10+ Easy Instant Pot Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Are you looking for quick and tasty meals? Easy Instant Pot recipes can save you time and effort in the kitchen.

These recipes allow you to prepare delicious dishes with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

With just a few ingredients and your Instant Pot, you can whip up meals your whole family will love. From comforting soups to satisfying casseroles, the possibilities are endless.

1) Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo

Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo is a simple and tasty dinner option. Start with tender chicken breasts and cook them in your Instant Pot with pasta.

The creamy Alfredo sauce makes it rich and satisfying. You can have this dish ready in about 30 minutes.

It’s perfect for busy nights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Cleanup is easy, too!

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into pieces
• 8 ounces penne or fettuccini pasta
• 1 jar (15 ounces) Alfredo sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden.
2. Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, and pasta.
3. Add the jar of Alfredo sauce.
4. Close the lid and set to high pressure for 6 minutes.
5. When done, release pressure and stir well before serving.

2) Instant Pot Potato Ham Chowder

Instant Pot Potato Ham Chowder is a simple and delicious recipe perfect for busy days. It combines flavors of ham, potatoes, and corn for a hearty meal.

You can use leftover ham or any cooked ham for this chowder. The recipe involves just a few steps, so you’ll have more time to relax.

It’s a great way to warm up on chilly evenings!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup diced onion
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups sliced carrots
• 2 ½ cups diced potatoes
• 1 ½ cups frozen corn
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup diced ham

Cooking Instructions

1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté and heat the olive oil.
2. Add the onion and cook until soft.
3. Stir in the chicken broth, carrots, potatoes, corn, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the diced ham and mix well.
5. Close the lid and set to manual on high for 10 minutes.
6. Let it release pressure naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!

3) Instant Pot Oatmeal 5 Ways

Making oatmeal in your Instant Pot is quick and easy. Here are five tasty ways to prepare it.

First, make classic oatmeal by combining rolled oats, water, and a pinch of salt. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes, then let it sit for 5 minutes.

For a fruity twist, add diced apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Cook the same way and enjoy a warm, sweet breakfast.

Try peanut butter and banana by mixing oats, water, and a tablespoon of peanut butter. Top with sliced bananas after cooking.

For a chocolate version, add cocoa powder and a bit of sugar. It’s like dessert for breakfast!

Create savory oatmeal with cheese and herbs. Add shredded cheese and your favorite herbs after cooking.

Ingredients

• Rolled oats
• Water
• Salt
• Apples, diced
• Cinnamon
• Brown sugar
• Peanut butter
• Banana, sliced
• Cocoa powder
• Sugar
• Cheese
• Herbs

Cooking Instructions

1. Add oats, water, and salt to the pot.
2. For fruity, nutty, or chocolate recipes, mix in additional ingredients.
3. Lock the lid and set to high pressure.
4. Cook for specified time.
5. Use natural release or quick release.
6. Stir and enjoy your oatmeal!

4) Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Instant Pot Butter Chicken is a delicious and easy recipe that you can make in no time. This dish is creamy and flavorful.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic. Add spices like ginger, cumin, and garam masala for a rich taste.

Mix in chicken pieces and tomatoes before cooking under pressure. This dish pairs well with rice or naan.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) chicken breast, cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 can (15 oz or 400 g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Spices: cumin, coriander, garam masala, salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode.
2. Melt butter and add onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until soft.
3. Stir in spices and cook for another minute.
4. Add chicken and crushed tomatoes. Mix well.
5. Close the lid and set to high pressure for 10 minutes.
6. Once done, carefully release pressure.
7. Stir in heavy cream before serving.

5) Instant Pot Beef Chili

Making Instant Pot beef chili is a quick way to enjoy a hearty meal. The pressure cooker blends the flavors and tenderizes the meat.

You will need ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices for this chili. Add your favorite toppings like cheese or sour cream.

