10+ Easy Instant Pot Recipes for Quick and Delicious Meals

Using an Instant Pot can really make cooking easier and faster. It lets you throw together meals with less effort and saves time, but you don’t have to give up flavor.

A lot of us want simple recipes—no complicated steps, no endless waiting around. That’s where these come in.

Easy Instant Pot recipes let you toss ingredients together quickly and still end up with something delicious. Whether you’re new to pressure cooking or just want a fast dinner, these recipes fit tight schedules and take some stress out of the kitchen.

1) Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Butter chicken is one of those creamy, flavorful dishes that feels fancy but is surprisingly quick in the Instant Pot. You use basic spices and a tomato-based sauce, and somehow it just works.

This recipe is perfect when you’re craving Indian food but don’t want to spend hours. You can use fresh or frozen chicken, whatever you have on hand.

The Instant Pot cooks the chicken evenly and helps it soak up all that sauce. You get dinner in about 30 minutes, which is pretty great, honestly.

Serve it with rice or naan. Here’s the Instant Pot Butter Chicken recipe.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds chicken breast or thighs
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté and melt the butter.
2. Add onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook for about 3 minutes.
3. Toss in the spices and stir for a minute.
4. Pour in the tomato sauce and mix.
5. Add chicken and coat it in the sauce.
6. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes (240 °F / 115 °C).
7. Quick release, then stir in the heavy cream.
8. Let it simmer on sauté for a couple of minutes before serving.

2) Mississippi Pot Roast

Mississippi Pot Roast is one of those “dump and go” Instant Pot recipes that just works. You need a chuck roast, butter, ranch seasoning, au jus mix, and pepperoncini peppers.

The roast comes out tender and juicy, and you barely have to do anything. Just brown the roast, add everything to the pot, and let the Instant Pot work its magic.

The pepperoncini peppers add a little tang that brightens up the whole dish. Serve it with mashed potatoes or some veggies.

Ingredients

• 3-4 pounds beef chuck roast
• 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 packet au jus gravy mix
• 10 pepperoncini peppers with about ½ cup juice

Cooking Instructions

1. Add oil to the Instant Pot and brown the roast on all sides.
2. Place the roast in the pot.
3. Sprinkle ranch seasoning and au jus mix over the roast.
4. Add pepperoncini peppers and pour in the juice.
5. Place butter on top.
6. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes.
7. Let pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then quick release.
8. Remove roast and shred before serving.

3) Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana

Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana is a super easy way to make a hearty, flavorful soup. You get potatoes, Italian sausage, kale, and a touch of cream.

Start by browning the sausage and sautéing onions and garlic. Then add potatoes, broth, and seasonings.

After pressure cooking, stir in kale and cream for a smooth, rich finish. This soup is filling and comforting, especially with some crusty bread.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 potatoes, diced
• 2 cups kale, chopped
• ½ cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Set Instant Pot to sauté and heat olive oil.
2. Cook sausage until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add onion and garlic, cook 2 minutes more.
4. Pour in broth, add potatoes, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
5. Seal lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
6. Quick release and open lid carefully.
7. Stir in kale and cream. Let sit for 5 minutes to wilt kale.
8. Serve warm.

Here’s the full Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana recipe.

4) Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso’s Chicken in the Instant Pot? Yep, you can totally do it. This version skips the deep frying, so it’s a bit lighter but still packs big flavor.

The sauce uses soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a little sweetness. Sauté the chicken for some color, add the sauce, and pressure cook.

The chicken turns out tender and saucy—perfect over rice. It takes about 30 minutes, which is hard to beat.

You control the ingredients, so it’s fresher than takeout. Check the Instant Pot General Tso’s Chicken recipe for extra tips.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch fresh ginger, grated
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)

Cooking Instructions

1. Turn your Instant Pot to sauté and heat sesame oil.
2. Add chicken and cook 1-2 minutes until no longer pink.
3. Stir in garlic and ginger, cook for 30 seconds.
4. Mix soy sauce, hoisin, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and chili flakes. Pour over chicken.
5. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
6. Quick release, then switch back to sauté.
7. Stir in cornstarch mixture and cook until sauce thickens.
8. Serve hot with rice or veggies.

5) Instant Pot Potato Ham Chowder

This chowder is cozy and easy—just what you want on a chilly day. Use up leftover ham, potatoes, and corn for a warm, tasty meal.

The Instant Pot cooks everything fast, so you don’t have to stand around. You get tender potatoes and smoky ham in a creamy broth.

