Delicious Instant Pot Meatballs and Pasta Recipe
Greetings fellow food enthusiasts! Today, I have a recipe that will knock your socks off – Instant Pot Meatballs and Pasta Recipe. It is an easy-to-make meal that you can whip up in no time. If you are a meatball lover, then this recipe is perfect for you. The combination of juicy meatballs with the savory tomato sauce and the generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese makes it a dish that you will come back to over and over again.
The best part about this recipe is that it only requires one pot – your dear instant pot! No more fussing with multiple pots and pans, as it is a spill-free recipe that makes cleaning up an effortless experience. It is perfect for busy weeknights or a lazy weekend meal when all you want to do is relax and enjoy a wholesome dish.
Are you looking to add some variation? Well, there’s good news because this recipe is versatile. You can make it with any type of meatballs, whether they are homemade or store-bought. Meat options are limitless as you can choose turkey meatballs, homemade Italian meatballs, Swedish meatballs, or even use frozen meatballs for maximum convenience.
Not just the meatballs, but experimenting can be done with different pastas too! You can try this recipe with spaghetti or rotini pasta – trust me, either way won’t disappoint.
So let’s get started and create a comforting and satisfying dinner for our loved ones. Gather around as we go step-by-step through the preparation of Instant Pot Meatballs and Pasta!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you why this Instant Pot Meatballs and Pasta recipe will be your next go-to meal. First off, it’s incredibly easy and quick to make, thanks to the magical device that is the Instant Pot. This means you can have a delicious homemade dinner on the table in just 30 minutes, without sacrificing quality or flavor.
And speaking of flavor, this recipe packs a punch with its perfect blend of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Each bite is bursting with savory goodness that will leave your taste buds feeling satisfied and content.
But perhaps what makes this recipe stand out the most is its versatility. You can use store-bought frozen meatballs for convenience or whip up a batch of homemade meatballs for extra indulgence. Either way, it’ll taste amazing.
And don’t even get me started on pasta options. Whether you prefer spaghetti, penne, rotini or even egg noodles, this recipe can adjust to your liking. Plus, you can add in extra ingredients like chicken or vegetables to make it a complete meal.
But wait, there’s more! This recipe is perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd as it yields enough for six servings. And leftovers taste even better the next day.
In summary, you’ll love this Instant Pot Meatballs and Pasta recipe because it’s easy, versatile, delicious and perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. It checks every box for a meal that’s satisfying both in taste and convenience. Don’t take my word for it – try it out yourself and thank me later!
Ingredient List
Let’s take a look at the ingredients we will be using for the Instant Pot Meatballs and Pasta recipe. Here are the items you need to include in your grocery shopping list:
Ingredients:
- 1 box Penne pasta
- 3 cups Spaghetti sauce
- 1 pound Frozen meatballs or homemade meatballs
- 1 can Tomato sauce
- 1 cup Chicken stock
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Egg
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp Dried basil
- ½ tsp Dried oregano
- ½ tsp Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
You may also want to purchase a cooking spray that will make it easier for you when preparing this recipe. Gathering all of the ingredients ahead of time will make the preparation process stress-free and ensure that nothing is missed while cooking in the Instant Pot.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have covered the introduction and why you will love this Instant Pot Meatballs and Pasta recipe, let’s jump into the fun part: making it! Follow my step-by-step instructions below to achieve the perfect Meatball Pasta Dinner.
Ingredients
- Meatballs: You can use homemade or frozen meatballs, either beef or turkey.
- Pasta: Any pasta shape will work well with this recipe, but the most popular ones used are penne and rotini.
- Spices: Garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, and Italian seasoningfor maximum flavor.
- Sauce: You will need tomato sauce, chicken broth, worcestershire sauce, and spaghetti sauce.
Instructions
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First, turn on your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add some olive oil and let it heat a bit.
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Once heated, add garlic powder, dried basil, dried oreganoand Italian seasoning . Cook for 30 seconds only, stirring constantly.
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Nowadd 1 box uncooked pasta at the top of the spiced olive oil. Spread it evenly so that it covers every corner of the pot.
