This Instant Pot Spaghetti with Italian Sausage is a revolutionary one-pot recipe, combining perfectly seasoned Italian sausage with a robust marinara for an incredibly quick, easy, and undeniably delicious meal.

Instant Pot Spaghetti: Your Ultimate Weeknight Dinner Solution

Spaghetti has long been a cherished hero for frantic weeknights, celebrated for its speed, reliance on pantry staples, and universal appeal. While the traditional stovetop method certainly holds a nostalgic charm—and many have a go-to one-pot spaghetti recipe that saves dinner countless times—the pressure cooker version elevates this classic to new heights. Imagine the convenience of creating a rich, deeply flavored spaghetti dish without the need for constant stirring or monitoring a boiling pot. It’s truly a game-changer! This simple, speedy, and utterly delicious Instant Pot Spaghetti recipe is so bursting with robust flavors that your family and friends might just believe you’ve been simmering marinara sauce all day. The secret? Just 8 minutes of pressure-cooking magic transforms humble ingredients into a gourmet-tasting meal.

To give your hearty bowl of spaghetti the perfect finishing touch, sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a dash of vibrant parsley. The result is a dish that feels like it’s straight out of a charming Italian trattoria, offering comfort and sophistication with minimal effort. This kind of culinary magic is exactly what busy schedules demand, especially during the bustling back-to-school season or any time you need a delicious meal on the table fast!

Key Ingredients for Flavorful Instant Pot Spaghetti

Crafting exceptional Instant Pot Spaghetti begins with a selection of quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the robust flavor profile that makes this dish so irresistible.

• Olive Oil: A foundational element, just a small drizzle is essential to properly sauté the Italian sausage and prevent it from sticking to the bottom of your Instant Pot, ensuring a flavorful start.
• Ground Italian Sausage: This is the heart of our dish, providing rich, savory depth. Whether you prefer a mild or spicy kick is entirely up to your palate. For those who crave an extra layer of heat, red pepper flakes can always be sprinkled in later, allowing everyone to customize their plate. You can also experiment with other ground meats like beef or turkey, adjusting seasonings as needed.
• Yellow Onion: Finely diced yellow onion adds a sweet and aromatic base. Here’s a little trick to save your eyes from tears: pop the onion in the fridge or freezer for about 30 minutes before chopping. Alternatively, use pre-diced onions for a time-saving shortcut.
• Minced Garlic: Garlic is non-negotiable for authentic Italian flavors. While jarred minced garlic offers speed and convenience, using freshly minced cloves will provide a bolder, more pungent garlic flavor that truly stands out.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning, Sea Salt, and Pepper: These aren’t just an afterthought; they are the foundational seasonings that weave together to create the complex and comforting flavors of our spaghetti sauce. Don’t skip these, as they elevate the entire dish beyond mere sausage and marinara.
• Spaghetti: For this specific Instant Pot recipe, we highly recommend sticking to regular spaghetti noodles. Thin, thick, or gluten-free varieties have different cooking characteristics and might drastically alter the pressure cooking time, leading to inconsistent results. We haven’t extensively tested these variations yet, so for best results, traditional spaghetti is key.
• Rao’s® Marinara Sauce: Trust us on this one—this brand is truly exceptional. The depth of flavor and ideal texture it brings to the sauce is unparalleled. Given that your sauce is a major player in this spaghetti game, investing in the best possible marinara will make a significant difference in the final taste. Its quality ingredients like olive oil, onions, garlic, and basil significantly boost the overall richness.
• Water: Beyond hydration, water is crucial for creating the steam necessary for pressure cooking and for ensuring the spaghetti cooks perfectly in the rich sauce. A small tip: using filtered water can subtly enhance that clean, fresh taste of your entire dish.
• Tomato Sauce: Much like the marinara, the quality of your tomato sauce impacts the dish’s overall flavor. It adds body and a vibrant tomato essence. If you opt for a more budget-friendly option, a tiny sprinkle of sugar can effectively balance out any excess acidity, mellowing the flavors beautifully.

Elevate Your Dish with Perfect Toppings

While the Instant Pot Spaghetti is delicious on its own, a few simple toppings can truly elevate the experience, adding fresh flavors and textures.

