Everyone in my family adores this Instant Pot Spaghetti! It’s smooth, tasty, and wonderfully clingy. Simple enough for my children to prepare as well!
My Kindergartener Can Make This Recipe – And I Truly, Honestly Enjoy It
It’s a parenting milestone!
I enjoy the concept of aligning your child’s age with a set number of goal recipes – for instance, when you hit 5 years old – you master 5 recipes. (I was inspired by Nita and Jess at Healthy Happy Eaters – they’re fantastic.)
Spaghetti is my daughter’s top dinner choice, so I thought preparing it in the Instant Pot might simplify things:
- it’s just one pot.
- no need for a cutting board.
- it features taller sides to minimize splatters.
- there’s no draining of boiling water.
Initially, we began making it this way “to assist her” but soon discovered… Instant Pot spaghetti is genuinely something special. It’s smooth, tasty, and extremely clingy. Pairs perfectly with our family favorite garlic bread and air fryer broccoli.
Nowadays, when my family asks for spaghetti at dinner (be it made by me or my daughter), THIS is the spaghetti they desire. Some may take issue with breaking the noodles, which is necessary for fitting them in – but in our home, we embrace it and the shorter noodles are perfect for little ones.
The proportions are just how I enjoy them: meaty, saucy, and wonderfully comforting. A guaranteed hit with my kids and my husband each time.
(But I’d prepare this for myself even without kids!)
Hope you enjoy it! If you love simple dinner recipes – take a look at this massive collection of my favorites!
See How To Prepare This Instant Pot Spaghetti
Instant Pot Spaghetti
Total Time:
35 minutesYield:
6 servings 1x
Description
Everyone in my family adores this Instant Pot Spaghetti! It’s smooth, flavorful, and delightfully clingy. Simple enough for my children to prepare as well!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Instant Pot Spaghetti:
Extras / Toppings:
Instructions
- Meat: Activate the sauté function on the Instant Pot. Add oil, ground meat, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, garlic, and salt to the Instant Pot. It should start sizzling. Sauté until the meat is browned and thoroughly cooked.
- Sauce: Incorporate the jar of sauce, the water, Better than Bouillon, and the noodles. Ensure the noodles are submerged under the liquid.
- Cook: Close, seal, and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Release Steam: Place a towel over the vent to prevent splatters; release the steam immediately to ensure the noodles don’t overcook.
- Rest: Upon opening the cover, the noodles will be cooked and the mixture will seem very saucy/wet. Use tongs to mix it and distribute the sauce; allow everything to rest for 10 minutes. This step is key as the noodles will soak up the sauce and everything will cling together just right!
- Done! Mix in the butter until melted and creamy. Garnish with Parmesan, serve with family favorite garlic bread for dipping in the sauce, and include a simple green salad on the side. Absolutely delicious.
Notes
I personally enjoy making this with Italian sausage! It adds more flavor (you can even omit the salt since the sausage itself is quite salty). So, sausage is my choice – however, my family loves it made with classic ground beef, so that’s what I have included in the recipe. 🙂
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: instant pot spaghetti, easy spaghetti recipe, kid-friendly recipe, instant pot pasta recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make this on the stove instead of in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can prepare this as a one-pot spaghetti right on the stove! Follow the steps as mentioned, but instead of using pressure in the Instant Pot, allow it to simmer covered on the stovetop until the noodles are cooked, stirring occasionally.
What other meat can you use?
Traditionally, we use ground beef, but I find it even tastier with Italian sausage. Ground turkey is also a great healthier alternative!
What if I don’t have Better Than Bouillon?
Simply substitute with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, or replace the water with chicken broth.
How could I add onions?
When the ground beef is nearly cooked, add some diced onions and sauté until they turn soft.
Can you make this vegetarian/meatless?
Absolutely! Just skip the meat. I would recommend slightly reducing the water to avoid an overly saucy mix.
More Favorite Kid-Friendly Recipes
Title: Mastering Spaghetti in an Instant Pot: A Quick and Flavorful Guide
Introduction:
The Instant Pot has transformed cooking, providing speed and convenience without compromising flavor. One dish that greatly benefits from this appliance is spaghetti. Making spaghetti in an Instant Pot not only saves time but also enhances the pasta’s taste, making it a favorite among busy families and culinary enthusiasts alike. This article will guide you through the process of perfectly preparing spaghetti in an Instant Pot for a delectable meal every time.
Ingredients:
– 8 ounces of spaghetti
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– 1 pound of ground beef or turkey (optional)
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 24 ounces of marinara sauce
– 2 cups of water or broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for garnish
Instructions:
1. **Preparation:**
Start by breaking the spaghetti in half to fit comfortably in the Instant Pot. This is essential for even cooking and preventing clumping.
2. **Sautéing:**
Activate the ‘Sauté’ function on the Instant Pot. Add olive oil and let it warm up. If using meat, add the ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, then add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent. Season with salt and pepper.
3. **Layering:**
Turn off the ‘Sauté’ function. Layer the broken spaghetti over the meat and onion mixture. Pour marinara sauce over the spaghetti, ensuring it completely covers the pasta. Add water or broth, pressing down gently to submerge the spaghetti without stirring.
4. **Cooking:**
Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to ‘Pressure Cook’ or ‘Manual’ on high for 8 minutes. Be prepared for the pressure buildup to take some extra time. Once the cooking cycle is finished, perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve to venting.
5. **Finishing Touches:**
Open the lid and stir the spaghetti to fully combine all ingredients. If the sauce looks too thin, allow it to sit for a few minutes to thicken. Taste and adjust seasonings if required.
6. **Serving:**
Serve the spaghetti hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for an extra touch of flavor and color.
Tips for Success:
– For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and incorporate vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms.
– Play around with various types of pasta sauces to mix up the flavor profile.
– Ensure the spaghetti is thoroughly submerged in liquid to avoid undercooking.
Conclusion:
Cooking spaghetti in an Instant Pot is a game-changer, offering a quick, one-pot solution for a classic dish. This technique not only simplifies the cooking process but also enriches the flavors, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, this Instant Pot spaghetti recipe is sure to impress with its simplicity and taste. Relish the perfect blend of convenience and culinary pleasure with every bite.