Yes, You Can Cook Spaghetti in an Instant Pot

When the rich aroma of spaghetti fills the kitchen, it transports me to my favorite Italian restaurant, but now I can recreate that feeling right at home in a fraction of the time. Yes, You Can Cook Spaghetti in an Instant Pot is a quick, hassle-free recipe taking just around 20 minutes from start to finish. Cooking spaghetti in an Instant Pot works wonders because it locks in flavors and eliminates the need for constant monitoring.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave comfort food but lack the time. It’s also great for meal prepping; you can store leftovers easily for lunch the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The spaghetti comes out perfectly al dente every time.
• It takes only one pot, minimizing cleanup time.
• You can customize the flavors by adding your favorite herbs and spices.
• The entire dish is ready in just 20 minutes.

What You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients to create a delicious spaghetti dish:

For the Spaghetti

• 8 oz spaghetti, broken in half
• 4 cups water
• 1 tsp salt

For the Sauce

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For Serving

• Grated Parmesan cheese, to taste
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Note: Use whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier option.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use any pasta type for variety.
• Substitute canned tomatoes with fresh ones.
• Olive oil can be replaced with any cooking oil.
• Dried herbs can be swapped with fresh ones; use more for flavor.

How to Make It

Follow these straightforward steps to prepare your spaghetti.

Add Ingredients

Combine the broken spaghetti, water, and salt into the Instant Pot. Stir gently to ensure the spaghetti is submerged.

Cook

Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 8 minutes. Tip: The pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure before cooking begins.

Release Pressure

Perform a quick release of pressure by turning the valve. Carefully remove the lid once the pressure has fully dissipated.

Prepare Sauce

Select the sauté function and add olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Mix Ingredients

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and black pepper. Stir to combine and let simmer for about 3-4 minutes.

Serve

Serve the spaghetti in bowls, topped with grated Parmesan and fresh basil. Enjoy your delicious, homemade dish!

How to Store It

Fridge: 3-5 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: No, pasta is best fresh for texture.
Reheat: Microwave on medium for 2-3 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Break the spaghetti to fit into the pot easily.
• Adjust seasonings according to your taste preference.
• Make sure to sauté the garlic until just golden to avoid bitterness.
• Use full-fat canned tomatoes for a richer sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
• Serve alongside garlic bread for a cozy dinner.
• Top with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added flavor.