If there’s one comfort food that never fails to satisfy, it’s a hearty bowl of Instant Pot Garlic Noodles. Silky strands of spaghetti get infused with rich, garlicky goodness, tossed in a savory and slightly sweet soy-based sauce, then finished with a sparkle of Parmesan, green onions, and sesame seeds. It’s the kind of easy, flavor-packed dish that feels fancy enough for a weekend treat yet simple enough for a speedy weeknight dinner. Whether you’re new to the Instant Pot game or a seasoned pro, this delectable recipe brings restaurant-quality Asian-inspired noodles right to your table in just about 20 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Instant Pot Garlic Noodles is how a handful of pantry staples come together to create something truly magical. Each ingredient plays a starring role, bringing out layers of flavor, irresistible aromas, and the perfect texture. Here’s what you’ll need to create this crowd-pleaser:
- Spaghetti (8 ounces, broken in half): Breaking the noodles ensures they fit in the Instant Pot and cook evenly in the flavorful sauce.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and a luscious, creamy texture to coat every strand.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Gives the noodles a fruity base and helps prevent sticking while sautéing the garlic.
- Garlic (6 cloves, minced): The undeniable star—fresh garlic adds incredible aroma and deep, robust flavor.
- Low-Sodium Broth (2 ½ cups vegetable or chicken): This savory liquid is the cooking medium and infuses the noodles with extra taste.
- Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons): Provides an umami punch and just the right touch of saltiness.
- Oyster Sauce or Hoisin Sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a savory-sweet note and glossy finish; opt for hoisin to keep it vegetarian.
- Brown Sugar (1 teaspoon): A bit of sweetness balances out the umami and heat.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Supplies mellow warmth and complexity.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who love a gentle kick of spice.
- Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup, grated, optional): Melts in for a nutty, creamy bonus—totally optional, but highly recommended.
- Chopped Green Onions and Sesame Seeds (for garnish): They brighten the dish with color, crunch, and a hint of freshness right at the end.
How to Make Instant Pot Garlic Noodles
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by setting your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Melt the butter together with olive oil, then add in the minced garlic. Stir constantly for about a minute or two—just until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. This quick sizzle is what builds the irresistible foundation for your noodles!
Step 2: Add the Noodles and Seasonings
Press Cancel to stop the sauté setting. Scatter the broken spaghetti into the pot (breaking them helps everything cook perfectly). Pour in your broth, soy sauce, oyster or hoisin sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you enjoy a bit of heat. Use a spoon to push down the noodles so they’re as submerged as possible in the liquid for even cooking.
Step 3: Pressure Cook to Perfection
Secure the lid and make sure the valve is set to sealing. Cook on Manual High Pressure for 4 minutes. It doesn’t take long! Once the timer ends, carefully perform a quick release (watch out for the steam!).
Step 4: Stir and Finish
Open the lid and give the Instant Pot Garlic Noodles a good stir, separating any clumps of pasta. Let the noodles sit for about 2–3 minutes so they can soak up any remaining sauce. If you love a creamy, cheesy finish, now’s the time to fold in that Parmesan. It melts into the sauce and coats every noodle with a nutty richness.
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy
To serve, sprinkle on a handful of chopped green onions and a shower of sesame seeds. These finishing touches add freshness and texture, making each bite irresistibly delicious.
How to Serve Instant Pot Garlic Noodles
Garnishes
The joy of Instant Pot Garlic Noodles is how each topping transforms the final flavor. Bright green onions, a dusting of nutty sesame seeds, and a bit of extra Parmesan all add layers of freshness and crunch. Don’t be afraid to finish with a squeeze of lime or a scattering of chili flakes if you want even more zing and color!
Side Dishes
This dish can easily be the star of your table, but it also pairs beautifully with lots of sides. Try roasted or steamed vegetables, a crisp Asian-style salad, or a simple bowl of miso soup for a cozy, complete meal. If you want to add protein, grilled shrimp, sliced chicken, or crispy tofu are fantastic options.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve these garlic noodles family-style right out of the Instant Pot, or twirl individual portions into bowls for a polished look. Garnish with extra herbs or edible flowers for a festive dinner party, or pile them into lunch boxes for a special weekday treat—trust me, they’ll disappear fast!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, simply transfer your Instant Pot Garlic Noodles into an airtight container and refrigerate. They keep well for up to three days, making this recipe fantastic for meal prep or next-day lunches. The flavors deepen after a night in the fridge, so you get maximum garlicky goodness with every bite.
Freezing
Instant Pot Garlic Noodles can be frozen, though the texture of the pasta may soften a bit after defrosting. To freeze, let noodles cool completely, then portion into freezer bags or containers. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, just pop your noodles into a microwave-safe bowl and add a splash of broth or water to loosen things up. Warm in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until hot. Alternatively, reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring in a bit more broth or a knob of butter to restore their original lusciousness.
FAQs
Can I substitute the spaghetti with another type Main Course
Absolutely! Any long noodle, such as linguine or fettuccine, works beautifully. Rice noodles are another fun option—just be mindful of adjusting the cook time, as different shapes and ingredients absorb liquids differently in the Instant Pot.
How can I make Instant Pot Garlic Noodles gluten-free?
Simply swap out the spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your soy sauce (or tamari) and oyster/hoisin sauce are labeled gluten-free. Keep an eye on the cooking time, since gluten-free pastas sometimes require a bit less pressure cooking.
What proteins go well in this dish?
Anything from grilled chicken to sautéed shrimp, shredded rotisserie chicken, or seared tofu can make these noodles a complete meal. Even sliced steak or a crispy fried egg on top takes the comfort factor up a notch.
Can I double this recipe in my Instant Pot?
Most 6 or 8-quart Instant Pots can handle a double batch, but be careful not to overfill past the maximum fill line. Stir well to ensure all the noodles are coated and submerged. Cooking time remains the same, though it may take a few minutes longer to come to pressure and release.
How do I keep the noodles from sticking together?
Broken noodles and adequate liquid are key. Stir the noodles well after pressure cooking to loosen any clumps, and don’t skimp on the butter and oil at the start—the right amount of fat stops everything from sticking and delivers glossy, separated noodles every time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something cozy, flavorful, and ready in a flash, give Instant Pot Garlic Noodles a try. They’re a true weeknight hero, but tasty enough to wow guests or satisfy a midnight noodle craving. Don’t forget your favorite toppings, and make it your own!
Print
Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a flavorful and quick meal with these Instant Pot Garlic Noodles. This easy Asian-inspired dish is packed with garlic and savory flavors that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
- 8 ounces spaghetti, broken in half
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 ½ cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or hoisin for vegetarian)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Garlic: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and melt the butter with olive oil. Add minced garlic, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly. Press Cancel.
- Cook Noodles: Add spaghetti, broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook on Manual High Pressure for 4 minutes. Quick release pressure carefully.
- Finish Dish: Stir noodles well, let sit for 2-3 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese if using. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Add cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or stir-fried veggies for a complete meal.
- Use hoisin or mushroom sauce for a vegetarian version.
- Adjust garlic and spice levels to taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes (plus pressure build and release time)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
