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Weeknight Dinner Solved: 50 Quick and Tasty Instant Pot Recipes

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If you’re looking for quick and easy dinner recipes that taste great, look no further than your Instant Pot. This versatile kitchen appliance can cook a wide variety of meals in a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop or in the oven.

Whether you’re new to the Instant Pot or a seasoned pro, there are plenty of easy recipes to choose from. In this post, we’ll share a few of our favorites, including chicken and rice, chili, pasta dishes, and more.

Chicken Barley Soup

A mug of chicken barley soup.
Photo Credit: Trop Rockin.

You can’t go wrong with a classic soup like chicken barley! You are going to love how easy this recipe is, and how fast it cooks in a pressure cooker for comfort food on a busy night.

Get the recipe: Chicken barley soup.

Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi

Pasta topped with shrimp.
Photo Credit: Trop rockin’.

Shrimp and pasta are perfect partners for an easy instant pot dinner. Your family will love this rich and satisfying meal with a salad or crusty bread.

Get the recipe: Shrimp scampi.

Shredded BBQ Chicken

Photo Credit: Trop rockin’.

BBQ chicken makes a great sandwich, or add it to nachos! You can make this saucy sandwich in no time with the use of an instant pot for a dinner no one will be disappointed by!

Get the recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

A bowl of creamy gnocchi soup.
Photo Credit: Trop Rockin’.

You are going to love the flavor of this creamy, rich soup. It has plump gnocchi, carrots, chicken and the yummiest creamy base. Make this in the instant pot for Olive Garden flavor, at home.

Get the recipe: Chicken gnocchi soup.

Instant Pot Crab Boil

Crab legs, corn on the cob and potatoes
Photo Credit: Trop Rockin’.

Who knew it could be so easy to make a crab boil at home? With the help of an instant pot, you can get a medley of succulent flavors on the table in a matter of minutes.

Get the recipe: Crab boil.

Taco Spaghetti

Spaghetti with taco meat.
Photo Credit: Trop Rockin’.

This is not your mama’s spaghetti! It is even better. With a kick of taco flavor and tender noodles, you will definitely want seconds of this easy instant pot dinner.

Get the recipe: Taco spaghetti.

Ranch Chipotle Chicken Pasta

 A bowl of pasta with chipotle chicken.
Photo Credit: Bless This Meal.

You only need 30 minutes and a few ingredients to make this easy and satisfying dinner. This is a great dish to make when you want pasta, but want a break from marinara.

Get the recipe: Ranch chipotle chicken pasta.

Creamy Tomato Ziti

A bowl of ziti with creamy tomato sauce.
Photo Credit: Lolo Home Kitchen.

This recipe is so easy but so creamy! Your family will love this instant pot pasta dish with salad and bread on a busy night.

Get the recipe: Creamy tomato ziti.

Mac and Cheese

Photo Credit: Everyday Family Cooking.
Photo Credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Mac and cheese is perfect comfort food! Make this on a busy night with the help of your instant pot. It is ready in just a few moments and has the creamiest flavor!

Get the recipe: Mac and cheese

Instant Pot Jerk Chicken

A bowl of rice with jerk chicken.
Photo Credit: Fit Mama Real Food.

Make this jerk chicken in your instant pot for fresh food in a flash! You will love this budget friendly recipe that uses chicken thighs to stretch your grocery budget.

Get the recipe: Jerk chicken.

Lamb Stew with Red Wine

 A bowl of stew made of lamb.
Photo Credit: We Eat at Last.

This stew feels so elegant, but thanks to your instant pot, it is so easy! With red wine, lamb meat and all of the veggies you would want in every bite you will leave the table satisfied!

Get the recipe: Lamb stew with red wine.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

A bowl of chicken tortilla soup with avocado slices.
Photo Credit: Seasonal Cravings.

A bowl of chicken tortilla soup makes for a fresh and flavorful dinner. You can make this in the pressure cooker in no time for a busy night meal.

Get the recipe: Chicken tortilla soup.

Meatball Soup

A bowl of soup with pasta and meatballs.
Photo Credit: I Heart Eating.

This soup has a little bit of everything! It has pasta, veggies and meatballs galore! Your family will love this comfort food that is ready in a flash!

Get the recipe:  Meatball soup.

Goulash

A bowl of goulash with tomato sauce and macaroni.
Photo Credit: An Edible Mosaic.

Macaroni, ground beef and tomato sauce come together to make such a filling family favorite. With the pressure cooker, this American classic is on the table in no time!

Get the recipe: Goulash.

Chicken Drumsticks

A platter of chicken legs.
Photo Credit: Urban Bliss Life.

These drumsticks go into the pressure cooker, and come out as a fast and flavorful family food option. This budget friendly dish is so delicious on a busy weeknight.

Get the recipe: Chicken drumsticks.

Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes

 A plate of mashed potatoes and meatloaf.
Photo Credit: Homemade Interest.

Get classic comfort food on the table in no time with this easy instant pot recipe. Mashed potatoes and meatloaf are perfect partners for a hearty meal.

Get the recipe:  Meatloaf and mashed potatoes.

Short Ribs

Short ribs with saucy gravy.
Photo Credit: The Short Order Cook.

Skip the lengthy process of baking or grilling. With this recipe you can make the best short ribs, the easy way! 

Get the recipe: Short ribs .

Stuffed Peppers

A plate of stuffed pepper with cheese.
Photo Credit: The Country Cook.

Stuffed peppers are always a good idea, but this recipe was made for busy nights! With simple ingredients and loads of cheese, everyone will love this instant pot recipe.

Get the recipe: Stuffed peppers .

Chicken and Rice

A plate of chicken with rice and veggies.
Photo Credit: Wholesome Yum.

Chicken and rice is a classic family dish, but this recipe cooks it in record time, without sacrificing flavor! Let your pressure cooker handle the cooking after a long day at work.

Get the recipe:  Chicken and rice.

Pork Lo Mein

Pork lo mein in a bowl with chopsticks.
Photo Credit: Chaos and Wine.

Skip the stop for take out and make this fast and filling pork lo mein at home. It is bound to be a family favorite for busy nights. 

Get the recipe: Pork lo mein.

White Bean Stew

A bowl of white bean stew with bread.
Photo Credit: Rainbow Plant Life.

Make a hearty and wholesome stew for dinner tonight. With white beans, tomatoes and potatoes, you will leave the table full of great vegan flavors without breaking the bank on this dish.

Get the recipe: White bean stew.

Chicken A La King

A bowl of chicken a la king with biscuits.
Photo Credit: Flour on my Face.

This simple classic meal is ready in 30 minutes. Serve with biscuits for a really cozy bowl of comfort food.

Get the recipe: Chicken a la king.

Honey Garlic Chicken

A platter of honey garlic chicken.
Photo Credit: Lolo Home Kitchen.

If you want to take your chicken dinner from blah to hoorah, this is the recipe to try. It make the best instant pot honey garlic chicken!

Get the recipe: Honey garlic chicken.

Chicken Spaghetti

A bowl of chicken spaghetti.
Photo Credit: Bites With Bri.

Skip the red sauce and make a really great pot of spaghetti in the instant pot. This recipe is creamy  and absolutely loaded with tender chicken for a fresh twist on a favorite budget dish.

Get the recipe:  Chicken spaghetti.

Sweet Potato and Chorizo Stew

Photo Credit: My Chef’s Apron.

Sweet potatoes and chorizo are perfect partners for a hearty and healthy stew. You can make this in the pressure cooker in just a matter of minutes. Serve with bread for a filling family dinner.

Get the recipe: Sweet potato and chorizo stew.

Thai Fried Rice

A bowl of fried rice, thai style.
Photo Credit: Living Smart and Healthy.

Save some cash and get the flavor you crave at home, from your instant pot. This recipe has the best thai flavor, and can be customized with your choice of meat.

Get the recipe: Thai fried rice.

Tomato Basil Soup

A bowl of creamy tomato basil soup.
Photo Credit: Simmer to Slimmer.

After you make this creamy tomato soup in your instant pot, you may never reach for another can of condensed soup again! It is so creamy, and is a natural match for a gooey grilled cheese.

Get the recipe: Tomato basil soup.

Pulled Pork

A pulled pork sandwich on a plate.
Photo Credit: Dinner at the Zoo.

What could be better than a saucy, tangy pulled pork sandwich for dinner tonight? This recipe makes it fast for a flavorful family dinner. Serve with slaw on the side and a potato for a complete meal.

Get the recipe: Pulled pork.

Pork Chops

A pork chop on a plate covered with saucy gravy.
Photo Credit: xoxo Bella.

You can’t go wrong with a saucy pork chop for dinner tonight. This budget friendly dish cooks fast in the pressure cooker for a really satisfying family meal.

Get the recipe: Pork chops.

French Dip Sandwiches

A french dip sandwich on a plate.
Photo Credit: The Blond Cook.

There is nothing like a french dip sammy for dinner! You can make these meaty sandwiches in your instant pot, complete with that irresistible au jus!

Get the recipe: French dip sandwiches.

15 Minute Spaghetti

A bowl of spaghetti with meat.
Photo Credit: Savory Sweet Spoon.

You only need 15 minutes and a pressure cooker to get this classic dish on the table. Your family will love this fast take on comfort food!

Get the recipe: 15 minute spaghetti.

Firecracker Chicken

A plate of spicy saucy chicken and peppers.
Photo Credit: The Soccer Mom.

This easy instant pot dish is even better than you can get at your favorite Chinese spot. Your family is going to love this firecracker chicken with rice or noodles.

Get the recipe:  Firecracker chicken.

Homemade Hamburger Helper

Photo Credit: Dash for Dinner.

Skip the box and get the flavor of hamburger helper from the instant pot. This recipe is so easy, cheesy and delicious! Your family will definitely want seconds of this classic dish.

Get the recipe:  Homemade hamburger helper.

Alt: A bowl of pasta and cheese with hamburger crumbles.

Sticky Chicken Thighs

A plate of chicken thighs with sticky glaze.
Photo Credit: Flavour and Savour.

Make some sticky chicken thighs in your pressure cooker for a really delicious dinner option that everyone will love. Serve with steamed veggies and rice for a budget friendly dish.