• Freshly Grated Parmesan: Trust us, freshly grated Parmesan cheese always triumphs over pre-grated varieties. It melts beautifully, creating a creamy texture, and delivers an unmatched depth of nutty, salty flavor. Grab a block of quality Parmesan and grate it directly over your hot spaghetti using a microplane zester. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also provides an awesome finishing seasoning that perfectly rounds out all the flavors.
• Fresh Parsley: For a burst of vibrant freshness, flat-leaf (Italian) parsley is generally preferred over curly parsley due to its more robust and pronounced flavor. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley brightens the entire dish and adds a lovely herbaceous note to your Instant Pot Spaghetti.
• Other Topping Ideas: Consider a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick, fresh basil leaves for aromatic sweetness, a dollop of creamy ricotta cheese for richness, or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil.

Smart Shortcuts for Faster Preparation

Even though this Instant Pot Spaghetti recipe is already incredibly fast, there are always ways to shave off a few more minutes, especially when you’re in a pinch:

• Marinara Magic with Rao’s®: Our top recommendation for marinara sauce is unequivocally Rao’s® – and no, they’re not paying us to say it! The reason is simple: it’s packed with rich, authentic homemade flavor and boasts a hearty texture. In this Instant Pot Spaghetti, the sauce is truly the MVP, doing much of the heavy lifting. Rao’s includes wonderful additions like quality olive oil, sautéed onions, garlic, basil, and more, which significantly shortens your personal ingredient list and prep time while delivering incredible taste.
• Onion Hacks: If chopping onions isn’t your favorite task, or if you’re simply short on time, don’t despair! Most supermarkets offer convenient pre-diced yellow onions in the produce aisle. For those who plan ahead, a bag of frozen diced onions from the freezer section is a lifesaver. And if you’re a gadget lover, a quick blitz in a food processor can dice an onion in seconds.
• Garlic Goodness on Demand: Dorot’s® garlic cubes are a genuine game-changer. Imagine crushed garlic, perfectly portioned and always ready in your freezer – just pop a cube directly into this recipe or any other. You can typically find these time-savers alongside the frozen vegetables. If Dorot’s isn’t available, the refrigerated minced garlic found in jars will also do the trick, offering a convenient alternative to peeling and mincing fresh cloves.

Expert Tips for Instant Pot Spaghetti Success

Achieving perfectly cooked Instant Pot Spaghetti every time is easy with these simple tips:

• Prevent Sticking from the Start: Before adding your ingredients, always drizzle a teaspoon of olive oil and coat the bottom of the Instant Pot. This crucial step prevents the sausage and other ingredients from sticking and potentially burning, ensuring easy cleanup and preventing a ‘burn’ notice.
• Deglaze the Pot Thoroughly: After browning your Italian sausage, it’s vital to scrape up any browned bits that have accumulated at the bottom of the pot. Use a wooden spoon or a silicone spatula for this. This process, known as deglazing, prevents the dreaded “Burn” notice on your Instant Pot screen and adds incredible flavor to your sauce.
• Criss-Cross Spaghetti Arrangement: To ensure that your spaghetti strands cook evenly and prevent them from clumping together into a solid mass, break them in half and arrange them in a criss-cross pattern on top of the sauce. This allows for better liquid circulation and more consistent cooking. Gently press them down to ensure they are mostly submerged.
• Proper Lid Sealing is Key: Before beginning the pressure cooking cycle, double-check that your Instant Pot’s sealing ring is correctly seated in the lid and that the steam release valve is set to the ‘Sealing’ position. An improperly sealed lid will prevent the pot from coming to pressure, extending your cooking time and potentially affecting the results.
• Stay Nearby for Quick Pressure Release: Instant Pot Spaghetti can become mushy if overcooked. For optimal al dente texture, make sure to perform a quick pressure release (QPR) immediately once the cooking cycle has completed. This halts the cooking process rapidly.
• Patience Post-Cooking: Once the pressure has been released and the lid is removed, the mixture might appear a bit watery. Don’t worry! Give the spaghetti a thorough stir and allow it to rest for a few minutes. The sauce will naturally thicken as it cools slightly, and the flavors will meld beautifully with the pasta.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: After stirring and allowing the sauce to thicken, always taste your Instant Pot Spaghetti. Adjust the seasoning as needed; you might find it benefits from another 1/2 teaspoon of salt, a pinch of pepper, or a dash more Italian seasoning to truly bring out its best flavor.
• For Al Dente Noodles: If you prefer your spaghetti with a slightly firmer bite, or what Italians call “al dente,” simply reduce the pressure cooking time by one minute. This small adjustment can make a big difference in texture.

