Gluten Free Instant Pot One-Pot Beef Pasta with Spinach
A complete gluten-free dinner made entirely in your Instant Pot, combining seasoned ground beef with tender rice pasta in rich marinara sauce. Fresh spinach wilts into the hot pasta for added nutrition, while herbs bring bright flavor to this family-friendly meal. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want homemade comfort food without multiple pans to wash. The pressure cooking method ensures the gluten-free pasta achieves the right texture without becoming mushy, while the beef stays perfectly seasoned throughout.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp dried parsley
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 12 oz gluten-free pasta, brown rice penne or fusilliregular pasta1:1gluten
same cooking method
- 24 oz marinara sauce, jarred
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- 1
Set Instant Pot to saute mode and brown the ground beef, seasoning and crumbling until cooked through, then cancel saute mode
- 2
Add pasta, marinara sauce, and chicken broth to pot, stirring lightly to ensure pasta is covered by liquid without overmixing
- 3
Secure lid with valve set to seal, press manual button for high pressure 6 minutes, allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes then quick release remaining pressure and cancel
- 4
Remove lid carefully and stir in fresh spinach for 1-2 minutes until wilted
- 5
Serve topped with fresh chopped parsley
Tips
Don't overmix the pasta and sauce to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking under pressure.
Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
Add spinach after cooking to maintain its bright color and prevent overcooking.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in airtight container
Can prep ingredients 1 day ahead, store separately and combine when cooking
Serve immediately while hot, garnish with fresh parsley and parmesan if desired
Common Mistakes
Don't overmix pasta with sauce to avoid sticking and uneven cooking
Allow proper natural pressure release time to prevent mushy pasta texture
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Vegan Options
Gluten-Free Swaps
same cooking method
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use regular pasta instead of gluten-free?
Yes, regular pasta works with the same cooking time and method. The texture may be slightly different but cooking instructions remain the same.
What if my pasta seems too dry after cooking?
Add a splash of chicken broth or pasta water and stir. The residual heat will help distribute moisture throughout the dish.
How long will leftovers keep in the refrigerator?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to restore moisture.