It’s perfect for lunch or a quick dinner. You can even freeze the leftovers for another day.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups diced ham
• 2 1/2 cups diced potatoes
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 1/2 cups frozen corn
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 Tbsp olive oil

Cooking Instructions:

1. Turn Instant Pot to sauté and heat olive oil.
2. Cook onions until soft, about 3 minutes.
3. Add ham, potatoes, carrots, corn, and broth.
4. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
5. Quick-release the pressure.
6. Stir and serve warm.

6) Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo

Chicken Alfredo in the Instant Pot is a weeknight lifesaver. Tender chicken, pasta, and creamy sauce all cook together in one pot.

The pasta absorbs the sauce, so every bite is packed with flavor. Penne or fettuccine both work well here.

Toss in grated Parmesan at the end for richness. The whole thing takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.

It’s a comforting meal with barely any cleanup. Here’s the Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo recipe if you want more tips.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts, cut into pieces
• 8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Set Instant Pot to sauté and melt butter.
2. Add chicken and garlic, cook until chicken isn’t pink.
3. Pour in broth and cream. Stir in pasta.
4. Close lid and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
5. Quick release.
6. Stir in Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Serve warm.

7) Instant Pot Oatmeal 5 Ways

Oatmeal in the Instant Pot is almost too easy. Just add oats and water, shut the lid, and let it go.

You can mix in cinnamon and brown sugar for a cozy, sweet breakfast. Or top it with fruit and nuts after cooking.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try stirring in cheese and herbs for a savory twist. No need to watch the stove or worry about burning.

Breakfast is ready before you know it, and cleanup is a breeze. Here’s the Instant Pot Oatmeal, 5 Ways for more ideas.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 cups water
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: cinnamon, brown sugar, fresh fruit, nuts, cheese, herbs

Cooking Instructions

1. Add oats, water, and salt to the Instant Pot.
2. Close lid and set valve to sealing.
3. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.
4. Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release.
5. Stir in your favorite toppings.

8) Instant Pot Split Pea Soup

You can whip up this hearty split pea soup in your Instant Pot in no time. All you need are split peas, ham, and some basic veggies.

The pressure cooker makes it easy to get a warm, comforting meal without standing over the stove. I love that it’s fast but still tastes like it simmered all day.

Start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery right in the pot. Toss in peas, broth, and your ham or a ham bone.

Seal the lid and cook under pressure for about 15 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally—trust me, it’s worth the wait.

This soup freezes and reheats well. I always make extra for busy nights when I just can’t be bothered to cook.

Ingredients

• 1 cup split peas, rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 ham bone or 1 cup cooked ham, chopped
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté. Melt butter and cook onions, carrots, and celery until soft.
2. Add split peas, ham, broth, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
3. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
4. Let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then quick release any leftover pressure.
5. Stir and serve warm.

For more detailed tips, see this Instant Pot Split Pea Soup recipe.

9) Instant Pot Beef Chili

Making beef chili in your Instant Pot? It’s honestly so easy. You just need ground beef, beans, and a handful of spices.

The Instant Pot cooks everything fast. I like tossing in onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes for extra flavor.

The pressure cooker really brings out the best in the beef and spices. It’s a go-to for cozy dinners, especially when I don’t want a pile of dishes.

Cleanup’s a breeze since everything happens in one pot. That’s a win in my book.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
• 1 can kidney beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup beef broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Brown the ground beef.
2. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until soft.
3. Stir in tomatoes, beans, spices, and beef broth.
4. Close the lid and seal the valve. Pressure cook on high for 15 minutes.
5. Use quick release, then stir and serve.

For more ideas, check this Instant Pot chili recipe.

10) Instant Pot Savory Vegan Risotto

Creamy vegan risotto in the Instant Pot? Yep, you can have it with barely any effort. I’m always surprised how simple it is with mushrooms, spinach, and peas.

It usually cooks in about four to twenty minutes—no endless stirring. Plant-based broth and seasonings make it savory and soft.

You don’t have to babysit the pot, so you can do other things while it cooks. That’s honestly the best part.

The result is a comforting, weeknight-friendly dish. It’s flavorful and creamy, even without any dairy.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1/2 cup green peas
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Turn on the Instant Pot to sauté. Add a splash of olive oil.

2. Toss in the onion and garlic. Let them cook until they smell great and look soft—about 3 minutes.

3. Throw in the mushrooms. Give them a couple of minutes to soften up.

4. Stir in the Arborio rice. Pour in the vegetable broth.

5. Close the lid. Set it to pressure cook on high for 4 minutes.

6. When it’s done, release the pressure manually.

7. Stir in spinach, peas, salt, pepper, and nutritional yeast.

8. Let everything sit for 2 minutes before you serve.

For the full recipe details, check out Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto.