2poundsItalian-style meatballsfrozen (uncooked or cooked)
1poundspaghetti noodlesbroken in half
3cupsbroth(chicken broth, beef broth, or water) or a combination of broth and red wine
14.5ounce can petite diced tomatoes
48ouncespasta or marinara sauce2 24-ounce jars of sauce (I mix different types of pasta sauces for extra layers of flavor)
½teaspoonkosher salt(or to taste)
1teaspoongranulated garlic
½teaspoonblack pepper(or to taste)
1teaspoonitalian seasoning
pinchred pepper flakes(optional)
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Instructions
Lightly spray the bottom of the 6-quart Instant Pot insert with olive oil. Add frozen meatballs into the bottom and spread them out evenly.
Break the spaghetti noodles in half and randomly place over the meat (don't place them all in one direction).
Pour the broth over the spaghetti noodles..
Next, pour the diced tomatoes over the noodles. Top with the pasta sauce.
Then sprinkle on the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Place the lid on the Instant Pot and lock in place. Cook for 8 minutes on high pressure. It may take 15 to 20 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure.
Once the cooking time is complete, manually release the steam by pressing the valve to release the steam. Then remove the lid.
Stir and break up any noodles that may have stuck together during cooking. Set to warm, let it set for 5 minutes to 10 minutes to thicken, stirring occasionally.
Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, or basil leaves.
Notes
Meatball Options: This recipe works beautifully with homemade or store-bought meatballs. I prefer homemade, but the frozen ones from the grocery store work in a pinch.
Frozen & Ready: You can use cooked or uncooked frozen meatballs—no need to thaw first.
From Scratch: If you want to make your own, try my skillet meatballs recipe (just skip the sauce and cheese). Freeze them, then use directly in this recipe—no pre-cooking needed.
RECIPE PRO TIPS:
Break the pasta in different directions so it doesn’t clump while cooking.
Use wine with broth: I love to mix 2 ½ cups broth with ½ cup red wine for another layer of flavor. It makes the sauce taste richer and just a little fancy without any extra work.
Layer, don’t stir before pressure cooking—keeps noodles from sticking to the bottom and triggering a burn warning.
If noodles clump after cooking, gently stir and break them up with a fork.
Let it sit on Warm for a few minutes after cooking; the sauce thickens beautifully and coats every strand.