MOTEL PASTA - Instant Pot

Here's a quick and easy way to eat well on the road. My mom used to take the rice cooker along on our road trips. What a great idea!
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[@dtam8389]

I had the same experience growing up. My family drove from Vancouver to Disney Land for a family vacation. We had a rice cooker and would make meals in our motel rooms. 4 kids would 2 adults would have a Chinese meal every night. We'd steam a dish of vegetables and Chinese sausages on top of the rice.

[@jodyandmichelle1]

I 100% agree that you get tired of dining out. As much of a pain it is to cook after a long day at work, we are running out of places to go out and eat and the food tastes so processed and generic! I love having some control over the food we eat. Thanks for sharing some of the knowledge you have gathered along the way!

[@IppiopaidFEEDBACK]

That’s so gangster to bringing your own pressure cooker to a hotel!

[@wandahall4435]

I 💖 it!!!

[@pbk808]

This is awesome! Feels like how I grew up traveling with my parents in the military! We stayed in motel 6 traveling between assignments. So cool.

[@Ksocito]

I made this last night. I sauté some onions first and added fresh garlic. Then I added the pasta water and bullion. Once done I added the chicken, cream cheese, and a little milk. I add the arugula also shredded carrots. It was so yummy. Wish I took a picture. Keep up the good work

[@handlenotprovided]

Pressure cooker on a road trip is a pretty good idea though. Will keep that one in mind.

[@ruthgumataotao1792]

When my children were younger (30+ years ago). We ALWAYS brought our rice cooker when tent camped at state parks. We would plug into the outlet at the restrooms. Now we eat brown rice and the IP cuts down cooking time significantly. I'm new to the IP community so I watch/subscribed your videos/channel. Purchased your cookbook because I am impatient but want a good/satisfying meal.

[@scottrowe533]

Dude makes a good point above the cost of travel, these days (especially when staying at decent accommodations). Eating every meal in restaurants is not only a drag but sometimes adds so much to the overall trip cost that it means cutting back on the overall length of a holiday. Bringing along a boxed Instant Pot (IP) and making a quick stop at a grocery store lets you feed the family for a quarter (or less) of what a decent restaurant meal would cost, and super-easy recipes like this one make easy work of the meal. Thank you, Flo and Dude. Happy trails.

[@tgirard123]

It really is those silly trips that you take where you have to rough it that you remember the most. My wife and I both come from middle-class families and we both really enjoy the frugality of traveling on a budget. I never thought to bring my pressure cooker with me but it does look like it's kind of fun. Next time for sure.

[@Suz_408]

Sweet Sue chicken in a can. That's how I learned to break down a chicken!

[@StevePotgieter]

Time for a book. Have Instant Pot will travel.

[@postems]

I tried it with pancetta. I cooked the pancetta on saute and then spooned it out. Then followed your recipe the rest of the way and added it back in at the end. It worked great.!

[@FloLum]

Sounds delicious!

[@TheMabes69]

YASSS GIRL!!! We love a travelling instant pot maven!!!

[@ThumperKJFK]

😂👍👍 oh I loved our summer lets get the heck out of the city trips, when I was a young kid. And ruffing it in the out of the way over night spot was fun. Mom used to do the same cook with stuff she brought from home. Such memories. my dad took so many photos. There gone. but the photos in my head, and the taste of food they cooked, Still in my head. Thanks guy's

[@jeannegennaro4482]

I just had to comment.. after I watched this I was inspired to try pasta for the FIRST TIME in my Instant Pot! SO easy, SO good. Perfect texture! It was helpful seeing you actually make it, I did 1/2 box of pasta, about 2 cups of water (I wasn't sure if it was enough...) I put a bit of boullion in there and put 4 frozen chicken tenders on top. Still just cooked it for 4 minutes. I usually do NOT do IR when there is meat involved, but I didn't think of that to start with.... It was fine, cut up the chicken and put about a third of a "onion cheese ball" and a touch of milk. Since I had already used my IP RIGHT beforehand, it went really REALLY fast. So GOOD!! Thank you!

