15-Minute Instant Pot Spaghetti: A Quick Family Dinner Solution

I’ve included some videos below for those who prefer to watch rather than read.

Want a quick and easy meal that’s ready in no time? Instant Pot spaghetti is the answer. You can have a tasty pasta dinner on the table in just 15 minutes using your pressure cooker. This one-pot meal combines ground beef, pasta, and sauce for a simple yet satisfying dish.

The Instant Pot makes cooking spaghetti a breeze. You’ll brown the meat, add the noodles and sauce, and let the pressure cooker do the rest. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a fast, filling dinner that everyone will love.

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

Here’s what you’ll need for quick and easy Instant Pot spaghetti:

• 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
• 8 ounces spaghetti noodles
• 24 ounces pasta sauce
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Don’t have these exact ingredients? No problem! Try these swaps:

• Use ground chicken or plant-based crumbles instead of beef
• Swap whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for regular spaghetti
• Replace jarred sauce with canned crushed tomatoes and extra seasonings
• Vegetable or chicken broth can stand in for water

For extra flavor, add:

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 diced onion (sauté with the meat)

Remember, you can adjust seasonings to your taste. Start with less and add more after cooking if needed.

Instructions

Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil and ground beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes, breaking up the meat.

Toss in diced onions and cook for 2-3 more minutes. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt. Stir for one minute.

Pour in water and scrape the bottom of the pot to remove any stuck bits. This step is important to avoid the “burn” warning.

Add spaghetti sauce and mix well. Break dry spaghetti in half and add to the pot. Don’t stir after this point.

Pour in the rest of the water. Make sure all pasta is covered by liquid.

Close the lid and set to high pressure for 8 minutes. When done, do a quick release of pressure.

Open the lid and give everything a good stir. Your spaghetti is ready to serve!

Remember to let it cool for a few minutes before digging in. Enjoy your quick and easy Instant Pot spaghetti!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Break the spaghetti in half before adding it to the pot. This helps it fit better and cook more evenly.

Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot after browning the meat. This prevents the “burn” warning and adds flavor.

Don’t stir the pasta after adding it. Just make sure it’s submerged in the liquid.

For extra flavor, try adding some red wine or beef broth instead of water.

If you like your pasta al dente, reduce the cooking time by 1 minute.

Store leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, add a splash of water and microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.

For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer bags for up to 3 months.

Thaw frozen spaghetti in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Try different pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni for variety. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

Add a pinch of sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomato sauce.

Top with fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving for a burst of flavor.