Pressure Cooker Spaghetti and Meatballs

Step 3: Build the Sauce

1. In the same pressure cooker, add the chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in the marinara sauce and water or broth, stirring to combine.
4. Return the meatballs to the sauce, gently submerging them.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

1. Break the spaghetti in half and layer it over the meatballs in the sauce.
2. Press the pasta gently into the liquid but avoid stirring at this stage. This prevents the noodles from sticking together.
3. Ensure the liquid just covers the pasta and meatballs; add a splash more water or broth if necessary.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

1. Close the lid and set the pressure cooker to high pressure for 8 minutes.
2. Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure to avoid overcooking the pasta.
3. Open the lid carefully and gently stir the pasta and meatballs together.

Step 6: Final Touches

1. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
2. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
3. Serve hot in bowls, and watch the family dig in!

Pro Tips for Perfect Pressure Cooker Spaghetti and Meatballs

• Use uniform meatballs: This ensures even cooking and prevents smaller meatballs from disintegrating.
• Layer pasta carefully: Don’t stir before cooking; it prevents clumping.
• Sauce consistency: If the sauce seems too thin after pressure cooking, turn on sauté mode for 2–3 minutes to thicken.
• Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the pasta.

Conclusion

Pressure cooker spaghetti and meatballs takes a classic comfort dish and transforms it into a fast, foolproof meal without sacrificing flavor. The tender meatballs, perfectly cooked pasta, and rich, aromatic sauce all come together in under 30 minutes. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a last-minute gathering, this dish delivers all the satisfaction of traditional spaghetti and meatballs with a fraction of the effort.

If you want, I can also make a visual step-by-step version with images for this recipe—it would look almost like a mini cookbook guide.

Do you want me to do that?