[@FloLum]

+Jeanne Gennaro That's so great! I'm so glad you tried it. I love making pasta in the IP. Thanks for taking the time to comment, Jeanne. 😊

[@jocelynmackenzie1046]

Never would have considered doing something like this before. very interesting

[@FloLum]

Interesting to cook in a motel, you mean?

[@genepark6923]

Brilliant.BTW having grown up literally on the Canadian line where the family ranch, surrounding Sideley Lake at the ghost town of Molson, WA, your Canadian accent is refreshing mine. happily. Your ease and facility to blend the cuisines of the world's mother kitchens is genius. As a retired Italian chef, Bravo!

[@FloLum]

Greatly appreciate your comments, Gene!

[@chriss2295]

So much more than cooking. Your videos inspire me to put the family in the car every weekend and travel/see new things. Nothing fancy. Life should be an adventure. Thank you!

[@FloLum]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Chris! So glad you are inspired to adventure more. 🚘🏔

[@milliway2010]

LOL! You brought a pepper grinder, Flo, you'r a woman after my own heart! I do the same thing and everyone scoffs until the food's ready to eat.

[@nancykim4265]

Yummy! I made it tonight from your kindle cookbook! I make so many things from there. This is another winner, thank you😃

[@Jiuhuashan]

Whilst on tour as a musician in the '80s in US and Canada I became expert in motel room cooking. I carried a small dormroom-style fridge and a two burner hot plate. A wok and old-fashioned pressure cooker were in my arsenal. One had to be discreet, however, with the cooking smells lest management catch on. And don't overload the electric circuits!

[@aristotleaquino3067]

That was great! Thanks Flo and Dude. You guys travel the same way as I like to travel. :)

[@khadijaihsainiten8073]

You are amazing, Dude should be proud of you

[@jsumbi]

Flo, you are an Instant Pot queen. Just made this in like 20 minutes and family loved it. Thanks for the amazing recipe!

[@FC-eg2oe]

What a nice dinner, you guys are amazing! Going from place to place, sometimes not getting enough sleep and you still can cook in a motel and make your trip so enjoyable. Like Dude said, I'm sure the pasta tasted much better than at home. Two thumbs up!!!

[@FloLum]

+fian k Thanks so much, Fian! Simple, ordinary & joyful! 😉

[@GradeBmoviefan]

Terrific!! Thank you both! ❤️ ~Sharon

[@gracel3320]

I love this, just purchased my 8 qt. Instant pot and am just loving it. Your videos are wonderful and love the way you and Dude relate while filming is priceless! Thanks for the effort to keep them coming! 😊

[@nc9722]

My family used to bring a rice cooker on vacation too! And my dad must have rice and Chinese food too

[@markfannin3975]

Instant Pot! Woo Hoo !! That's roughing it in the hotel room ha ha. Love the creativity and resourcefulness. Keep having fun.

[@FloLum]

+Mark Fannin LOL! Thanks, Mark!

[@semco72057]

That meal is looking so delicious and I have to try it at home. I thank you for sharing it with us.

[@FloLum]

I DID take the Instant Pot with us! 😉

[@jenniferherrington]

That would also taste great with some little grape, cherry or sun-dried tomatoes...this is a great video!!! I love the "on the road" videos, like this one. Thank you for sharing with us! Also, I love your new hairstyle. It looks beautiful on you!

[@FloLum]

+Jen Herrington Aw! So very kind! Thanks so much, Jen! 💁🏻

[@bobbieleab1470]

I am so glad I follow your page! You're an inspiration to this 70some seasoned cook. Love my IP and love your ideas. And the planning behind it! Wow 👍👍

[@FloLum]

+Bobbie Leab Thanks, Bobbie! Most of the time there is no planning. 😉 You are very kind!

