Spaghetti & Meatballs One-Pot Wonder

This Instant Pot Spaghetti & Meatballs One-Pot Wonder is the perfect solution for a quick and satisfying dinner. Classic Italian comfort food is made effortlessly in one pot, saving you time and cleaning up zero mess. You’ll have perfectly cooked spaghetti, juicy meatballs, and a flavorful marinara sauce all ready in just 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a true weeknight hero. No need for multiple pots and pans—everything cooks together in one pot, making it both easy and delicious. The Instant Pot makes cooking spaghetti and meatballs a breeze, and the combination of marinara sauce, garlic, and onion creates a savory, flavorful dish that’s sure to please everyone. Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking for a quick and comforting meal, this recipe delivers every time.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 lb frozen meatballs

• 3 cups water

• 24 oz marinara sauce

• 8 oz spaghetti, broken in half

• ½ tsp salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil and sauté the diced onions and minced garlic for 2 minutes, or until fragrant.

2. Layer in the frozen meatballs, broken spaghetti, marinara sauce, and water (in that order). Do not stir.

3. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes.

4. Perform a quick release to release the pressure.

5. Stir the contents well to mix the spaghetti and meatballs together.

6. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 8 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover spaghetti and meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or heat in a pot on the stove until warm.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh meatballs, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted. If they’re larger than the frozen variety, you may need to add 1-2 extra minutes to the cooking time.

2. Can I use a different pasta?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. If you’re using a pasta that takes longer to cook (like penne or rigatoni), you may need to increase the cooking time slightly. Just be sure to break the pasta into smaller pieces if needed to fit in the pot.

3. Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely! You can add veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Add them in during the sauté step or mix them into the pot with the other ingredients before cooking.

4. Can I use homemade marinara sauce?

Yes, homemade marinara sauce will work great in this recipe. Use your favorite recipe or store-bought marinara for convenience.

5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can use vegetarian meatballs or even homemade veggie patties in place of the traditional meatballs to make this recipe vegetarian.

6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta in place of regular spaghetti. Be sure to check that the meatballs are also gluten-free, or use gluten-free meatballs.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as the Instant Pot will take longer to come to pressure with a larger quantity. Be sure not to exceed the maximum fill line in the pot.

8. Can I use store-bought frozen meatballs?

Yes, store-bought frozen meatballs work perfectly for this recipe and save you time. Choose your favorite brand or make them homemade for extra flavor.

9. What should I serve with this dish?

This dish is hearty on its own, but you can pair it with a side of garlic bread, a green salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

10. How do I know when the spaghetti is done?

Once you perform the quick release, the spaghetti should be tender and fully cooked. If it’s still too firm, you can set the Instant Pot to sauté for a couple of minutes to cook it further.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Spaghetti & Meatballs One-Pot Wonder is a quick, easy, and flavorful dinner solution. With tender meatballs, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a rich marinara sauce, this meal delivers classic Italian comfort in just 30 minutes. It’s a family-friendly favorite that’s perfect for busy weeknights or any night you’re craving a delicious and satisfying meal!

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