Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Lemon Pasta

Instant Pot Creamy Lemon Parmesan Pasta: A Weeknight Dream

Craving a restaurant-worthy meal but short on time? This Instant Pot Creamy Lemon Parmesan Pasta is your new weeknight savior. It's bursting with bright lemon flavor, rich parmesan cheese, and a silky smooth sauce, all cooked in under 10 minutes!

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. The Instant Pot does all the hard work, while you're free to whip up a salad, prep some garlic bread, or simply relax with a glass of wine. Plus, it's a crowd-pleaser that's sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

What You'll Love About This Recipe:

• Fast and Easy: This dish comes together in under 10 minutes, thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot.
• Packed with Flavor: The combination of tangy lemon and nutty parmesan cheese creates a flavor profile that's both bright and satisfying.
• Creamy and Dreamy: The sauce is rich and creamy, coating every strand of pasta perfectly.
• Customizable: Feel free to add protein like cooked chicken or shrimp, or throw in some veggies like broccoli or asparagus for a more well-rounded meal.

Ready to Get Cooking?

Head over to your kitchen and grab your Instant Pot. The full recipe with ingredient list and instructions awaits! In the meantime, here are some extra tips to ensure your Creamy Lemon Parmesan Pasta turns out perfectly:

• Use High-Quality Parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan cheese will make a world of difference in the taste of your sauce.
• Don't Overcook the Pasta: The Instant Pot cooks pasta quickly, so be mindful of the cooking time. You want the pasta to be al dente, with a slight bite.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.

 Ingredients:

8 oz of spaghetti noodles

1 ½ c of chicken broth

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 shallot, sliced thin

1 cup of parmesan cheese, shredded or shaved

1 cup of half and half

1 lemon

1 teaspoon of butter or olive oil

1 tablespoon of butter

Directions:

Turn the instant pot to saute.

When it is hot, add 1 teaspoon of butter or olive oil and shallot and saute for 2 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and turn the instant pot off. Allow to rest for one minute.

Add chicken broth.

Add juice from half of the lemon.

Stir to deglaze.

Add the spaghetti noodles. You can break them in half, or even thirds if desired.

Use a spoon to push the noodles into the broth, but don’t stir.

You want the noodles submerged.

Add a tablespoon of butter to the top of the noodles.

Replace the lid and seal.

Use the manual setting and cook for 5 minutes.

It should take 10 minutes or so until the instant pot reaches pressure.

When the timer alerts, use the quick release valve.

Open the instant pot and add half and half and parmesan cheese.

Stir.

Place the lid on the instant pot and allow the food to rest for about 4 to 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and the cheese to melt.

Squeeze the juice from the remaining half of the lemon onto the pasta.

Toss and serve.

Allow leftovers to cool, then store in an airtight container.

So ditch the takeout menus and whip up this Instant Pot Creamy Lemon Parmesan Pasta instead. It's a delicious, easy, and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Find more favorite recipes here:

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta

Banana Rice Pudding

Garlic Butter Glazed Carrots

How to Try a New Hobby Without Spending a Fortune

 

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Who doesn’t love awakening their creative magic through a hobby, right? But for any hobby (creative or not), it always starts the same way. A random thought pops into your head: That looks fun, maybe I should try it! Suddenly, you’re knee-deep in research, scrolling through gear reviews, watching YouTube tutorials, and convincing yourself that yes, you absolutely need the top-of-the-line version of everything.

So, before you know it, the shopping cart total is shocking, the credit card is trembling, and the worst part? You haven’t even tried the hobby yet. What if it turns out to be boring? Or too hard? Or maybe too much effort? Now, instead of a fun new skill, you just have regret, an empty wallet, and a set of golf clubs you used exactly once.

But a new hobby shouldn’t feel like signing up for a lifetime financial commitment. Instead, it’s best to just dip a toe in without drowning in expenses, and yeah, you should! So here’s exactly how!

Borrow It Before Buying It

For starters, not every hobby requires instant ownership. Ideally, just borrowing from a friend, renting equipment, or finding a low-cost way to try something out keeps money in your pocket until you’re sure the hobby is worth it. For example, are you thinking about learning an instrument? Well, band instrument rentals exist for a reason. No need to drop serious cash on a trumpet, only to discover that making a sound requires more lung power than expected. Rentals give a risk-free way to see if an instrument actually feels right before committing.

Cheap (or Free) Versions Work Just Fine

Every hobby has a fancy, expensive version and a perfectly fine budget-friendly option. Actually, photography is a great example. But in all honesty, a smartphone works before splurging on a professional camera. What about cooking? Well, a sharp kitchen knife and a frying pan get the job done before building a collection of specialty cookware (don’t fall for what those YouTubers try and sell you).

