20 Instant Pot Favorites That Are Quick and Easy

The Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen appliance that makes cooking a breeze, especially for busy days. Here are 20 quick and easy recipes you can whip up with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

1. Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo

A creamy and comforting classic made quick and easy.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken breast, diced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 pound fettuccine pasta
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

• Sauté chicken in the Instant Pot with butter until lightly browned.
• Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
• Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream.
• Break fettuccine in half and layer over the chicken mixture.
• Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
• Quick-release pressure and stir in Parmesan cheese.
• Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.

Tip: For a richer flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged. Fresh Parmesan melts more smoothly and enhances the creaminess of the sauce.

2. Instant Pot Beef Chili

A hearty chili loaded with flavor, perfect for a cold day.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup diced onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

• Sauté ground beef in the Instant Pot until browned, then drain excess fat.
• Add onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
• Stir in chili powder, cumin, and paprika.
• Add beans, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.
• Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
• Quick-release pressure and adjust seasoning before serving.

Tip: For a deeper flavor, toast the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika in the Instant Pot for 30 seconds before adding the other ingredients. This releases their essential oils and intensifies the taste.

3. Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

A cheesy comfort food that’s always a hit.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 4 cups water
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• Salt to taste

Steps:

• Add macaroni, water, and a pinch of salt to the Instant Pot.
• Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.
• Quick-release pressure and stir in butter.
• Add milk, cheddar cheese, and mustard powder, stirring until creamy.

Tip: To prevent the mac and cheese from becoming too dry, reserve a bit of the pasta cooking water and add it back in when stirring in the cheese. This helps create a smoother, creamier texture.

4. Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

A flavorful taco filling ready in no time.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless chicken thighs
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Tortillas and toppings of choice

Steps:

• Place chicken thighs, salsa, taco seasoning, and chicken broth in the Instant Pot.
• Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
• Quick-release pressure and shred chicken using two forks.
• Serve with tortillas and desired toppings.

Tip: For extra flavor, sear the chicken thighs before pressure cooking. This adds a caramelized crust and enhances the overall taste of the taco filling.

5. Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

A healthy, vegetable-packed soup for any season.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup diced zucchini
• 1 cup kidney beans, drained
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup pasta shells
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

• Sauté carrots, celery, and zucchini in the Instant Pot until softened.
• Add beans, tomatoes, broth, pasta, and seasoning.
• Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
• Quick-release pressure and adjust seasoning.

Tip: Add the pasta shells separately after pressure cooking if you want to avoid overcooking them. Simply simmer the soup on the sauté function until the pasta is al dente.

6. Instant Pot Butter Chicken

A creamy and mildly spiced Indian-inspired dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless chicken thighs, diced
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger paste
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

• Sauté butter, garlic, and ginger in the Instant Pot until fragrant.
• Add chicken and cook until lightly browned.
• Stir in tomato puree, garam masala, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
• Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
• Quick-release pressure, stir in cream and yogurt, and simmer until thickened.

Tip: Marinate the chicken in yogurt, garam masala, and ginger paste for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This tenderizes the meat and infuses it with flavor.

7. Instant Pot Vegetable Risotto

A creamy, cheesy rice dish loaded with vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup diced zucchini
• 1 cup diced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

• Sauté zucchini and mushrooms in olive oil in the Instant Pot.
• Add rice and stir to coat with oil.
• Pour in vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
• Quick-release pressure and stir in Parmesan cheese.

Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir it in at the end for a creamy, luxurious texture. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the risotto grainy.

8. Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Juicy and flavorful pulled pork for sandwiches or tacos.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds pork shoulder, cut into chunks
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

• Rub pork with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• Add pork, barbecue sauce, and chicken broth to the Instant Pot.
• Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes.
• Natural release for 15 minutes, then shred pork with forks and mix with sauce.

Tip: For a more intense smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the barbecue sauce mixture before pressure cooking.

9. Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes in no time.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 tablespoons butter
• Salt to taste

Steps:

• Add diced potatoes and water to the Instant Pot.
• Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
• Quick-release pressure, drain, and mash potatoes with milk, butter, and salt.

Tip: Use Yukon Gold potatoes for the creamiest texture. They have a naturally buttery flavor and mash beautifully without becoming gluey.

10. Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Sweet and savory chicken for rice bowls.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger paste
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Steps:

• Combine soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and water in the Instant Pot.
• Add chicken and stir to coat.
• Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
• Quick-release pressure, remove chicken, and simmer sauce with cornstarch until thickened.

Tip: For a glossy, restaurant-quality sauce, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water before adding it to the sauce. This prevents clumping and ensures a smooth consistency.