[@arthuurwong49]

Haha when I was in hi school my 2 brothers & I went down to Disneyland but we were broke after buying the tickets there so We brought our electric sandwich maker, put 2 pieces of bread, some meat & cheese in between , clamped down on the machine ( precursor to the panini grill) & had hot sandwiches for dinner & did the same with Peanut butter & jam for hot PB & J breakfast sandwiches in the morning in our motel! Sure saved a lot of $ !!!😊

[@ErikaBonwildwings]

Love better than Bullion! I'm so glad I found your channel, I've been really on the fence about getting an InstantPot, you may have convinced me. Enjoy watching the great videos, thank you for sharing. Dudes response, in the beginning, is too funny! I swear your motel looks like Military lodging! lol Many Blessings

[@randyautrand5950]

That most certainly looks great!!! You always take Instant Pot to a new level. Thank you so much go the share

[@FloLum]

+Randy Autrand Thanks, Randy! Glad you enjoyed it! Definitely an upgrade to my mom’s rice cooker.

[@catherineyong3966]

Ah! My mom would bring along our rice cooker on our road trips too!! I remember staying in motels eating rice and... ahem (Dude would appreciate this) ... chinese spam. Such great memories

[@FloLum]

Ha ha! Asian moms... so frugal and so smart!

[@jillwood760]

Well done Flo! Looks yummy, fast and a money saver too.

[@FloLum]

+Jill Wood Thanks, Jill! Eating out on the road is so expensive.

[@Sttcutbb]

I make this all the time! Thanks

[@SweetandMellow999]

My kids refused to eat Tim Horton's on our road trips too. So I had no choice to boil eggs in the instant pot, fried up some mini sausages. Good thing we brought our toaster along. Toast and blue berry jam was my son's favorite breakfast item.lol You gotta keep things creative, espcially travelling with children. 😅

[@FloLum]

+Blissful One Ha ha! It's a good thing!

[@michele588]

that title lured me in--i thought it was not going to be good for some reason. But WOW that looks so yummy and fast! Brand new subscriber-gave thumbs up! You and dude make a great team! I also loved your personal touch of telling the childhood road trip story. You should travel around (when we can) and make different meals in different hotel rooms!

[@terrypogue]

I've made this but not in a motel😉 I used a bit of cream cheese and goat cheese. Baby spinach iirc. This would be a great way to use the mini instant pot for those folks traveling on a budget.

[@vitazgal9933]

Mini IPot...really-or did you mean the 5qt? :)

[@WhinnyL]

Prob the new 3 qt that came out.

[@vitazgal9933]

I didn't know there was a mini....I just ordered it & can't wait 'til it arrives. Thanks ~ :)

[@FloLum]

+Terry Pogue Awesome!

[@vitazgal9933]

Hi Wendy... got it from Amazon...LOVE it...If you click on one of the links Flo put above for an IPot, once there they show other sizes or you can use search bar at Amazon. Maybe Flo will get a little something if you use her link...hope so...

[@dbbdeb2327]

love you guys. Drive safely.

[@FloLum]

+Deborah Beebedeb Thank you, Deborah!

[@johnyee9688]

I can't believe you have your IP with you. That;s quite funny, That was a easy simple meal. Thanks for sharing

[@FloLum]

+John Yee LOL... can't be on the road that long without a homemade meal!

[@super0chick]

Lol! Love it. Keep it up guys. Flo, more recipes. I appreciate this.

[@joellespice1010]

Try adding Boursin instead and you find it at Costco in a 2 pack. I also substitute triangles of Vache qui rit if I don’t have Boursin.

[@abbyfuss97]

You guys are adorable I love it.

[@TomBerube]

I adore your videos. I really appreciate the share. Also a great idea to avoid eating out on the road. Let us be honest road food sucks and is just salt and fat. You two are so cute and you make me smile.

[@madamhummingbird]

Quick roadside Italian = Instant Pot delish 😋

[@jimmysolomon9633]

Thats an awesome idea! Luv it and going to try it.

[@karin9670]

Thats a nice diner Flo. That Instapot comes in handy (love mine too bought mine at Amazon UK as not available in Netherlands). Enjoy your trip

[@FloLum]

+Karin Groes Thanks, Karin!

