Description
This Instant Pot Spaghetti recipe delivers a delicious, hearty pasta meal in just 35 minutes. Ground beef is sautéed with Italian seasonings, then cooked with spaghetti, pasta sauce, and broth under pressure to create a perfectly saucy and flavorful dish. Finished with butter and Parmesan cheese, it’s an easy, comforting dinner ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15 preferred)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Liquid and Pasta
- 1 (24 ounce) jar pasta sauce
- 1 3/4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon (chicken base)
- 8 ounces spaghetti, broken in half
Finishing Touches
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Parmesan cheese, for topping
- Parsley or basil, for garnish
- Red pepper flakes, optional for heat
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat: Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add olive oil, ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, minced garlic (if using), and kosher salt to the pot. Sauté until the meat is browned and cooked through, ensuring it sizzles as you cook.
- Add Sauce and Pasta: Pour in the jar of pasta sauce, water, and Better Than Bouillon. Add the broken spaghetti noodles and push them down so they are submerged under the liquid.
- Pressure Cook: Close and seal the lid of the Instant Pot. Set it to cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Release Steam: Place a towel over the vent to prevent splatters and release the steam immediately using quick release to avoid overcooking the noodles.
- Let It Rest: Open the Instant Pot. The noodles will be cooked but the mixture will appear wet and saucy. Use tongs to stir and distribute the sauce evenly. Let the dish rest in the pot for 10 minutes so the noodles absorb the sauce perfectly.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the butter until melted and creamy. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, garnish with parsley or basil, and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired. Serve with garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Breaking the spaghetti in half helps it fit better and cook evenly in the Instant Pot.
- Quick release of pressure prevents noodles from becoming mushy.
- Resting the pasta after cooking allows the noodles to absorb the sauce, making the dish less watery and more flavorful.
- Use Better Than Bouillon chicken base for added depth of flavor; vegetable base can be used for a vegetarian adaptation.
- Optional garlic adds more aroma and flavor to the meat.
- Adjust salt carefully since both Better Than Bouillon and pasta sauce contain sodium.
