If you’re craving something that perfectly blends smoky, tangy barbecue flavors with the comforting, hearty goodness of pasta, then this Instant Pot BBQ Spaghetti Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a playful twist on traditional spaghetti that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort, making it an all-time favorite for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. With tender pulled pork swimming in rich BBQ and spaghetti sauces, combined with perfectly cooked noodles all done in your Instant Pot, this dish promises a harmony of textures and tastes you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of the ingredient list fool you—each component here plays a crucial role in creating that irresistible blend of flavors and textures that makes this Instant Pot BBQ Spaghetti Recipe so special. From the smoky pulled pork to the tangy BBQ sauce, every ingredient complements each other perfectly.
- 1 pound chopped pulled pork: The star protein that brings smoky richness and tender texture to the dish.
- 1 (26-oz) jar spaghetti sauce: Adds a flavorful tomato base that balances the barbecue elements.
- 1½ cups BBQ sauce: Infuses the dish with that unmistakable tangy-sweet BBQ flavor.
- 12-oz spaghetti (uncooked): The pasta backbone that absorbs the delicious sauce and ties everything together.
- 1½ cups chicken broth or water: Ensures your pasta cooks perfectly and helps meld the flavors.
- 2 Tbsp BBQ seasoning: Boosts the smoky, spicy notes for a deeper, more intense taste experience.
How to Make Instant Pot BBQ Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Combine Pulled Pork and Sauces
Begin by adding your chopped pulled pork to the Instant Pot, followed by the jar of spaghetti sauce and the BBQ sauce. This layering helps marry the classic tomato base with that bold barbecue tang, setting the flavor foundation for the whole dish.
Step 2: Add the Spaghetti
Break the spaghetti in half—it helps everything fit nicer in the pot and cooks more evenly. Place the broken spaghetti strands right on top of the pulled pork and sauce mixture. Don’t stir yet to keep the pasta from sticking too much at this stage.
Step 3: Pour in Liquid and Seasoning
Now add the chicken broth or water along with the BBQ seasoning. Give everything a gentle stir to make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid—this is key to getting perfectly cooked noodles every time.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Spaghetti
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Select the Manual or High Pressure setting and cook for 9 minutes. This short but powerful cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully while the pasta cooks through to a tender finish.
Step 5: Release Pressure and Stir
Perform a quick release of the pressure to avoid overcooking. Open the lid carefully and give the spaghetti a good stir, breaking up any clumps that might have formed. The sauce will thicken as it cools, coating the noodles in rich BBQ goodness.
How to Serve Instant Pot BBQ Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
To add freshness and a pop of flavor, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the top. For a little extra zing, a handful of shredded cheddar cheese or a dollop of sour cream works wonders. These simple touches elevate the dish from hearty comfort food to a festive table centerpiece.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with crisp coleslaw or a fresh garden salad to balance out the richness. Garlic bread or buttery corn on the cob add a satisfying crunch and round out the meal perfectly. Think of these sides as the cherry on top of a wonderfully smoky, saucy pasta dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, serve this BBQ spaghetti in mini cast iron skillets right at the table for a rustic, cozy vibe. Or spoon it over baked sweet potatoes for a fun fusion dish. Another idea is loading it up as a filling for bell peppers or even stuffing it into slider buns as a BBQ spaghetti sandwich—delicious and unexpected!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers into airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making leftovers even tastier the next time you enjoy them.
Freezing
You can freeze the Instant Pot BBQ Spaghetti Recipe in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator for an easy, ready-to-go meal on a busy day.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce’s creamy consistency. Stirring occasionally helps everything warm evenly without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of pulled pork?
Absolutely! Ground beef works well and will give you that familiar meatiness. Just brown it first before adding the sauces to keep the texture and flavor appealing.
Is it necessary to break the spaghetti in half?
Breaking the spaghetti helps it fit better in the Instant Pot and ensures even cooking. While you can try whole strands, they might not cook as uniformly.
What if I don’t have BBQ seasoning?
No worries! You can substitute with a mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to mimic the smoky, spicy flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the pulled pork for sautéed mushrooms, jackfruit, or your favorite plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of chicken. The BBQ sauce keeps the dish flavorful and satisfying.
How spicy is this Instant Pot BBQ Spaghetti Recipe?
The level of spice depends largely on the BBQ sauce and seasoning you use. Typically, it’s mildly tangy and smoky, but you can add extra chili flakes or hot sauce if you like it with more heat.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot BBQ Spaghetti Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll whip up again and again because it delivers so much flavor with such little fuss. It’s perfect for bringing friends and family around the table to enjoy a meal that’s comforting, exciting, and utterly delicious. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how easily the Instant Pot transforms simple ingredients into a standout dinner.
Print
Instant Pot BBQ Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes (plus 3-5 minutes pressure release)
- Total Time: 14 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Instant Pot BBQ Spaghetti is a quick and delicious one-pot meal that combines tender pulled pork with tangy BBQ sauce and classic spaghetti flavors. Perfect for a hearty dinner, this recipe uses the Instant Pot to cook everything together in just 14 minutes, resulting in perfectly cooked pasta infused with smoky, savory barbecue goodness.
Ingredients
Meat and Sauces
- 1 pound chopped pulled pork
- 1 (26-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
- 1½ cups BBQ sauce
Pasta and Liquids
- 12 oz spaghetti (uncooked)
- 1½ cups chicken broth or water
Seasoning
- 2 Tbsp BBQ seasoning
Instructions
- Combine sauces and pork: Add the chopped pulled pork, spaghetti sauce, and BBQ sauce to the Instant Pot. Mix gently to combine the sauces and pork evenly.
- Add pasta: Break the spaghetti in half and place it on top of the pork and sauce mixture, spreading it out evenly.
- Add broth and seasoning: Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and sprinkle the BBQ seasoning over the top. Stir gently to ensure the pasta is fully covered with liquid and the seasonings are distributed.
- Pressure cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and lock it securely. Select the Manual or High Pressure setting and set the timer for 9 minutes to cook the spaghetti and pork mixture perfectly.
- Release and serve: Perform a quick pressure release once the cooking time is complete. Open the lid carefully, then stir the spaghetti to break up any clumps and mix everything evenly. Serve hot.
Notes
- Be sure to break the spaghetti in half so it fits better inside the Instant Pot and cooks evenly.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes with the BBQ seasoning.
- Substitute chicken broth with water if preferred; it won’t affect the overall flavor significantly.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the pulled pork and replace with mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives, and use vegetarian BBQ sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