What To Serve With Instant Pot Spaghetti

Complete your Instant Pot Spaghetti meal with these fantastic side dishes that complement its rich flavors:

1. Garlic Bread: A timeless favorite! Crispy, buttery garlic bread, homemade dinner rolls, or savory garlic knots are absolutely perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious marinara sauce.
2. Caesar Salad: A fresh, crisp, and creamy Caesar salad with crunchy croutons offers a delightful refreshing contrast to the hearty and rich spaghetti.
3. Roasted Vegetables: For a nutritious and flavorful side, consider serving roasted Brussels sprouts with Parmesan, tender oven-roasted asparagus, or simple roasted broccoli.
4. Caprese Salad: A light and incredibly flavorful choice, a Caprese salad featuring fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves is always a hit. You could also try our popular Caprese Quinoa Salad for a heartier option.
5. Focaccia: This classic Italian olive oil-rich bread makes a wonderful accompaniment to any pasta dish, perfect for dipping in the savory sauce.
6. Simple Green Salad: A mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a good choice to cut through the richness of the pasta.

More Instant Pot Favorites

If you love the convenience and flavor of Instant Pot cooking, be sure to try these other fantastic recipes:

• Instant Pot Risotto with frozen peas
• Salsa Verde Chicken with black beans and corn
• Honey-Garlic Chicken Thighs with the best sauce!
• Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup with tomatoes and black beans
• Shredded Beef Enchiladas with pressure-cooked meat

Instant Pot Spaghetti

By Chelsea Lords

Instant Pot Spaghetti is a one-pot wonder with Italian sausage and rich marinara. Quick, easy, and absolutely delicious!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

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Equipment

• Instant Pot or similar pressure cooker

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 cup finely diced yellow onion
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 (24-ounce) jar Rao’s® marinara sauce (see note 1)
• 4-1/2 cups water
• 2 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 1 (16-ounce) box spaghetti (see note 2)
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (see note 3)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for serving

Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Add the olive oil, then the ground Italian sausage. Sear the sausage for about 1 minute on each side before adding the diced onion, minced garlic, and all the seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning). Continue to cook until the sausage is fully browned, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Turn off the Instant Pot.
2. Pour the entire jar of marinara sauce into the pot. Fill the empty marinara jar with 2 cups of water, seal and shake it to get all remaining sauce, then pour this into the pot. Add the remaining 2-1/2 cups of water and the two cans of tomato sauce; stir gently to combine all liquids. Break the spaghetti strands in half. Fan them out in a criss-cross pattern evenly over the sauce. Gently press down on the spaghetti, ensuring it is mostly submerged under the liquid. Do not stir the spaghetti into the sauce at this stage.
3. Secure the Instant Pot lid, making sure the sealing ring is properly in place, and set the steam release valve to the ‘Sealing’ position. Select “Manual” mode (or “Pressure Cook”) and set it to High Pressure for 8 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick pressure release (QPR) to prevent the spaghetti from overcooking. Upon opening the lid, the mixture might appear somewhat liquidy. Stir thoroughly to combine the pasta and sauce, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly as it cools. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed (you might typically add another 1/2 teaspoon of salt).
4. Serve hot, generously garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley.

Recipe Notes

• Note 1: Marinara Quality: This recipe heavily relies on a high-quality, flavorful marinara sauce for its exceptional taste. Rao’s® is our hands-down favorite for its rich profile, packed with natural ingredients like olive oil, onions, garlic, and basil.
• Note 2: Spaghetti Type: For consistent results, stick to regular spaghetti noodles. Thin, thick, or gluten-free versions have varying cooking times, and these varieties have not been tested with this specific recipe.
• Note 3: Parmesan Cheese: For the best flavor and melting quality, we recommend buying a block of Parmesan cheese and grating it fresh directly over the spaghetti using a microplane zester.
• Storage: Store any leftover Instant Pot Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For extended storage, you can freeze it in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Always reheat thoroughly before serving.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Serving: 1 serving |
Calories: 607kcal |
Carbohydrates: 70g |
Protein: 23g |
Fat: 26g |
Saturated Fat: 9g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 12g |
Cholesterol: 57mg |
Sodium: 1463mg |
Potassium: 970mg |
Fiber: 6g |
Sugar: 10g |
Vitamin A: 825IU |
Vitamin C: 17mg |
Calcium: 75mg |
Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.