30-60 min4 servingsAmerican

Kid-O’s Pasta & Turkey Meatballs

By Instant Pot Culinary Team

Icon of two silouettes of people

4 servings

Icon of clock

30-60 min

Icon of metric scale

Easy

Kid-O’s Pasta & Turkey Meatballs
Red background with darker red circles

Recipe Details

Course: Dinner, Kid-Friendly

Difficulty: Easy

Prep Time: 10 min

Cook Time: 10 min

Total Time: 30-60 min

Cooking Technique: Pressure Cook, Sauté

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 9 round buttery crackers
  • 1 1/2 tbsp plain yogurt
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 3/4 lb ground turkey (a mix of dark and white meat is best)
  • 7 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • kosher salt
  • 1 1/4 cups chicken stock
  • 1 can tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 6 oz mini dried pasta
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
This homemade pasta-and-meatball recipe tastes reminiscent of the old-school canned version of your childhood, with a slightly sweet tomato sauce, tender mini pasta shapes, and little turkey meatballs. Your kids will love it, and the kid in you will, too.

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. In a bowl, combine the crushed crackers, milk, and egg yolk and mash with a fork until the crackers are moistened. Add the turkey, 3 tablespoons of the Parmesan, the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Using your hands or a wooden spoon, stir gently to combine. Form into 26–30 meatballs, using a heaping teaspoon for each one. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.
  2. In the Instant Pot®, whisk together the stock, tomato sauce, sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt. Add the pasta and stir to combine. Place the meatballs on top but don’t stir.
  3. Lock the lid in place and turn the valve to Sealing. Press the Pressure Cook button and set the cook time for 5 minutes at low pressure.
  4. Let the steam release naturally for 5 minutes, then turn the valve to Venting to quick-release any residual steam. Carefully remove the lid. Using a rubber spatula, gently stir in the butter and the remaining ¼ cup Parmesan. Serve right away.

Notes

TIP This kid-friendly comfort food gets a double dose of nutty Parmesan, which is used in the meatballs and also in the sauce.

About the chef

Instant Pot® Culinary Team

Instant Pot® Culinary Team

When life’s moving fast and dinner needs to happen faster, the Instant Pot Culinary Team is here to make it deliciously doable. We cook up recipes for every Instant Pot appliance you’ve got your hands on—so whether you’re tackling Tuesday night or going all-out for the weekend, you’ll have the flavor without the fuss. No overthinking, no babysitting, just good food that works with your schedule (not against it).

View All Instant's Recipes

GET COOKIN’ WITH US