Imagine a pasta dish that transforms your ordinary dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience, without spending hours in the kitchen. This Instant Pot Parmesan Lemon Pasta is your culinary shortcut to a mouthwatering meal that combines the tangy brightness of fresh lemon with the rich, comforting embrace of Parmesan cheese. In just 15 magical minutes, you'll create a dish so delicious, your family will think you've been secretly training with a professional chef!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta of choice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by measuring out vegetable broth, grating Parmesan cheese, zesting and juicing the lemon, and chopping fresh parsley.
- Add pasta and vegetable broth to the Instant Pot, ensuring the pasta is completely submerged in the liquid.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing position, and select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting.
- Cook pasta on high pressure for 1 minute less than the package's recommended cooking time to prevent overcooking.
- Once cooking completes, perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve to release remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and stir the pasta, checking that most liquid has been absorbed.
- Add olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the pasta.
- Stir vigorously to create a creamy sauce, allowing the residual heat to melt the cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly.
- Transfer pasta to serving plates and garnish with additional fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the bright, cheesy flavors.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Use pasta shapes that hold sauce well, like rotini, penne, or fusilli. Avoid long, thin pasta like spaghetti which can become mushy.
- Timing is Everything: Cook the pasta 1 minute less than the package instructions to prevent overcooking. The residual heat and steam in the Instant Pot will continue cooking the pasta.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting consistency. Pre-grated cheese can be less creamy.
- Zest Before Juicing: Always zest your lemon before cutting and juicing to ensure you capture maximum citrus flavor.
- Quick Release is Key: Perform a quick release immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent pasta from becoming soft.
- Stir Vigorously: When adding cheese and lemon, stir the pasta aggressively to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Serve Immediately: This pasta is best enjoyed hot, right after cooking, when the sauce is at its creamiest.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 400kcal
Carbohydrates: 47g
Protein: 19g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 30mg
