Instant Pot Spaghetti

If you’ve ever had one of those nights where you just want dinner to cook itself, then this Instant Pot Spaghetti is your new best friend. Imagine tossing everything into one pot, pressing a button, and—boom!—a perfectly cozy bowl of saucy, slurp-worthy pasta is waiting for you in under 30 minutes. No juggling multiple pans, no waiting for water to boil, no fuss. Just pure pasta comfort, ready to twirl onto your fork.

This recipe is a total weeknight hero: hearty ground turkey, fragrant garlic and onion, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich marinara that ties it all together. Trust me, it tastes like you spent all day simmering sauce, but only you’ll know the truth (and I won’t tell).

Recipe Origin

This dish is inspired by the classic Italian-American spaghetti dinners we all know and love—but with a modern twist thanks to the Instant Pot. By cooking the pasta and sauce together under pressure, the flavors meld beautifully, and you get that “slow-cooked” taste in a fraction of the time.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Instant Pot (6 or 8 quart works great)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs or pasta fork for serving

Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Spaghetti

Versatile

Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or even casual dinner parties. Pair it with garlic bread or a simple salad and you’ve got a feast.

Budget-Friendly

Uses affordable pantry staples like pasta, marinara sauce, and broth. Feeding a crowd on the cheap has never been so delicious.

Quick and Easy

No need to babysit a simmering sauce or boil pasta separately. The Instant Pot does it all in one go.

Customizable

Swap ground turkey for beef, sausage, or even plant-based crumbles. Use your favorite marinara to make it truly yours.

Family-Friendly

Kids love it, adults love it—honestly, who can resist a big plate of spaghetti?

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Break the spaghetti in half so it fits nicely in the pot and cooks evenly.
• Layer the pasta and sauce without stirring—this prevents clumping and sticking.
• Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness.
• Let the pasta rest for a couple of minutes after pressure cooking to soak up the sauce fully.

Ingredients in Instant Pot Spaghetti

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Garlic

A fragrant base that infuses the whole dish with warmth and flavor.

Onion

Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce as it cooks.

Ground Turkey

Lean, hearty, and a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Olive Oil

For sautéing the aromatics and giving richness to the dish.

Chicken Broth

Keeps everything moist while adding savory depth.

Italian Seasoning

A balanced blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that gives this pasta its classic flavor.

Salt & Pepper

Simple seasonings that enhance every bite.

Marinara Sauce

Use your favorite jarred sauce for convenience—or homemade if you’re feeling fancy.

Spaghetti

Thin pasta is perfect here—it cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce beautifully.

Salted Butter (Optional)

Adds extra richness and a glossy finish to the sauce.

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics

Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add olive oil, garlic, and onion. Cook until fragrant and softened, about 2–3 minutes.

Brown the Meat

Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Add the Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Give it a quick stir to combine.

Layer the Pasta and Sauce

Place the spaghetti in the pot, breaking it in half so it fits. Lay it in a crisscross pattern to prevent sticking. Pour the marinara sauce over the top, but don’t stir.

Pressure Cook

Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual (High Pressure) for 8 minutes. Once done, quick-release the pressure carefully.

Finishing Touches

Stir everything together. Add butter if using, and let the pasta rest for 2–3 minutes to absorb the sauce.

Serve and Enjoy

Twirl it onto plates, sprinkle with parmesan or fresh basil if you like, and dig in!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: ~350 (estimated)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Instant Pot Spaghetti

• With Garlic Bread: Because mopping up extra sauce with warm, garlicky bread is basically mandatory.
• With Salad: A crisp Caesar or mixed green salad balances the richness.
• With Wine: A glass of Chianti or even a simple red table wine makes this meal feel special.
• As Leftovers: It reheats beautifully for lunch the next day (hello, meal prep win).

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Prep Ahead: Chop the onion and garlic earlier in the day to save time.
• Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer-Friendly: Freeze cooled spaghetti in portions for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Microwave or reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water.

Variations to Try

• Meat Swap: Use ground beef, sausage, or even a mix.
• Veggie Boost: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers before cooking.
• Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in shredded mozzarella or top with ricotta before serving.

Additional Tips

• Stir well after cooking—the pasta will look separated at first but comes together beautifully.
• Don’t overfill the Instant Pot; stick to recommended amounts for best results.
• Double the recipe in an 8-quart pot if you’re feeding a crowd.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use whole wheat spaghetti?
A1: Yes, but increase the cook time by 1–2 minutes.

Q2: Can I use beef instead of turkey?
A2: Absolutely, just drain excess fat after browning.

Q3: Can I double the recipe?
A3: Yes, if you have an 8-quart Instant Pot. Cooking time stays the same.

Q4: Do I need to stir the pasta before cooking?
A4: No—avoid stirring until after pressure cooking to prevent clumping.

Q5: Can I add veggies?
A5: Definitely—mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach work well.

Q6: What marinara sauce is best?
A6: Any good-quality jarred sauce works. Use one you love the flavor of.

Q7: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
A7: Yes, portion it out and freeze for up to 2 months.

Q8: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
A8: Yes, but reduce cook time slightly and check for doneness.

Q9: Can I make this dairy-free?
A9: Skip the butter and top with nutritional yeast instead of cheese.

Q10: How do I prevent a burn warning in the Instant Pot?
A10: Make sure the pasta is fully covered with liquid and sauce, and don’t stir after layering.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Spaghetti is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: quick, comforting, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s proof that homemade doesn’t have to mean hard, and that even the busiest nights can end with a warm, cozy meal everyone will love. So go ahead—press that button, pour yourself a glass of wine, and let your Instant Pot do the magic. Dinner is served!

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