But hobbies don’t suddenly become more enjoyable just because they’re expensive. Before upgrading, it helps to figure out if this is a passing interest or something that really deserves an investment.

Use What’s Already Lying Around

Sometimes, the best way to test out a hobby is by using what’s already in the house. No, really, you should think of it like that. For example, want to try painting? Well, just go ahead and grab an old set of craft paints. Curious about yoga? Believe it or not, but a towel works just as well as a $100 mat for getting started. Thinking about baking? A mixing bowl, an oven, and a recipe are literally all that’s needed.

Seriously, instead of just jumping straight to buying all the gear, it's a trap. Seeing how a hobby feels first makes sure it’s actually fun before spending a dime.

Take a Class Instead of Buying Everything Upfront

Some hobbies look fun, well, until actually trying them. Now pottery seems peaceful and artistic until realizing it requires arm strength and patience. Woodworking sounds satisfying until standing in front of a power saw for the first time.

Okay, so instead of buying an entire setup right away, taking a class or joining a workshop gives a real sense of what the hobby requires. Actually, you can expect that local libraries, community centers, and studios offer low-cost sessions where supplies are included, making it easy to test things out without the financial risk.

No-Bake Cookie Bliss: Easy Treats for Busy Days

 We all know that feeling: a craving for something sweet hits, but the thought of firing up the oven and waiting for cookies to bake feels like a lifetime away. Fear not, fellow dessert enthusiasts! Today, we're celebrating the magic of no-bake cookies. These delightful treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without breaking a sweat (or preheating an oven).

The beauty of no-bake cookies lies in their simplicity. They typically require just a handful of ingredients and minimal fuss. Plus, they're a great activity to get the kids involved in the kitchen.

In this post, we'll delve into a few classic no-bake cookie recipes that are sure to become favorites in your household.

Classic No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies:

This recipe is a nostalgic delight. The combination of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and chewy oats is a timeless winner. Feel free to adjust the amount of peanut butter to your preference, or swap it out for another nut butter like almond or cashew.

Tips:

• To ensure perfectly set cookies, make sure your sugar mixture reaches a full rolling boil for a full minute.
• Don't overmix the dough once you add the oats. A little bit of texture adds to the charm of these cookies!
• Let the cookies cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.

Here are some of my favorite no bake cookie recipes. Click thru the links to view the full recipes.

Potato Chip Cookies by Waiting for Blancmange

Strawberry and Cream Cookies by Cookie Dough and Oven Mitt

S’mores No Bake Cookies by I Heart Eating

Haystack Cookies by The Suburban Soapbox

Coconut Date Balls by Sula and Spice

Ritz Cracker Cookies  by The Simple Homemade Place

No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies by The Monday Box

Scotcheroo Rolls by Beyer Beware

No Bake Peanut Butter Cookies by Addicted to Dates

Avalanche Cookies by Princess Pinky Girl

Rocky Road Candy Clusters by Kathryn’s Kitchen

Butterbeer No Bakes by Sugar + Soul

No Bake Cookie Dough Hearts by When is Dinner

Butterscotch Chocolate Chip No Bakes by Level Up Bakes

Sweet and Salty No Bake Balls by Drizzle Me Skinny

Beyond the Basics: Fun Variations on a Theme

The beauty of no-bake cookies is their versatility. With a few simple tweaks, you can transform them into a variety of delicious treats. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Fruity Fun: Add chopped dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or cherries to your batter for a burst of sweetness and tartness.
• Pretzel Power: For a salty-sweet twist, fold in crushed pretzels or chopped peanuts.
• Chocolate Chip Craving: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the dough for an extra dose of chocolatey goodness.
• Get Chewy: If you prefer a chewier cookie, use quick oats instead of rolled oats.

No matter your taste preferences, there's a perfect no-bake cookie recipe out there waiting to be discovered. So, ditch the oven, grab your mixing bowl, and get ready to whip up a batch of deliciousness!

Find more great cookie recipes here:

Golden Graham Cookies

Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies

Hearty Family Breakfast Recipes

 

Hearty Breakfast Recipes to Fuel Your Family

Mornings can be a whirlwind, especially with hungry little ones (or not-so-little ones) begging for breakfast. But between the school lunches to pack and the day's errands to run, who has time for elaborate meals? Fear not, busy families! This post offers a collection of hearty breakfast recipes that are both delicious and easy to prepare.

Packed with protein and whole grains, these meals will keep your crew satisfied well past morning. Even better, many of them can be prepped ahead of time, making those chaotic mornings a breeze.

So, ditch the sugary cereals and greasy pastries. Let's dive into some wholesome breakfasts that will set your family up for a winning day!

