Description
This Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe combines the convenience of pressure cooking with classic Italian flavors. Juicy frozen meatballs cook perfectly nestled in a rich marinara sauce alongside tender spaghetti, all in one pot. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an easy, comforting meal that requires minimal cleanup and is perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Main Ingredients
- 1 package frozen Italian meatballs (about 12-16 meatballs)
- Pot-sized spaghetti or regular spaghetti, broken in half to fit (around 8 ounces)
- 1 jar (24 ounces) spaghetti sauce
- 2 cups water or broth
Optional Garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh herbs (such as basil or parsley)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté briefly for 30 seconds to release aroma. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Turn off the sauté function.
- Layer Ingredients: Arrange the frozen meatballs in a single layer on top of the cooked onion and garlic mixture. Lay the broken spaghetti over the meatballs in a crisscross pattern to prevent sticking. Drizzle a little olive oil over the pasta.
- Add Liquids: Pour the jar of spaghetti sauce evenly over the spaghetti, then add 2 cups of water or broth on top without stirring. The layering helps to avoid the burn warning on the Instant Pot.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set to manual high pressure for 9 minutes. When the cooking cycle completes, perform a quick pressure release by carefully turning the valve to vent.
- Combine and Serve: Open the lid and gently toss the spaghetti and meatballs to combine with the sauce. Note that the sauce may look a bit thin at first but will thicken as it sits. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, if desired.
Notes
- Breaking spaghetti in half helps it fit more easily in the pot and cook evenly.
- Using broth instead of water adds extra flavor to the sauce.
- Do not stir after adding liquids to prevent the Instant Pot burn notice.
- Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking to let the sauce thicken.
- Frozen meatballs can be used straight from the freezer; no need to thaw.
