10+ Instant Pot Recipes Fast and Easy for Busy Weeknights

Busy cooks love instant pots. They make preparing delicious meals quick and simple without compromising on flavor. These fast and easy instant pot recipes will help you whip up satisfying dishes in no time, even on the busiest days. You’ll find that cooking becomes less of a chore and more of a pleasure with these handy recipes.

Instant pot recipes offer a variety of options that fit your schedule. From soups to pastas and everything in between, you can enjoy tasty meals with minimal effort. You’ll love how effortlessly you can create comforting and hearty dishes right in your kitchen.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup is a quick and delicious meal you can make in your Instant Pot. It combines tender chicken with colorful veggies and spices for a flavor-packed dish. You’ll have a warm bowl ready in no time.

Start by gathering your ingredients. Fresh items like chicken, onion, and jalapeños mix with canned goods like black beans and diced tomatoes. Spices such as cumin and chili powder enhance the taste.

To cook, place all your ingredients in the Instant Pot. Set it to high pressure for about 10 minutes. Once done, release the steam and enjoy the hearty soup!

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 jalapeño, chopped
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can corn
• 4 cups (950 ml) chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Add all ingredients into the Instant Pot.
2. Seal the lid and set to high pressure for 10 minutes.
3. Once cooking is done, carefully release the steam.
4. Serve hot with tortilla strips or your favorite toppings.

2) Beef Stroganoff

Beef Stroganoff is a classic dish that’s perfect for your Instant Pot. It combines tender beef, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce to create a hearty meal. You can make it quickly, saving time without losing flavor.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in the pot. Then add sliced beef and brown it. Next, pour in beef broth and seasonings. Pressure cook for a short time to lock in the delicious flavors.

After cooking, stir in sour cream to make the dish creamy. Serve over egg noodles for a satisfying dinner. This meal is simple, comforting, and sure to please everyone at your table.

Ingredients

• 1 large onion
• 1 1/4 lbs boneless beef sirloin steak, sliced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 4 cups uncooked extra-wide egg noodles
• 2 cups beef broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode.
2. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
3. Add beef and brown on all sides.
4. Pour in the beef broth and add paprika and garlic powder.
5. Close the lid and pressure cook for 10 minutes.
6. Quick-release the pressure.
7. Stir in sour cream.
8. Serve over cooked egg noodles.

3) Mac and Cheese

Making mac and cheese in the Instant Pot is quick and simple. You can enjoy a creamy, cheesy dish in no time. This recipe requires just a few ingredients for an easy dinner.

To start, you’ll need elbow macaroni, water, and some butter. For a rich flavor, add evaporated milk and a mix of your favorite cheeses. Season with salt and pepper for extra taste.

Cooking is easy. Combine the ingredients in the pot, close the lid, and set it to high pressure for about 4 minutes. Once done, carefully release the pressure and stir in your cheese. The result is a smooth, delicious mac and cheese that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Add macaroni, water, and butter to the Instant Pot.
2. Close and lock the lid.
3. Set to high pressure for 4 minutes.
4. Release the pressure carefully.
5. Stir in evaporated milk and cheese until melted and creamy. Enjoy!

4) Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

Apple cinnamon oatmeal is a warm and delicious breakfast that you can make quickly in your Instant Pot. This recipe combines oats, fresh apples, and aromatic cinnamon for a tasty start to your day.

You can customize the sweetness with brown sugar or honey. For added texture, nuts can be sprinkled on top after cooking.

Start by sautéing the apples in the Instant Pot for a few minutes. This will enhance their flavor and caramelize them nicely. After that, mix in the oats, cinnamon, and water, then cook on high pressure for just 2 minutes.

Let the pressure release naturally for a few minutes for the best results. Serve it warm, and enjoy the cozy taste of apple cinnamon oatmeal!

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 cups water
• 1 apple, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
• Pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté chopped apple in the Instant Pot for 3 minutes.
2. Add oats, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt.
3. Pour in 2 cups of water and stir.
4. Seal the lid and set to high pressure for 2 minutes.
5. Allow natural pressure release for a few minutes before serving.

5) Teriyaki Chicken Wings

Teriyaki Chicken Wings are a tasty treat you can make quickly in your Instant Pot. This recipe will give you juicy wings coated in a flavorful sauce. You’ll love how easy it is!

For these wings, you start with a simple teriyaki sauce. Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, and ginger to create a smooth mix. Pour this over your chicken wings in the pot.

