Name: Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 8 ounces spaghetti noodles, broken in half; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional); 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 green onions, sliced; Salt and pepper to taste

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If you’re craving bold flavors and a comforting, easy dinner that feels just a little luxurious, the Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe will win you over in just one bite. Made with simple pantry ingredients but packed with big, aromatic flavor, this cozy noodle dish is ready in just 15 minutes and disappears even faster! Think luscious, buttery spaghetti infused with aromatic garlic, a splash of soy and oyster sauce, a hint of brown sugar, and a flourish of Parmesan and green onions—all made effortlessly in your Instant Pot. Whether you serve it as a main course or a side, this recipe is a true weeknight hero you’ll want to revisit over and over again.

Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients can make for extraordinary flavor, and the Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe really proves this point. Each component brings its own character, and together they create a noodle dish that’s balanced, fragrant, and impossible to resist.

Spaghetti noodles: Breaking them in half makes them simple to fit in the pot and ensures even cooking.
Unsalted butter: Adds luscious, silky richness while letting you control the salty finish.
Fresh garlic: The soul of this recipe—don’t skimp! Six cloves create an aromatic, irresistible base.
Low-sodium broth: Vegetable or chicken broth infuses the noodles with savory, umami-filled depth.
Soy sauce: Brings a punch of salt and that signature garlic noodle flavor.
Oyster sauce (optional): Adds glossy richness and a slightly sweet, oceanic undertone that elevates the dish.
Brown sugar: A touch of sweetness that balances out all the savory and spicy notes.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a hint of heat to wake up the palate!
Parmesan cheese: The final flourish—melty, nutty, and beautifully creamy.
Green onions: Sliced fresh for a pop of color and delicate oniony finish.
Salt and pepper: Season at the end, to your taste, for the perfect balance.

How to Make Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Melt the Butter and Sauté the Garlic

Start by setting your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and tossing in the butter. As it begins to melt and coat the bottom of the pot, add the minced garlic. Let it sizzle for about a minute, stirring gently, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. This quick step wakes up the flavors! When your kitchen smells glorious, press “Cancel” to turn off the heat.

Step 2: Layer the Noodles and Add Sauces

Break the spaghetti noodles in half and layer them in the pot, criss-crossing to prevent them from clumping together. Pour in the broth, then add the soy sauce, oyster sauce if you’re using it, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Resist the urge to stir; just gently press the noodles down so they’re mostly submerged in the liquid. This ensures every strand soaks up flavor without sticking.

Step 3: Pressure Cook the Noodles

Seal the Instant Pot lid, make sure the valve is set to sealing, and set it to Manual or Pressure Cook on High for 4 minutes. It’s just enough time for the noodles to become perfectly al dente while absorbing all that garlic-infused broth. When the time is up, perform a quick pressure release—keep your face and hands away from the vent for safety!

Step 4: Stir in Parmesan and Green Onions

Open the lid and give the noodles a gentle stir. They might look a little brothy at first, but that’s exactly right! Toss in your grated Parmesan and sliced green onions, then season with a bit of salt and black pepper to taste. The cheese melts into the noodles, bringing the whole Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe together in a creamy, garlicky embrace.

Step 5: Let Sit and Serve

Let your noodles sit uncovered for 2 or 3 minutes; this brief rest lets the sauce thicken into a buttery glaze. Give one more gentle toss, then grab your forks—it’s time to dig in!

How to Serve Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe

Garnishes

Finish your Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe with plenty of fresh green onions and a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese. If you love a touch more heat, an extra sprinkle of red pepper flakes really makes the flavors pop. For an Asian-inspired twist, try a drizzle of toasted sesame oil or a squeeze of lime right before serving for a fresh, unexpected zing.

Side Dishes

These garlic noodles are wonderfully versatile and pair beautifully with side dishes like crispy roasted veggies, a simple green salad, or steamed edamame. If you’re looking for protein, add sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken, or pan-seared tofu right on top for a complete, one-bowl meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this humble noodle dish into a showstopper by piling it into a large serving bowl, draping with extra cheese, and scattering a confetti of green onions over the top. For a fun dinner party touch, serve in individual bowls with chopsticks tucked alongside or nestle in stir-fried veggies for bursts of color and texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extras? Store any leftover Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors continue to meld, making it just as tasty the next day. Just be sure to let the noodles cool to room temperature before refrigerating to keep them at their best.

Freezing

While these noodles are at their peak when fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Portion them into freezer-safe bags or containers, squeeze out any extra air, and lay flat in the freezer. For best texture, use within 2 months—thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To bring your noodles back to life, add a splash of broth or water and reheat them gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring gently to keep them silky and prevent sticking. That way, your Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe stays luscious and satisfying long after they’re first made.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully, feel free to substitute with other long pastas like linguine or fettuccine, or even try rice noodles for a gluten-free take. Adjust cooking time as needed based on the type of pasta.

Is the oyster sauce necessary?

Oyster sauce adds wonderful depth, but if you don’t have it or want to keep things vegetarian, simply use a bit more soy sauce or swap in hoisin sauce. You’ll still get big, bold flavor in your Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe.

Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?

Yes! Choose a plant-based butter and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. These simple swaps deliver the same creamy, rich texture and crave-worthy taste, making the dish completely vegan-friendly.

How can I increase the protein?

Easy! Stir in some cooked shrimp, bite-sized grilled chicken, or crispy tofu right at the end. These mix-ins make the noodles hearty enough for a satisfying main course while soaking up all the garlicky goodness.

Why do I need to criss-cross the noodles?

This little Instant Pot trick prevents the spaghetti from sticking together in a big clump! Layering them criss-crossed ensures they cook evenly and soak up all that amazing garlicky sauce.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a fast, flavor-packed meal that tastes like a big, warm hug in a bowl, the Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe belongs at the very top of your must-try list. It’s easy, endlessly customizable, and so utterly satisfying—so grab your Instant Pot and let the garlicky magic begin!

Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy a quick and flavorful meal with this Instant Pot Garlic Noodles recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, these noodles are infused with garlic and Parmesan cheese, creating a delicious dish that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti Noodles:

8 ounces spaghetti noodles, broken in half

Garlic Butter Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid Mixture:

2 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Additional:

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 green onions, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Sauté Garlic: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and melt the butter. Add minced garlic, sauté until fragrant.
Prepare Noodles: Break spaghetti noodles in half and layer in a criss-cross pattern in the pot.
Add Ingredients: Pour in broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Do not stir.
Cook: Seal the lid and set to Manual/Pressure Cook on High for 4 minutes. Quick release pressure.
Finish: Stir noodles, add Parmesan, green onions, salt, and pepper. Let thicken before serving.

Notes

You can add shrimp, chicken, or tofu for extra protein.
Substitute oyster sauce with hoisin or more soy sauce if needed.
For a vegan version, use vegan butter and omit Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Instant Pot
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired