Are you tired of sacrificing flavor for convenience? Look no further! The Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking, allowing busy cooks to prepare a wide variety of dishes quickly and easily. In this article, we’ll share our top 20 Instant Pot recipes that are sure to become new favorites in your household.
From classic comfort foods like beef stew and pulled pork tacos, to international-inspired dishes like Thai peanut chicken noodles and Mexican street corn soup, these recipes cater to a range of tastes and dietary preferences. And the best part? Each recipe can be made in under 30 minutes using your trusty Instant Pot!
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these 3-quart Instant Pot recipes are perfect for busy home cooks who want to create delicious meals without sacrificing precious time.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Elevate your pasta game with this rich and flavorful dish, perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti or fettuccine)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 3 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine with garlic butter mixture.
4. Bring the cream mixture to a simmer and let cook for 5-7 minutes or until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Add cooked pasta to the creamy sauce and toss to coat.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Instant Pot Beef Stew
Enjoy a comforting and flavorful beef stew with minimal effort using your Instant Pot. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck or round)
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
– 1 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Press the “Saute” button on the Instant Pot and heat the pot until it reads “HOT”.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the beef, beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Close the lid and set the valve to “SEALING”. Press the “Meat/Stew” button or “Manual” mode and set the cooking time to 30 minutes at high pressure.
6. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining pressure.
Cooking Time: Approximately 40 minutes
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken
Brighten up your dinner table with this simple and flavorful recipe that combines the zesty goodness of lemon, the pungency of garlic, and the richness of butter. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion!
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, lemon juice, and softened butter until well combined.
3. Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the garlic-lemon butter mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Vegetable Lentil Soup
This comforting soup is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, packed with nutritious lentils and an assortment of colorful vegetables. Enjoy the warmth and satisfaction it brings to your table.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high. Add onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes.
2. Add lentils, broth, diced tomatoes, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until lentils are tender.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Spicy Coconut Curry Shrimp
A flavorful and spicy twist on traditional shrimp curry, this recipe combines the richness of coconut milk with the heat of red pepper flakes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon curry powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add shrimp and red pepper flakes; cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Stir in coconut milk and curry powder; bring to simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 5-7 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with cilantro leaves and serve over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Honey Sesame Chicken
A sweet and savory twist on traditional chicken dishes, this Honey Sesame Chicken recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1/4 cup sesame seeds
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, whisk together honey, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken pieces to the honey mixture and toss until coated.
4. Sprinkle sesame seeds evenly over the chicken pieces.
5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange chicken in a single layer.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cheesy Broccoli Rice
A comforting side dish that’s easy to make and packed with nutritious broccoli, this cheesy rice recipe is a great addition to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
3. In a large skillet, sauté broccoli and butter until tender.
4. Add cooked rice to the skillet and stir until combined with the broccoli mixture.
5. Transfer the rice mixture to a baking dish and top with grated cheese.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pulled Pork Tacos
Get ready to level up your taco game with this mouthwatering pulled pork tacos recipe! Tender, flavorful pork shoulder is slow-cooked in a tangy BBQ sauce and then shredded to perfection, making it a perfect filling for crispy tacos.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Shredded cheese (optional)
– Chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F.
2. In a large Dutch oven, combine pork shoulder, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and smoked paprika.
3. Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Cook for 6-8 hours or until the pork is tender and falls apart easily.
4. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Shred the pork with two forks into bite-sized pieces.
5. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
6. Assemble tacos by spooning the pulled pork onto a warmed tortilla, topping with shredded cheese and cilantro (if using).
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Quinoa and Black Bean Chili
This hearty quinoa and black bean chili is a flavorful and nutritious meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. With the nutty flavor of quinoa, the earthy taste of black beans, and a hint of spice, this dish is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: jalapeños or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using water or broth.
2. In a large pot, sauté onion, garlic, and red bell pepper until tender.
3. Add cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Add cooked quinoa, black beans, and any desired jalapeños or hot sauce to the pot. Stir well.
5. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Garlic Butter Mushroom Risotto
This creamy risotto dish combines the rich flavors of garlic butter and sautéed mushrooms with Arborio rice, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. Perfect for a cozy night in or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 oz mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic; cook until fragrant, 1 minute.
2. Add mushrooms; cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Arborio rice; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add wine (if using); cook until absorbed, about 1 minute.
5. Add 1 cup broth; cook, stirring constantly, until absorbed. Repeat with remaining broth, stirring frequently.
6. Remove from heat; stir in Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
BBQ Baby Back Ribs
Get ready to fall in love with these tender and flavorful baby back ribs smothered in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. Perfect for any occasion, these ribs are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 4 pounds)
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-low heat (275°F).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika.
3. Remove membrane from back of ribs and apply the dry rub evenly.
4. Place ribs on the grill, bone-side down, and close the lid.
5. Cook for 2 hours, or until meat starts to pull away from bones.
6. Brush with BBQ sauce during last 10 minutes of cooking.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Thai Peanut Chicken Noodles
A flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the richness of peanut sauce with the tender chicken, all wrapped up in a bed of noodles. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal for two.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 8 ounces rice noodles
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Add remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Add cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to coat with the peanut sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until chicken is fully coated.
6. Serve hot over cooked noodles, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mexican Street Corn Soup
Get ready to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Mexico with this creamy and flavorful soup! This recipe combines the classic street corn flavors of grilled corn, onions, garlic, and cotija cheese with a comforting bowl of chicken broth.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups frozen corn kernels
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the frozen corn kernels, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
5. Stir in the crumbled cotija cheese until melted.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Herbed Potatoes and Carrots
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the earthy flavor of potatoes, all tied together with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Perfect as a side dish for any meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
– 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss potatoes and carrots with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated.
3. Spread the potato and carrot mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Teriyaki Salmon with Vegetables
A sweet and savory Asian-inspired dish that combines the richness of salmon with a flavorful teriyaki sauce, served with colorful vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
– 1 small onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
3. Place the salmon fillets in a shallow baking dish. Brush the teriyaki mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon.
4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
5. Place the skillet with the vegetables alongside the salmon in the oven.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chicken and Dumplings
Warm up with this classic comfort food recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite! This hearty dish is perfect for a chilly evening or when you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup whole milk
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the chicken, carrots, celery, salt, and pepper. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Gradually whisk in the flour to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the dumplings are cooked through.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
French Onion Soup
Savor the rich flavors of caramelized onions and melted cheese in this classic French soup.
Ingredients:
– 3 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
– 6 cups beef broth
– 3 slices of baguette, toasted
– 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese
– Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized (about 20-25 minutes).
2. Add salt and wine (if using); cook for an additional minute.
3. Add broth; bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Preheat broiler.
5. Arrange toasted baguette slices on a baking sheet. Ladle soup over bread; top each with Gruyère cheese.
6. Place under the broiler until cheese is melted and bubbly (about 3-5 minutes).
7. Garnish with thyme leaves.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Spinach and Artichoke Dip Pasta
Transform your pasta game with this creamy and flavorful Spinach and Artichoke Dip Pasta recipe. This unique fusion of a classic dip and pasta is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
– 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped artichoke hearts and cook for 3-4 minutes or until lightly browned.
3. Add the thawed spinach, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir until smooth and heated through.
4. Combine cooked pasta with the Spinach and Artichoke Dip mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oats
Start your day with a comforting bowl of steel cut oats infused with the sweetness of apples and cinnamon. This recipe is perfect for a chilly morning or as a soothing snack any time of the day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup steel cut oats
– 2 cups water or milk (or combination)
– 1/4 cup diced apple (such as Granny Smith)
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water or milk to a simmer.
2. Add the steel cut oats and reduce heat to low. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats have absorbed most of the liquid and have a creamy consistency.
3. Add the diced apple, melted butter, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to combine.
4. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the apples are tender.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional cinnamon if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chocolate Lava Cake
Experience the ultimate indulgence with these gooey and delicious chocolate lava cakes, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggs
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 6 ounces high-quality dark or semisweet chocolate, broken into small pieces
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, melt chocolate in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and butter until well combined.
5. Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture and whisk until just combined.
6. Pour in the melted chocolate and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.
7. Pour batter into 4 (6-ounce) ramekins or small cups.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are set and centers are still slightly jiggly.
9. Remove from oven and let cool in ramekins for 1 minute before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Summary
Get ready to cook up a storm with these delicious Instant Pot recipes! From hearty stews and soups to comforting casseroles and desserts, this collection of 20 recipes has something for everyone. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for quick and easy meals or a foodie seeking inspiration for a special occasion, these Instant Pot recipes are sure to please. Try your hand at creamy pasta dishes, savory stews, or decadent desserts – all with the ease and convenience of your trusty Instant Pot.
Sophia Brennan is the cook and writer behind Go Jack Rabbit Go. She spent years working in Portland’s restaurant world before bringing that same warm, unfussy approach into her home kitchen. These days, she focuses on simple, comforting recipes inspired by real life, family routines, and the rhythm of cooking without overthinking it.