Get the recipe:  Sticky chicken thighs.

Roast Beef

Roast beef with gravy and potatoes.
Photo Credit: Amanda’s Cookin’.

Roast beef sounds like a great family meal, but too time consuming. This recipe makes an easy instant pot option that your family will happily dig into on a weeknight.

Get the recipe: Roast beef.

Salmon and Potatoes

A plate of salmon and potatoes.
Photo Credit: Cooking with Curls.

Salmon and potatoes cook so easily in the instant pot for a light yet satisfying weeknight meal. This is sure to be a favorite for fast homemade healthy food.

Get the recipe:  Salmon and potatoes.

Chicken and Dumplings

A spoon of creamy chicken and dumplings.
Photo Credit: The Slow Roasted Italian.

Get classic comfort food ready in just a couple of minutes with this easy and delicious instant pot recipe. You will love a bowl of chicken and dumplings on a chilly evening!

Get the recipe: Chicken and dumplings.

Creamy Italian Sausage and Shells

A plate of creamy pasta with sausage.
Photo Credit: Platter Talk.

Get a great pasta dish ready in a flash with this creamy sausage and shells recipe. This cooks in just a few minutes in the instant pot for a great, homemade Italian meal.

Get the recipe: Creamy Italian sausage and shells.

Beef Bourguignon 

a plate of beef bourguignon
Photo Credit: Killing Thyme.

This dish seems like it takes all day to cook, but really, you can use a pressure cooker to make beef bourguignon on even the busiest night. You will love this rich, hearty dish paired with potatoes.

Get the recipe: Beef bourguignon

Carolina Style Shredded Chicken

Shredded chicken sandwiches with slaw on top.
Photo Credit: Two Healthy Kitchens.

A plate of white shredded chicken, served carolina style looks like a meal you might grab out at a great bbq place, but with the instant pot, you can get this ready fast for a flavorful meal.

Get the recipe: Carolina style shredded chicken.

Chili Mac and Cheese

 A bowl of chili macaroni and cheese.
Photo Credit: The Feathered Nester.

A pot of chili mac and cheese makes a great family meal that can satisfy even the biggest appetites. Your family will request this often, and you won’t mind making this easy instant pot dish.

Get the recipe: Chili mac and cheese.

Chicken and Rice Soup

Bowls of soup with rice, mushrooms, chicken and veggies.
Photo Credit: Bites With Bri.

This soup is so cozy and delicious! With wild rice, mushrooms, and chunks of chicken, you will find a medley of textures and flavors to delight your taste buds.

Get the recipe: Chicken and rice soup

Salsa Chicken

A plate of salsa chicken.
Photo Credit: Mom Foodie.

This easy dinner idea is sure to satisfy on a busy night. You only need a few basic pantry staples to get this on the table in an instant.

Get the recipe: Salsa chicken.

Instant Pot Swiss Steak

A swiss steak on a plate with green beans.
Photo Credit: A Grateful Meal.

When was the last time you had a swiss steak dinner? This recipe makes it fast and flavorful in the pressure cooker. Serve with potatoes and a veggie for a classic dinner to share with the family.

Get the recipe: Swiss steak.

Keto Chili

A spoon of chili with a jalapeno pepper ring.
Photo Credit: Low Carb Spark.

Make a pot of chili that everyone will love in the instant pot. This recipe is low carb, but so flavorful. Serve with cheese and jalapeno peppers.

Get the recipe: Keto chili.

Chicken and Rice with Veggies

A bowl of chicken and rice with veggies.
Photo Credit: The Slow Roasted Italian. 

This easy and budget friendly dish comes together fast in the pressure cooker. Make this for a weeknight comfort food meal that the whole family will love. It delivers all of the great flavors you want in one dish.

Get the recipe: Chicken and rice with veggies.

Mexican Casserole

A scoop of Mexican casserole.
Photo Credit: Cooking With Curls.

Deliver all of the flavor of loaded tacos in a convenient casserole form. Your family will love this with fritos, doritos or tortilla chips to add a yummy crunch!

Get the recipe: Mexican casserole.

Cabbage Roll Casserole

A bowl of cabbage roll casserole.
Photo Credit: Dash for Dinner.

This dish has all of the flavor of cabbage rolls with none of the fuss! This unstuffed casserole is ultra satisfying and extra easy with the use of an instant pot.

Get the recipe: Cabbage roll casserole.

Taco Pasta

A bowl of creamy taco flavored pasta.

What do you get when you combine pasta and tacos? A delicious instant pot dinner that the whole family will enjoy. This cooks super fast for busy nights.

Get the recipe: Taco pasta.

Moroccan Chicken

A plate of couscous with chicken breast.
Photo Credit: Sustain My Cooking Habit.

Let your pressure cooker transport your taste-buds to Morocco with this easy dish. Serve this chicken with couscous for a wonderful, yet fast dinner to make at home on a weeknight.

Get the recipe:  Moroccan chicken

I love easy recipes and delicious desserts and happy to share with you my favorite recipes. My favorite places are tropical, family always comes first and I'm a cocktail enthusiast for sure!
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