Enjoy a classic Italian favorite with minimal effort using this Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe. This one-pot meal delivers tender pasta, flavorful meatballs, and rich marinara sauce, all cooked together to perfection in just 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Enhanced Flavor: Cooking the pasta and meatballs together allows the noodles to absorb the savory flavors of the sauce and meat, resulting in a more delicious dish.
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Effortless Cooking: The Instant Pot simplifies the cooking process—no need to boil pasta separately or monitor multiple pots.
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Accessible Ingredients: Utilizing pantry staples like dried spaghetti, jarred marinara sauce, and frozen meatballs makes this recipe convenient and easy to prepare.
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Easy Cleanup: With everything cooked in a single pot, you'll spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Olive oil
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Onion
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Garlic cloves
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Italian seasoning
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Frozen Italian meatballs
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Pot-sized spaghetti
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Spaghetti sauce
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Water or broth
Directions
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Sauté Aromatics: Set the Instant Pot to the sauté function. Heat olive oil and cook the diced onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Turn off the sauté function.
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Layer Ingredients: Place the frozen meatballs in a single layer over the onion mixture. Lay the spaghetti on top of the meatballs in a crisscross pattern to prevent sticking. Drizzle with olive oil.
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Add Liquids: Pour the marinara sauce over the spaghetti, followed by water or broth. Do not stir; layering helps prevent the burn notice.
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Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 9 minutes. After cooking, perform a quick pressure release.
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Combine and Serve: Open the lid and gently toss the spaghetti and meatballs to combine. The sauce may appear thin initially but will thicken as it sits. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
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Total Time: About 30 minutes, including preparation and cooking.
Variations
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Meat Options: Substitute frozen meatballs with homemade ones or use ground beef for a meat sauce variation.
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Pasta Choices: While spaghetti is traditional, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
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Vegetarian Version: Omit the meatballs and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for a meat-free alternative.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
FAQs
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
Arranging the spaghetti in a crisscross pattern and drizzling it with olive oil before cooking helps prevent sticking.
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, but ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the Instant Pot, as the pressure cooking time is short.
What if I receive a burn notice on my Instant Pot?
Ensure that you layer the ingredients as directed and avoid stirring before cooking. Adding sufficient liquid and deglazing the pot after sautéing can also help prevent burn notices.
Can I double this recipe?
Doubling the recipe may overcrowd the Instant Pot and affect cooking performance. It's recommended to cook in separate batches if more servings are needed.
Is it necessary to break the spaghetti in half?
Using pot-sized spaghetti eliminates the need to break the noodles. If using regular spaghetti, breaking them helps fit the pasta into the pot evenly.
Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?
Yes, but be aware that different pasta types may require slight adjustments to cooking times and liquid ratios.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking will help the sauce thicken. If a thicker sauce is desired, use less water or broth.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can enhance the nutritional value and flavor.
What should I do if the pasta is undercooked?
If the pasta isn't cooked to your liking, set the Instant Pot to the sauté function and cook for an additional few minutes, stirring frequently.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Freezing is possible, but the texture of the pasta may change upon reheating. For best results, consume within the refrigerated storage timeframe.
Conclusion
This Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe offers a quick, flavorful, and convenient way to enjoy a beloved classic. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers comfort food without the hassle, making it a go-to meal for families seeking both taste and simplicity.
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Enjoy a classic Italian dish with minimal effort using this Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe. Cooked all in one pot, this recipe combines tender pasta, flavorful meatballs, and rich marinara sauce in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights and family meals.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
Olive oil
1 Onion, diced
3 Garlic cloves, minced
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Frozen Italian meatballs
Pot-sized spaghetti (or regular spaghetti, broken in half)
1 jar (24 oz) spaghetti sauce
2 cups water or broth
Instructions
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Set the Instant Pot to the sauté function. Heat olive oil and cook the diced onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Turn off the sauté function.
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Layer Ingredients: Place the frozen meatballs in a single layer over the onion mixture. Lay the spaghetti on top in a crisscross pattern to prevent sticking. Drizzle with olive oil.
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Add Liquids: Pour the marinara sauce over the spaghetti, followed by water or broth. Do not stir; layering helps prevent the burn notice.
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Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 9 minutes. After cooking, perform a quick pressure release.
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Combine and Serve: Open the lid and gently toss the spaghetti and meatballs to combine. The sauce may appear thin initially but will thicken as it sits. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
- Variations: You can use homemade meatballs, substitute with ground beef, or experiment with other pasta types (adjusting the cook time). For a vegetarian version, add hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes (plus quick pressure release)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
