Where To Buy An Instant Pot
This is the 6-quart Instant Pot I started out with. After a few years, we added an 8-quart partly because I knew I would use two at the same time often enough, partly because it was the Prime Day sale, and also because I wanted more space for certain recipes. Both are a pretty basic model and you dont need more bells and whistles than that!
If youre deciding on size, most people say its better to get a deal on the 6-quart and just have 2 rather than go big, BUT if your family has 5 or more people or you really like to batch cook or do more than a pound of beans, the 8-quart may be the best choice. My full Instant Pot review and buying guide for features, size, and model.
If youd like to shop directly at Instant Pots website instead of Amazon , check them out here.
You can even get a carrying case to travel with it! See my review of the Instant Pot carrying case we have.
If youre still on the fence about adding an Instant Pot to your kitchen appliance arsenal here are my Instant Pot pros and cons.
Adding The Marinara Sauce
Finally, pour the tomato or marinara sauce into the center of the noodles. Try not to get the sauce around the edges. DO NOT STIR in the sauce. It must be placed near the top. The pressure cooker will result in a burn notice if the sauce ends up anywhere near the base of the insert because the sauce is too heavy to count as steam to be converted for this process.
Our Method Of Cooking Pasta
Our method for cooking any type of pasta in the Instant Pot is a bit different, and well explain how we came to it below. But first, here is our basic method:
So whats the science behind this? Its simple: the pasta is already cooking during the time it takes to come up to the pressure, and the pasta continues to cook when the pressure cooker clicks off. The reason we do it this way is to minimize the Instant Pot from boiling over with starch. This looks like starch spewing out of the pressure release knob.
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Common Questions About Making Spaghetti And Meatballs In A Pressure Cooker
Do I have to break the noodles in half?
Yes. Otherwise, the noodles won’t fit in the pot. The noodles need to lie flat so they’re underneath the sauce and water and not poking out.
Can I Use More or Less of Pasta?
It’s better that you don’t, as 12 ounces is the perfect amount of pasta for this recipe. I don’t bother measuring the pasta exactly, just eyeball¾ of a box.I don’t recommend using a full box of spaghetti for this recipe. There will be too much pasta and not enough sauce, making the flavor a little bit bland. You can try making this recipe using 8 ounces of pasta – I’ve haven’t tried yet because it’s not enough to feed my family. I’m guessing it will work fine, but if you try it let me know!
How Do I Prevent the Noodles from sticking together?
Add dry spaghetti in 4 to 6 layers, criss-crossing each layer in a cross-hatch pattern so that the noodles are lying in many different directions. This helps prevent the noodles from clumping together. Even so, the spaghetti will stick together a little bit. What really helps is using a fork to immediately stir and separate the cooked noodles when you open the lid. Then, when I scoop the spaghetti and meatballs into a serving dish, I use a fork to separate the noodles again.I’ve tried using olive oil to keep the noodles from sticking together, and it doesn’t seem to help at all.
How Do I Keep the Noodles from Getting Mushy and Overcooked?My Spaghetti Noodles Aren’t Cooked Enough!How Much Water Should I Add?
Which Instant Pot Is Best
I own the 6-quart and 8-quart Duo, and I love them both! I like that the Duo model has the yogurt function and how it comes with a trivet, which I use often for making things like an Instant Pot Fritatta and Brownies.
Keep in mind that you can use practically any pressure cooker to use this recipe, but I developed this one for my 6-quart Instant Pot and the pressurization for an electric pressure cooker is different from a stove-top pressure cooker. Feel free to experiment if you have a stove-top model to see if the timing is similar.
If you have an 8-quart Instant Pot, try using 1 minute less on the timing since the pot takes longer to come to pressure. In my experience, the 8-quart Duo is more prone to giving you a burn error when cooking pasta and tomato products so be sure to follow the directions closely, so that you layer the ingredients in the correct order. You dont want tomato products touching the bottom of the pot, or they may burn.
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A Homestyle Spaghetti For Your Instant Pot Recipes Collection
I dont know maybe that was just me but I got an Instant Pot from my mother-law for Christmas a year ago then I didnt start using it until the summer because I thought there would be this learning curve or something.
They really are so easy to use and theyre pretty much idiot-proof. I love how they cut cooking time, especially with meat. .
Last year I mostly made these shredded chicken tacos in my Instant Pot. Ive also made baked potatoes and rice and a few other things.
