# Instant Pot Spaghetti: A Family Favorite
Cooking can frequently appear to be an overwhelming chore, particularly when attempting to satisfy the preferences of the whole family. Nevertheless, Instant Pot Spaghetti has become a cherished meal in numerous homes, including my own. It’s smooth, savory, and wonderfully clingy, making it a favorite among both children and adults. The best part? It’s uncomplicated enough for my kids to prepare by themselves!
## Why I Adore This Recipe
One of the most fulfilling aspects of being a parent is introducing kids to the pleasures of cooking. Motivated by the concept of correlating a child’s age with the number of recipes they can master, I opted to teach my kindergartener the art of making spaghetti. This dish is especially ideal for young cooks because:
– It only needs one pot, reducing cleanup.
– No chopping board is needed, ensuring safety for kids.
– The tall sides of the Instant Pot limit splattering.
– There’s no necessity to drain boiling water, which can be a challenging job for small hands.
At first, I believed this method would simplify cooking for my daughter, but we soon realized that Instant Pot Spaghetti possesses a unique quality. The noodles turn out perfectly cooked and soak up the sauce, making for a comforting meal that goes beautifully with garlic bread and air-fried broccoli.
## Cooking Instructions
### Ingredients
– Ground meat (beef or Italian sausage)
– Garlic powder
– Onion powder
– Italian seasoning
– Salt
– Your preferred pasta sauce
– Water
– Better than Bouillon (optional)
– Spaghetti noodles
– Butter
– Parmesan cheese (for topping)
### Cooking Steps
1. **Sauté the Meat**: Utilize the sauté function on the Instant Pot. Add oil, ground meat, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, garlic, and salt. Cook until the meat is browned.
2. **Add Sauce and Noodles**: Pour in the pasta sauce, water, Better than Bouillon, and include the noodles. Ensure the noodles are fully submerged in the liquid.
3. **Pressure Cook**: Seal the Instant Pot and cook under high pressure for 8 minutes.
4. **Release Steam**: Cover the vent with a towel to guard against splatters and release the steam immediately to prevent overcooking.
5. **Let it Rest**: Upon opening, the dish will look saucy. Stir using tongs and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the noodles to soak up the sauce.
6. **Finish and Serve**: Mix in butter until it’s melted and creamy. Serve with Parmesan cheese and enjoy alongside garlic bread and a simple salad.
## Frequently Asked Questions
**Can you make this on the stove instead of in the Instant Pot?**
Yes, this dish can be made on the stovetop by simmering the ingredients until the noodles are cooked.
**What other meat can you use?**
While ground beef is standard, Italian sausage enhances flavor, and ground turkey serves as a healthier option.
**What if I don’t have Better Than Bouillon?**
It can be replaced with salt or chicken broth.
**Can you make this vegetarian?**
Definitely! Just exclude the meat and adjust the water to avoid excess sauce.
## Conclusion
Instant Pot Spaghetti has become a mainstay in our home, not only for its tastiness but also for the pleasure it brings when my children assist in preparing it. With its straightforward preparation and comforting flavors, it’s a dish I would gladly make even without kids. If you’re on the lookout for a quick, family-friendly dinner option, give this Instant Pot Spaghetti a try!