Instant Pot Spaghetti

This instant pot spaghetti is the perfect weeknight dinner recipe. Made in under 10 minutes with simple, yet wholesome ingredients like ground beef, creamy pasta sauce, and al dente pasta, the whole family will be reaching for seconds.

Our gluten free spaghetti and gluten free spaghetti sauce are also great options for you. Top each with parmesan cheese and fresh basil for an easy and delicious homemade meal.

 

We love this Instant Pot gluten-free spaghetti because it is so quick to make. It is also a great kid friendly recipe that will become a family favorite in no time! Along with this recipe, my kids beg for this gluten-free mac and cheese for dinner.

Getting dinner on the table in a timely manner on those busy weeknights can be difficult but easy recipes like this instant pot chicken pasta, pulled pork pasta and my instant pot lasagna are life savers when I'm low on time. Not to mention, instant pot recipes have the best leftovers!

Another thing I love about this pasta is the ability to customize it with different vegetables, pasta noodles, sauces, etc. It can be hard to get your little ones to eat veggies but it's super easy to sneak some into this pasta.

Why you'll love this easy dinner recipe

• It's a one pot meal made in under 10 minutes.
• Leftover pasta is great for lunch or an even faster dinner the next day.
• You can add vegetables, cheeses, and spices to make this recipe your own.
• It's packed with protein, healthy fats, and carbs for a balanced family dinner.

What do you need for pressure cooker spaghetti?

• Ground beef - I prefer to use a lean ground beef because it has less grease, but you can use whatever kind you have on hand.
• Tomatoes - For the creamy sauce, you'll need tomato juice, tomato sauce, and a can of diced tomatoes.
• Spices - Chili powder, oregano, parsley, garlic salt, and black pepper are my go-to spices but feel free to add more or less. Red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, etc. are all great additions. 
• Vegetables - I like to add an onion to this recipe for some extra flavor, but you can add additional vegetables.
• Cornstarch
• Spaghetti - Jovial gluten-free pasta is my favorite, but use whatever you like.

Is this truly a one pot meal?

Yes, really only one pot! The great thing about this delicious dinner is that it can be made for a crowd so fast. Just think, only one dirtied dish and you have a fabulous, easy meal to serve everyone at your table.

I do recommend serving it up with some hot garlic bread like our gluten-free sourdough crescent rolls or even lower the whole carb count for the meal with this Keto cornbread.

How to make instant pot spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the beef

Using the saute function, cook the burger with the onion and other vegetables until done.

Step 2: Add remaining ingredients

Add the rest of the spices and spaghetti noodles on top of the meat.

Step 3: More water and cook

Add an additional 3 cups of water to the pot and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.

Step 4: Quick release and enjoy

Do a manual quick release and serve with fresh parmesan and basil.

Pro tip: Let your instant pot pasta rest before serving for 1-2 minutes so that the flavors can melt together. This allows for a more cohesive dish.

Can you brown meat in the Instant Pot?

Yes, it's actually done using the sauté button and it makes things so much easier! Make sure to soak up any excess grease from the bottom of the pot for best results. 

If you want to forgo the ground beef in the spaghetti sauce all together, you could give these Instant Pot meatballs a try. Or use some leftover ground beef to make our Big Mac salad. You can also mix in ground Italian sausage to add to flavor profile.

If you prefer to leave out beef all together, you can serve this pasta up with delicious baked chicken.

Variations

• Add vegetables - I recommend adding in diced zucchini, squash, bell peppers, mushrooms, or fresh spinach for added nutrients and flavors.
• Type of pasta - While I prefer regular spaghetti or capellini noodles, you can easily use penne, rotini, angel hair, even fettuccine. 
• Different meat - You can omit the meat all together or use Italian sausage, ground chicken, ground turkey, etc.

Storage

Storing - You can store this easy instant pot spaghetti recipe in the fridge an airtight container for 2-3 days. Make sure your pasta has cooled to room temperature before storing and reheat in the microwave or in the instant pot when you're ready to serve. 

Freezing - You can freeze this delicious recipe for up to 3 months. Use a freezer safe container and reheat in the microwave or instant pot. 

Can I use the Instant Pot to reheat leftovers?

Absolutely! Leftover spaghetti tastes just as good the next day. Using the sauté button, you can easily reheat leftovers. I just heat it on sauté while stirring until it is nice and hot.

More recipes you'll love

• This instant pot broccoli cheddar soup is the perfect comfort food for winter time.
• One of my favorite ways to use a pressure cooker is to make bacon in the instant pot!
• If you need a side dish, serve this pasta with a delicious salad bar.
• For something sweet, my gluten-free oatmeal raisin cookies are always a hit.

*This recipe was originally published on November 2, 2017. I have updated photos and made instructions a bit more easy to follow.