Spaghetti and meatballs are a beloved comfort food, yet the traditional method of preparing this dish can be time-consuming. However, with the help of a pressure cooker, you can prepare this classic meal in a fraction of the time without sacrificing flavor. In just one pot, you can have juicy meatballs, perfectly cooked pasta, and a flavorful sauce, all in under 30 minutes. This recipe is perfect for busy evenings when you want to enjoy a comforting, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 500g spaghetti
- 400g minced beef
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 400ml tomato sauce
- 500ml water or stock
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp dried herbs (oregano, basil)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, to serve
Directions:
- Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Form small meatballs, about 20 in total.
- Cook the meatballs: Set the pressure cooker to “sauté” mode and heat the olive oil. Sauté the meatballs for a few minutes until they are browned on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked at this point). Remove the meatballs and set them aside.
- Cook the spaghetti and sauce: Add the tomato sauce to the pressure cooker, then pour in the water or stock. Break the spaghetti in half and layer them crisscrossed over the sauce to prevent sticking. Place the meatballs on top of the spaghetti.
- Pressure cooking: Close the pressure cooker lid, set it to “pressure cook” for 8 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick release to release the pressure.
- Serve: Open the pressure cooker and gently stir the pasta and meatballs to mix. Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Crispy Chicken & Alfredo Tagliatelle: The Perfect Combination of Crunchy and Creamy
This dish is the ultimate combination of crispy and creamy, with a crispy golden chicken fillet atop a bed of smooth, creamy Alfredo tagliatelle. The balance of textures and flavors is what makes this meal a hit for special occasions or whenever you want a comforting, indulgent dinner.
Ingredients:
For the crispy chicken:
- 4 chicken fillets
- 100g breadcrumbs
- 50g grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 100g flour
- Oil for frying
- Salt & pepper
For the Alfredo tagliatelle:
- 400g tagliatelle
- 200ml crème fraîche
- 100g grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 50g butter
- Salt & pepper
- Fresh parsley (for decoration)
Preparation:
- Prepare the crispy chicken: Season the chicken fillets with salt and pepper. Coat each fillet first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally dredge in a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Fry the chicken: Heat the oil in a frying pan and fry the chicken fillets until golden brown and crispy. Once done, drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare the Alfredo tagliatelle: Cook the tagliatelle in boiling salted water according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Make the Alfredo sauce: In a large frying pan, melt the butter, add the garlic, and cook for a few minutes until softened. Pour in the crème fraîche and add the Parmesan, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the dish: Add the cooked tagliatelle to the sauce, tossing to coat well. Serve the creamy pasta on plates and top with the crispy chicken fillets. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor.
Pasta with Chicken and Creamy Boursin Sauce
This creamy pasta with chicken and Boursin sauce is an indulgent yet simple dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or when you have guests over. The creamy Boursin garlic and herb cheese gives the sauce a rich, flavorful depth, while the tender chicken and pasta create a comforting meal.
Ingredients (for 4 people):
- 220g pasta
- 350g chicken breast
- 1 onion
- 100ml white wine
- 50ml water or pasta cooking juice
- 150g Boursin garlic and herb
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, pepper
Preparation:
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions. Drain, reserving a little of the cooking water.
- Prepare the chicken: Peel and finely chop the onion. Cut the chicken breast into small pieces.
- Cook the chicken and onion: Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes, until translucent. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Deglaze with white wine: Pour in the white wine and let it reduce for a few minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.
- Simmer the sauce: Add the 50ml of water or reserved pasta cooking liquid to the pan. Season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.
- Add Boursin: Stir in the Boursin cheese and mix until you have a smooth, creamy sauce. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Mix with pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing it well to coat the pasta with the creamy Boursin sauce.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately, optionally adding spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top can enhance the flavor even more.
Pasta with Boursin, Bacon, and Tomatoes – A Simply Irresistible Dish!
This quick and flavorful pasta dish is a nostalgic meal that is simple yet packed with flavors. The creamy Boursin cheese sauce, combined with crispy bacon and juicy tomatoes, creates a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients:
- 300g pasta (penne, fusilli, or others)
- 150g smoked bacon
- 100g Boursin (garlic and herbs)
- 2 ripe tomatoes (diced)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Preparation:
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the bacon and onion: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and onion, cooking until the bacon is crispy and the onion is golden.
- Add the tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes to the pan and cook for 5 minutes until they soften.
- Make the Boursin sauce: Stir in the Boursin cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Drain the pasta and toss it into the creamy sauce. Mix well, ensuring the pasta is fully coated.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, and enjoy the delicious combination of creamy, smoky, and fresh flavors.
Conclusion
These delicious pasta dishes offer a wide range of flavors and textures, from the crispy chicken with creamy Alfredo to the rich and indulgent Boursin sauces. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a special treat to impress your guests, these recipes will provide comfort and satisfaction. The versatility of pasta makes it an excellent choice for a variety of meals, and with a few simple ingredients, you can create mouthwatering dishes that everyone will love. Enjoy!