Instant Pot Penne Pasta with Meatballs

I love instant pot recipes that yield a complete meal, with minimal prep, like this Instant Pot Penne Pasta with Meatballs. Uncooked penne pasta, meatballs and a simple homemade tomato sauce are added to the pot together, and dinner is ready in just a few minutes!

I have a handful of all-in-one instant pot meals, like this one, that my family LOVES and I make on a regular basis. Our favorite is probably Instant Pot Chicken Taco Bowls followed closely by Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta and Instant Pot Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes.

Instant Pot Pasta with Meatballs

I really look forward to sharing this type of Instant Pot recipe because I know so many of you share my enthusiasm for meals you can dump in the instant pot and have dinner ready and nearly the snap of your fingers. This pasta is especially kid-friendly and I’m confidant your family will love it!

How to make Instant Pot Pasta with meatballs:

Gather the ingredients you’ll need, including uncooked penne pasta, a can of crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, meatballs (frozen or fresh), and spices.

Start by layering your frozen meatballs in the bottom of the Instant Pot.  Add the pasta on top of the meatball and spread it into an even layer.  Pour the water on top of the pasta.  Add the crushed tomatoes, seasonings, and tomato sauce on top and gently stir it with a spoon, making sure that the sauce completely covers the noodles.

The general rule of thumb for cooking pasta in the instant pot or pressure cooker is to cook it on high pressure for half the amount of time noted on the box, followed by a quick release.

How to cook meatballs in the Instant Pot:

You can use pre-cooked frozen meatballs for this recipe or you can make your own meatballs from scratch.

To cook frozen meatballs in the Instant Pot, simply layer them at the bottom of the instant pot, add uncooked pasta and water on top, followed by tomato sauce and spices. Then cook on high pressure for half the time noted on the pasta box.

To cook raw meatballs in the instant pot, first turn the instant pot to sauté mode.  Spray the bottom of the pot with cooking spray. Quickly brown the meatballs on all sides (they should still be uncooked in the middle).  Then layer them at the bottom of the instant pot, add uncooked pasta on top, add water and top with desired sauce.  Then cook on high pressure for half the time noted on the pasta box.

More ways to adapt this recipe:

• Substitute crushed fire roasted tomatoes to add some heat and bold flavor.
• Stir in spinach at the end
• Add cheese at the end

DON’T MISS MY OTHER FAVORITE INSTANT POT RECIPES, INCLUDING:

• Instant Pot Skinny Fettuccini Alfredo
• Instant Pot Chicken Taco Bowls
• Instant Pot Ranch Chicken Pasta
• Instant Pot Spaghetti
• Instant Pot Ribs
• Tomato Basil Soup
• Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya
• Instant Pot Chicken Marsala

You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST for more great recipes!

5 from 1 vote

Pasta with Meatballs

Print RecipeSave to Meal Plan

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

25 mins

Total Time

30 mins

 

Instant Pot Penne Pasta with Meatballs is a favorite easy meal at our house. It's made with uncooked penne pasta, meatballs and a simple red sauce.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Servings: 8

Calories: 547 kcal

Author: Lauren Allen

Ingredients

• 2 pounds frozen meatballs (fully cooked-about 16 meatballs)
• 1 pound penne pasta
• 3 cups water
• 24 ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 8 ounce can tomato sauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasonings
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
• 3 Tablespoons fresh basil leaves , chopped (or 2 tsp. dried)
• 1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar
• salt and pepper
• freshly grated parmesan cheese , for topping
• fresh parsley leaves , for garnish
• crushed red pepper flakes , optional for garnish

Instructions

1. DISCLAIMER: I developed and tested this recipe in my 6-QUART INSTANT POT DUO. If you’re using a larger IP or a newer brand you may need to add more liquid so that you don’t get a burn notice. (The new IP are much more sensitive). Not all instant pot recipes work perfectly for all types of instant pots. See this article for more information on adapting recipes for your instant pot.

2. Add meatballs to bottom of IP. Add pasta on top, spreading into an even layer.

3. Pour water over pasta.

4. Add crushed tomatoes, seasonings and tomato sauce and gently stir with a spoon. Smooth the sauce to completely cover the noodles.

5. Cook on High Pressure (Manual) for 4-5 minutes (half the time on the box of pasta).

6. Do a controlled quick release when timer beeps. Stir. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Pasta with Meatballs

Amount Per Serving

Calories 547 Calories from Fat 225

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 25g 38%

Saturated Fat 9g 45%

Cholesterol 81mg 27%

Sodium 332mg 14%

Potassium 809mg 23%

Total Carbohydrates 51g 17%

Dietary Fiber 4g 16%

Sugars 6g

Protein 28g 56%

Vitamin A 7.2%

Vitamin C 13.6%

Calcium 7.2%

Iron 18.3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Have you tried this recipe?!

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