[@chynanhua5562]

Cute pepper grinder!

[@ellatoler9706]

I love this video.

[@nanamjbri]

Yummy 😋 I enjoy watching your videos your guys are awesome 👍🏼

[@FloLum]

+Mary ann Reis Thanks so much, Mary!

[@maryjemison1101]

Yummy 😋 thanks Love the idea cooking in the Hotel 🏨 Room Instant-pot greatest invention💁‍♀️👍Flo And Dude ♥️♥️

[@sherryw-ponyluv-er2394]

Very resourceful!!!

[@edtollesonjr3426]

This looks delicious. Thanks for sharing.

[@FloLum]

+Ed Tolleson Jr Thanks, Ed!

[@vitazgal9933]

Happy Saturday you two! Where are the real stars of the vlogs....Ha ! This is so simple, I'm going to make it tomorrow... I don't want the trip to end :( Thanks for taking us along-you look super! * Watched again & saw the kids....* SO.....Where are we all going next year....YAY....

[@FloLum]

+VitaZgal LOL! Did you make it? PS I don't want the trip to end either!

[@vitazgal9933]

Indeed I did. Thank heavens for Trusty Olivia's( "triple washed")Mixed Baby greens always on hand. And...BTB/ckn. It was yummy. Our Instant Pot family is growing- newest addition-the 3qt-arrives Tuesday. Excited. Tripod looks great-as bird watcher enthusiast-sat parked with camera/lenses attached to tripod for hrs upon end. If plans change for Montreal, give a shout out for family suggestion.

[@FloLum]

+VitaZgal Awesome!

[@timcraft1418]

Thanks! That was really fun!

[@FloLum]

+Tim Craft Glad you enjoyed it!

[@shippermd]

I have an IP Mini with Travel Carry bag. I plan to try this meal but using dairy free, vegan cheese and cashew milk!

[@qcspt]

My sister taught me how to make spaghetti with sauce in the rice cooker when she didn't have a full kitchen in her in-law. I think I can still do it! =D

[@IvysKitchen]

Such a good idea to bring a water filter and that pressure cooker while traveling! Thank you for that idea :)

[@FloLum]

+Ivys Kitchen The water filter has been great, not having to buy bottled water everywhere. 😊

[@IvysKitchen]

agreed!

[@leslievalenciano-lopez8887]

WOW!!! That looked delicious, Flo!!! I need an Instant Pot!!! Dude, you are too funny!!!

[@FloLum]

+Leslie Valenciano-Lopez Ha ha!

[@CC-jg4tx]

My parents brought their rice cooker on every trip and rice because all rice are not the same including on a CRUISE! Lol

[@FloLum]

+Caroline Chong LOL! Now that's funny!

[@rondaadams1967]

My moms version of bbq chicken is put chicken pieces in pot add 1 cup of coke & 1 cup of ketchup salt & pepper cook till chicken is done. So good. I was wondering if I had left overs I freeze for further use . Might taste good in this dish.

[@FloLum]

I did use a rotisserie chicken. I don’t see why yours wouldn’t work here. You’ll just have to try it! 😉

[@colleenbeamer6403]

This is going to be my dinner tonight. Tempted by the recipe in your cookbook, but wanted to watch you make it first! :-)

[@arlenemurphy804]

Must try that Flo. Safe travels!😉

[@FloLum]

+A Murphy Thanks, Arlene! 😊

[@applebomb4091]

looks really good!!

[@sandytoes3373]

Looks yummy!! Never tried that type of cheese but I might now😊

[@FloLum]

+Sandy Toes It's a bit sweeter than cream cheese and it melts better. Thanks, Sandy!

[@sashap5238]

That was fun I would make this for dinner

[@FloLum]

+Sasha P Thanks, Sasha!

[@EchoSigma6]

This video just gave me flashbacks of my childhood traveling days with my parents and those motels. I’m new to the IP world, what size is that? I have an 8 quart so everything looks small.

