Name: Instant Pot Lentil Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 19 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 onion, diced small; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 2 cups cooked green lentils; 2 cups water; 8 ounces spaghetti; 1 jar (25.5 ounces) vegan marinara sauce

Jump to Recipe·5 from 29 reviews

If you’re craving a comforting pasta dish that’s quick, hearty, and packs a punch of protein, you’re going to love this Instant Pot Lentil Spaghetti Recipe. It’s one of those meals I turn to when I need dinner on the table fast but don’t want to skimp on flavor or nutrition. Lentils add a lovely earthiness and a boost of plant-based protein, and cooking everything right in the Instant Pot means minimal cleanup and fantastic, perfectly cooked spaghetti every time. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be your new weeknight favorite.

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Why This Recipe Works

One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks together in the Instant Pot, saving time and avoiding multiple pans.
Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Using high pressure seals in moisture and cooks spaghetti just right without mushiness.
Lentils for Protein & Texture: Adding cooked lentils boosts nutrition and gives the spaghetti a satisfying bite.
Simple Ingredients, Bold Flavor: Minimal, accessible ingredients come together with vegan marinara for a hearty, flavorful meal.

Instant Pot Lentil Spaghetti, Lentil Spaghetti Recipe, Healthy Lentil Pasta, Easy Instant Pot Dinner, Protein-Packed Pasta Dish - A close-up view inside a shiny stainless steel pot filled with spaghetti noodles mixed with small lentils in a rich red tomato sauce; the noodles have a soft yellow color and are coated well by the thick, slightly chunky sauce; a spoon is stirring the mixture, showing a tangled clump of noodles lifted above the rest with pieces of lentils visible around; steam rises gently from the hot dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Instant Pot Lentil Spaghetti Recipe lies in the simplicity and balance of the ingredients. Each component plays a special role, and I’ve found that following these choices really nails the texture and flavor every time. Plus, you don’t need fancy stuff — just quality basics that meld beautifully.

Instant Pot Lentil Spaghetti, Lentil Spaghetti Recipe, Healthy Lentil Pasta, Easy Instant Pot Dinner, Protein-Packed Pasta Dish - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, half a fresh yellow onion diced finely on a simple white plate, two peeled cloves of garlic next to the onion, a small white bowl with coarse salt crystals, a pile of cooked green lentils arranged neatly on a white ceramic dish, a simple white bowl filled with clear water, a bundle of uncooked golden spaghetti noodles loosely arranged, and a white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant red vegan marinara sauce, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: Provides a flavorful base and helps soften the onions and garlic without sticking.
Onion: Adds a sweet, savory depth — sautée until translucent to unlock the best flavor.
Garlic: Brings that unmistakable aroma and a little bite that lifts the sauce.
Salt: Essential for balancing flavors; I always use just enough to season without overpowering.
Cooked green lentils: These lend protein and a meaty texture. I use ready-cooked lentils from Trader Joe’s for convenience, but you can make your own.
Water: The cooking liquid that hydrates the pasta perfectly in the Instant Pot.
Spaghetti: Broken in half to fit nicely in the pot and cook evenly under pressure.
Vegan marinara sauce: The finishing touch that infuses the whole dish with rich tomato flavor without needing extra seasoning.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how forgiving this Instant Pot Lentil Spaghetti Recipe is, which means you can easily adjust it based on what you have or crave. I’ve played around with adding herbs or swapping lentils for beans, and each time the dish feels fresh and familiar. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Add Fresh Herbs: I sometimes toss in fresh basil or oregano at the end for a punch of freshness that brightens the tomato sauce wonderfully.
Use Different Lentils: While green lentils hold their shape nicely, red or brown lentils work too if you prefer a softer texture.
Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika can sneak in some warmth, which I adore on chilly nights.
Swap Pasta Type: I haven’t tried gluten-free spaghetti here, but if you do, just watch cooking times as they can vary a bit.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Instant Pot Lentil Spaghetti Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

Hit the sauté button on your Instant Pot, then add in olive oil, diced onion, and minced garlic once it’s hot. Stir gently for around 3 minutes until the onions turn translucent — that’s when their sweetness shines through. Adding salt here helps the onions release moisture and speeds up softening. This base layer is crucial for building flavor, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Stir in Lentils and De-Glaze

Throw in the cooked lentils and mix them through the onions and garlic. Then turn off sauté mode. Pour in the water and use a spatula to scrape the bottom of the pot; this “de-glazing” step lifts those tasty bits stuck to the pan and prevents that dreaded “burn” message on your Instant Pot. This little trick has saved me many times!

