Description
This Spaghetti & Meatballs One-Pot Wonder is a quick and easy meal that combines tender frozen meatballs, broken spaghetti, and marinara sauce cooked together in an Instant Pot. With minimal prep and only 30 minutes total cooking time, this comforting dish delivers rich flavors and a hearty dinner with effortless cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs and Sauce
- 1 lb frozen meatballs
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 3 cups water
- ½ tsp salt
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti, broken in half
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 2 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly softened.
- Layer Ingredients: Without stirring, layer the frozen meatballs first, then the broken spaghetti, marinara sauce, and finally the water on top.
- Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid, ensure the valve is set to sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes to allow the spaghetti and meatballs to cook fully and absorb the sauce flavors.
- Release Pressure: Perform a quick release to safely release the pressure, ensuring the pasta doesn’t overcook.
- Mix and Serve: Stir the contents thoroughly, combining the spaghetti evenly with the meatballs and sauce. Serve hot, optionally garnished with Parmesan cheese or fresh basil for added flavor.
Notes
- For best results, do not stir the ingredients before pressure cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- You can substitute frozen meatballs with freshly made ones but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as basil or parsley for an aromatic finish.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the water to 2 ½ cups.
- This recipe works well with gluten-free spaghetti to make it suitable for gluten intolerant diets.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
