Name: Instant Pot Spaghetti with Ground Turkey and Marinara Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3-4 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 onion, small diced; 1 lb ground turkey; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 ¼ cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred); 24 oz marinara sauce (your favorite brand); 1½ tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 2 tbsp salted butter (optional); 8 oz thin spaghetti, broken in half

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 70 reviews

If you’re craving a comforting, home-cooked pasta meal that comes together quickly and efficiently, you're about to fall in love with this Instant Pot Spaghetti with Ground Turkey and Marinara Recipe. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that balances lean protein, rich marinara, and perfectly cooked spaghetti all in one pot. With minimal hands-on time and maximum flavor, this recipe will soon become your go-to for satisfying, wholesome pasta without the fuss.

Ingredients You'll Need

Inside a deep stainless steel pot, there is one layer of cooked ground beef mixed with small pieces of cooked onion. The ground beef is light brown with a crumbly texture, and the onions are translucent with a soft texture. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface, and the bright natural light softly illuminates the food inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Instant Pot Spaghetti with Ground Turkey and Marinara Recipe shines because of its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that each bring their own magic to the dish. From the savory ground turkey to the fragrant garlic and the luscious marinara sauce, every component works in harmony to create a cozy bowl of pasta perfection.

3-4 garlic cloves (minced): Garlic adds an irresistible aroma and classic Italian depth.

½ onion (small diced): The onion softens and sweetens, layering subtle flavor beneath the sauce.
1 lb ground turkey: Lean and tender, turkey keeps it lighter without sacrificing hearty satisfaction.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing, it brings a silky richness and helps brown the turkey beautifully.

2 ¼ cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred): This liquid cooks the spaghetti and infuses savory notes throughout.
1½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that evokes the warmth and comfort of Italy.
½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all flavors.

24 oz marinara sauce (your favorite brand): The heart of the dish, adding sweetness and tangy tomato goodness.
8 oz thin spaghetti (broken in half): Breaking the spaghetti helps it cook evenly and fit snugly in the pot.
2 tablespoon salted butter (optional): Adds richness and helps create a silky sauce finish.

How to Make Instant Pot Spaghetti with Ground Turkey and Marinara Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by setting your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode and heating the olive oil until shimmering. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute while stirring frequently—this step releases the garlic’s fragrant oils, so your kitchen will instantly smell inviting. Next, add your diced onion and cook until it softens and becomes translucent, creating a flavorful base for the dish.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey

Create some space in the pot by pushing the softened onions and garlic to one side, then add the ground turkey. Allow the meat to brown on one side before breaking it apart to ensure a nice sear, enhancing the taste. Cook until the turkey is fully browned and no pink remains—this step locks in savory flavor and lays a hearty foundation.

Step 3: Combine Liquids and Seasonings

Once the turkey is cooked, switch off the Sauté function. Pour in the chicken broth and marinara sauce, then sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper into the pot. Stir everything gently but thoroughly so all the flavors meld together in anticipation of cooking the pasta.

Step 4: Add the Pasta and Butter

Break your spaghetti strands in half if you haven’t done so already; this helps them fit better into the pot and cook evenly. Gently nestle the pasta into the liquid without stirring, allowing it to soak. Finally, add the cubes of salted butter right into the mixture, which will melt during cooking and enrich the sauce.

Step 5: Pressure Cook the Pasta

Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to pressure cook on high for 2 minutes. Keep in mind, the pot typically needs about 10 to 12 minutes to come to full pressure, so all in all, the pasta is ready fairly quickly. Don’t forget to make sure the vent valve is set to “sealing” to avoid any steam leaks.

Step 6: Quick Release the Pressure

Once the cooking cycle ends, perform a quick release carefully by placing a kitchen towel over the vent to prevent splattering. Remove the lid cautiously—your spaghetti should be just under al dente, with a bit of liquid left in the pot. This residual moisture will continue cooking the pasta and thicken the sauce as you stir it in the next step.

Step 7: Finish the Texture

Give everything a good stir, distributing the sauce and pasta evenly. Let it rest in the pot for a few minutes without the lid to thicken the sauce further and bring the spaghetti to your preferred chewiness. This resting phase is key—it elevates the texture and melds all those beautiful flavors.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your piping hot Instant Pot Spaghetti with Ground Turkey and Marinara Recipe with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and chopped basil if you have it. This finishing touch adds a fresh and cheesy brightness that perfectly complements the savory sauce.

How to Serve Instant Pot Spaghetti with Ground Turkey and Marinara Recipe

The dish shows a large pot filled with spaghetti mixed with a rich red tomato sauce that covers most of the noodles. There are small pieces of ground meat spread evenly throughout the pasta, giving it a textured look with bits of darker brown meat contrasting with the red sauce and light orange noodles. The spaghetti strands are long, thin, and tangled together, soaking in the sauce, with some parts slightly shiny from the moisture. The inside of the pot is metallic, and the photo is taken on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil are classic garnishes that immediately elevate this dish. A drizzle of good quality olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a delightful twist, while a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper lends a subtle pop.

Side Dishes

Pair your spaghetti with simple sides such as a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or garlicky sautéed spinach. Crusty bread is a must-have for soaking up that luscious marinara sauce and brings a wonderful contrast in texture.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try plating individual servings in shallow bowls topped with a spoonful of ricotta or dollops of mozzarella. You can also layer this spaghetti in a baking dish with extra cheese and bake until bubbly for a cozy baked pasta casserole variation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Instant Pot Spaghetti with Ground Turkey and Marinara Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, making it a great option for quick lunches or dinners during the week.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you want to stash portions for later. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and it will keep its flavor and texture for about 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir occasionally to ensure everything heats evenly and stays creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this Instant Pot Spaghetti with Ground Turkey and Marinara Recipe?

Absolutely! While thin spaghetti works great here, you can swap in penne, rigatoni, or any pasta that cooks relatively quickly. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly and make sure the pasta is well submerged in the liquid.

Is ground turkey the only protein option?

Not at all. You can substitute ground chicken, beef, or even plant-based alternatives depending on your preference. Each one will give a slightly different flavor but will work wonderfully with the marinara sauce.

What if I don’t have an Instant Pot? Can I make this on the stove?

Yes, but the convenience will differ. Brown the turkey and sauté the aromatics in a large pan, then add the broth, marinara, and pasta. Simmer covered and stir occasionally until the pasta is tender, adding more liquid as needed.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes during the sauté stage or mix some into the marinara sauce before cooking. You can also top with spicy sausage or a drizzle of hot sauce at serving time.

Is it okay to omit the butter in the recipe?

Yes, the butter is optional and mainly adds richness and smoothness to the sauce. If you prefer a lighter dish or want to keep things dairy-free, you can skip it without sacrificing too much flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Spaghetti with Ground Turkey and Marinara Recipe is truly a weeknight game-changer. It combines simplicity with incredible flavor and comfort that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever managed dinner without it.

Instant Pot Spaghetti with Ground Turkey and Marinara Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need