When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with a classic plate of spaghetti. However, making spaghetti can often feel like a time-consuming task, especially on busy weeknights. Enter the Instant Pot! This kitchen marvel allows you to whip up a delicious, flavorful meal in a fraction of the time, making Instant Pot Spaghetti the perfect solution for those looking for quick pasta recipes. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a delightful dish that satisfies the whole family. This recipe not only brings the taste of authentic Italian spaghetti to your table but also offers the convenience of a one-pot meal.

Ingredients

• Dry Ingredients:
  • 12 ounces spaghetti
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Wet Ingredients:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• Protein Options:
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (for spaghetti with meat sauce)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas (for vegetarian spaghetti options)
• Toppings:
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional for added heat)

Steps / Instructions

1. Start by setting your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ mode. Add the olive oil and allow it to heat for about 1-2 minutes.
2. If using ground beef or sausage, add it to the pot and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. If using chickpeas, skip this step.
3. Add the salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper to the meat (or directly to the other ingredients if using chickpeas) and stir to combine.
4. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and the can of diced tomatoes (including the juice). Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients.
5. Break the spaghetti in half and add it to the pot, pressing it down gently into the liquid to ensure it is mostly submerged.
6. Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to ‘Sealing’. Select ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ on high pressure for 8 minutes.
7. Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to ‘Venting’ to release any remaining pressure.
8. Open the lid and stir the spaghetti gently. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
9. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. Enjoy your Instant Pot Spaghetti!

Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best results with your Instant Pot Spaghetti, consider the following tips: You can learn more about this topic.

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water.
• Make-ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just add the spaghetti and cook as directed.
• Avoiding sticking: When adding spaghetti, make sure it is submerged in the liquid to prevent it from clumping together.
• Common Mistakes: Avoid overcooking the spaghetti; it will continue to cook slightly after you release the pressure. Additionally, ensure the Instant Pot is properly sealed before cooking.
• Pro Technique: For a richer flavor, sauté garlic and onion in the olive oil before adding the meat or chickpeas.

Variations

Instant Pot Spaghetti is versatile and can be tailored to suit various dietary preferences: Check out our related guide for more tips.

• Vegan Option: Substitute the meat with lentils or chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free spaghetti or zucchini noodles as a low-carb alternative.
• Creamy Alfredo Spaghetti: Add cream cheese or heavy cream after cooking for a creamy version.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different herbs, such as oregano or thyme, for unique flavor profiles.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your dining experience, consider pairing your Instant Pot Spaghetti with a light salad or garlic bread. A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon can also complement this dish beautifully. For a finishing touch, sprinkle additional fresh herbs or savory pasta toppings like olives or capers on top before serving.

Conclusion

With its ease of preparation and rich flavors, Instant Pot Spaghetti is sure to become a staple in your home for easy weeknight dinners. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a cozy night in, this dish offers a taste of Italian comfort food that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors that makes spaghetti a beloved classic.

Instant Pot Spaghetti

★★★★★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dinner Cuisine: Italian Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

4

⏱️

Prep Time

10 min

🍳

Cook Time

8 min

🔥

Calories

—

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A quick and delicious meal made using an Instant Pot, bringing the taste of authentic Italian spaghetti to your table.

Cook Mode Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (for spaghetti with meat sauce) or 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas (for vegetarian spaghetti options)
• Grated Parmesan cheese for topping
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped for topping
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional for added heat)

Directions

1.

Start by setting your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' mode. Add the olive oil and allow it to heat for about 1-2 minutes.

2.

If using ground beef or sausage, add it to the pot and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. If using chickpeas, skip this step.

3.

Add the salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper to the meat (or directly to the other ingredients if using chickpeas) and stir to combine.

4.

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and the can of diced tomatoes (including the juice). Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients.

5.

Break the spaghetti in half and add it to the pot, pressing it down gently into the liquid to ensure it is mostly submerged.

6.

Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to 'Sealing'. Select 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' on high pressure for 8 minutes.

7.

Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to 'Venting' to release any remaining pressure.

8.

Open the lid and stir the spaghetti gently. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

9.

Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. Enjoy your Instant Pot Spaghetti!