I want to use it more this year so I thought Id try out one of my go-to weeknight dinners classic All-American spaghetti in it.
Can I Cook Pasta The Night Before
You can cook your noodles hours before serving time. All you need is some olive oil, a large Ziploc bag, and your favorite pasta. With a bit of oil, a Ziploc bag, some water, and your favorite pasta, you can cook noodles a day in advance and forget about them until a few minutes before serving. Less anxiety.
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Can You Cook Pasta In The Instant Pot With Just Water
While you can probably cook the pasta with just water, you may actually have the pasta stick to the pot and each other as the liquid decreases in the pressure cooker. This is why you will want to use the minimum for the best results for cooking pasta in the Instant Pot
- Water – Chicken broth can be substituted to add more flavor to the pasta
- Butter
- Better than Bouillon if you are not using broth
Why Use A Pressure Cooker For This Recipe
- Less mess. The meatballs, pasta and sauce all cook in one pot, at the same time.
- Less hands-on cooking. Get the meatballs and sauce in the pot, then let dinner cook while you do something else
- The flavors meld. Pasta really absorbs the flavor of the sauce in a pressure cooker, making the whole dish more flavorful.
- Richer flavor. Not only do the flavors meld, but the pasta tastes rich and silky when cooked directly in the sauce.
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Recipe Notes And Helpful Tips
- Turn off the instant pot before adding the garlic, marjoram, thyme, and red pepper. Stir continuously and let the residual heat cook the garlic and herbs.
- Add half the water after cooking the sausage, onions, garlic, and herbs. Scrape the bottom of the pot well to remove any bits from the bottom of the pot. This will help avoid any BURN warning from the instant pot.
- Break the spaghetti in half so it will fit in the pot and crisscross the spaghetti as you put it in the pot. See the picture above. This will keep it from sticking together.
- Do not stir the pasta before cooking. This will make it sticky and gummy so avoid doing that.
- Make sure the cooking time is complete before pressing the quick release. On the flip side let the pressure off after it is done cooking by pushing the quick release button.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months in a sturdy container. For best results cook the pasta al dente so it does not become overcooked when reheated.
Can I Use Frozen Beef To Make Instant Pot Spaghetti
If you have a frozen block of beef , you can quickly thaw it out in the Instant Pot before you set out to make the spaghetti. You need 1.5 cups of water in the insert, then set frozen beef on a trivet. Set for 7 minutes on HIGH pressure. Quickly release the pressure. The meat wont be cooked through but thawed so you can now brown it to make the spaghetti. Discard the liquid and remove trivet. Rinse and wipe the insert clean, if needed. Heat up oil and begin browning the beef.
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About This Garlic Noodles Recipe
These Garlicky Noodles taste simply street style like just how we like from the food trucks /cart vendor in Mumbai. The flavors in this recipe have an influence on Indo Chinese cuisine and we simply adore it.
Serve this One Pot Garlic Noodles on its own or serve it along with a side dish like Salt and Pepper Chips, Cauliflower Manchurian, or even Cauliflower wings.
How To Know If Your Spaghetti Squash Is Cooked Through
When the pressure has released, you can test if your spaghetti squash is done by gently pressing a paring knife into it. If the knife slides in easily, you can go ahead and cut into the squash. If you feel resistance, you can put it back into the Instant Pot and cook for another 5 minutes .
I cut my spaghetti squash in half , scoop out the seeds, and shred with a fork.
Since we are often using our spaghetti squash in a second recipe which requires cooking, we like to cook our squash noodles to be a bit âal denteâ and have a small bit of crunch to them. You can certainly add a few minutes to the cook time in the Instant Pot if youâd like them to be completely soft.
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Why Youll Love This Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe
- Its made with just 5 ingredients, and ready in 30 minutes total .
- Only ONE pot to wash at the end!
- You can use either ground turkey or ground beef, and white or whole wheat pasta.
- Its a flavorful comfort food dinner that the whole family will love!
This Instant Pot recipe is the easiest way to make spaghetti and meat sauce. It takes about 10 minutes of active prep time and the whole meal is done in just 30 minutes. And you only need 5 ingredients!
Since the pasta cooks right in the marinara sauce, it absorbs the flavor of the sauce as it cooks. Be sure to use a pasta sauce that you love for the best Instant Pot spaghetti.
You can use ground turkey or ground beef in this recipe. Ive made it with both, and I actually prefer it with the healthier ground turkey. Youll brown the meat right in the Instant Pot using the saute setting.
