Irresistible Pot Monterey Spaghetti has become my go-to weeknight hero, transforming ordinary pasta into something truly magical with minimal fuss. I remember those frantic evenings when dinner felt like an impossible task, but discovering this easy Pot Monterey Spaghetti recipe changed everything. The aroma of sautéed onions and garlic, mingling with savory tomatoes and Italian herbs, fills my kitchen, promising a comforting meal. It’s incredibly simple to figure out how to make Pot Monterey Spaghetti, and the result is a dish so flavorful and satisfying, my family always asks for seconds. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Pot Monterey Spaghetti
- Incredible taste that satisfies everyone
- Super quick prep time for busy nights
- A healthier alternative to traditional pasta dishes
- Budget-friendly ingredients that won’t break the bank
- A truly family-friendly Pot Monterey Spaghetti meal
- It’s so easy to make, you’ll want to whip it up often
- The aroma alone promises a delicious and flavorful Instant Pot Monterey Spaghetti experience
- It’s a fantastic one-pot wonder, meaning less cleanup!
Ingredients for Irresistible Pot Monterey Spaghetti
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to making the most delicious Monterey Spaghetti recipe for Instant Pot. I love how accessible everything is!
- 8 oz spaghetti – I like to break mine in half to fit better in the pot.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – This helps sauté the aromatics and adds a nice richness.
- 1 medium onion, chopped – It forms the savory base of our sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Because what’s pasta without garlic?
- 28 oz canned diced tomatoes (fire-roasted recommended) – Fire-roasted adds an amazing depth of flavor!
- 2 cups vegetable broth – This helps cook the pasta and creates the sauce.
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning – A classic blend that makes this dish sing.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – For that essential cheesy, nutty finish.
How to Make Irresistible Pot Monterey Spaghetti
Let’s dive into making this incredibly simple and delicious dish! These Monterey Spaghetti Instant Pot instructions are super straightforward. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together, making it the perfect Simple Monterey Spaghetti Instant Pot method for any night of the week.
- Step 1: First, set your Instant Pot to the sauté mode. Once it’s hot, add the 2 tbsp olive oil. Let it shimmer for a moment, then add the 1 medium onion, chopped. Sauté until the onion becomes nice and translucent, which usually takes about 3 minutes. Add the 3 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for just another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Step 2: Now, it’s time to build the sauce. Stir in the 28 oz canned diced tomatoes (along with their juice – that’s where the flavor is!), the 2 cups vegetable broth, and the 2 tsp Italian seasoning. Give everything a good stir to combine.
- Step 3: This is where the magic happens! Break the 8 oz spaghetti in half. This might seem odd, but it helps the spaghetti fit better and cook evenly in the pot. Push the broken spaghetti down into the tomato mixture until it’s mostly submerged. Don’t worry if it looks a little crowded; it will cook down.
- Step 4: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, ensuring the vent is set to the sealing position. Select the high pressure setting and set the cook time for 8 minutes. This short cooking time is one of the best parts of this quick Pot Monterey Spaghetti dish.
- Step 5: Once the 8 minutes are up, it’s time for a quick release. Carefully move the vent to the venting position to let the steam escape rapidly. This helps prevent the pasta from overcooking.
- Step 6: Remove the lid and stir everything together. You’ll see how the spaghetti has perfectly cooked in the savory sauce. Stir in the ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into a creamy, cheesy goodness. The aroma is absolutely divine!
- Step 7: Serve this amazing Irresistible Pot Monterey Spaghetti immediately. I love to top mine with a little extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil for serving. Enjoy this wonderful pressure cooker Monterey Spaghetti!
Pro Tips for the Best Irresistible Pot Monterey Spaghetti
I’ve made this dish countless times, and a few tricks really elevate it from good to absolutely amazing. These tips ensure your Irresistible Pot Monterey Spaghetti is always a hit!
- Always use fire-roasted diced tomatoes if you can find them; they add a fantastic depth of flavor that regular diced tomatoes just can’t match.
- Don’t skip breaking the spaghetti! It makes a huge difference in how evenly it cooks and how easy it is to serve.
- While a quick release is recommended for speed, letting it naturally release pressure for about 5 minutes before quick releasing can sometimes enhance the sauce’s richness.
- Taste and adjust seasonings before adding the cheese. Sometimes a pinch more salt or Italian seasoning is all it needs.
What’s the secret to perfect Irresistible Pot Monterey Spaghetti?
The secret lies in using fire-roasted tomatoes and ensuring the spaghetti is fully submerged before cooking. These little details unlock the full flavor potential, making your Monterey Spaghetti pressure cooker secrets work wonders.
Can I make Irresistible Pot Monterey Spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time! Chop your onion and mince your garlic up to 24 hours in advance and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. This saves even more time on cooking day.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Irresistible Pot Monterey Spaghetti?
Make sure your spaghetti is mostly submerged before sealing the pot; otherwise, it might not cook evenly. Also, avoid over-releasing pressure, as this can make the pasta mushy. Stick to the quick release as instructed!
