try to submerge it as much as possible in the liquid. You can also break the spaghetti in half to fit better.

Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make it on the stovetop. Brown the turkey, onions, and garlic in a large pot, then add the sauce, water, and spaghetti. Simmer until the pasta is cooked, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.