EASY Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe with Jar Sauce

Family favorite Instant Pot Spaghetti is an easy and delicious meal for busy weeknights! Made with jarred or homemade marinara sauce, this comforting, classic spaghetti recipe is ready in 30 minutes and the whole family will love it!

Spaghetti has always been on my weeknight meal rotation. Kids love it, adults love it, and it’s so easy to make this comfort food meal on busy nights.

Sometimes, though, you wish things took just a little bit less time, so I decided to create a simple recipe for making spaghetti in the Instant Pot. It’s the easiest way to cook spaghetti with the perfect al dente texture and it has SO MUCH flavor!

I love using my quick and easy marinara sauce for this recipe, but you can use any jar of sauce that you have on hand.

This spaghetti recipe makes enough for 4-6 people, but it’s also great for leftovers! Reheating is simple and the spaghetti continues to taste delicious for 2-3 days when refrigerated in an air-tight container.

Ingredients needed

• Marinara Sauce – You can use jarred or homemade marinara sauce.
• Dry Spaghetti – Or another favorite pasta shape. See suggestions below.
• Ground Beef – I prefer to use lean ground beef. You can also use Italian sausage, ground turkey or ground chicken.
• Olive Oil
• Spices – Oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Or, just add in a pinch of Italian seasoning.
• Bone Broth – Or, low-sodium chicken broth or water.
• Parmesan Cheese – For serving. Optional.

What noodles to use

I used regular spaghetti noodles for this recipe. However, any noodle shape will work! Just adjust the cook time to half the time of the package cooking directions. For example, thin spaghetti will cook in less time.

How to make Instant Pot spaghetti with jar sauce

Cook the beef

Set the Instant Pot to SAUTÉ and add olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef, and season with salt, oregano, garlic powder and onion powder. Break the beef into small pieces and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through and no longer pink.

Add the noodles

When the beef is cooked, hit CANCEL, add 1 cup of chicken broth, and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot using a wooden spoon. Then, break the uncooked spaghetti noodles in half and arrange them in the pot in alternating directions. Finally, add the marinara sauce, but do not stir.

Pour in liquids

Rinse the pasta sauce jar with 1 cup of the remaining broth (pour the broth into the jar and swirl), then pour over the pasta with the additional 1 ½ cups of broth. Again, do not stir, but gently press the noodles down with a spoon to ensure that they are submerged in the liquid.

Cook

Now, place the lid on the pot and set the valve to seal. Pressure cook on manual high pressure for 5 minutes cooking time (or half the time of the package cooking directions). It will take about 10 minutes for the pressure to build, then a countdown timer will begin.

Garnish and serve

When the time is up, quick release the pressure and remove the lid. Give it a good stir to break up the noodles, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve with a sprinkling of parmesan cheese and/or fresh basil.

Tips for the best instant pot spaghetti

• If your noodles aren’t fully cooked, use the sauté function for an additional few minutes to further cook.
• If you get a burn message, you may need to add more liquid. Also, be sure that the sealing ring is on properly.
• Try swapping in ground turkey or italian sausage for the ground beef.
• If you don’t like meat, you can opt for Instant Pot spaghetti without meat and substitute your favorite tofu or vegetable.
• You can also use whole wheat spaghetti in this recipe. Simply adjust the cook time to half the time of the package cooking directions.

Wine pairings

• I generally prefer a lighter red wine with my spaghetti dinner, usually choosing a Pinot Noir or Grenache. These lighter-bodied wines are a delicious companion to the heavier, tomato-based spaghetti.
• MORE —> the BEST wines to pair with pasta.

More easy weeknight dinners in the instant pot

• Instant Pot Mac & Cheese
• Instant Pot Pot Roast
• Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff
• Instant Pot Pho Recipe
• Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
• Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili

What to serve with it

I always like to pair spaghetti with something light and fresh to balance out the heavier sauce and pasta. Here are some of my favorite, quick and easy sides that pair perfectly with your Instant Pot spaghetti.

• Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries
• Garlic Bread
• Arugula Salad
• Kale Caesar Salad
• Shaved Fennel and Celery Salad
• Plus, 35+ Easy Sides for Spaghetti

More → 35+ Ground Beef Recipes

Did you try this instant pot pasta with jar sauce?

If you loved these instant pot spaghetti noodles I would appreciate it so much if you would give this recipe a star review! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

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This pressure cooker spaghetti recipe was originally published in 2021. It was updated in 2023 to add new information. The recipe remains the same. Enjoy!