[@FloLum]

All my recipes are made in the 6qt as that’s all they had back then.

[@MelsSimpleMeals]

Whenever I make noodles in the pressure cooker, I have to add oil to the pasta water or my noodles stick together. I was surprised you didn't have to do that. This looked delicious !

[@FloLum]

+Mel's Simple Meals Really? I have never had to add oil. Thanks, Mel!

[@ChurchClown7]

Mel's Simple Meals Could it be something other than the oil? Perhaps the salt? What is she doing that you’re not doing?

[@ChurchClown7]

Mel's Simple Meals Could it be the starting water temperature? Some cooks preheat the water 💧 before adding the pasta 🍝.

[@postems]

I have found that taking half the time on the box, minus one minute, and quick release. The longer they sit in there they clump. So for this recipe I do 4 minutes when the box says 10 min. They cook a little more when the cheese is melting and when you are waiting for the quick release.

[@richlaue]

I've never lived outside of the USA but still use chopsticks frequently and like cooking pasta this way.

[@nikkijohnson552]

I forgot how cute and young you seem with short hair! Love your videos and will try your secret weapon pasta this week. Thank you.

[@cdlady54_95]

Travelling means to me, eating out! When children have grown up you want to retire, at least I do.

[@fredhoedt]

sometimes you have to travel for work, and this would fit the bill

[@dorcaslee]

chicken in a can sounds yummy. hahaha. good job on the instantpot meal! still think it's great that I can make pasta in 4 minutes!

[@FloLum]

+Dorcas Lee LOL! I recall it was pretty yummy! But I'm not sure I can bring myself to buy it now.😉

[@PrepperDino]

Fun video.... also check out "Hot Logic" when travel from home to hotel, or cook in your car.

[@Ahbeeb]

The dude always looks at the ceiling when doing the taste lol

[@FloLum]

+Ahbeeb He's so weird! LOL!

[@Lisa-qt7pw]

Love your channel! This video is very cool :)

[@FloLum]

Thanks, Lisa!

[@azndude963]

Holy there's so many supplies brought...

[@FloLum]

+Roob Trulso Travelling for 8 weeks will do that.

[@janemiller2812]

I’ve never cooked pasta like this. What is the ratio of pasta to water and how long do you cook it. Thank you Flo.

[@MarySewer1]

Love it 😍

[@FloLum]

+MarySewer1 Thanks, Mary!

[@tonyn152]

This looks great and I will try it. I'm still new to the IP, so have a question. If I double your pasta amount and use a whole pound of noodles, would I need to increase the water amount (to still just cover the noodles) and increase the cook time? Thanks for the wonderful and entertaining videos!

[@FloLum]

Thanks, Tony! To double the pasta to a pound, yes, increase the water to just cover and no need to increase cook time.

[@tonyn152]

@@FloLum Thank you so much for your reply! I will do this.

[@DSales-se8hp]

I didnt catch how long you programed the IP for the pasta portion? and just enough water to cover the pasta right?

[@FloLum]

+Doreen Sales Just enough water to cover the pasta and cook for half the conventional cook time for your choice of pasta.

[@priss5210]

Great recipe. What kind of pasta did you use?

[@FloLum]

+Pris S Its a twisty pasta called Gemelli

[@cynthiajordan8751]

Weeeell, I won’t feel bad about taking canned soup with me to hotels anymore

[@colleenbeamer6403]

In general, loved the recipe. I followed the recipe exactly as in your cookbook. However, the package of arugula that I bought was only 5 oz. and I found that to be a bit overpowering. Will definitely make this again, but I think for personal preference, I'll go with spinach instead of arugula! :-)

[@FloLum]

Sorry you didn't like the arugula but spinach is a great sub! Glad it turned out ok. Thanks, Colleen!

[@NovaDeb]

I think this is a cute video! 😀

[@surferdude50]

Yeah... Eating out where your on a lengthy trip gets old fast. I'll have to try that though. Mondays are Pressure Cooker Pasta Nights for us here. Be safe. ]80)

[@FloLum]

+surferdude50 Thanks! I'm so tired of eating out! And craving Asian flavours. 😩

[@derekaw]

Wow! How good does your hair look here??!!