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On top add one cup of water and a cup of chicken stock in instant pot..Do not mix with the pasta however gently press them down so that all pasta is submerged in water.
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Pour tomato sauce and spaghetti sauce over uncooked pasta but do not stir.
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Place meatballs on top of sauce inside the pressure cooker.
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Put the lid on instant pot in sealing position and set it to cook on high pressure for 13 minutes if using turkey meatballs and 10 minutes if using beef meatballs.
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When done cooking, allow for a natural pressure release and remove & discard the lid.
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Stir everything from the bottom up well at the end of cooking time, so all noodles etc are covered.
Tips for Perfect Results
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If you don’t want to use uncooked pasta, you can also cook your pasta separately and add it to the instant pot after your meatballs and sauce have finished cooking.
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For best results, place your meatballs in a single layer on top of the pasta, making sure they are not touching each other.
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You may add grated Parmesan cheese on top when serving
Making an Instant Pot Meatballs and Pasta Recipe has never been easier. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to shake things up a bit and try some new twists on this Instant Pot Meatball and Pasta recipe? Fear not, my friend! I have plenty of substitutions and variations that will take this dish to the next level.
– Different Pasta: While we used penne pasta in this recipe, feel free to substitute it with any other type of pasta such as rotini, spaghetti or fettuccine. The cooking times for each pasta may vary so make sure to adjust accordingly.
– Homemade Meatballs: Although we used frozen meatballs in this recipe for convenience, there’s no denying that homemade meatballs taste better. You can easily make your own Italian-style meatballs by combining ground beef and pork with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt and pepper.
– Turkey Meatballs: For a healthier option, try using turkey meatballs instead of beef or pork. They are leaner and lower in fat but still pack a flavorful punch.
– Swedish Meatballs: If you’re a fan of Swedish meatballs, you can easily convert this recipe by swapping out the Italian seasoning for nutmeg and allspice. Serve them over egg noodles for an authentic Scandinavian feel.
– Different Sauce: While we used tomato sauce in this recipe, you can try using marinara sauce, spaghetti sauce or even a meat sauce for a heartier and more robust flavor.
– Add Vegetables: Want to sneak in some veggies into your dish? Try adding sliced bell peppers, zucchini or spinach to the mix. They’ll add freshness and nutrition to your meal.
Remember that experimentation is key when it comes to cooking. Don’t be afraid to try out different ingredients or combinations until you find what truly satisfies your taste buds!
Serving and Pairing
As soon as the Instant Pot Meatballs and Pasta Recipe is complete, it’s time to dig in! This pasta meatballs dish is a hearty and satisfying meal that is best served hot. The aroma of the garlic powder, dried basil, and dried oregano will tantalize your taste buds, leaving you reaching for more.
You can pair your Instant Pot Meatballs and Pasta Recipe with a simple Caesar salad or garlic bread for added crunch and freshness. Alternatively, if you’re in the mood for something lighter, consider some roasted veggies on the side such as Brussels sprouts or carrots.
This recipe is also versatile, allowing you to swap out different types of pasta such as penne or rotini for spaghetti. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try turkey meatballs or homemade Italian meatballs as an alternative.
For a more authentic Italian experience, serve your Instant Pot Meatballs and Pasta Recipe with marinara sauce or meat sauce. The pasta will soak up all the flavours of the sauce, giving that authentic taste of Italy.
Regardless of how you choose to serve this dish, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Invite your friends over for a cozy evening indoors where you can enjoy a Meatball Pasta dinner together. And don’t forget to top it off with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving for that added umami taste.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you’ve gone to all the trouble of preparing your instant pot meatballs and pasta, you need to make sure that you store it properly so that it lasts as long as possible. The good news is that this recipe is a pleasure to work with because it’s just as good reheated as it is the first time around. That means you can make a big batch and then enjoy delicious meals throughout the week without worrying about any waste.
Make-Ahead:
If you’re short on time during the busy workweek, or simply want to plan ahead, you’ll be delighted to know that this dish can easily be made ahead of time. You can even prepare several batches by adding variations like different types of pasta, different spices or flavors, depending on what you have on-hand.
