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

Craft Coffee Shop Quality Lattes at Home: Easy Recipes and Hacks

 Lattes – the creamy, dreamy coffee shop indulgence. But what if you could enjoy that same deliciousness without the hefty price tag or the long lines? You can! Making lattes at home is easier than you think, and with a few simple recipes and hacks, you'll be brewing barista-worthy beverages in no time.

The Basic Latte Build:

Before we dive into recipes, let's break down the latte's foundation. A classic latte is built on a 1:3 ratio of espresso to steamed milk. This translates to roughly 2 ounces of espresso for a 12-ounce latte. Feel free to adjust this ratio based on your preference – want it stronger? Use less milk. Craving a creamier drink? Add a touch more.

Espresso Essentials:

The ideal base for your latte is espresso. If you have an espresso machine, fantastic! Pull your desired shots according to your machine's instructions. But don't worry if you don't – strong coffee can work in a pinch. Use a Moka pot or brew a very strong cup of your favorite dark roast.

Milk Magic:

Now, for the creamy magic – the milk! Whole milk is traditionally used for lattes, but feel free to experiment with skim, almond, oat, or any milk you enjoy. The key is to heat and froth it. Here are your frothing options:

• French Press: Heat your milk in a saucepan. Once hot, transfer it to a French press and pump vigorously to create froth.
• Whisk: Heat your milk in a saucepan. As it simmers, use a whisk to create small bubbles and froth.
• Milk Frother (Electric or Manual): This is the easiest and most efficient way to achieve professional-looking froth.

Sweetness to Taste:

Lattes are typically slightly sweet. Use flavored syrups, sugar, or even honey to adjust the sweetness to your liking.

Now, onto the Recipes!

• Rose Milk Latte by Frolic and Fare

• Iced Coconut Matcha Latte by Nataloie’s Health

• Iced Almond Milk Latte by The Littlest Crumb

• Maple Latte by Burrata and Bubbles

• Blueberry Matcha Latte by Pretty Delicious Life

• Pumpkin Spice Latte by Barley and Sage

• Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso Latte by A Virtual Vegan

• Snickerdoodle Latte by Joy Filled Eats

• Maple Matcha Latte by Casual Foodist

• Vanilla Lavender Latte by View From Great Island

• Honey Lavender Latte by Holiday Sweets and Treats

• Oat Milk Matcha Latte by Savas Kitchen

• Tea Lattes by Boulder Locavore

• Gingerbread Latte by Herbs and Flour

• Pumpkin Creme Brulee Latte by Ottawa Mommy Club

Latte Art Ambitions:

Feeling fancy? Practice your latte art by gently pouring the steamed milk into the espresso, holding back the foam at first. Once the cup is mostly full, slowly pour in the foam in a circular motion to create latte art designs.

Latte Love at Home:

With a little practice, you'll be a home barista brewing delicious lattes in no time. So ditch the lines and the expense, and enjoy café-quality coffee at home whenever you crave it!

Find more coffee related content here:

Coffee Can Upcycle

Chocolate Milk for Mom

Clucking Fantastic: Why Chicken Wins the Dinner Plate Race

 When it comes to dinnertime decisions, chicken often reigns supreme. But beyond its familiarity, there are many reasons why this poultry powerhouse deserves a permanent place in your weekly meal plan. Let's dig into what makes chicken such a cluck-tacular dinner choice.

A Nutritional Champion: Chicken is a lean protein superstar. A single serving packs a satisfying punch of protein, essential for building and maintaining muscle, while keeping fat content low. This protein power also helps you feel fuller for longer, aiding in weight management. But chicken's nutritional benefits extend beyond just protein. It's a great source of vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, essential for energy production, and iron, which helps oxygen reach your cells.

A Culinary Chameleon: Chicken's versatility is unmatched. From succulent roasts to flavorful stir-fries, it takes on any culinary style with ease. Craving something comforting? Whip up a creamy chicken pot pie or a hearty chicken noodle soup. Feeling adventurous? Try a Thai curry or Mexican enchiladas. No matter your taste buds' desires, there's a chicken dish to satisfy.

Budget-Friendly Bird: Chicken is one of the most affordable protein sources available. This makes it a perfect choice for those looking to stretch their grocery budget without sacrificing quality. Plus, leftovers are a breeze! Shred leftover chicken for salads, quesadillas, or sandwiches, ensuring you get multiple meals out of one purchase.

Time-Saving Savior: Weeknights can be hectic, but chicken comes to the rescue. Many cuts cook quickly, making them ideal for busy schedules. Throw together a simple lemon garlic chicken with roasted vegetables, or marinate chicken breasts for a quick and flavorful grill.

The Bottom Line: Chicken is a dinnertime MVP. It's nutritious, delicious, affordable, and versatile. So next time you're wondering what to make for dinner, consider the humble chicken. It's sure to become a weeknight staple and a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Find my favorite chicken recipes here:

Shredded Chicken Tacos

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

Peanut Butter Chicken and Noodles

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