In this post, you'll find recipes for:

• Wholesome and Delicious Takes on Classics: We've got a tasty take on pancakes, a protein-packed spin on baked eggs, and a veggie-loaded strata that's perfect for sneaking in some extra greens.
• Something a Little Different: Want to shake up your breakfast routine? We've got a flavorful burger recipe that is perfect for the first meal of the day.

Be sure to click thru the links below to view the full recipe. You are going to want to save a few of these to your family breakfast board.

Sausage and Potato Breakfast Bake by Primavera Kitchen

Lemon Blueberry Dutch Baby by Scarlati Family

Baked Omelet  by Bitz n Giggles

Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole by Delicious Table

Sausage and Pepper Breakfast Strata  by The Delicious Spoon

Chorizo Breakfast Hash by Spend with Pennies

Breakfast Burgers by We Are Not Martha

Strawberry and Cream Stuffed French Toast by Amanda’s Cookin’

Hash Brown Egg Cups by The Feathered Nester

Egg and Bacon Tacos by Modern Honey

Fried Chicken and Waffles with Jalapeno Butter by Scratch Market

Cottage Cheese Pancakes by Cinnamon and Kale

Brunch Pizza by A Grateful Meal

Bacon Feta and Egg Strata by Served From Scratch

Breakfast Enchiladas by Little Spice Jar

Breakfast Pizza by The Country Cook

Italian Sub Brunch Casserole by The Salty Marshmallow

Spinach and Salmon Quiche by Cooking Gorgeous

No matter your taste or time constraints, there's a perfect hearty breakfast recipe waiting for you and your family!

Bonus Tip: Get the whole family involved in the kitchen! Kids can help measure ingredients, stir batters, and even set the table. This not only teaches them valuable life skills but can also make breakfast time more enjoyable for everyone.

With these recipes and a little planning, you can conquer those mornings and send your family off to tackle the day with happy (and full!) bellies.

Find more great breakfast recipes here:

Overnight Oat Recipes

Cocoa Puff French Toast

Homemade Pancake Mix

Favorite Hand Pie Recipes

All About Hand Pies: Delicious Treats in the Palm of Your Hand

Hand pies are the perfect marriage between convenience and comfort food. These individual-sized pies are filled with sweet or savory ingredients and encased in a flaky, buttery crust. They're perfect for a quick breakfast, satisfying snack, or delightful dessert.

What are hand pies?

Think of hand pies as miniature pies. They're typically made with pie dough that's rolled out and cut into circles or squares. A spoonful of filling is placed in the center of each dough round, and then the dough is folded over and sealed to create a half-moon shape. The hand pies are then baked until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.

Sweet or Savory? The Filling Possibilities are Endless!

The beauty of hand pies is their versatility. The filling options are truly endless, so you can customize them to your taste buds. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Sweet: Apple, cherry, blueberry, peach, pumpkin, chocolate, lemon curd
• Savory: Chicken pot pie, beef and vegetable, sausage and cheese, ham and Swiss, quiche Lorraine

Here are some of my favorite hand pie recipes. Click thru the link to view the full recipe.

Air fryer Blueberry Hand Pies by The Busted Oven

Caramel Apple Hand Pies by Princess Pinky Girl

Strawberry Bourbon Hand Pies by The G+M Kitchen

Glazed Blueberry Hand Pies by Swirls of Flavor

Caramel Apple Hand Pies by Savor and Savvy

Blackberry Peach Hand Pies  by Blackberry Babe

Fresh Peach Hand Pies by Simply Scrumptious Eats

Cherry Hand Pies Dipped in Chocolate by Easy Budget Recipes

Fried Peach Pies by The Cozy Plum

Apple and Blackberry Hand Pies by Anna Banana

Easy Fried Cherry Pies by Lana’s Cooking

Classic Apple Hand Pies by Spend with Pennies

Mixed Berry Hand Pies by Always Delicious

Cranberry Hand Pies by Fearless Dining

Pumpkin Hand Pies by Seasoned Sprinkles

Making Hand Pies at Home

Making hand pies at home is easier than you might think. You can use your favorite pie dough recipe or buy pre-made dough from the store. For the filling, you can use fresh or frozen fruit, canned pie filling, cooked vegetables, or leftover meats.

Here are some tips for making hand pies at home:

• If you're using fresh fruit, be sure to toss it with sugar and cornstarch to prevent it from becoming too runny.
• Don't overfill your hand pies, or they will leak during baking.
• Vent the tops of your hand pies with a few small slits to allow steam to escape.
• Brush the tops of your hand pies with egg wash for a golden brown crust.

Enjoying Hand Pies

Hand pies can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. They're delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream, ice cream, or a drizzle of honey.

So next time you're looking for a delicious and portable treat, give hand pies a try. They're sure to become a new favorite!

Do you have a favorite hand pie filling? Share your thoughts in the comments below!