11. Instant Pot Lentil Soup

A hearty and healthy vegetarian soup.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

• Sauté carrots and celery in the Instant Pot until softened.
• Add lentils, tomatoes, broth, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
• Quick-release pressure and stir before serving.

Tip: Add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar at the end of cooking to brighten the flavors and balance the richness of the lentils.

12. Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff

A creamy and savory beef and noodle dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound beef stew meat
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 cups egg noodles
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

• Sauté beef and mushrooms in the Instant Pot until browned.
• Add broth, mustard, and noodles.
• Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
• Quick-release pressure and stir in sour cream.

Tip: Use full-fat sour cream for a richer, creamier sauce. Stir it in at the end to prevent curdling.

13. Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A creamy and cheesy vegetable soup.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

• Sauté butter, broccoli, and carrots in the Instant Pot.
• Add broth, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
• Quick-release pressure, blend partially for texture, and stir in cream and cheese.

Tip: For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially puree the broccoli and carrots before adding the cheese. This creates a velvety base.

14. Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

A one-pot meal that’s family-friendly.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 12 pre-cooked meatballs
• 4 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Steps:

• Add olive oil, spaghetti, meatballs, sauce, and water to the Instant Pot.
• Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
• Quick-release pressure and stir well before serving.

Tip: Break the spaghetti in half and layer it in a crisscross pattern to prevent clumping and ensure even cooking.

15. Instant Pot Potato Soup

A creamy, comforting soup with a hint of bacon.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds potatoes, diced
• 1 cup diced onions
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

• Sauté onions in the Instant Pot until softened.
• Add potatoes, broth, salt, and pepper.
• Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
• Quick-release pressure, mash slightly, and stir in cream and bacon.

Tip: For extra flavor, sauté the onions with a pinch of salt until they caramelize slightly before adding the potatoes and broth.

16. Instant Pot Thai Green Curry

A rich and aromatic curry bursting with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons green curry paste
• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• 1 cup diced zucchini
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Fresh basil for garnish

Steps:

• Sauté green curry paste in the Instant Pot until fragrant.
• Add chicken and cook until lightly browned.
• Stir in coconut milk, chicken broth, fish sauce, and sugar.
• Add bell peppers and zucchini.
• Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 7 minutes.
• Quick-release pressure and garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Tip: Use fresh green curry paste if possible, as it has a more vibrant flavor than store-bought versions. Add a kaffir lime leaf for an authentic touch.

17. Instant Pot Jambalaya

A flavorful Cajun classic loaded with meat, rice, and spices.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

• Sauté sausage in the Instant Pot until browned.
• Add bell peppers and cook until softened.
• Stir in rice, tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning.
• Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
• Quick-release pressure, add shrimp, and sauté until shrimp is cooked through.

Tip: Use andouille sausage for an authentic Cajun flavor. Its smoky, spicy profile pairs perfectly with the shrimp and rice.

18. Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

Sweet and tangy chicken, perfect for sandwiches or salads.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken breasts
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

• Place chicken breasts in the Instant Pot and season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Add barbecue sauce and chicken broth.
• Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
• Quick-release pressure and shred chicken before mixing with the sauce.

Tip: Shred the chicken directly in the Instant Pot after cooking to allow it to soak up more of the barbecue sauce for maximum flavor.

19. Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

A rich and velvety soup perfect with grilled cheese.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

• Sauté garlic in olive oil in the Instant Pot until fragrant.
• Add tomatoes, broth, salt, and pepper.
• Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
• Quick-release pressure, blend until smooth, and stir in cream and basil.

Tip: Use high-quality canned tomatoes or fresh ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. A pinch of sugar can help balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

20. Instant Pot Chocolate Lava Cake

A decadent dessert with a gooey chocolate center.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Butter or cooking spray for greasing ramekins

Steps:

• Melt butter and chocolate chips together in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Whisk eggs, egg yolks, and powdered sugar in a bowl until creamy.
• Add the melted chocolate mixture and flour, stirring until smooth.
• Grease ramekins and pour batter into them.
• Place a trivet and 1 cup of water in the Instant Pot.
• Place ramekins on the trivet, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 9 minutes.
• Quick-release pressure, remove ramekins, and serve warm.

Tip: Do not overmix the batter. A few lumps are fine, as overmixing can lead to dense cakes. Also, make sure to grease the ramekins thoroughly to prevent sticking.

Conclusion

This collection of 20 Instant Pot favorites showcases the incredible versatility of this appliance. From hearty main courses to comforting soups and indulgent desserts, these recipes are quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for busy days or when you need a reliable dish, your Instant Pot will transform these recipes into family favorites! Enjoy experimenting with these dishes and savoring every bite.