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Creamy Spaghetti and Meatballs in the Instant Pot

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Make a dinnertime favorite even quick and easier! The instant pot is a great way to make creamy spaghetti and meatballs with minimal dishes and effort.

pile of spaghetti and meatballs on plate in front of instant pot.

Classic spaghetti and meatballs just got even easier to make! With only one pot to clean and just a few ingredients, this creamy version is sure to become a new favorite dinner for your family. The creamy cheese filled sauce only makes it that much better!

As lives get busier, it gets harder and harder to get homecooked meals on the table. That definitely doesn’t mean it’s not important to do though.

Dry spaghetti in instant pot with tomato sauce on top.

We made it a priority when Little Dude was born that we would have dinner as a family as often as we could. That means pretty much every night unless one of us is working.

It is so much more affordable to make those dinners than order them… plus you might be able to tell I kind of like making them!

serving of creamy spaghetti and meatballs on plate

Previously I had a 3 quart version that was great for things like cooking frozen chicken breasts and making rice. It was also fabulous for boiling eggs or making side dishes like garlic soy green beans.

That doesn’t mean there aren’t those nights when I get home from work with no dinner planned and things start to feel hectic. So that is where the instant pot comes in handy!

Serving spoon scooping out big helping of steaming hot creamy spaghetti and meatballs from the Instant Pot.

But we all have healthy appetites at our house and I love having leftovers to bring to work for lunch. So it wasn’t quite big enough to do full meals for us.

I was really good to myself this Christmas and bought a few things I had been wanting. One of those was a 6 quart instant pot.

So expect to see more one pot instant pot meals here in the coming months. I have some more ideas I’d like to try and I know I’m not the only one who can appreciate some fast and easy meal options.

This recipe is great because you start with frozen meatballs. Then you just add dry spaghetti noodles (I like using the whole wheat but any would work), some water and a jar of sauce.

Once that is cooked, you just stir in some cream and cheese to make it next level delicious. The residual heat melts the cheese and you are ready to go.

Some warm garlic bread on the side will make everyone happy and don’t be surprised if they rush for seconds!

More Recipes to Try:

Chicken and spinach risotto in the pressure cooker is my new favorite way to make risotto. There is no standing over the pot stirring and you still get all of the creamy comforting goodness.

For another great twist on this classic combination, try spaghetti and meatball casserole. It is a cheesy baked recipe that is a perfect family meal.

Serving of spaghetti and meatballs topped with Parmesan cheese in front of the pressure cooker it was made in.

Turn leftover pulled pork into a completely different meal with creamy bbq pulled pork spaghetti.  It comes together quickly and is the perfect combination of textures and flavors.

Make copycat Spaghettios in your instant pot. This easy meal will make you relive your childhood in the tastiest kind of way!

Do you have a favorite easy instant pot recipe? Or maybe you have some ideas you’d like to see made into a  recipe. Either way, I’d love to hear about it!

Love this recipe? Give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review in the recipe card below!

pile of spaghetti and meatballs on plate in front of instant pot.

Creamy Spaghetti and Meatballs in the Instant Pot

Carlee
Classic spaghetti and meatballs just got even easier to make! With only one pot to clean and just a few ingredients, this creamy version is sure to become a new favorite dinner for your family. The creamy cheese filled sauce only makes it that much better!
4.92 from 23 ratings
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dinners
Cuisine American
Servings 8 Servings
Calories 455 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 1 pound frozen meatballs
  • 1 pound spaghetti noodles dry
  • 3 cups water
  • 24 ounce jar spaghetti sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 cup cream or half and half
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Spray the (at least 6 qt) instant pot insert with cooking spray.
  • Place frozen meatballs in the bottom of the pot.
    1 pound frozen meatballs
  • Break spaghetti into half or thirds so it fits in the insert. Layer on top of the meatballs, alternating directions so they don't clump together.
    1 pound spaghetti noodles
  • Pour water over pasta, then spaghetti sauce… do not stir. Add garlic and oregano then put lid on with the vent closed.
    3 cups water, 24 ounce jar spaghetti sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1½ teaspoons dried oregano
  • Pressure cook for 7 minutes, then quick release the steam.
  • Stir in the cream and Parmesan cheese then serve.
    1 cup cream or half and half, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 455kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 17gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 84mgSodium: 1052mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8g
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Recipe Rating




Big Rigs 'n Lil' Cookies

Tuesday 29th of October 2019

I made this tonight with homemade meatballs, and it was delicious! Thank you!

Carlee

Monday 4th of November 2019

YAY!!! I am so glad you liked it!

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen

Friday 9th of August 2019

I live cooking pasta in the Instant Pot, and your recipe sounds wonderful!

Carlee

Monday 4th of November 2019

Doesn't the ip make it so easy? Thank you

Unknown

Wednesday 12th of June 2019

This sounds yummy! I’m gonna have to give it a try next time the nieces are over for dinner :)

Carlee

Monday 4th of November 2019

I am sure they'll love it!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com

Monday 4th of March 2019

I always have homemade sauce in the freezer, and sometimes homemade meatballs in there, too. So this is great, Carlee. I'm so glad you have dinner as a family nearly every night--it's sooo important!

Carlee

Wednesday 12th of June 2019

I really should be better about batch cooking and freezing things like meatballs. That really is a fabulous idea!

Big Rigs 'n Lil' Cookies

Sunday 3rd of February 2019

Oh this makes me happy! I have the Instant Pot now, but haven't begun using it as much as I could. I love this idea, and will be getting some meatballs to have on hand for Spaghetti and Meatball night! Looking forward to more Instant Pot inspiration from you!

Carlee

Wednesday 12th of June 2019

This makes getting dinner on the table super quick and easy for sure!