Discover a diverse collection of 20 Instant Pot recipes that range from traditional favorites to unexpected innovations. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, these recipes promise to simplify meal preparation and introduce new flavors to your dining table. Each recipe is thoughtfully crafted to ensure you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying delicious dishes. Explore this diverse blend of culinary ideas and transform your cooking routine with ease.
1. Instant Pot Classic Chicken Curry
Start by gathering 500g of chicken, 200g of diced tomatoes, and 100ml of coconut milk. Cook 1 chopped onion with 2 teaspoons of ginger-garlic paste in the pot. Add 2 tablespoons of curry powder and let it bloom for 1 minute. Stir in the chicken pieces, ensuring they’re well coated. Add tomatoes and coconut milk, then seal the lid. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes and allow a 10-minute natural release. Serve with rice and naan. This familiar recipe brings comfort with its blend of spices and tender chicken, offering time-saving preparation and satisfying taste that fits weekday dinners or casual gatherings.
2. Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto
For this creamy dish, you need 300g of Arborio rice, 100g of sliced mushrooms, and 50g of grated Parmesan. Start by cooking a diced onion and 2 cloves of garlic in the pot. Add mushrooms, cooking until lightly browned. Stir in the rice, followed by 100ml of lemon juice, letting it absorb. Pour in 700ml of vegetable broth and seal the pot. Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes, then quick release. Stir in Parmesan and season with salt and pepper to taste. This risotto captures the earthy flavors of mushrooms with a creamy consistency, making it a delightful meal that won’t keep you in the kitchen for long.
3. Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Gather 200g of lentils, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, and 1 onion, all chopped. Cook the onion in the pot until translucent. Add carrots and celery, stirring for 2 minutes. Pour in the lentils with 1 liter of vegetable broth and 1 teaspoon of cumin. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Let it naturally release for 10 minutes. Blend half of the soup for a creamier texture if desired. This nutritious soup is excellent for a quick lunch, packing in flavors and nutrients without the fuss of lengthy preparation. Enjoy with crusty bread or as a standalone dish.
4. Instant Pot Beef Stew with Sweet Potatoes
For this comforting stew, prepare 500g of beef chunks, 2 sweet potatoes, and 2 carrots. Season the beef with salt and pepper, and brown in the pot. Remove and set aside. Cook 1 diced onion and 2 cloves of garlic. Return the beef with 500ml of beef broth. Add sweet potatoes, carrots, and 1 teaspoon of thyme. Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes with a natural pressure release. The result is a tender, flavorful stew that pairs well with cooler evenings. The sweet potatoes add a hint of sweetness, balancing the savory beef, making this a hearty choice for family dinners.
5. Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash with Marinara
To make this low-carb dish, you’ll need 1 spaghetti squash, 400ml of marinara sauce, and 50g of grated cheese. Cut the squash in half and remove seeds. Place on the trivet with 250ml of water in the pot. Cook on high pressure for 7 minutes, then quick release. Scrape the squash into strands. Heat the marinara sauce in the pot and mix with the squash. Top with cheese before serving. This dish offers a satisfying alternative to traditional pasta, combining the natural texture of squash with rich marinara flavors, making it an excellent choice for a healthy meal without sacrificing taste.
6. Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala
You’ll need 500g of chicken breast, 200ml of tomato puree, and 100ml of cream. Marinate the chicken with 2 tablespoons of yogurt, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Cook 1 chopped onion in the pot, then add the chicken, browning it lightly. Stir in the tomato puree and cream. Seal the pot and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, allowing a 10-minute natural release. This dish captures the essence of Indian cuisine with its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken, making it a weeknight favorite.
7. Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili
This hearty chili requires 1 can of beans, 1 can of corn, 2 bell peppers, and 1 onion. Cook the onion in the pot until soft. Add peppers, then stir in the beans and corn, along with 1 tablespoon of chili powder and 1 liter of vegetable broth. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, then quick release. This vegetarian dish is both satisfying and full of flavor, bringing together diverse ingredients into a spicy, warming meal. It’s ideal for quick lunches or dinners when time is tight, yet you crave something filling and nutritious.
8. Instant Pot Stuffed Bell Peppers
Prepare 4 bell peppers, 200g of cooked rice, and 1 can of beans. Mix rice and beans with 50g of shredded cheese and 200ml of tomato sauce. Stuff the peppers and place them on the trivet in the pot with 250ml of water. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release. These stuffed peppers deliver a blend of textures and flavors, offering a wholesome meal that complements busy schedules. Enjoy them hot as a main dish or cold in a packed lunch; they’re versatile and easy to prepare ahead of time.
9. Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Salmon
To make this dish, you’ll need 2 salmon fillets, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 2 cloves of garlic. Place salmon on the trivet and add 250ml of water to the pot. Sprinkle lemon juice and minced garlic over the fillets. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes, then quick release. This salmon is infused with zesty lemon and savory garlic, creating a light yet flavorful meal. Pair with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a quick, healthy dinner that’s both sophisticated and simple to prepare.
10. Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken
You’ll need 500g of chicken breast and 200ml of BBQ sauce. Place the chicken in the pot and cover with sauce. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then use a natural release for 5 minutes. Shred the chicken with two forks and mix with the sauce before serving. This BBQ pulled chicken is tender and flavorful, excellent for sandwiches or tacos. It’s an easy way to enjoy a taste of summer at any time of the year, bringing a bit of outdoor cooking indoors without the hassle.
11. Instant Pot Coconut Rice Pudding
Gather 200g of rice, 400ml of coconut milk, and 50g of sugar. Combine all ingredients in the pot and seal the lid. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then allow a natural release. Stir well before serving. This creamy rice pudding is infused with coconut flavor, offering a comforting dessert that’s easy to make. It’s a luscious treat to enjoy warm or chilled, bringing a tropical twist to traditional rice pudding. Top with toasted coconut flakes for added texture and flavor.
12. Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken
You’ll need 500g of chicken thighs, 100ml of teriyaki sauce, and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Cook chicken in the pot until slightly browned. Add teriyaki and soy sauce, stirring well. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 7 minutes, then quick release. This teriyaki chicken is rich and savory, with a glossy sauce that pairs beautifully with steamed rice. It’s a dish that brings the taste of Japanese cuisine to your kitchen without much fuss, excellent for quick weeknight dinners or a change from the usual meals.
13.Instant Pot Lemon Herb Chicken
Instant Pot Lemon Herb Chicken is a flavorful dish. Marinate 500g of chicken with 30ml of lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the Instant Pot, sear the chicken for 2 minutes per side, then add 250ml of chicken broth. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a natural release. Serve with 200g of roasted vegetables for a balanced, nutritious meal. This dish is quick, tender, and packed with fresh, zesty flavors.
14. Instant Pot Moroccan Couscous
You need 200g of couscous, 1 zucchini, 1 bell pepper, and 1 carrot, all chopped. Cook vegetables in the pot with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add couscous and 500ml of vegetable broth, sealing the lid. Cook on high pressure for 2 minutes, then quick release. Fluff the couscous with a fork before serving. This dish combines the soft texture of couscous with the fresh taste of vegetables, offering a quick and delightful meal. The Moroccan flavors make it interesting, excellent for a light dinner or an enticing side dish.
15. Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
You’ll need 300g of chicken breast, 200g of rice, and 500ml of chicken broth. Cook chicken pieces in the pot until lightly browned. Add rice and broth, stirring to combine. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release. This chicken and rice dish is both comforting and simple, making it a go-to for busy evenings. The combination of tender chicken and fluffy rice offers a satisfying meal that’s easy to customize with your favorite herbs and spices.
16. Instant Pot Thai Green Curry
You’ll need 400g of chicken, 200ml of green curry paste, and 2 tablespoons of fish sauce. Cook chicken in the pot until lightly browned. Add curry paste and 400ml of coconut milk, stirring well. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes, then quick release. Stir in fish sauce and serve. This Thai green curry is fragrant and spicy, offering exotic flavors that transport you to Thailand. It’s a quick and delightful meal that pairs well with steamed jasmine rice, excellent for adventurous palates seeking something different.
17. Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
You’ll need 500g of broccoli, 200ml of cream, and 50g of cheddar cheese. Cook 1 chopped onion in the pot, then add broccoli with 500ml of vegetable broth. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, then quick release. Blend the soup until smooth, stir in cream and cheese, and season with salt and pepper. This soup is creamy and comforting, excellent for chilly days or as a pleasing starter. The combination of broccoli and cheddar makes a rich taste that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
18. Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli
You’ll need 400g of beef strips, 200g of broccoli, and 100ml of soy sauce. Cook beef in the pot until browned. Add broccoli and soy sauce, sealing the lid. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, then quick release. This dish combines tender beef with fresh broccoli in a savory sauce, offering a satisfying taste of Chinese cuisine. It’s a quick meal that’s ideal for dinner, providing rich flavors without the need for takeout. Serve with steamed rice for a complete and filling dinner that’s ready in no time.
19. Instant Pot Cauliflower Biryani
You’ll need 300g of cauliflower, 200g of rice, and 1 tablespoon of biryani spices. Cook 1 chopped onion and 2 cloves of garlic in the pot. Add cauliflower florets, rice, and 500ml of vegetable broth with spices. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, then quick release. This biryani is flavorful and aromatic, capturing the essence of traditional biryani with a vegetable twist. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s ideal for lunch or dinner, offering a delightful mix of spices and textures that will appeal to all palates.
20. Instant Pot Chocolate Cake
Gather 200g of flour, 100g of cocoa powder, and 150g of sugar. Mix with 200ml of milk and 100g of butter. Pour into a greased pan that fits in the pot. Add 250ml of water to the pot, placing the pan on the trivet. Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes, then quick release. This chocolate cake is moist and decadent, offering a rich dessert that’s easy to make. It’s a sweet treat that’s ideal for special occasions or as a little indulgence, bringing a touch of sweetness with minimal effort.