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- 8 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti noodles - 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) To make this dish, you only need a few simple ingredients. The main items are the noodles, broth, butter, and cheese. You can use fettuccine or spaghetti. Both work well and taste great. The broth can be vegetable or chicken. Both choices add flavor. I like using vegetable broth for a lighter taste. Butter and cheese are vital for the creamy texture. Unsalted butter gives you control over the salt. Grated Parmesan cheese brings a rich taste. Next, we have the seasoning. Garlic is key for flavor. It adds depth to the dish. Onion powder gives a nice base flavor, too. Crushed red pepper flakes add a little heat. You can adjust this to your taste. Salt and pepper are also important. They help enhance all the flavors. Finally, fresh parsley is a great garnish. It adds color and freshness. You can sprinkle it on top when serving for a beautiful finish. With these ingredients, you can create a dish that is quick, easy, and full of flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Start by adding 4 cups of broth to the pot. - Place 8 ounces of fettuccine noodles flat in the broth. - If needed, break the noodles in half to fit. - Combine 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper with the noodles. - Stir gently to mix and ensure the noodles are fully submerged in the broth. - Close the Instant Pot lid, setting the vent to sealing. - Select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting for 4 minutes. - Once done, let the pressure release naturally for 2 minutes. - Carefully switch the vent to venting to release any remaining pressure. - Open the lid carefully and stir the noodles. - Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. - Mix well until the butter melts and blends into the noodles. - Gradually stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into a creamy sauce. - Taste the noodles, adjusting salt and pepper as needed. To avoid clumpy pasta, lay the noodles flat in the pot. If they don’t fit, break them in half. This helps them cook evenly. Stir gently to make sure they are submerged in the broth. This step is key for perfect noodles. Understand how pressure settings work. Use the Manual or Pressure Cook setting. Set the timer for 4 minutes. This timing gives you tender noodles. After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 2 minutes. This method helps keep the noodles soft. Pair these noodles with grilled chicken or shrimp for a full meal. A fresh salad makes a great side. For drinks, a light white wine or sparkling water works well. These options balance the rich flavors of the dish. Don’t forget to sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color! Pro Tips Use High-Quality Pasta: Opt for a good brand of fettuccine or spaghetti for the best texture and flavor. Quality pasta absorbs the sauce better. Don't Skip the Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a robust flavor to the dish. Make sure to add it after cooking to keep its aromatic qualities intact. Adjust Heat Levels: Customize the crushed red pepper flakes to your heat preference. Start with less if you're unsure, and add more after tasting. Garnish for Freshness: Adding freshly chopped parsley not only brightens the dish visually but also adds a fresh flavor that complements the richness of the butter and cheese. {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to your Butter Parmesan Noodles. Chicken, shrimp, or tofu work well. For chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces. Sauté it first for better flavor. If you use shrimp, add them just before the noodles finish cooking. Tofu should be cubed and can be mixed in at the start. These proteins add great taste and nutrition. While Parmesan cheese shines in this dish, you can try different cheeses too. Pecorino Romano offers a salty kick. Mozzarella adds creaminess, while cheddar brings a sharp taste. Mixing cheeses can create an exciting flavor profile. Just combine them before adding to the noodles for the best results. Adding vegetables boosts the nutrition of your noodles. Spinach, peas, or broccoli are great choices. You can add them during the last minute of cooking. This keeps them crisp and colorful. Balance flavors by using veggies that complement the cheese. A touch of lemon juice can brighten the dish, enhancing the overall taste. Store leftover noodles in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If they sit longer, they might lose flavor and texture. To freeze the noodles, let them cool first. Place them in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. You can freeze them for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. To reheat, add a splash of broth and warm them on the stove. This helps keep them moist. Enjoy your noodles just like fresh! To avoid sticky noodles, use a few simple tricks. First, stir the noodles gently after adding them to the pot. This helps separate them. Second, ensure the noodles are fully submerged in broth. This keeps them moist during cooking. If the noodles still stick, you can stir them after cooking. This breaks up any clumps that form. Yes, you can use different liquids instead of broth. Water is an easy swap, but it won't add as much flavor. You can also use a mix of water and a splash of soy sauce. This adds a nice umami taste. For a richer flavor, try using white wine or even mushroom broth. Each option will change the taste slightly, so choose what you like best. If you lack Parmesan, there are good substitutes. Grated Pecorino Romano cheese works well and has a strong flavor. Nutritional yeast is a great option too for a dairy-free choice. It gives a cheesy taste without the cheese. You could also use cheddar, but it will change the dish’s flavor. Choose based on what you have on hand and your taste preference. We covered how to make delicious pasta in your Instant Pot. You learned the key ingredients like noodles, broth, and seasonings. I shared steps to prepare, cook, and finish your dish perfectly. You also got tips for avoiding clumps and ideas for variations with protein and veggies. Remember to store leftovers properly for later! With these insights, you're ready to create a tasty meal that's easy and fun. Enjoy your cooking!

Instant Pot Butter Parmesan Noodles

A quick and creamy pasta dish made in the Instant Pot with butter and Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti noodles
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1 for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Start by adding the broth to the Instant Pot. Place the fettuccine noodles in the pot, laying them flat. If they don’t fit, feel free to break them in half to make them manageable.
  • Add the crushed red pepper flakes, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the pot. Stir gently to combine the ingredients, ensuring the noodles are submerged in the broth.
  • Close the lid of the Instant Pot securely, making sure the vent is set to the sealing position. Select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting and set the timer for 4 minutes.
  • Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to naturally release for 2 minutes, then carefully turn the vent to venting to release any remaining pressure.
  • Carefully open the lid, and stir the noodles. Add the minced garlic and unsalted butter, mixing well until the butter melts and blends throughout the noodles.
  • Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts and creates a creamy sauce.
  • Taste the noodles and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Notes

Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to taste for desired spiciness.
Keyword butter, instant pot, parmesan, pasta