This Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe revolutionizes this Italian classic with convenience and ease. Enjoy a fast weeknight meal with tender meatballs, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and rich tomato sauce all made in one pot.
How the Instant Pot Transforms Spaghetti
The Instant Pot shaves significant time off the traditional process of simmering sauce and boiling noodles on the stovetop. And thanks to the pressurized environment, flavors get infused right into the pasta.
This one-pot method means less dishes to wash too! Just layer the ingredients, set, and press start for serious flavor payoff.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering ingredients takes just a few minutes. You’ll need:
- Meatballs – fresh or frozen pre-made varieties work great. Or make your own for maximum flavor!
- Pasta Sauce – whatever variety you prefer, just ensure it’s liquidy enough to cover the pasta
- Uncooked Spaghetti – can sub other pasta shapes too
- Water – to thin out the sauce so it spreads evenly
- Olive Oil – for coating the noodles to prevent sticking
- Parmesan Cheese – for topping individual portions
- Fresh Basil – makes the perfect final garnish
See complete measurements in the recipe below.
Step-By-Step Instant Pot Directions
Follow these simple steps for perfect instant pot spaghetti every time:
- Evenly arrange meatballs in a single layer on pot bottom
- Top with a layer of halved uncooked spaghetti, keeping noodles loose
- Drizzle olive oil over noodles so they don’t stick as they cook
- Pour pasta sauce and water over noodles, ensuring they are fully submerged
- Pressure cook on High for 10 minutes
- Use quick pressure release method before opening lid
- Stir well, allowing excess liquid to absorb for 2-3 minutes
- Serve pasta and meatballs coated in sauce, topped with Parmesan and fresh basil
Handy Tips for Instant Pot Spaghetti Success
- Don’t stir ingredients together before pressure cooking
- Use quick pressure release after 10 minutes
- Let pasta rest 2-3 minutes allowing sauce to thicken
Customize This Classic Pasta Dish
Personalize this recipe with your own creative touches:
- Use homemade or gourmet pasta sauce for maximum flavor
- Stir in extra garlic, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes
- Swap in turkey or vegetarian meatballs
- Use gluten-free pasta and sauce to make it accessible
- Double recipe in an 8-quart cooker for easy meal-prepping
Now you can enjoy saucy, tender Instant Pot spaghetti and meatballs any night of the week! Find the full recipe details below:
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 lb frozen meatballs homemade or store-bought
- 8 oz uncooked spaghetti broken in half
- 24 oz pasta sauce
- 3 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Arrange meatballs in a single layer in pot
- Top with layer of halved spaghetti noodles
- Drizzle noodles with olive oil to prevent sticking
- Pour pasta sauce and water over noodles, ensuring they are fully submerged
- Pressure cook on High for 10 minutes
- Quick release pressure and open lid carefully
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until coated
- Garnish with fresh basil
- Do Not Stir ingredients together before pressure cooking to prevent burning error messages.
Notes
- Quick release pressure after 10 minutes
- Let pasta rest 5 minutes allowing liquid to absorb
- Add Italian seasoning, garlic, or red pepper flakes to sauce for extra flavor