Best Ways to Serve Irresistible Pot Monterey Spaghetti
This versatile Irresistible Pot Monterey Spaghetti is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides to make it a complete meal. The savory notes of this delicious pressure cooker Monterey Spaghetti shine when complemented by something fresh or a little extra cheesy.
For a light and refreshing contrast, I love serving it with a simple side salad tossed with a vinaigrette. The crisp greens cut through the richness of the pasta beautifully. Another favorite is some crusty garlic bread; it’s perfect for soaking up any extra sauce left in the bowl. If you’re feeling a bit more indulgent, a side of steamed broccoli or green beans with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a nice touch of green and extra flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
Nutrition Facts for Irresistible Pot Monterey Spaghetti
This Irresistible Pot Monterey Spaghetti is a satisfying meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving, so you know what you’re getting:
- Calories: 335
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 640mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use for your Monterey Spaghetti recipe Instant Pot.
How to Store and Reheat Irresistible Pot Monterey Spaghetti
I love having leftovers of this Irresistible Pot Monterey Spaghetti because it reheats so well, making it perfect for meal prep. Once the spaghetti has cooled down completely, transfer it into an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and prevents any moisture loss. You can store these leftovers in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it even longer, this dish freezes beautifully! Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container, and it should last up to 3 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is a breeze. For refrigerated portions, I usually pop them in the microwave for a minute or two, stirring halfway through. If it seems a little dry, don’t worry! Just add a tiny splash of water or broth before reheating to help loosen things up. For frozen portions, it’s best to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator first. Then, reheat as you would the refrigerated leftovers. This simple pressure cooker Monterey Spaghetti is just as delicious the second time around!
Frequently Asked Questions About Irresistible Pot Monterey Spaghetti
What is Pot Monterey Spaghetti?
Pot Monterey Spaghetti is a delicious and quick pasta dish made right in your Instant Pot or pressure cooker. It typically features spaghetti cooked directly in a savory tomato-based sauce with seasonings, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal with minimal effort. It’s designed for convenience and great taste!
Why is Pot Monterey Spaghetti so good?
This dish is so good because it combines simple, accessible ingredients into a wonderfully cohesive meal. The pressure cooker method infuses all the flavors deeply into the spaghetti, creating a rich, savory experience. It’s incredibly flavorful, satisfying, and surprisingly quick to make, making it a weeknight winner.
Can I add meat to this Irresistible Pot Monterey Spaghetti?
Absolutely! Many people love to add ground meat to this recipe. Brown about 1 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage in the Instant Pot using the sauté function before adding the onions and garlic. Drain any excess fat, then proceed with the recipe as written. It makes for an even heartier meal!
How do I make this dish creamy?
To achieve a creamier texture for your Irresistible Pot Monterey Spaghetti, you can stir in about ½ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last few minutes of cooking, after the spaghetti has been released from pressure. Alternatively, mixing in some cream cheese until melted also imparts a wonderful creaminess and richness.
Variations of Irresistible Pot Monterey Spaghetti You Can Try
While this Irresistible Pot Monterey Spaghetti is fantastic as is, I love experimenting with it! It’s such a flexible one-pot Monterey Spaghetti recipe that you can easily adapt it to your tastes or dietary needs.
- Spicy Monterey: For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning in Step 2. You could also stir in a chopped jalapeño with the onions.
- Creamy Pot Monterey Spaghetti: After releasing the pressure and stirring in the Parmesan, stir in about ½ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half. Let it simmer for a minute until slightly thickened for a wonderfully rich and creamy Pot Monterey Spaghetti.
- Vegetarian Plus: Boost the veggies by adding a can of drained and rinsed black beans or corn along with the diced tomatoes. This adds extra protein and texture, making it even more satisfying.
- No-Instant Pot Method: Don’t have an Instant Pot? No problem! You can adapt this into a stovetop one-pot Monterey Spaghetti recipe. Sauté the aromatics in a large pot, add liquids and seasonings, then add the spaghetti and simmer, covered, until al dente, stirring occasionally.
Irresistible Pot Monterey Spaghetti: 8 Min Magic
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Irresistible Instant Pot Monterey Spaghetti is a quick and flavorful one-pot meal. Tender spaghetti is cooked in a savory sauce with diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning, then finished with melted Parmesan cheese. It’s a perfect family-friendly dish for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz canned diced tomatoes (fire-roasted recommended)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil and heat. Sauté chopped onion until translucent (about 3 minutes). Add minced garlic for the last minute.
- Stir in canned diced tomatoes (with juice), vegetable broth, and Italian seasoning.
- Break spaghetti in half and push it into the tomato mixture until mostly submerged.
- Seal the lid and set to high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Perform a quick release after cooking.
- Stir well to combine. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and drizzle with olive oil before serving.
Notes
- Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for an extra smoky flavor.
- Breaking the spaghetti in half before adding prevents long clumps.
- A quick release of pressure is recommended.
- Letting it naturally release pressure can enhance flavor absorption.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 335
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
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