Introduction: Instant Pot Spaghetti in Savory Sauce is a modern twist on a classic Italian favorite, designed to save you time without compromising on flavor. The Instant Pot, a versatile kitchen gadget, streamlines the cooking process, allowing you to enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal in no time. This dish combines perfectly cooked spaghetti with a rich and savory tomato-based sauce, infused with herbs and spices, for a delightful dining experience. Let’s dive into the world of Instant Pot Spaghetti and discover how to prepare this culinary masterpiece.

Historical Context: Spaghetti, a beloved pasta variety, has been a staple of Italian cuisine for centuries. Its origins can be traced back to the Mediterranean region, and it quickly gained popularity throughout Italy. The idea of cooking pasta in tomato sauce, known as “spaghetti al pomodoro,” is a relatively modern innovation, with the tomato arriving in Italy from the Americas in the 16th century. The combination of spaghetti and tomato sauce became iconic in Italian cooking, and its appeal has since spread worldwide.

Preparation:

1. Prepare the Instant Pot:

• Plug in your Instant Pot and ensure the inner pot is clean and dry.

2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:

• Press the “Sauté” button on your Instant Pot and set it to “Normal” heat.
• Add the olive oil and allow it to heat up for a minute.
• Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot.
• Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.

3. Brown the Ground Meat:

• Add the ground beef or turkey to the Instant Pot.
• Break it up using a wooden spoon and cook until it’s no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
• Drain any excess fat if needed.

4. Add the Spices and Tomatoes:

• Sprinkle the dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper over the meat mixture.
• Stir well to combine the spices.
• Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes, and stir again to incorporate.

5. Add Spaghetti:

• Break the spaghetti in half and place it on top of the sauce.
• Do not stir; the spaghetti should be mostly submerged in the sauce.

6. Pressure Cook:

• Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.”
• Cancel the “Sauté” function.
• Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting and set the timer for 5 minutes.

7. Natural Release:

• After the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes.
• Then, carefully perform a quick release by turning the valve to “Venting.”

8. Serve:

• Once the pressure has fully released, open the Instant Pot lid.
• Gently stir the spaghetti and sauce together.
• Transfer the Instant Pot Spaghetti to serving platters or bowls.
• Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and, if desired, fresh basil leaves.
• Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Spaghetti in Savory Sauce!

Conclusion: Instant Pot Spaghetti in Savory Sauce is a fantastic example of how modern technology can enhance traditional recipes, providing a delicious meal in a fraction of the time. This dish retains all the comforting flavors of classic spaghetti while adding a convenient twist to your weeknight dinner routine. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your Instant Pot, and savor this delightful culinary creation with family and friends. Buon appetito!