Life can get busy, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice delicious, home-cooked meals. Whether you’re balancing work, family, or just trying to make healthier choices, the Instant Pot is a lifesaver for whipping up flavorful dishes in 30 minutes or less. From comforting pastas to protein-packed meals, these easy recipes will help you save time, reduce stress, and enjoy more quality moments at the dinner table.
1. Instant Pot Chicken & Rice
A classic one-pot meal that’s creamy, comforting, and packed with protein.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Sauté: Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode, add a bit of oil, and cook onions and garlic for 1-2 minutes.
- Add chicken: Stir in chicken cubes and seasonings. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Pressure cook: Add rice and chicken broth, stirring well. Close the lid, seal, and cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes.
- Natural release: Let pressure naturally release for 5 minutes, then quick release.
- Finish & Serve: Stir in peas, carrots, and cheese. Let sit for 2 minutes before serving.
2. Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff
A creamy and satisfying meal with tender beef and mushrooms in a rich sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef stew meat (or ground beef)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1 cup sour cream
Instructions:
- Sauté: In Sauté mode, cook beef with onions and garlic for 5 minutes.
- Deglaze: Add Worcestershire sauce and beef broth, scraping the pot bottom.
- Pressure cook: Stir in mushrooms, salt, pepper, and egg noodles. Cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes.
- Release & Stir: Quick release pressure and stir in sour cream.
- Serve: Let sit for a few minutes before serving for the flavors to meld.
3. Instant Pot Honey Garlic Salmon
A healthy, flavorful dish that’s ready in just 15 minutes!
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions:
- Mix Sauce: Combine soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Add to Instant Pot: Pour water into the Instant Pot, place the trivet inside, and place salmon fillets on top.
- Pressure cook: Brush sauce over salmon and cook on High Pressure for 3 minutes.
- Quick release: Carefully quick release pressure and remove salmon.
- Serve: Drizzle remaining sauce over salmon and serve with rice or veggies.
4. Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
A super easy one-pot pasta dish with a rich, creamy tomato sauce.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions:
- Add to Instant Pot: Add pasta, broth, tomatoes, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Pressure cook: Cook on High Pressure for 4 minutes, then quick release.
- Stir in Cream: Mix in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let sit for 2 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
5. Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken
Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or on top of a salad.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Add to Instant Pot: Place chicken, broth, BBQ sauce, and seasonings in the pot.
- Pressure cook: Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes, then natural release for 5 minutes.
- Shred & Serve: Use two forks to shred the chicken, mix with sauce, and serve on buns or over rice.