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Creamy Instant Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

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A quick and easy 20-minute dinner featuring creamy ricotta, bright lemon, and perfectly cooked pasta made effortlessly in the Instant Pot.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces dry penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • Juice and zest of 1 large lemon (about 2 tablespoons juice and 1 teaspoon zest)
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • A handful fresh basil or parsley, chopped
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional: 1/4 cup heavy cream or whole milk

Instructions

  1. Turn the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Add 12 ounces dry penne pasta, 3 cups broth, salt (start with 1 teaspoon), and black pepper. Stir to combine and ensure pasta is mostly submerged.
  3. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 4 minutes.
  4. Perform a quick pressure release carefully when cooking time is up. Open the lid once the pin drops.
  5. Immediately stir in 1 cup ricotta cheese, lemon juice and zest, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan until creamy and evenly coated.
  6. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. For a thinner sauce, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream or whole milk.
  7. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm immediately.

Notes

Use whole milk ricotta for a smoother sauce. Do not overcook pasta; residual heat will finish cooking. Add lemon zest for brightness. Stir gently to maintain creaminess. For dairy-free, substitute ricotta with vegan cashew cheese and parmesan with nutritional yeast. Gluten-free pasta can be used with adjusted cooking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot pasta, lemon ricotta pasta, quick dinner, creamy pasta, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, one pot meal

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