Print

Instant Pot Spaghetti Dinner

Instant Pot Spaghetti Dinner
Print Recipe

This Instant Pot Spaghetti Dinner is a quick, comforting, and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender spaghetti noodles, savory meat or plant-based protein, and a rich tomato sauce infused with Italian herbs, it cooks rapidly under pressure to deliver a satisfying and delicious dinner with minimal cleanup. Customizable and family-friendly, this dish offers options for vegetarians, low-carb eaters, and those seeking a spicy or cheesy twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 8 ounces spaghetti noodles (regular or whole wheat)
  • 1 pound ground meat or plant-based alternative (e.g., mushrooms, lentils, tofu crumbles)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 28 ounces diced tomatoes or marinara sauce
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning blend
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Variations

  • Crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños (for spicy kick)
  • Ricotta or mozzarella cheese (for cheesy upgrade)
  • Spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles (for low-carb modification)
  • Olives, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts (for Mediterranean style)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the aromatics and meat: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode, add olive oil, and cook chopped onions and garlic until soft and fragrant. Then brown your ground meat or plant-based option completely, breaking it up as it cooks.
  2. Add liquids and seasoning: Pour in the diced tomatoes or marinara sauce along with the broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir carefully to combine all ingredients well.
  3. Add the pasta: Break the spaghetti noodles in half for easier cooking and nestle them evenly into the sauce, pressing down lightly so they are mostly submerged in liquid.
  4. Pressure cook the spaghetti: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to high pressure for about 8 minutes. Once cooking is complete, carefully perform a quick release to release the steam.
  5. Stir and finish: Open the lid, gently stir the pasta to separate strands and combine the sauce evenly. Add fresh herbs or cheese if desired before serving.

Notes

  • Use a wooden spoon when stirring pasta in the Instant Pot to prevent scratches and help separate noodles gently.
  • Place pasta in a criss-cross pattern in the pot to prevent it from clumping while cooking.
  • Ensure there is enough broth or sauce to cover most of the pasta to avoid burning or uneven cooking; at least 3 cups of liquid is recommended.
  • Be cautious during the quick release, as hot steam escapes rapidly from the valve.
  • Thicker spaghetti noodles may require a minute or two more cooking time under pressure.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
  • When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to restore saucy consistency.
  • Gluten-free pasta can be used but reduce pressure cooking time slightly to prevent mushiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot, Spaghetti, One-Pot Meal, Quick Dinner, Family-Friendly, Pressure Cooker Pasta, Easy Weeknight Recipe, Italian, Comfort Food

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/instant-pot-spaghetti-dinner/