Description
This Instant Pot Spaghetti recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to enjoy a classic Italian favorite. Ground turkey is sautéed with garlic and onions, then combined with marinara sauce, chicken broth, and seasonings. The pasta is cooked directly in the pot under pressure, resulting in a perfectly tender and richly flavored dish in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 onion, small diced
- 1 lb ground turkey
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 ¼ cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 24 oz marinara sauce (your favorite brand)
Seasonings and Extras
- 1½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp salted butter (optional)
Pasta
- 8 oz thin spaghetti, broken in half
Instructions
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Set your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" setting. Once heated, add the olive oil. When the oil is glistening, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Then add the diced onion and cook until it softens and becomes slightly translucent.
- Cook the Ground Turkey: Push the garlic and onions to the side of the pot. Add the ground turkey, letting it brown slightly before breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until the turkey is browned and no longer pink in the center.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Turn off the Instant Pot. Pour in the chicken broth and marinara sauce. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything to combine well.
- Add Pasta and Butter: Break the spaghetti in half if not already done. Gently add the pasta to the pot, pressing it down to submerge in the liquid. Add the cubed butter, ensuring it’s immersed in the sauce.
- Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid securely and set the valve to "Sealing." Program the pot to pressure cook on high for 2 minutes. Note that it will take around 10-12 minutes for the pot to reach full pressure.
- Quick Release Pressure: Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release carefully by hovering a kitchen towel over the valve to prevent sauce splatter. Remove the lid and check the pasta; it should be just under al dente with some liquid remaining.
- Finish the Pasta: Stir the pasta well and let it sit in the sauce for a few additional minutes off the heat. This allows the spaghetti to finish cooking to al dente and the sauce to thicken.
- Serve: Plate the spaghetti and garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped basil if desired. Enjoy your rich, hearty meal!
Notes
- Breaking the spaghetti in half ensures it cooks evenly and fits well in the Instant Pot.
- Using low sodium chicken broth helps control salt levels in the dish.
- The optional butter adds richness and helps create a silky sauce.
- Quick release pressure carefully to avoid messy splattering of hot sauce.
- Resting the pasta off heat after pressure cooking is key for perfect texture and sauce consistency.
