Quick and Easy Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Hey there, friend! Today, we’re diving into a dish that’s equal parts nostalgia and weeknight savior—Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs. This recipe is a total game-changer: tender meatballs, perfectly cooked pasta, and rich marinara sauce, all made in one pot. It’s carefree comfort food at its finest, perfect for busy nights or cozy weekends. Ready to make dinnertime magic? Let’s do this!

If You’re Looking for a One-Pot Wonder, This Recipe’s About to Be Your Favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Wonder: No sink full of dishes here—everything cooks right in your Instant Pot!
• Quick and Easy: From raw ingredients to table-ready in about 30 minutes. It’s faster than takeout!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will devour this classic. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Customizable: You can tweak the spices, use gluten-free pasta, or swap in turkey meatballs. Endless options!

Ingredients Breakdown

• Meatballs: Use store-bought frozen meatballs for a time-saving shortcut or whip up a batch of your go-to homemade recipe. Both work beautifully!
• Pasta: Regular spaghetti is classic, but feel free to experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free options. Just break the noodles in half to fit them in the pot.
• Marinara Sauce: Pick your favorite jarred marinara or use homemade if you have a batch on hand. Look for a robust, flavorful sauce since it builds the base for this dish.
• Broth: Chicken or beef broth deepens the flavor and ensures the pasta doesn’t dry out while cooking. Veggie broth works great, too.
• Seasonings: Garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of chili flakes add homemade charm to every bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Layer the Meatballs: Pour about 1 cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of your Instant Pot and evenly arrange the frozen meatballs on top. Trust me, they’ll cook to perfection in this setup.
2. Add Spaghetti: Break the spaghetti noodles in half and layer them in a crisscross pattern over the meatballs. This keeps them from clumping together as they cook.
3. Pour Liquids and Season: Add the remaining marinara sauce, followed by 4 cups of broth. Sprinkle in garlic, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes. Do NOT stir—this is key to keeping the pot from giving you a burn notice.
4. Pressure Cook: Seal the lid and set your Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 8 minutes. Once the timer beeps, perform a quick release of the pressure.
5. Toss It Together: Give everything a gentle toss with a pair of tongs to evenly coat the pasta in the sauce and distribute the meatballs. Be careful not to break the noodles!
6. Serve: Dish up your spaghetti and meatballs, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan and chopped fresh basil if desired. Boom—dinner is served!

Chef’s Tips and Tricks

• No Burn Notice: Resist the urge to stir the layers before cooking. Keeping everything stacked ensures the Instant Pot doesn’t get finicky.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prep homemade meatballs and freeze them for a ready-to-go protein boost in this recipe.
• Don’t Overcook: Once the pressure cooking is done, avoid leaving the pasta on “Keep Warm” for too long. It can overcook and turn mushy.

Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the meatballs for plant-based options or sautéed mushrooms. Use vegetable broth for extra flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Crank up the heat by adding more chili flakes or diced chili peppers to the sauce.
• Serving Ideas: Pair this dish with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or even roasted veggies for a balanced meal.

FAQs

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen? Absolutely! Just make sure to sear them lightly in your Instant Pot on sauté mode before layering them with the sauce.

Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes! Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth to refresh the sauce.

What if I don’t have spaghetti? Other pasta shapes like fettuccine, penne, or rotini work great. Just adjust the pressure cook time slightly based on the pasta type.

Printable Recipe

I can’t wait for you to try this recipe! When you make it, be sure to leave a comment below or snap a pic and share it on social media with the hashtag #TheKitchensAid. Hearing about your cooking adventures always makes my day. Enjoy, my friend!