Step 3: Add Spaghetti and Marinara

Break your spaghetti noodles in half so they fit better. Lay them over the lentils and water, then pour the marinara sauce on top. Don’t stir everything together yet — layering like this helps prevent the noodles from sticking or clumping during cooking. Make sure the noodles are pushed gently into the liquid so they cook evenly.

Step 4: Cook Under Pressure

Seal the lid, making sure the valve is set to “sealing,” and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 9 minutes. Once the timer’s up, do a quick release right away to stop the cooking and prevent mushy pasta. When you open the lid, give everything a good stir to combine lentils and sauce fully with the noodles, then it’s ready to serve!

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Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Lentil Spaghetti Recipe

De-Glaze Well: Always scrape the bottom after adding water to avoid any stubborn stuck bits that trigger error messages.
Don’t Stir Before Cooking: Layer the noodles and sauce without stirring to prevent sticking and uneven cooking.
Use Cooked Lentils: I recommend pre-cooked lentils—they save time and keep the lentils from turning mushy under pressure.
Quick Release Immediately: To keep pasta perfectly tender and avoid overcooking, release the pressure as soon as the timer ends.

How to Serve Instant Pot Lentil Spaghetti Recipe

Instant Pot Lentil Spaghetti, Lentil Spaghetti Recipe, Healthy Lentil Pasta, Easy Instant Pot Dinner, Protein-Packed Pasta Dish - A close-up of a white bowl filled with spaghetti noodles coated in rich red tomato sauce with visible small chunks and texture throughout. The spaghetti is thick and twisted around an inserted fork in the center, lifting the noodles upward, showing a dense mix of sauce and soft pasta strands. Small bits of green herbs and crumbled light brown topping are scattered on the surface, adding color contrast. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and the image has a soft background with a focus on the noodles and sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually top this with a sprinkle of vegan parmesan and a touch of fresh basil if I have some on hand. Sometimes, a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a pinch of chili flakes adds just the right finish. These little extras elevate the flavors without complicating the dish.

Side Dishes

This lentil spaghetti goes beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies on the side. For casual dinners, I love serving it with garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette to soak up all that delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I’ve plated this dish in individual shallow bowls, garnished with a sprig of fresh parsley and a lemon wedge on the side to brighten the flavors. Serving it in a rustic baking dish straight from the pot also works great for a laid-back family meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. When I reheat, I add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and keep the pasta from drying out — this brings back that fresh-cooked texture beautifully.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well. I portion it out in freezer-safe containers and it keeps for up to 2 months. When thawing, I let it thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, then reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

My favorite way to reheat is on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of liquid if needed. The microwave works in a pinch but tends to dry the pasta otherwise. Either way, adding fresh herbs or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast at reheating really freshens the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use dry lentils instead of pre-cooked lentils in this recipe?

You can, but you’ll need to cook them separately and then add the cooked lentils to the recipe. Since lentils and pasta cook at different times, adding dry lentils directly could make the texture off. I usually cook lentils in advance or use packaged pre-cooked ones for convenience and best results.
What type of spaghetti works best for this Instant Pot recipe?

Regular durum wheat spaghetti works perfectly here. I haven’t tested gluten-free pasta in this specific recipe, but if you try it, keep an eye on the timing, as gluten-free pasta can cook faster and may get mushy with pressure cooking.
How do I avoid the Instant Pot burn warning during this recipe?

After sautéeing, make sure to de-glaze the pot thoroughly by scraping any stuck-on bits off the bottom before adding the water, pasta, and sauce. This prevents the Instant Pot from detecting burnt food and triggering an error.
Can I add veggies to the Instant Pot Lentil Spaghetti Recipe?

Absolutely! Adding finely chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers during the sauté step works well. Just remember they’ll cook quickly under pressure, so keep them chopped small to ensure even cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Lentil Spaghetti Recipe has become my go-to comfort meal that’s both nourishing and simple to prepare. I love how it cuts down on dinner stress yet doesn’t sacrifice taste or heartiness. If you’re looking for that cozy pasta feeling with a wholesome twist, give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together and how satisfying it feels on your plate. I’m cheering you on, and I’m pretty sure this one’s going to be a staple in your recipe box too!