Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs is a one pot dump and push meal, using pantry items and frozen meatballs and ready in under 30 minutes.
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
Easy and delicious, Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs started the craze of frozen meatballs and jarred sauce for a quick ‘Soccer Mom’ spaghetti meal. Meatballs can be bagged from the store, or homemade raw, then frozen meatballs.
Cast of Ingredients for Pressure Cooker Soccer Mom Spaghetti and Meatballs
Many moms and dads are very busy driving their kids all over town and need a quick and easy recipe for dinner. Toss a few things in their Instant Pot, Ninja Foodi or Pressure Cooker, get the kids situated and sit down to a good and hearty meal with little effort; “Soccer Mom” Spaghetti and Meatballs to the rescue.
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Ingredients for Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
- Frozen Meatballs – any brand. You can even use your own fresh and then frozen raw meatballs.
- Spaghetti
- Spaghetti / Pasta Sauce
- Water or Chicken Broth
Pro Tip: a Tablespoon of Chicken Base added to the water increases the richness of the dish.
Add Olive Oil to Cooking Pot
Olive oil is an ingredient where quality matters a lot and does make a difference in taste. I recommend and use Kasandrinos Organic Extra Virgin Greek Olive Oil for my cooking.
Pro Tip: A little bit of olive oil added to the cooking pot will help keep the noodles from sticking together, as well as adding as some homemade taste to the jarred spaghetti sauce.
Add all the Frozen Meatballs
Can I use Homemade Meatballs?
- Sure. Many people who do not like to cook or need to cook in a hurry will by meatballs from the freezer section at the grocery store and keep bags of frozen meatballs in their freezer.
Both my Instant Pot Greek Meatballs {Keftedes} and Pressure Cooker Italian Meatballs would be incredible in this recipe. The meatballs can be made in advance and frozen to use in Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe. My famous Low Carb Margherita Pizza Meatballs, which are stuffed full of cheese, would also be awesome.
Homemade Meatball Idea
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- We like to buy a bunch of ground meat when it is on sale. The meat can be beef, chicken, turkey, pork, lamb, whichever you prefer.
- We then make up ton of meatballs and freeze them raw in freezer save bags. This way, whenever we want Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs, we are good to go.
Pro Tip: Vegetarians love to make Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs with Gardein Classic Meatless Meatballs.
Spaghetti Being Broken in Half and Added to Cooking Pot
Every time I break spaghetti in half, Ed cringes. And I get it. I like long noodles too, but when using a pressure cooker, unlike the stove, you don’t have the option of pushing the noodles down into hot boiling water.
Pro Tip: Breaking the spaghetti in half allows the spaghetti to be submerged under the water. This will help in even cooking.
Add Broken Spaghetti to Pot Over Meatballs.
Best Pasta for Instant Pot Spaghetti
- De Cecco Brand Pasta is very forging under pressure. It holds up better than other brands for a perfect al dente finish. The taste and texture of De Cecco Brand Pasta is terrific.
I use Amazon Subscribe and Save for all my De Cecco Pasta. I find the S&S significantly cheaper than buying the De Cecco Brand Pasta in the grocery stores. Check the prices, they are always changing on line and I grab a bunch when the price drops.
Pro Tip: When making recipes using a layering technique, it is important to add the ingredients into the cooking pot in the order of what needs the most cooking. In this case, raw frozen meatballs would take longer than pasta, so they go in first. They are closest to the heat source.
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs with Gemelli Pasta
Can Other Types of Pasta be Used?
- Of course. Everyone loves spaghetti and meatballs, but a different shaped pasta is just fine.
- I’ve used gemelli to make Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs, as well as other shapes and types.
Pro Tip: If using a different type of pasta, remember to use my “Rule of Thumb” found in the notes section below, to get the proper cook time.
Sprinkle Salt Over Spaghetti
The time to add salt when cooking spaghetti noodles or pasta is to the cooking water. This is the time when the spaghetti itself will get seasoned.
Cover the Spaghetti with the Large Jar of Spaghetti Sauce
Use a nice quality spaghetti sauce like Rao brand or Muir Glen since you are using a jar. Ragu Traditional is another good brand to use. Personally, we love my Instant Pot Spaghetti Sauce for Pasta [Homemade] and strongly suggest making a huge batch and freezing into portions so that you always have homemade sauce on hand.
