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15-Minute Instant Pot Pasta & Meatballs! Discover the ultimate Instant Pot pasta with meatballs! Quick, easy, and incredibly delicious, ready in under 30 minute

15-Minute Instant Pot Pasta & Meatballs!

This instant pot pasta with meatballs recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It delivers a satisfying and flavorful meal in a fraction of the time compared to traditional stovetop methods. Combining tender pasta, savory meatballs, and a vibrant lemon-herb ricotta topping, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Designed for convenience and speed, the instant pot cooks the pasta and meatballs perfectly, while the simple ricotta mixture adds a fresh, creamy contrast. It's the ideal s
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 to 1lb. frozen chicken meatballs (or other pre-made meatballs – I used ones that were already cooked) – about 2 cups if you’re eyeballing
  • one 32-ounce jar of your favorite tomato pasta sauce
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups small pasta – I like to use ditalini
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 pound fresh ricotta
  • juice of 1 lemon + a little bit of zest
  • 1 garlic clove, finely grated
  • 1/4 cup olive oil

Method
 

  1. Place meatballs in the Instant Pot; drizzle with 1-2 tablespoons olive oil. Sauté for 2 minutes to brown slightly.
  2. Add small pasta, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Do NOT stir. Cook on HIGH pressure for 3 minutes.
  3. Quick release steam immediately. Stir gently to incorporate.
  4. While pasta cooks, mix 1lb ricotta, lemon juice, lemon zest, 1 grated garlic clove, and 1/4 cup olive oil in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Serve the pasta hot, topped with generous dollops of the herbed lemon ricotta.

Notes

- Use high-quality pre-made meatballs for the best flavor and texture.
- Don't skip the quick release; it prevents overcooked, mushy pasta.
- Adjust the lemon and herb amounts in the ricotta to your personal taste.
- For extra richness, use mascarpone instead of ricotta.