Storing:
Before storing your instant pot meatballs and pasta, let it cool down completely at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Doing this prevents the build-up of moisture in the container when storing in the refrigerator or freezer. Once cooled, transfer the meatballs and pasta in an airtight container and place in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
The best way to reheat leftover instant pot meatballs and pasta is by using the microwave (for small portions) or reheating it on the stovetop (for larger quantities). If reheating in the microwave, take out what you plan on eating and put it on a microwave-safe dish. Heat it in 30-second intervals until it’s hot enough to eat. As for reheating over low heat on your stovetop, put your leftovers in a pan with a lid and add a splash of water or chicken broth. Cook over medium-low heat until everything is heated through evenly.
To keep your leftover spaghetti and meatballs from drying out during reheating, you can add a little bit of oil or sauce before reheating it. Add a dollop of tomato sauce or whatever sauce was used in the original recipe and stir to combine. This will keep your pasta moist and flavorful!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making meatballs and pasta in an instant pot, there are a few tips that can help ensure perfect results every time. Here are some of my favorite tips:
Firstly, make sure to use the right type of pasta. This recipe works well with a variety of pasta shapes, including penne and rotini. However, for best results, I recommend using uncooked pasta that is shorter in length than spaghetti or fettuccine. This will help prevent the pasta from clumping together.
Secondly, use high-quality ingredients to maximize flavor. For example, freshly grated Parmesan cheese and dried herbs like basil and oregano can add depth to your dish. Don’t skimp on the garlic powder either—it’s a key ingredient for giving the meatballs their savory flavor.
Another tip is to use a cooking spray to prevent the meatballs from sticking to the bottom of the instant pot. When you add the meatballs, give them some space so they can brown evenly on all sides. If you’re using frozen meatballs, just make sure to place them at the bottom of the instant pot before adding any other ingredients.
Once everything is added to the instant pot, be sure to stir well to distribute all of the ingredients evenly. This will help ensure that each bite has a balanced mix of flavors.
One more tip: Don’t forget about the sauce! Whether you’re using store-bought marinara or making your own tomato sauce from scratch, be sure to add enough liquid in order for the pasta to cook properly. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of sauces, like Alfredo or pesto.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious and satisfying meatball and pasta dinner in no time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Instant Pot Meatballs and Pasta recipe is the perfect choice for anyone who craves a delicious and quick meal. With its juicy meatballs, flavorful sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this recipe will satisfy your palate and leave you feeling fully satisfied. Whether you’re a busy mom, a college student, or someone who loves to cook but doesn’t have much time, this recipe is sure to please.
I hope you give it a try and discover how easy it is to make mouth-watering meatball pasta dinner in an instant pot with little effort. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the recipe ingredients and explore different variations for endless possibilities of flavors. And if you do end up cooking this recipe, feel free to comment below with your thoughts and suggestions.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article, and I wish you happy cooking! Enjoy your Instant Pot Meatballs and Pasta dinner tonight!
Instant Pot Meatballs and Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 3 cups spaghetti sauce
- 1 lb pasta, uncooked
Meatballs
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (not garlic salt)
- 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1/2 tablespoon dried basil
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 lb italian seasoned meat
Instructions
- Serve and enjoy!
- Mix all of the meatball ingredients together and form into uniform one inch meatballs.
- Pour the chicken stock into the instant pot. Add the noodles. Pour the spaghetti sauce on top. Set the meatballs on top of the sauce.
- Lock the lid in place and select Manual, High Pressure and 5 minutes cook time.
- When the cook time ends, turn off the pressure cooker. Use the quick pressure please. When the valve drops, carefully remove the lid.
- Serve and enjoy!
- NOTE:
- Chicken Stock. It is key that you add this first.
- Pasta. Add this after the chicken stock.
- Spaghetti Sauce. You want to add this after the first two ingredients because if it goes in first, or is too close the bottom it can scorch and prevent your pressure cooker from coming to pressure.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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