If you like a more saucy Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs feel free to add more sauce.
Fill Jar of Spaghetti Sauce with Water and Pour into Cooking Pot
Chicken broth and water both work well in this Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe and either is fine to use.
Water or Chicken Broth
- My Pressure Cooker Bone Broth/Stock is great to use and add so much flavor.
- You can also add a tablespoon of Better than Bouillon Chicken base to water in the cooking pot, which will add wonderful flavor.
Pro Tip: Chicken Broth will add another layer of flavor.
That’s it. Go change your clothes and set the table. Seriously, that’s it. How much time did that take?
Stir Spaghetti Around to Remove Any Clumps
Clumping Spaghetti
- Often times, you will find some of the spaghetti clumping together. Do not panic.
- Merely take a fork or a spaghetti server and break up the spaghetti and push it back into the sauce.
When you first open the pot, there will be excess liquid. The spaghetti will continue to cook and absorb the liquid while your are mixing out the any clumps of noodles. It’s a good thing as this gives you time to mix the spaghetti without worrying about over cooking the noodles.
There you go. Delicious and filling and most importantly, since this is called Pressure Cooker Soccer Mom Spaghetti and Meatballs, QUICK! It looks great!
Watch the video below as I walk you though every step and detail of this recipe. I’ve given you a ton of information above, but sometimes a live visual of the process helps so you can follow along. I have my own cooking show on you YouTube Channel, so be sure to check it out and subscribe!
Watch my video and then scroll to the bottom for the printable recipe card.
Tips and Tricks for Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
- Grocery store frozen meatballs or your own homemade frozen raw meatballs will work.
- Swirl the oil around the bottom of the cooking pot.
- Don’t fret the clumps and sticking of the pasta. It happens and is easily remedied by stirring before serving.
- Homemade meatballs and sauce can be made in advance, frozen and then used for this recipe instead of store bought meatballs and sauce.
Another delicious pasta recipe the kids will especially love is my Pressure Cooker Beef and Macaroni. You will be happy not to have to use a can of the stuff!
Enjoy the Glee in your Partners Eyes as he Takes His/Her First Bite
Can you see the joy in Ed’s eyes as he takes that first bite? Ed can eat pasta several times a week. Spaghetti and Meatballs is one of his favorite meals..
Pro Tip: Add a dollop of ricotta cheese!
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
I love adding freshly grated Asiago or Parmesan cheese to all my pasta dishes and a big dollop of ricotta cheese. OMG, so much yum! You’ve got to make some delicious Air Fryer Garlic Bread Buns to go with spaghetti and meatballs.
More Easy Instant Pot Recipes to Make
- Instant Pot BBQ Ranch Chicken (Pressure Cooker)
- Instant Pot Italian Chicken Olive Garden
- Instant Pot BBQ Chicken (Pressure Cooker Zesty Chicken)
- Instant Pot Creamy Baked Ziti
I hope that this Pressure Cooker Soccer Mom Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe will save you lots of time in the kitchen and more time with your families.
Kitchen Equipment and Essentials
- Instant Pot, Ninja Foodi or Pressure Cooker
- Cilio Olivewood Spatula
- Microplane Artisan Ribbon Grater
- De Cecco Spaghetti
- Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce
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Here is the handy printable recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 24-26 ounces Frozen Meatballs (or frozen homemade)
- 16 ounces Spaghetti broken in half
- 1 Tablespoon Kosher Salt (or 1.5 tsp sea salt)
- 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning Blend (optional)
- 24-36 ounces Spaghetti / Pasta Sauce
- 3 cups Fresh Water Chicken Broth or (3 cups water + 1 TBL Better than Bouillon Chicken Base)
Optional
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
Recommended Products
Instructions
- Add olive oil to cooking pot and swirl to coat the bottom.
- Add frozen meatballs to cooking pot, spreading out across the pot.
- Break spaghetti in half and place over meatballs. Make sure spaghetti is spread out evenly.
- Sprinkle salt and Italian seasoning over spaghetti noodles.
- Dump in jar of spaghetti sauce, trying to keep the sauce over the broken spaghetti.
- Fill empty spaghetti sauce jar with water or chicken broth and pour into the cooking pot. Make sure the spaghetti is submerged in the liquid.
- If you are using chicken base instead of chicken broth, add the chicken base to the jar of water and shake to mix. Then pour the liquid into the cooking pot.