Set your Instant Pot to pressure cook for about 10 minutes. Once done, you can finish them under the broiler for a crispy exterior. Broiling takes just a few minutes, adding that perfect crunch!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken wings
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, and ginger in a bowl.
2. Place chicken wings in the Instant Pot and pour the sauce over them.
3. Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook for 10 minutes.
4. Once done, broil the wings for 3-5 minutes to crisp them up.

6) Vegetable Curry

Making a delicious vegetable curry in your Instant Pot is quick and easy. This dish is colorful and packed with nutrients. You can use any vegetables you have at home.

Start by chopping your favorite vegetables. Common choices include carrots, potatoes, and broccoli. Add some spices like cumin, curry powder, and turmeric for flavor.

Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat some oil. Add onions and cook until they soften. Then, stir in garlic and the spices. After that, add in your chopped veggies and a bit of water.

Close the lid and set the pot to high pressure for about 5 minutes. When the timer goes off, carefully release the pressure. You’ll have a warm, comforting meal ready to enjoy.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, broccoli, potatoes)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 cup water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Chop your vegetables.
2. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat oil.
3. Add chopped onion and cook until softened.
4. Stir in garlic and spices.
5. Add vegetables and water.
6. Close the lid and set to high pressure for 5 minutes.
7. Release pressure and serve.

7) Pot Roast

Pot roast is a comforting dish that’s easy to make in your Instant Pot. You can enjoy tender beef, carrots, and potatoes in just under an hour. The pressure cooking method seals in flavors and makes the meat melt in your mouth.

Start by browning your roast for extra flavor. Then, add your vegetables and seasonings, and let the Instant Pot work its magic. In no time, you’ll have a hearty meal that warms you up.

This dish is perfect for family dinners and can even impress your guests. Serve it with gravy for a classic touch.

Ingredients

• 3-4 pounds beef chuck roast
• 4 medium carrots, chopped
• 4 medium potatoes, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: herbs like thyme or rosemary

Cooking Instructions

1. Turn on the Instant Pot and set it to sauté.
2. Brown the roast on all sides, then remove it.
3. Add onions, and cook until soft.
4. Place the roast back in and add broth and Worcestershire sauce.
5. Add veggies and season with salt and pepper.
6. Close the lid and set to high pressure for 60 minutes.
7. After cooking, allow natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.

8) Spaghetti Carbonara

Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian dish that’s quick and easy to make in your Instant Pot. It combines creamy goodness with simple ingredients. You can whip this up in about 20 minutes.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need pasta, pancetta, eggs, and Parmesan cheese. The Instant Pot cooks everything together, making it a one-pot meal.

When you’re ready, cook the pancetta in the pot until it’s crispy. Then add the pasta and enough broth. Once the pasta is done, mix in eggs and cheese off the heat for a creamy sauce.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. You get a comforting meal without much fuss.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces spaghetti
• 4 ounces pancetta
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté. Cook pancetta until crispy.
2. Add spaghetti and chicken broth.
3. Close the lid and set to cook on high for 8 minutes.
4. Quick release the pressure.
5. Mix in eggs and Parmesan until creamy. Season with salt and pepper.

9) Buffalo Cauliflower

Buffalo cauliflower is a tasty and easy dish to make in the Instant Pot. It’s perfect as a snack or a side dish. With its spicy and tangy flavor, it can satisfy anyone’s cravings.

To prepare, gather a head of cauliflower and cut it into bite-sized florets. Mix hot sauce, butter, and garlic powder in a bowl. Toss the cauliflower in this mixture until it’s well coated.

Next, add water to the Instant Pot and place the florets on the steaming rack. Cook on high pressure for about 5 minutes.

When it’s done, you can either serve it as is or give it a quick broil for extra crispiness.

Ingredients

• 1 large head of cauliflower
• 1/2 cup hot sauce
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup water

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the cauliflower into florets.
2. Mix hot sauce, butter, and garlic powder.
3. Coat the florets with the mix.
4. Add water to the Instant Pot.
5. Place the cauliflower on the steaming rack.
6. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
7. Serve or broil for crispiness.

10) Lentil Soup

Lentil soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that is perfect for any day. Using the Instant Pot makes it quick and easy, so you can enjoy a hearty meal in no time.

You’ll need green or brown lentils, which cook well and are packed with protein. Add aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery for a flavorful base.

Spices like garlic, cumin, and bay leaves enhance the taste. The Instant Pot can prepare this soup in about 20 minutes. This gives you soft lentils and a delicious broth without much effort.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils (green or brown)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot to the sauté setting.
2. Add olive oil. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery for 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic, cumin, and lentils.
4. Add broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
5. Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
6. Let the pressure release naturally before serving.