Home | Food and Recipes | The Best Instant Pot Recipes for Busy Weeknights
After a long day of work, the last thing anyone wants to do is spend hours in the kitchen cooking dinner. But with the Instant Pot, dinner doesn't have to be a time-consuming ordeal. This multi-functional appliance has revolutionized weeknight meals, allowing you to cook delicious dishes in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. If you're looking for quick, easy, and tasty meals to make on busy evenings, here are some of the best Instant Pot recipes that will save you time and effort without sacrificing flavor.
1. Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo
Chicken Alfredo is a creamy, comforting dish that's perfect for a busy weeknight, and the Instant Pot makes it incredibly simple to prepare. No need for multiple pots and pans; everything cooks in one pot!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 16 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear it on both sides until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Add garlic to the pot and sauté for 30 seconds, then pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Break the fettuccine pasta in half and place it on top of the chicken. Pour the heavy cream over the top.
- Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Quick-release the pressure, remove the chicken, and shred it with two forks. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and shredded chicken.
- Serve and enjoy your creamy, cheesy Chicken Alfredo!
Why it's great: The Instant Pot takes care of cooking the pasta and chicken at the same time, making it quick and hands-off.
2. Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff
This rich and creamy dish is traditionally slow-cooked for hours, but the Instant Pot makes it a quick and easy weeknight option without losing any of the classic flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef stew meat or beef strips
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 8 oz egg noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and brown the beef in batches. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the onion and garlic until softened, about 3 minutes. Add flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits.
- Add the beef back into the pot, then stir in the egg noodles. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Quick-release the pressure, then stir in sour cream and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve the beef stroganoff over the noodles and enjoy!
Why it's great: This one-pot meal is creamy, comforting, and easy to make, perfect for a busy evening.
3. Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
Tacos are always a favorite, and with the Instant Pot, you can have shredded chicken ready in just 20 minutes. This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 lime (juiced)
- 12 small flour or corn tortillas
- Toppings: shredded lettuce, salsa, sour cream, cheese, etc.
Instructions:
- Add the chicken breasts, taco seasoning, and chicken broth to the Instant Pot.
- Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Quick-release the pressure, then shred the chicken with two forks.
- Serve the shredded chicken in tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Why it's great: These tacos are quick, customizable, and full of flavor, making them a perfect option when you're short on time.
4. Instant Pot Chili
Chili is a classic comfort food that’s both hearty and satisfying. With the Instant Pot, you can have a rich and flavorful chili ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 can kidney beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
- 1 can black beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and cook the ground meat with the onion and garlic until browned.
- Add the tomatoes, beans, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Quick-release the pressure and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions.
Why it's great: This hearty chili is quick, filling, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for a busy evening or even meal prep for the week.
5. Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes
This meal is a complete dinner in one pot. Tender chicken thighs, baby potatoes, and a tangy lemon garlic sauce make for an easy and delicious meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then brown them on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- Add garlic to the pot and sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest.
- Return the chicken to the pot, and add the baby potatoes on top.
- Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
- Quick-release the pressure, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Why it's great: This is a one-pot meal that combines protein and veggies in a flavorful, tangy sauce, and it’s easy to make.
6. Instant Pot Pasta Primavera
For a lighter, veggie-packed option, Pasta Primavera is a great choice. It’s quick, healthy, and customizable based on whatever vegetables you have on hand.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil. Sauté the garlic until fragrant.
- Add the pasta, vegetables, vegetable broth, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
- Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.
- Quick-release the pressure, stir, and season with salt and pepper.
- Top with grated Parmesan if desired and serve.
Why it's great: This fresh and vibrant pasta dish is packed with vegetables and takes no time at all to prepare.
7. Instant Pot Beef and Vegetable Stew
A hearty, comforting stew is always a good choice for a weeknight meal, and with the Instant Pot, you can have it ready in a fraction of the time.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef stew meat
- 3 cups beef broth
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and brown the beef stew meat.
- Add the onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, tomato paste, thyme, and beef broth.
- Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes.
- Quick-release the pressure, stir in the peas, and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot with crusty bread.
Why it's great: This stew is rich and hearty, with tender meat and vegetables. The Instant Pot cuts down cooking time without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
The Instant Pot is a true game-changer for busy weeknights. Whether you're in the mood for pasta, stew, or tacos, there's an Instant Pot recipe for every craving. These recipes are designed to save you time while still delivering delicious, hearty meals that everyone will love. So next time you're pressed for time, give one of these recipes a try—you'll have a satisfying meal ready in no time!