In a short time, you can have a warm bowl of chili ready to serve.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
• 1 can (15 oz) beans, drained
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Turn on your Instant Pot and set it to sauté mode.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
3. Stir in the onion and cook until soft.
4. Add the beans, tomatoes, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Close the lid and set the pot to high pressure for 15 minutes.
6. Once done, release the pressure carefully and serve.

6) Instant Pot Savory Vegan Risotto

Making vegan risotto in your Instant Pot is quick and easy. You can create a creamy dish without the fuss of stirring.

For this recipe, use arborio rice, vegetable broth, and your choice of veggies. Add mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.

Just set your Instant Pot and let it cook.

Ingredients

• 1 cup arborio rice
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (or baby spinach)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until soft.
3. Stir in rice and cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add mushrooms and broth; mix well.
5. Close the lid and set to cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
6. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining steam.
7. Stir and season with salt and pepper to taste.

7) Instant Pot Spicy Peanut Soup with Sweet Potato and Kale

This Instant Pot Spicy Peanut Soup is a warm and comforting dish. The sweet potatoes add a nice sweetness, while the peanut butter gives it a rich, nutty flavor.

Kale adds color and nutrients to the mix. Sauté onions and garlic first, then add the sweet potatoes and peanut butter for a creamy texture.

Using your Instant Pot, you can cook this dish quickly.

Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
• 1 cup kale, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup peanut butter
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: diced jalapeño for heat

Cooking Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add the onions and garlic, cooking until soft.
2. Add diced sweet potatoes, vegetable broth, and peanut butter. Stir well.
3. Seal the lid and set to high pressure for 8 minutes.
4. Allow a natural release for 10 minutes before opening.
5. Stir in the chopped kale and season with salt and pepper.

8) Instant Pot Hawaiian Chicken Tacos with Jalapeño Ranch

These Instant Pot Hawaiian Chicken Tacos are a tasty way to enjoy a tropical dish at home. You will love the combination of juicy pineapple and spiced chicken.

The creamy jalapeño ranch adds a delightful kick. Cook the chicken in your Instant Pot until it’s tender.

Warm some tortillas and fill them with the chicken mixture. Top with the jalapeño ranch for extra flavor.

This meal is quick and easy, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup diced pineapple
• 1 jalapeño, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 small tortillas
• Jalapeño ranch dressing

Cooking Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil.
2. Brown the chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes on each side.
3. Add pineapple and minced jalapeño.
4. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
5. Release the pressure and shred the chicken.
6. Warm tortillas and fill with the chicken mixture.
7. Drizzle with jalapeño ranch dressing before serving.

9) Instant Pot Vegetable Soup

Making Instant Pot Vegetable Soup is quick and easy. You can have a hearty meal ready in under 30 minutes.

This soup is filled with fresh and canned vegetables, making it nutritious and satisfying. Gather your favorite veggies like carrots, celery, tomatoes, and greens.

The Instant Pot locks in flavors, so your soup will taste amazing. Customize this soup to fit your taste by adding herbs and spices.

Use vegetable broth for a richer taste.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (fresh or canned)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Turn on the Instant Pot. Select the sauté mode.

2. Sauté the onion and garlic until soft.

3. Add the mixed vegetables and tomatoes.

4. Pour in the vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Close the lid. Set to high pressure for 10 minutes.

6. Release the pressure. Serve hot.

10) Instant Pot 30 Minute Pressure Cooker Split Pea Soup

Making split pea soup in your Instant Pot is quick and easy.

Gather your ingredients. You will need split peas, a ham bone or ham, onion, celery, garlic, thyme, and black pepper.

Add everything to your Instant Pot with enough water.

Secure the lid. Set it to high pressure for 15 minutes.

Let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes.

Carefully release any remaining pressure.

Serve the soup warm.

Enjoy it with bread.

Ingredients

• 1 cup split peas
• 1 ham bone or 1 cup diced ham
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4-6 cups water

Cooking Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot.

2. Pour in enough water to cover them.

3. Secure the lid.

4. Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 15 minutes.

5. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.

6. Release any remaining pressure.

7. Serve hot.