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Instant Pot Spaghetti Dinner

Instant Pot Spaghetti Dinner
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This Instant Pot Spaghetti Dinner is a quick, flavorful, and fuss-free one-pot meal that combines tender pasta with a rich savory sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a convenient, customizable, and family-friendly dinner solution perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • Spaghetti pasta (regular or gluten-free) – 8 oz

Protein

  • Ground meat or plant-based alternative (beef, turkey, sausage, tofu, mushrooms, lentils) – 1 lb

Sauce & Seasonings

  • Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes – 24 oz
  • Onion, chopped – 1 medium
  • Garlic cloves, minced – 3 cloves
  • Italian seasoning blend (oregano, basil, thyme) – 2 tsp
  • Salt – 1 tsp (to taste)
  • Black pepper – 1/2 tsp (to taste)

Cooking Liquids & Oils

  • Olive oil – 1 tbsp
  • Water or broth – 2 1/2 cups

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics and Meat: Heat olive oil in the Instant Pot using the sauté function. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Add your choice of ground meat or substitute, browning and breaking it up evenly.
  2. Add Seasonings and Sauce: Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to coat the mixture. Pour in tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes and mix well, allowing flavors to meld before adding pasta.
  3. Layer Pasta and Liquid: Break spaghetti noodles in half if needed and arrange evenly over the sauce without stirring. Pour water or broth gently on top, ensuring pasta is submerged.
  4. Pressure Cook: Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 8 minutes. When done, carefully perform a quick pressure release to prevent overcooking.
  5. Stir and Serve: Open the lid and stir spaghetti to combine pasta and sauce thoroughly. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot with your favorite garnishes or sides.

Notes

  • Arrange pasta in a crisscross pattern to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  • Do not stir after adding pasta and liquid to avoid clumping.
  • Use quick release once cooking completes to avoid overcooked noodles.
  • Thinner pastas work best; adjust cooking time for thicker or fresh pastas.
  • Optional: Add a splash of red wine or a pinch of sugar to enhance flavor depth.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot, Spaghetti, One-Pot Meal, Quick Dinner, Gluten-Free, Family-Friendly, Pressure Cooker Pasta

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/instant-pot-spaghetti-dinner/