Deliciously Quick and Easy Lemon Pasta Recipe
Greetings foodies, today I’ll be sharing with you an exquisite recipe for Instant Pot Parmesan Lemon Pasta. If you’re anything like me, you probably appreciate quick and easy meal solutions that taste nothing short of divine. Well, look no further because this recipe is everything you’ve been searching for.
This savory pasta recipe combines the flavors of parmesan cheese, butter, chicken broth and lemon juice to create a dish that is both rich and tangy. The beauty of cooking pasta in an Instant Pot is that it saves time and requires significantly less preparation than traditional stovetop methods.
Not only is this recipe a winner in terms of taste, but it’s also super versatile. You can add chicken, shrimp or even ground meat to elevate its nutritional profile and transform it into a protein-packed meal. It’s an excellent option for weeknights when you don’t have the luxury of spending hours in the kitchen but still want something nutritious and delicious.
So grab your Instant Pot, pasta noodles and let’s get cooking! This recipe is so easy to follow, even if you’re not particularly skilled in the kitchen. Trust me; your family will love every bite and ask for seconds. Don’t believe me? Well then, there’s only one thing left to do – try it yourself!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Folks, let me tell you about the Instant Pot Parmesan Lemon Pasta Recipe, a dish you’ll simply adore. First of all, this recipe is incredibly easy to make, and it takes only 15 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re a busy parent or a professional with a hectic schedule, this recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy a quick and delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Secondly, this recipe calls for simple and everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry – fettuccine noodles, lemon juice, garlic cloves, chicken broth, butter and parmesan cheese. Plus, with some basic knowledge of how to use the Instant Pot pressure cooker, putting together this dish will be a breeze.
But let’s talk about the taste! This dish packs an immense flavor punch with its tangy lemon zest perfectly blended with buttery parmesan cheese that will leave your taste buds tingling with delight. The creamy sauce is just the right texture and consistency that even little ones will love.
Fret not if you’re on a diet though because this recipe has healthy substitutions too! You can substitute half-and-half milk for heavy cream or olive oil instead of butter (although I must confess – everything tastes better with actual butter). You can also add your favorite protein such as chicken breast or shrimp to make this pasta wholesome yet satisfying.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a dose of quick and comforting cuisine that will tantalize your taste buds without sweating it out in the kitchen then the Instant Pot Parmesan Lemon Pasta Recipe is undeniably perfect for you! I guarantee that once you’ve tasted this zesty and cheesy dish, it’s going to take your pasta game up by ten levels!
Ingredient List
Let’s get started on this instant pot Parmesan lemon pasta recipe! Here are the ingredient list for this delightful dish:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz fettuccine noodles
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest from 1 lemon
- ½ cup half-and-half
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp cold water
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- Salt and white pepper to taste
For Sautéing Chicken:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley leaves, chopped
All ingredients should be available in your local grocery store. If you’re a fan of chickpea or whole wheat pasta, feel free to substitute them in for fettuccini noodles.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you’ve gathered all the necessary ingredients for this Instant Pot Parmesan Lemon Pasta Recipe, it’s time to start cooking!
Step 1: Sauté Garlic
Turn on the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add two tablespoons of olive oil. Wait until the oil is hot before adding minced garlic cloves(2). Cook the garlic for about a minute, or until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Step 2: Add Chicken Broth
After the garlic is nicely sautéed, pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and deglaze the pot by scraping any brown bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon.
Step 3: Add Other Ingredients
Now, it’s time to add other ingredients: 8 oz of fettuccine noodles(1), lemon juice from half a lemon (1/2), and zest from one whole lemon(1). You can also add some seasonings such as white pepper (1/4 tsp) and salt (to taste).
Step 4: Pressure Cooking
Close the lid of the Instant Pot and make sure that the valve is set to “sealing” position. Select Manual / Pressure Cook mode and set the timer for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Quick Release & Creamy Sauce
Once pressure cooking is complete, perform a quick pressure release, then turn on Sauté mode again. Add in half-and-half (1 cup) and grated parmesan cheese (1/2 cup) to create a creamy and cheesy sauce.
Step 6: Finalize
Finally, it’s time to finalize this delicious Instant Pot Parmesan Lemon Pasta Recipe by stirring in some parsley (a handful) and cornstarch (1 tablespoon dissolved in cold water). Continue cooking until the sauce has thickened, then serve with some additional parmesan cheese and lemon wedges for a pop of brightness.
This recipe is not only satisfyingly delicious but also quick and easy to make! Surely, it’s easy to see why this Instant Pot Parmesan Lemon Pasta Recipe will soon become a dinner staple in your household.
Substitutions and Variations
Now, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to spice things up a bit, don’t hesitate to try some of these variations and substitutions.
For a vegetarian twist on this dish, you can swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and add some sliced mushrooms or sautéed spinach. Another option is to omit the chicken altogether and go for a shrimp pasta instead. You can sauté some shrimp in olive oil with garlic and lemon pepper before adding them into the pot.
If you’re looking to switch up the pasta, fettuccine alfredo or orzo are great substitutes. For an even lighter version, use zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta.
To add a little more kick, try adding red pepper flakes or black pepper to taste. You could also add some grated parmesan cheese while pressure cooking for extra creaminess.
And, if you’re not a fan of lemon, feel free to reduce or omit the lemon juice altogether. You could also experiment with other citrus fruits like lime or orange juice.
Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own by switching things up based on your preferences!
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve cooked up this pot of mouthwatering instant pot parmesan lemon pasta, it’s time to savor and devour every last bite. The dish goes well with a variety of sides and additions, making it perfect for serving as a main course or a side dish.
