Delicious One-Pot Meatballs Marinara Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Dish!

Life can get hectic. Whether it’s financial ups and downs or simply the chaos of daily routines, we all crave a meal that’s warm, easy, comforting, and wallet-friendly. Jeff from Pressure Luck Cooking totally gets it—and he’s back with an Instant Pot recipe that ticks all the boxes: quick, affordable, minimal ingredients, and absolutely mouthwatering.

Today, we’re diving into the world of one-pot Meatballs Marinara Pasta. With zero sautéing, no draining, and under 10 ingredients, this dish is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Best of all? You can find everything you need at your local Costco or probably already have it in your pantry and freezer!

Why This Recipe is a Game-Changer

Jeff recently returned from a life-changing solo trip to Japan, feeling refreshed and inspired. What better way to jump back into cooking than with a comfort food recipe that anyone can make? This meatballs marinara pasta isn’t just food—it’s the answer to “What’s for dinner?” when your time, energy, and budget are all stretched thin.

Let’s break down why this pasta recipe is bound to become a family favorite:

Under 10 ingredients

• Done in one pot (Instant Pot magic!)
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Feeds 6–8 people easily
• Freezer and pantry-friendly

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything Jeff used to create this hearty dish:

• 1 lb of ziti rigati (ziti pasta with ridges)
• 4 cups of broth (garlic broth, chicken, or vegetable)
• 2 tablespoons of salted butter
• 1.5 lbs of frozen meatballs (store-bought)
• 3 cups of marinara sauce (Rao’s or Victoria preferred)
• 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 container of herbed cheese (Aloette or Boursin)

Pro tip: All of these ingredients are easily found at Costco—and for great prices!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: The Prep (All 3 Minutes of It!)

This recipe is as close to “dump and go” as it gets. In your Instant Pot:

Add the entire 1 lb box of ziti rigati.

Pour in 4 cups of broth (Jeff used garlic broth, but any will do).

Spread the pasta out so it’s mostly submerged.

Add 2 tablespoons of salted butter on top of the pasta.

Pour 1.5 lbs of frozen meatballs on top.

And that’s it! Close the lid and set your Instant Pot to Pressure Cook on high for 4 minutes. The frozen meatballs help regulate the temperature, so 4 minutes is perfect for cooking the pasta al dente without overdoing it.

Note: If you’re skipping the meatballs, go for 6 minutes instead.

Step 2: Quick Release & Stir

Once the cooking cycle is complete, do a quick release and open the lid. You’ll see perfectly cooked pasta and juicy meatballs. Give everything a gentle stir. The pasta may appear slightly collapsed—that’s actually ideal, as it absorbs the sauce better.

Step 3: Make It Creamy & Cheesy

Now comes the real flavor bomb:

Add 3 cups of room-temperature marinara sauce.

Toss in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.

Add the entire tub of herbed cheese (like Aloette or Boursin).

Stir it all together until everything melts into a creamy, garlicky, luxurious sauce. Be sure to use room-temp marinara sauce to avoid cooling down the dish.

Let it rest on the “Keep Warm” setting for 3 minutes to thicken and meld the flavors.

The Final Dish: A Creamy, Savory, Cheesy Pasta Dream

After just a few minutes of rest, the pasta soaks up the cheesy marinara sauce beautifully. What you get is a luscious, rich, and utterly satisfying meal with barely any effort.

Taste Test Verdict

Jeff couldn’t get enough of the taste—and for good reason. The creamy marinara sauce, combined with garlicky broth, Parmesan, and the magic of herbed cheese, creates something far more delicious than its simple prep would suggest.

And those frozen meatballs? While homemade is always great, Jeff admits he loves the store-bought kind too—especially when they’re this easy to use and taste this good.

Why This Recipe Works Every Time

Here’s what makes this pasta dish a foolproof winner:

• Zero sautéing: No browning meat, no frying onions—just straight to the pot.
• No draining: The broth fully absorbs into the pasta, adding flavor and minimizing cleanup.
• Flexible ingredients: Use whatever broth you have. Swap ziti with penne or rigatoni. Use fresh or frozen meatballs.
• Cost-effective: Every ingredient can be bought in bulk, saving time and money.

Ideal for Busy Families & Meal Prep

This dish isn’t just a dinner idea—it’s a meal prep dream. One batch easily serves 6–8 people, making it perfect for:

Family dinners

Leftovers for lunch

Freezer meals for busy weeks

Make a double batch and freeze half for an instant dinner solution later on.

Pro Tips from Jeff

Use room-temperature marinara sauce to keep everything hot and creamy.

Keep the Instant Pot on “Keep Warm” after cooking to let the cheese melt smoothly.

Stir gently to preserve the structure of the pasta and evenly coat with sauce.

Shop smart: Costco is your best friend for this recipe—bulk butter, pasta, broth, frozen meatballs, sauces, and cheese are all there in abundance.

The Cookbook Connection

If you’re a fan of quick, delicious meals like this, Jeff has multiple cookbooks to check out—especially the Super Shortcut Instant Pot Cookbook, where every recipe uses 10 ingredients or less.

Looking for more pasta inspiration? His non-Instant Pot cookbook Possibilities offers step-by-step pasta recipes using store-bought pasta and homemade sauces—all with beautiful photos and easy instructions.

Final Thoughts

Jeff’s Meatballs Marinara Pasta is proof that incredible food doesn’t require complicated steps or expensive ingredients. With just a few pantry staples and a little Instant Pot magic, you can have a soul-warming, crowd-pleasing dinner ready in less than 30 minutes.

So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, hungry, or just plain tired, whip up this one-pot wonder. It’s comforting, it’s cheesy, it’s satisfying—and it’s everything dinner should be.