- Lock on lid and close pressure valve. Cook at high pressure for 3 minutes.
- When beep sounds, wait 5 minutes and then slowly release the rest of the pressure.
- Remove lid and mix together, breaking up any pasta which has clumped together. The noodles will continue to soften and absorb the liquid and sauce.
- If there is excess liquid (there shouldn't be), simmer to reduce.
Video
Notes
This Old Gal's Pasta Rule of Thumb
- Look at package of pasta and find the variable cook time. Choose the lesser time given and then subtract 2 minutes. For example, if your package of pasta says "cook for 8 - 11 minutes," take that 8 minute number and cut it in half, which is 4. Then subtract 2 minutes from the 4 minutes and you will end up with the proper cook time. In this case the cook time will be 2 minutes.
- After the 2 minute pressure cook time is up, wait 5 minutes and then release the rest of the pressure.
- If the variable cook time on your package of pasta is 11 - 16 minutes, err on the lesser side. In this instance, the cook time would be 3 minutes. It is better to end up with overly firm pasta rather than mushy because you can continue to cook the pasta, but if it is mushy, there is nothing you can do to correct.
- If the pasta is too firm or al dente for your taste, simply put the lid back on the pot and let the pasta sit in the hot pot. The residual heat will continue to cook the pasta. Check after a few minutes to see if the pasta has reached the perfect firmness for your liking. If not give it a stir and let sit some more.
Nutrition
PIN this Pressure Cooker Soccer Mom Spaghetti and Meatballs!
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs [Pressure Cooker]
I have absolutely fallen in love with the instant pot and don’t know why I delayed using it for as long as I did. And while I have a lot of favorite recipes, by far, this spaghetti and meatballs recipe, is my all-time favorite.
Oh, The magic that happens with the pasta water and those noodles and the sauce… How that silky decadent texture happens, like the noodles are coated in a butter sauce or something…. You just can’t describe it until you eat it!
My children absolutely devour it and cheer when they find out I’m making it.
I do use two jars of sauce. And I absolutely think chicken bouillon is essential (I love the Maggi brand).
And I also use my homemade meatballs
Hi Jennifer. I am so glad you and your family love this recipe so much. Thank you for your wonderful and kind words. Homemade meatballs are the best! Jill
Hi. What a great idea…can’t wait to try. That you know of, would doubling this recipe fit in an 8qt? And the time wouldn’t change, right.
I’m just curious – coked tomatoes give me heartburn. Would I be able to substitute a jar of Alfredo apace?
I don’t see why not. Jill
Will this not work if I use thawed meatballs instead?
It will work fine. Jill
Delicious, quick and best part… EASY! Thank you for this recipe!
I assumed 1 can of tomato sauce would be enough (damn metric system), but luckily I had a red bell pepper and turned it into something sauce-like. Also, to make the meal more balanced, I also mixed in mushrooms and spinach.
Hi Andrea. Thank you so much. Sounds wonderful with your additions. Jill
Can I cut this recipe in half? It makes too much for my small family. Do I change the times for anything?
Would there be any adjustment in time with Gluten free spaghetti that usually comes in 12 ounce packages? I know your Chicken Pesto Penne gives 7 minutes for the gluten free penne – which by the way is absolutely our favorite dish. Would 7 minutes be too long for the Gluten free spaghetti?
Please check the timing on your pasta and cook according to the notes section in the recipe. Each brand of pasta is different. Jill
Can I make this spaghetti and meatballs using DeCecco Thin Spaghetti No, 11? What is the cooking time for thin?
Would this work with Gluten Free Pasta?
Yes, it would. Jill
Seriously good! The pasta absorbs and oozes flavor. I made it exactly as written, but would reduce salt the next time if I use the Better than Bouillion. That was a great tip. Do you think it would be okay to omit salt altogether or just reduce amounts of both the bouillion and salt? Thanks for a perfectly detailed recipe for a newbie Instapot user.
Thank you so much. Glad you enjoyed your meal. This is a personal taste, so whatever you like is perfect. You should start with less as you an always add more. Jill
Super great in a pinch.
Thanks, Lorraine. Jill
This is a lifesaver recipe for busy weeknight meals!
Thanks, Allison. Jill
This is so easy and so good. Shoukd be a staple in every busy Mom’s recipe file.
Thank you, Bev. Jill