Pair the pasta with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies, like broccoli, zucchini, or carrots, to add a pop of healthy color and texture to the plate. If you’re looking for some extra protein, add some grilled chicken breast or shrimp to the pasta before serving. The lemony flavor is a great complement to the lightness of these proteins.
This pasta dish pairs well with a variety of white wines such as Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. For those who prefer red wine, try pairing it with something light like a Pinot Noir.
Serve up the instant pot parmesan lemon pasta in individual bowls and sprinkle some fresh parsley on top to give it that extra zip of color and freshness. With its creamy and cheesy consistency, the pasta will have everyone reaching for seconds!
The next time you want to serve up an indulgent but easy-to-make meal, reach for this instant pot parmesan lemon pasta recipe. Whether enjoyed as is or paired with your favorite sides and beverages, everyone is sure to be pleased with its savory flavors!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
What’s great about this Instant Pot Parmesan Lemon Pasta Recipe is that you can make it ahead of time and store it for later use. You can refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to one month.
To reheat, start by adding a splash of cold water to a pot over medium heat. Then, add the parmesan lemon pasta to the pot and stir until it’s warm enough to serve. If you’re looking for a quicker option, you can also microwave the pasta in a bowl covered with a damp paper towel.
As with most pasta dishes, reheating can cause the pasta to become dry or lose its texture. To prevent this, add a small amount of extra liquid such as chicken broth or half-and-half before reheating, and make sure to stir the dish occasionally while reheating.
If you plan on storing leftovers, it’s important to keep your parmesan lemon pasta in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn or moisture from seeping in. And if you’re reheating frozen pasta, allow it to defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Overall, this Instant Pot Parmesan Lemon Pasta Recipe is perfect for meal prep or a quick and easy weeknight dinner that can be made ahead of time and enjoyed stress-free!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have all the ingredients and step-by-step instructions for making this delicious Instant Pot Parmesan Lemon Pasta, it’s important to keep in mind a few tips to ensure the best result possible.
First off, use freshly grated parmesan cheese rather than pre-packaged grated cheese. Freshly grated parmesan adds much more flavor to the dish than the pre-packaged variety. Plus, it’s less likely to clump together when melted.
When cooking pasta in the Instant Pot, make sure to add enough cold water to cover the noodles completely. This will prevent them from sticking together and forming clumps. Also, try using a wooden spoon or spatula to gently stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks. This helps the pasta cook evenly and prevents sticking.
When adding cornstarch to thicken your sauce, it’s important to mix it with cold water first before adding it to your dish. This will prevent lumps from forming and ensure even distribution throughout the sauce.
To achieve a silky smooth and creamy consistency for your sauce, use half-and-half instead of just regular milk. Half-and-half has more fat than milk which creates a creamier texture in the sauce without being too heavy.
Adding white pepper instead of black pepper can help maintain a clean color and mild flavor to your dish, especially if you don’t want specks of black pepper visible or if you’re serving this dish to picky eaters.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment with substitutions and variations as presented in section (5). Feel free to switch up some ingredients based on your taste preference or dietary restrictions. Have fun with it!
These tips will definitely affect your final outcome– the flavorful Instant Pot Parmesan Lemon Pasta that’s perfect for any occasion.
Bottom Line
Now that you’ve learned how to make the Instant Pot Parmesan Lemon Pasta Recipe, it’s time to grab some tools and ingredients and start cooking! This recipe is packed with flavor and simple yet effective cooking techniques that will make you feel like a professional chef in the comfort of your own home.
Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced cook looking for a new go-to recipe, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds. With its creamy texture, zesty lemony flavor, and fragrant aroma, this pasta dish is perfect for any occasion. Whip it up for dinner parties or simply enjoy as a comforting weeknight meal.
So don’t be intimated by the long ingredient list above or any cooking techniques. Give it a try and experience the true joy of cooking! In no time, you’ll have a delicious pasta dish on your plate ready to be devoured. Trust us: once you taste it, you won’t be able to resist going back for seconds!
And if you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out our other tasty recipes too. We have plenty more Instant Pot recipes, as well as Asian-inspired dishes that are sure to take your taste buds on a culinary adventure.
Thank you for reading and get ready to dive into the world of delicious food!
Instant Pot Parmesan Lemon Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- zest of one lemon
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice, divided
- 8 ounces fettuccine
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup half-and-half
- salt (to taste)
- white pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 8 ounces grilled chicken, sliced and warmed (optional)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley (for serving)
- additional parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Add butter to the Instant Pot. Using the display panel select the SAUTE function.
- When butter is melted, add garlic and cook for 1 minute or until lightly browned.
- Add broth, lemon zest and 1 tbsp of lemon juice to the pot and deglaze by using a wooden spoon to scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Break noodles in half and fan across the bottom of the pot, making sure all noodles are submerged.
- Turn the pot off by selecting CANCEL, then secure the lid, making sure the vent is closed.
- Using the display panel select the MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK function (*The MANUAL and PRESSURE COOK buttons are interchangeable). Use the +/- keys and program the Instant Pot for 3 minutes.
- When the time is up, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick-release the remaining pressure.
- Stir, breaking up any pasta clumps and allow to cool slightly.
- Add parmesan cheese, half-and-half and remaining 2 tbsp of lemon juice. Add salt and white pepper to taste.
- In a small bowl, mix together cornstarch and cold water. Stir into the pot until thickened, using SAUTE mode, as needed.
- Serve warm topped with grilled chicken (optional), finely chopped parsley and additional parmesan.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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