10+ Instant Pot Recipes Fast and Easy for Busy Weeknights

Instant Pot recipes are a great way to prepare delicious meals quickly and easily. Many people find that using an Instant Pot saves time and effort in the kitchen without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy a variety of tasty dishes in no time.

Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or just looking to simplify your cooking routine, Instant Pot meals can fit into your lifestyle. You’ll discover how versatile this kitchen appliance can be, making it easier than ever to create meals that everyone will love.

1) Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo

Making Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo is a great way to enjoy a delicious meal in no time. This dish combines tender chicken, pasta, and a creamy sauce all cooked in one pot. You can whip it up in just about 30 minutes.

First, you start by adding your chicken and seasonings to the Instant Pot. Then, you mix in the pasta and your homemade Alfredo sauce. The pressure cooker does all the hard work, leaving you with a comforting and tasty dish.

This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you need something quick and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) chicken breasts, cut into pieces
• 8 ounces (225g) fettuccine or penne pasta
• 2 cups (475ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Add chicken, salt, and pepper to the Instant Pot.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and add the pasta.
3. Close the lid and set to cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
4. Release pressure, open the lid, and stir in the cream and Parmesan.
5. Serve warm and enjoy!

2) Instant Pot Potato Ham Chowder

Instant Pot Potato Ham Chowder is a comforting meal that’s quick to prepare. You’ll enjoy the rich flavors of ham, potatoes, and cream. This chowder is both hearty and satisfying.

To make it, start by sautéing some onions and garlic in your Instant Pot. Add in diced potatoes, chopped ham, and broth. You can also include some carrots for extra texture.

Set your Instant Pot to pressure cook, and in no time, you’ll have a delicious chowder ready to enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 cup diced onion
• 2 cups diced potatoes
• 1 cup chopped ham
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté onions in the Instant Pot until soft.
2. Add diced potatoes and chopped ham.
3. Pour in the chicken broth.
4. Close the lid and set to pressure cook for 10 minutes.
5. Release the pressure and stir in the heavy cream. Season to taste.

3) Instant Pot Oatmeal 5 Ways

Making oatmeal in your Instant Pot is quick and easy. You can create a variety of flavors to enjoy a new bowl every morning.

One option is classic oatmeal. You only need oats, water, and a pinch of salt. For a creamy version, add milk and a splash of vanilla.

You can try adding fruits like bananas or berries for natural sweetness. Or, sprinkle in nuts and honey for extra crunch and flavor.

For a more decadent treat, use cocoa powder for chocolate oatmeal. This is great for breakfast or a snack!

Ingredients:

• Rolled oats
• Water or milk
• Salt
• Optional: vanilla, fruits, nuts, honey, cocoa powder

Cooking Instructions:

1. Add oats, water, and salt to the Instant Pot.
2. Select high pressure and cook for 3 minutes.
3. Allow for natural release for 10 minutes.
4. Stir in optional ingredients as desired.

4) Instant Pot Beef Chili

Making beef chili in an Instant Pot is quick and easy. You can enjoy a hearty meal that warms you up on chilly days. This recipe combines beef, beans, and spices for a tasty dish.

Start by browning ground beef in the pot. Then, add onions, garlic, and bell peppers for extra flavor. After that, mix in canned tomatoes, kidney beans, and chili spices.

Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for about 15 minutes. Once done, release the pressure and serve your chili hot.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 can kidney beans, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in the Instant Pot on sauté mode.
2. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper; sauté until softened.
3. Stir in tomatoes, beans, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
5. Release the pressure and serve.

5) Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Instant Pot Butter Chicken is a tasty and simple dish that you can make in under an hour. This Indian classic features tender chicken cooked in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

To start, gather your ingredients. You will need chicken, butter, garlic, ginger, onion, tomato sauce, heavy cream, and some spices like garam masala. This combination gives you a rich and comforting flavor.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless chicken (about 680 grams)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup tomato sauce (about 240 ml)
• 1 cup heavy cream (about 240 ml)
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Turn on your Instant Pot and set it to sauté mode.
2. Melt the butter and add garlic, ginger, and onion. Cook until soft.
3. Add the chicken and tomato sauce, mixing well.
4. Close the lid and set to high pressure for 10 minutes.
5. Once done, quick-release the pressure, then stir in the heavy cream and garam masala.
6. Serve over rice or with naan. Enjoy!