Ive tested this recipe in both my 6 quart and 8 quart Instant Pots and it works perfectly in both! So whichever size Instant Pot you have, you can make this delicious spaghetti recipe with success. This is a fast comfort food dinner that youll want to add into your meal plan rotation!
Can I Freeze Spaghetti
- Yes, you can freeze leftover spaghetti with sauce. Just place the cooled leftovers in a freezer container or bag, and mark it with the date. Freeze for up to two months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Select the Manual button and set it for 5 minutes at HIGH PRESSURE.
- When 5 minutes are up, allow for pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes.
- Turn knob to venting and release remaining pressure.
- Remove lid and gently stir everything together.
- Taste for salt and pepper and adjust.
- Garnish spaghetti with previously prepared bacon, parmesan cheese, and parsley.
- Serve.
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How To Prevent A Bland Tasting Instant Pot Spaghetti
If you have been cooking in your Instant Pot for a while, you may know that some dishes tend to be bland. It is almost a rule that you should overseason a dish cooked in the IP. My secret that I use often in a variety of dishes, is to heat up the spices in oil with garlic and onions, if using. It will activate dried spices. In this case, to make a flavorful spaghetti, I add Italian seasoning mix to the oil when sauteeing garlic. It becomes very fragrant. Then you add the beef and let the spices infuse the meat. This also works when making soups and dishes that start with sauteing garlic, onions, celery, carrots and even potatoes. If you are using Italian sausage instead of ground beef, you wont need as much spice. The sausage is usually pretty flavorful.
If you like a little kick in your spaghetti, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the pasta. Dont forget a generous amount of grated Parmesan over each serving.
How To Set The Pressure Cooker
Secure the lid on top and set the Steam Release Handle to the SEALED position. This is the knob on top of the pressure cooker by the handle. Select the MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK button on the panel. Use the and set it to 7 minutes. The pressure cooker should then beep and say ON which means it is working to come to pressure. It will take 10-15 minutes to come to pressure. Once it comes to pressure, it will beep and count down from 7 minutes. After 7 minutes, the Instant Pot will beep to indicate its done. Do a QUICK RELEASE by turning the STEAM RELEASE KNOB to VENTING. Once the PIN drops, its safe to open.
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By Step Recipe On How To Make Spaghetti Noodles In The Instant Pot
Making spaghetti in the Instant Pot is quick and easy. To start, use the saute function to heat up the olive oil. Once the olive oil is hot, add in the onions, garlic, mix Italian herb and basil. Cook it for about 2 to 3 minutes or until they become fragrant.
Once its cooked, break the spaghetti noodles in half. Layer the noodle half in a criss cross pattern to help prevent the pasta from sticking together.
At this point, DO NOT STIR the pasta. This is very important. If you stir the pasta after you add, you risk burning the pasta or having the pasta stick together. Next, pour the marinara sauce over top of the noodles and try to cover them as much as possible. Finally, add the water.
Place the lid on the Instant Pot. Make sure the sealing valve is set to sealing. Set the pot to pressure cook on manual for 5 minutes on high pressure. When the timer goes off, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes and then quick release the remaining pressure.
Carefully remove the lid to the Instant Pot. Stir the spaghetti with tongs. Stirring the spaghetti will help absorb some of the extra moisture in the pot.
Serve the spaghetti while it is warm with your favorite topping such as cheese or roasted veggies.
Add Basil To The Marinara For More Flavor
However I think they dont add enough basil and garlic to any jar of spaghetti sauce Ive tried so I always add more. If you dont want to pay for the fresh basil then just add some dried basil, maybe 1 tsp.
And finish it off with lots of parmesan. And more basil. Because you can never have too much basil on your spaghetti.
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To Cook Spaghetti An Instant Pot
Start with your Instant Pot on a flat dry surface.
Take the Spaghetti, break it in ½ and use your fingers to slip it into the inner pot, separating the strands slightly as you go.
One of the things I love about the Instant Pot is that it will make a few noises as you use it as it does the things to ‘ask’ it to do.
- Set the pressure to high pressure
- Then set timer by using the up and down arrows
Let the Instant Pot build to the right pressure, cook the pasta and then it will beep to let you know it is done
- Press the quick release button and let the safety value deflate
- Turn and remove the lid , and use oven mits to remove the inner pot, drain spaghetti into a colander
