Instant Pot Pasta and Meatballs
Instant Pot Pasta and Meatballs is one of my favorite busy weeknight dinners! Dump uncooked pasta, meatballs, and a simple sauce ingredients to the Instant Pot then minutes later dinner is on the table! This is a family meal staple everyone needs!
Servings: 8
Calories: 547kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds frozen cooked meatballs*
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 3 cups water
- 24 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 8 oz 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 chopped parsley , for garnish
- crushed red pepper flakes , optional for garnish
Instructions
- DISCLAIMER: I developed and tested this recipe using 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). Refer to this article for more information on adapting recipes for your instant pot.
- Layer ingredients in Instant Pot: Spray the bottom of the instant pot with nonstick cooking spray. Add frozen meatballs, then dry pasta, spreading into an even layer. Pour water over pasta. Add crushed tomatoes, seasonings and tomato sauce and gently tomato sauce and seasonings. Smooth the sauce to completely cover the noodles.
- Cook on High Pressure (Manual) for 4-5 minutes (half the cook time listed on the box of pasta).
- Do a controlled quick release when timer beeps. Stir. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve with fresh grated parmesan on top, and extra chopped fresh basil, if desired.
Video
Notes
Homemade Meatballs: prepare homemade meatball, but to cook, use the instant pot, on sauté setting, brown them lightly on all sides, in a little oil. You don't need to cook them all the way through. Continue with recipes steps as instructed, adding uncooked pasta, sauces, spices and water on top, and cooking at high pressure.
Spicy: use crushed fire roasted tomatoes instead of the crushed tomatoes, and add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Veggies: Stir in fresh spinach at the end of cooking.
Nutrition
Calories: 547kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 332mg | Potassium: 809mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 360IU | Vitamin C: 11.2mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 3.3mg
Recipe Link
Recipe Video
