If you adore quick comfort food with a punch of flavor, my Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero! This dish takes classic Asian-inspired noodles and gives them a rich, garlicky depth—all in just 15 minutes, thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot. With tender spaghetti swirled through a savory garlic-butter sauce, finished with a sprinkle of cheese and green onions, you’ll get restaurant-quality taste in a single pot. From busy evenings to cozy lunches, this is the sort of recipe that makes you wonder why you’d ever make noodles any other way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every component in this Instant Pot Garlic Noodles recipe brings something essential to the party! These ingredients are simple but chosen carefully for maximum flavor, silky texture, and a beautiful final presentation. Let’s break down exactly why each one matters.
- Spaghetti or linguine noodles: Breaking them in half helps them fit and cook evenly in the Instant Pot.
- Water or vegetable broth: Gives the noodles moisture to cook, but broth will upgrade your flavor base.
- Olive oil: Adds silkiness and helps sauté the garlic for aromatic depth.
- Butter: Adds rich flavor and that classic, comforting mouthfeel to the noodles.
- Garlic (6 cloves!): The star of the show—fresh, aromatic, and ultra-flavorful.
- Soy sauce: Balances umami and saltiness, essential for that savory kick.
- Oyster sauce (or veg alternative): Lends complexity and just a hint of sweetness.
- Brown sugar: Rounds out the savory flavors and enhances the subtle caramel notes.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a warming, spicy zing—add to taste.
- Parmesan cheese: Thickens the sauce and adds a nutty, creamy finish.
- Green onions: Bring freshness and a pop of color right at the end.
- Salt and pepper to taste: The final touch, letting you tweak seasonings exactly how you like.
How to Make Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic Magic
Switch your Instant Pot to sauté mode and get ready for a fragrant start! Splash in the olive oil and butter, watching them melt together. Toss in that minced garlic and inhale deeply—the aroma is unbeatable. Stir constantly for about a minute or two, just until the garlic softens and becomes golden. (Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can turn bitter!)
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Now for the savory flavor punch: pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Stir everything together until the brown sugar dissolves, marrying all those glorious flavors for your noodles to soak up later.
Step 3: Layer the Noodles
Break your noodles in half—trust me, this trick helps them fit and keeps them from sticking. Add them to the Instant Pot in a crisscross fashion. This smart layering prevents clumps, so each strand cooks perfectly. Pour in the water or broth with care, pressing the noodles down gently to cover as much as possible.
Step 4: Pressure Cook to Perfection
Time for the Instant Pot to work its magic! Cancel sauté mode, secure the lid, and set to cook on high pressure for exactly 4 minutes. When the timer beeps, use quick release to let out the steam. You’ll find the noodles just tender with a glossy, garlicky sauce.
Step 5: Cheese & Green Onion Finale
Right away, stir in the Parmesan cheese and those vibrant green onions. The cheese will melt into the sauce, making it luxuriously thick and creamy, while the green onions add a fresh crunch. Taste and add salt and pepper to bring it all together. Let the noodles sit for a couple of minutes so the sauce can thicken up before serving.
How to Serve Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
A big part of the Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe experience is the finish! Top your noodles with extra Parmesan, a scatter of sliced green onions, a pinch of chili flakes if you want heat, or even a squeeze of lime for brightness. Each adds a different personality to your bowl.
Side Dishes
These noodles are tasty enough to star solo, but they pair beautifully with simply steamed vegetables, crispy tofu, or a platter of roasted chicken or shrimp. For a family-style meal, consider a fresh cucumber salad or ginger-sesame slaw to balance out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe family-style in a big bowl for everyone to help themselves, or nestle into shallow dishes for a restaurant-worthy touch. For a playful twist, pile the noodles into lettuce cups, or top with a fried egg and a drizzle of sesame oil for brunch vibes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The noodles will absorb more sauce over time, getting even more flavorful without drying out.
Freezing
While this Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions for up to a month. Let them cool completely first, and seal tightly so they don’t pick up freezer odors. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your noodles back to life, sprinkle a splash of water or broth over them and warm in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat. Stir well to distribute the sauce and heat evenly, and finish with a little fresh Parmesan and green onion to revive that just-made magic.
FAQs
Can I add protein to the Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe?
Absolutely! Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu after pressure cooking for a heartier meal. This recipe is wonderfully flexible for mixing in your favorite proteins.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can! Use plant-based butter, omit the Parmesan (or swap for a vegan cheese), and use a vegetarian oyster sauce substitute to make the Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe completely vegan-friendly.
What noodles work best for this recipe?
Spaghetti or linguine are ideal for their texture and ability to absorb the sauce, but feel free to experiment with your favorite pasta shapes—just adjust the cooking time slightly if you switch things up.
Can I double the Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe?
You sure can, especially if you’re feeding a crowd! Just make sure not to go over the max fill line in your Instant Pot, and give everything a good stir so the noodles distribute evenly in the sauce.
Is it really only 15 minutes from start to finish?
Yes! The beauty of this recipe is that it comes together incredibly fast, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or hungry kids. The Instant Pot really shines here by turning pantry staples into something crave-worthy in record time.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to dive into this Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe! It’s cozy, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable—plus, it couldn’t be easier. Give it a try this week, and don’t be surprised when it becomes a regular favorite at your table.
Print
Instant Pot Garlic Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Instant Pot Garlic Noodles with this easy recipe. Perfect for a quick and flavorful vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
Noodles:
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine noodles, broken in half
- 4 cups water or vegetable broth
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or vegetarian alternative)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Toppings:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Set Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil and butter. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Prepare Sauce: Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
- Cook Noodles: Add noodles in a crisscross pattern, pour in water or broth, pressure cook for 4 mins, then quick release.
- Finish Dish: Stir in Parmesan and green onions. Season with salt and pepper. Let thicken before serving.
Notes
- You can add protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and skip Parmesan or use a vegan alternative.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
