Instant Pot Assassin’s Spaghetti

Instant Pot Assassin’s Spaghetti looks like normal spaghetti but it is spaghetti with an attitude! It’s got a flavor kick that you’re going to love. The spaghetti is cooked in a simmering tomato liquid and it absorbs all of the moisture (no colander needed!).

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Instant Pot Assassin’s Spaghetti

Assassin’s spaghetti AKA “spaghetti all’assassina” is an Italian pasta dish that translates to “killer spaghetti” or “murderer’s spaghetti” in English. Upon searching the internet I came across three different possible reasons for the name of the dish. I am not sure which or any of those reasons is correct. However I like the idea that the original cook “killed it” meaning he made something that was so good that it was worth applause after eating it.

The idea of this dish is that the spaghetti is cooked like risotto. When cooking this on the stove you add ladleful of tomato broth upon ladleful as you stir stir stir. The spaghetti soaks up the liquid and is cooked until perfection. Before you start adding in the broth though you char the spaghetti slightly in olive oil which adds a fun texture and flavor.

I knew I could make this in the Instant Pot and I think my method made the recipe quite a bit easier than the original method with the yummiest of results. It was fun to make with inexpensive ingredients that I had on hand. The texture of the pasta wasn’t too far off from a traditional pasta dish, but I really enjoyed the subtle crunch that came from lightly burning the undersides of the noodles. I also loved the slight kick of flavor from the red pepper flakes. I think you’ll love this spaghetti too! Give it a shot (get it? shot? like assassin…haha!).

Ingredients/Substitution Ideas

• Olive oil
• Spaghetti–or vermicelli or angel hair
• Garlic–I used fresh garlic cloves
• Water
• Tomato sauce
• Tomato paste
• Sugar
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes–or cayenne pepper
• Parmesan cheese–I used shredded

Steps

Turn Instant Pot to saute setting. When display says HOT add in the oil and swirl around. Add in half of the spaghetti in a criss cross pattern and let it sit in the oil for 2 minutes. Stir halfway through. Some of the pieces will get browned.

Use a spoon to move the spaghetti to the side. Add in the garlic and saute for 30 seconds. 

Pour in the water. Add in the rest of the spaghetti in a criss cross pattern.

Dump the tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes into the pot. Don’t stir. 

Cover Instant Pot and secure the lid. Make sure valve is set to sealing. Set the manual/pressure cook button to 3 minutes. When time is up move valve to venting and remove the lid.

Turn Instant Pot to saute setting. Stir every minute for so for about 6-8 minutes until the spaghetti has soaked up the liquid and sauce. Turn off Instant Pot.

Stir in parmesan cheese. Serve and enjoy!

Notes/Tips

• I used my 6 quart Instant Pot*. You can also make this in an 8 quart pot.
• You can easily double this recipe by doubling all the ingredients but keeping the cooking time the same.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container* in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Variation idea: add in some frozen meatballs on top of the tomato sauce when pressure cooking.
• Other recipes you can make with the other half of your package of spaghetti noodles are Instant Pot Cowboy Spaghetti and Instant Pot Chicken Spaghetti.

What to serve with assassin’s spaghetti?

Here are a few options:

• Garlic bread: A classic side dish that pairs well with spaghetti is garlic bread. Simply toast slices of bread with garlic and butter or olive oil for a delicious and easy side.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing and healthy option to balance out the richness of the pasta.
• Meatballs: Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic combination. You can make your own meatballs, or purchase them pre-made from the store.
• Grilled vegetables: Grilled or roasted vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and mushrooms are a flavorful and nutritious side dish that complements spaghetti well.

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More Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipes…

Did you know you can filter the recipes on my website to search by meat type, IP or Crockpot, low carb, gluten free, etc.? Use the filter to find exactly what you are looking for. 

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*Karen Petersen is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.