Indulge in a flavorful Instant Pot buttery lemon chicken pasta that’s sure to become a family favorite. This hearty dish combines tender chicken, colorful zucchini and yellow squash, and al dente pasta for a delightful combination. With its light yet satisfying taste, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.If you’re in the mood for something new, try substituting the vegetables with your favorite options, such as mushrooms, eggplant, or even spinach. The Instant Pot makes cooking a breeze, and the best part? You can customize the flavors to suit your taste buds.While this pasta dish is a standalone meal, it also pairs well with other tasty recipes. Try pairing it with a BLT pasta salad or lasagna al forno for a satisfying dinner. And if you’re feeling adventurous, give feta baked pasta a try – it’s a TikTok sensation!To prepare this Instant Pot buttery lemon chicken pasta, start by cooking the noodles of your choice (I prefer cavatappi, with its spirally shape that perfectly holds onto sauces). Then, add the chicken breast, chicken broth, parmesan, and seasonings to create a rich and creamy sauce. Don’t forget the star ingredients: butter, lemon, garlic, and red pepper flakes. And of course, don’t neglect the zucchini and squash – they add a delightful pop of color and flavor.This Instant Pot pasta dinner is as easy to make as it is delicious. With its versatility in terms of vegetables and flavors, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.
How to Make Instant Pot Buttery Lemon Chicken Pasta
If you’re craving a mouth-watering Instant Pot pasta dinner loaded with juicy chicken, zucchini, squash, and parmesan, let’s dive into the recipe. The journey begins by combining pasta, broth, and lemon juice in your Instant Pot, followed by a few minutes of pressure cooking. Next, season the chicken and cook it in oil using the sauté setting on the Instant Pot. Add butter and other flavour enhancers, then prepare the vegetables by seasoning them and adding those to the pot as well. Finally, bring everything together by incorporating the noodles and parmesan, finishing off with a flourish of fresh parsley if you’re feeling extra fancy.
Possible Tweaks and Variations
To customize this Instant Pot zucchini chicken pasta recipe, consider several tweaks. You can swap out the veggies for other options like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli. Alternatively, try a different type of pasta, such as penne, fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. For added variety, substitute turkey for the chicken or experiment with various cheeses. If you prefer a lighter broth flavor, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Finally, inject some brightness into your dish by substituting lime or orange juice for the traditional lime wedge.
What to Serve with It
This chicken, zucchini, squash and parmesan recipe is a well-rounded meal that packs a punch with its protein-rich chicken, nutritious vegetables, and satisfying noodles. While it’s already a filling option on its own, adding some complementary sides can elevate the experience further. A light green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the main dish, while garlic bread offers a comforting and indulgent accompaniment – albeit with a few extra calories.
Are Squash and Zucchini the Same Thing?
While the terms ‘squash’ and ‘zucchini’ are often used interchangeably, they actually refer to different types of plants. Summer squash and winter squash are two primary categories, with zucchini falling under the summer squash umbrella. Notably, despite their similar flavor profiles, zucchini and its summer squash counterparts exhibit distinct visual characteristics. For instance, yellow squash boasts a vibrant yellow hue, whereas zucchini typically ranges from medium to dark green. If you’re looking to add some squash to your pasta with chicken and vegetables dish, you can opt for one or the other based on personal preference or availability. Alternatively, if you have an Instant Pot at your disposal, this easy-to-make zucchini recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy.
How to Store Leftovers
For those who manage to have leftovers from their Instant Pot buttery lemon chicken pasta, it’s reassuring to know that they can be stored for a decent amount of time. In fact, you can keep them fresh for 3-4 days by transferring any excess food into an airtight container within two hours of serving. A plastic container with a lid or even a Ziploc bag works well, as long as you take the time to remove as much air as possible before sealing. When it’s time to reheat, simply use your microwave, stovetop, or warm oven – whichever method suits your needs best.
Instant Pot Buttery Lemon Chicken Pasta with Zucchini and Squash Recipe
Instant Pot Buttery Lemon Chicken Pasta with Zucchini and Squash
Bella Bucchiotti’s latest culinary masterpiece is a must-try – this Instant Pot buttery lemon chicken pasta will undoubtedly become a family staple. The combination of tender pasta, flavorful zucchini and squash, and juicy chicken smothered in a rich parmesan sauce is a match made in heaven. With a prep time of just 5 minutes and a cooking time of 20 minutes, this dish is as quick to make as it is delicious. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe serves 9, making it ideal for families or social gatherings.
Equipment
Instructions
Combine noodles, broth, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice in the Instant Pot. Close the lid and set the valve to ‘sealing’. Cook at high pressure for 4 minutes, followed by a 5-minute natural release. Quick-release any remaining steam, then set the noodles aside. Next, switch the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add the chicken mixture, consisting of chicken, olive oil, salt, lemon zest, and black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking. Add the butter to the pot along with the chicken. Meanwhile, cut the squash and zucchini into ½-inch pieces and combine them in a bowl with lemon juice, red pepper flakes, onion powder, and minced garlic. Once the chicken is cooked, add the vegetable mixture to the Instant Pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Finally, turn off the Instant Pot and stir in the parmesan cheese and noodles.