[@claudtalkz2194]

"It's so much better in a motel" ahaha, 'nuff said.

[@FloLum]

+claud talkz LOL!

[@sandilum]

Flo, what was the ingredient out of the bottle you added to the pasta when first cooking it and how do you wash the IP when on the road? There is nothing like homemade food, I'm trying this dish out for sure!

[@csnpatty]

sandi lum Better Than Bullion Chicken flavor.

[@FloLum]

+sandi lum Yes... Better Than Bouillon. I'm assuming you mean how I get rid of the food bits in the little sink... I scrub off what I can and pour it through my little colander to catch all the food bits to toss into the garbage. Then wash as per usual with dishwashing liquid and dish cloth and make sure I clean the sink. No one else needs to do that. Hope that helps.

[@sandilum]

Thanks Flo, I will look for "Better than Bouillon. Great tip on the use of the colander. Give you credit being on the road on behalf of all of us. We just get to sit back and enjoy traveling with you from our easy chairs, ha!

[@jenniferherrington]

Pressure Luck uses "Better than Bullion" all of the time! His videos are great as well.

[@yenc7909]

I am new to the game, which instant pot to buy is my question, we are family of 4 adults. Your recipes look simple enough, I like it !

[@FloLum]

I have 2 - 6qt Instant Pots (DUO and Smart models) and we are family of 3 adults and 2 tweens. I have not had a need for the 8qt pot but it would be great for larger pots of stew or soups, but then we'd be eating it for days! Sorry, I do not have experience with the other models.

[@yenc7909]

@@FloLum Between the duo & smart, which one do u recommend?

[@FloLum]

I heard they discontinued the Smart but I personally prefer it over the DUO. I believe the higher model is the Ultra.

[@yenc7909]

@@FloLum Thank you! You are awesome.

[@shelleydoxtdator753]

Looks delicious 😋 Love “the taste” lying in bed 😳🤣🤣

[@pjd2709]

I think Dude needs to have a go at cooking.....? It will give you a break Flo!

[@FloLum]

You tell him!

[@stitchann]

Nothing like preparing a dinner on the road in a motel. I makes you feel so thrifty and as you husband says you get so sick of restaurant food. You just crave some home cooking

[@FloLum]

+Debra Graham Yes! As much as I am enjoying the meals we have out, I do prefer home cooked.

[@carolchurch3727]

So how gross was chicken in a can?

[@titio.978]

I just get worry that someone will complaint and the front office knocks at my door....How does everybody does it?!

[@galaxybounce82]

I've seen chicken in a can on Chopped on food network

[@FloLum]

+francis w LOL! That must have been an interesting episode. Although... they usually are.

[@debb903]

I have bought and eaten that chicken in a can. It was good but gotta watch out for small bones.

[@FloLum]

+debb903 Ha! So many memories. 😉

[@elizabethhutson9767]

Hi Flo, I want to double the pasta, so do I double the cooking time?

[@FloLum]

In a 6qt? That might make it too full and cause it to sputter when you quick release. If you don’t quick release, your pasta will overcook. If you’re making it in the 8qt, I imagine the cook time would be the same.

[@elizabethhutson9767]

Darn, I didn’t think 1 pound of pasta would be too much for a 6 qt

[@FloLum]

You can always try and report back! 😉 I have done 1.5 lbs and it was fine.

[@elizabethhutson9767]

Ok, so how long do I cook 1 pound of pasta? Thank you Flo.

[@FloLum]

Ah... so sorry...I misread. I thought you were thinking 2lbs of pasta which I think would be too much. 1lb will be just fine. Cook for 1/2 the cook time as stated on your pasta. (Eg if usual stove top is 8 mins, pressure cook for 4 mins).

[@lisa9867]

What was the first ingredient after the pasta and water?

[@FloLum]

+Lisa Better Than Chicken bouillon. You can omit.