6) Instant Pot Jambalaya Brown Rice

Instant Pot Jambalaya with brown rice is a delicious and easy meal you can whip up quickly. It combines chicken, sausage, shrimp, and vegetables with seasoned rice for a hearty dish.

Start by sautéing your ingredients in the Instant Pot. This helps to bring out the flavors before you cook under pressure. After sautéing, add the brown rice and liquid.

Cook on high pressure for about 20 minutes. Allow a natural release for about 15 minutes to finish cooking. Your jambalaya will be tasty and ready to serve!

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown rice
• 1 pound chicken thighs, diced
• 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced
• 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode.
2. Add chicken and sausage; cook until browned.
3. Stir in onion and bell pepper; cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add brown rice, shrimp, broth, seasoning, and salt.
5. Lock the lid and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes.
6. Allow 15 minutes for natural release before opening the lid.

7) Instant Pot Lazy Wife’s Dinner

The Instant Pot Lazy Wife’s Dinner is a quick and easy meal perfect for busy days. This dish features ground beef and simple ingredients, making it ideal when you need to whip up dinner fast.

You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your family’s taste. It’s great for those nights when cooking feels like too much work. The Instant Pot does most of the effort for you.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup pasta (like macaroni)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add ground beef and onion. Cook until brown.
2. Drain excess fat.
3. Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, and pasta to the pot.
4. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
5. Quick release the pressure and stir before serving.

8) Instant Pot Savory Vegan Risotto

Making savory vegan risotto in your Instant Pot is quick and easy. You can enjoy a creamy dish without spending hours stirring. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.

You’ll need just a few simple ingredients like rice, vegetable broth, and your favorite vegetables. Peas and spinach add great flavor and color.

In just 4 to 20 minutes, depending on the recipe, your risotto will be ready to serve. It’s a satisfying meal that pairs well with a salad.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1 cup green peas
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Olive oil, for sautéing
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode.
2. Add olive oil, onion, and garlic. Cook until soft.
3. Add Arborio rice and stir for 1 minute.
4. Pour in vegetable broth and mix well.
5. Seal the lid and cook on high for 4 minutes.
6. Quick-release the pressure and stir in spinach and peas.
7. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

9) Instant Pot Garlic-Parmesan Turkey Meatballs

Instant Pot Garlic-Parmesan Turkey Meatballs are a quick and tasty meal option. You will love how easy it is to prepare these flavorful meatballs. They are perfect for busy nights when you need something delicious fast.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need ground turkey, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, and some spices. The Instant Pot helps keep the meatballs moist and flavorful.

These meatballs are great served with pasta or on their own. They make for a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground turkey breast
• 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ tablespoons fresh oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the turkey, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Form the mixture into meatballs.
3. Add a bit of water or sauce to the Instant Pot.
4. Place the meatballs in the pot.
5. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes (210°C).
6. Let the pressure release naturally before serving.

10) Instant Pot Egg Stuffed Avocado

Egg stuffed avocados are a quick and tasty meal you can whip up in your Instant Pot. This dish blends the creaminess of avocado with the rich flavor of eggs. It’s perfect for breakfast or a light lunch.

To start, you will need ripe avocados, eggs, and a few seasonings. You can also add bacon or cheese to enhance the taste. The cooking process is simple and quick.

Ingredients:

• 2 large ripe avocados
• 4 medium eggs
• 1/2 cup bacon crumbles (optional)
• Sea salt to taste
• Chives or green onions for garnish

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cut the avocados in half and remove the pit.
2. Scoop out a little flesh to create space for the egg.
3. Place water in the Instant Pot and set the trivet inside.
4. Crack an egg into each avocado half.
5. Season with salt and add bacon if using.
6. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
7. Release the pressure and top with chives or green onions before serving.