From hearty stews filled with chicken and vegetables to easy breakfasts that will power you through the day, these quick Instant Pot recipes will be on your table in 30 minutes or less.
1/29
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
This gooey, cheesy Velveeta recipe reminds me so much of my grandma's macaroni and cheese. It is easier to make than from a box and has a nice homemade touch from the pepper. —Jennifer Stowell, Deep River, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 1009 calories, 62g fat (38g saturated fat), 184mg cholesterol, 1470mg sodium, 90g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein.
2/29
Pressure-Cooker Maple French Toast
From the Recipe Creator:
My family and friends all love it when I make this delicious French toast in the morning. It's so delicious and easy! —Cindy Steffen, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 378 calories, 17g fat (8g saturated fat), 217mg cholesterol, 434mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 14g protein.
3/29
Pressure-Cooker Homemade Chicken and Rice Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
We love chicken and rice soup and thought it would make a superb pressure-cooker recipe. We were right! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 223 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 1690mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein.
4/29
Instant Pot Chicken Curry
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this pressure-cooker chicken curry after searching for a flavorful chicken dinner. Making it in a pressure cooker, like an Instant Pot, means it's easy to whip up on weeknights. Plus, leftovers taste great for lunch. —Jess Apfe, Berkeley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 278 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 356mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein.
5/29
Pressure-Cooker Manchester Stew
From the Recipe Creator:
While in college, I studied abroad. A vegetarian at the time, I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious and diverse vegetarian food in Britain could be. After returning to the States I re-created my favorite meal from my favorite restaurant and named it after the University of Manchester. When the enticing aroma fills the kitchen, I’m back in England!—Kimberly Hammond, Kingwood, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 221 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 354mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 8g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
6/29
Instant Pot Meatballs
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 104 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 236mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
7/29
Pressure-Cooker Smoked Salmon Pasta
From the Recipe Creator:
I love making one-pot pastas in my pressure cooker. Every noodle soaks up the flavors of the delicious ingredients. I tried a version with some leftover smoked fish and fresh dill, and boom—this smoked salmon pasta was born. It’s now a staple in our house because the dish is on the table in a half hour and the kids love it! —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 322 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 672mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
8/29
Bacon Chili
From the Recipe Creator:
I made a twist on my favorite white chicken chili and used my pressure cooker, which made it very quick and easy. I like to serve it with avocado, cilantro and onions. —Teri Schloessmann, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 387 calories, 21g fat (10g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 1033mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 6g fiber), 20g protein.
9/29
Pressure Cooker Rigatoni with Sausage & Peas
From the Recipe Creator:
With a tomatoey meat sauce and tangy goat cheese, this weeknight wonder is my version of comfort food. You want to have bowl after bowl. —Lizzie Munro, Brooklyn, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 563 calories, 28g fat (12g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 802mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 7g fiber), 23g protein.
10/29
Instant Pot Sesame Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
Your family will love the flavorful sauce that coats this chicken, and you'll love how quick and easy it is for a weeknight dinner! If you serve gluten-free meals, use tamari instead of soy sauce. —Karen Kelly, Germantown, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 311 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 1004mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 0 fiber), 37g protein.
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11/29
Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin
From the Recipe Creator:
This Instant-Pot pork tenderloin with a sweet glaze of brown sugar and balsamic vinegar will become a go-to dinner your whole family will love. It's perfect for busy weeknights, but also special enough for company. —Karen Kelly, Germantown, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 188 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 162mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.
12/29
Pressure-Cooker Spicy Lime Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
This tender, pressure-cooker chicken with light lime flavor is a natural filling for tacos, but my son Austin also loves it spooned over cooked rice and sprinkled with his favorite taco toppings. —Christine Hair, Odessa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 132 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 420mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
13/29
Pressure-Cooker Chickpea and Potato Curry
From the Recipe Creator:
I make chana masala, the classic Indian dish, in my slow cooker. Browning the onion, ginger and garlic first really makes the sauce amazing. —Anjana Devasahayam, San Antonio, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 240 calories, 6g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 767mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 9g fiber), 8g protein.
14/29
Pressure-Cooker Chicken Paprika
From the Recipe Creator:
I truly appreciate the speed of the pressure cooker. We use it often to make these tender paprika chicken breasts with a sauce that gets its richness from sour cream. —Holly Ottum, Racine, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 688 calories, 33g fat (13g saturated fat), 238mg cholesterol, 999mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 82g protein.
15/29
Pressure-Cooker Buffalo Wing Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
I was getting tired of mashed potatoes and baked spuds, so I decided to create something new. This potluck-ready recipe is an easy and delicious twist on the usual potato dish. —Summer Feaker, Ankeny, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 182 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 382mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
16/29
Pressure-Cooker Carrot Cake Oatmeal
From the Recipe Creator:
This warm breakfast cereal made in the pressure cooker is a great way to add some veggies in the morning and keep a healthy diet! For extra crunch, I garnish individual servings with ground walnuts or pecans.—Debbie Kain, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 197 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 46mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
17/29
Pressure-Cooker Chicken Chop Suey
From the Recipe Creator:
If you’re in for a busy evening, here’s a wonderful way to ensure you can still have a healthful supper. It’s tasty, traditional—and easy, too. —Melody Littlewood, Royal City, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 182 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 709mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
18/29
Pressure-Cooker Black Bean Chicken Nachos
From the Recipe Creator:
One of my favorite local restaurants, Zeppelins, has the best chicken nachos. Its famous dish inspired me to create my own, with the added convenience of using the pressure cooker. I recommend fresh cilantro because it makes the dish pop with flavor. —Natalie Hess, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without chips): 280 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 708mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 8g fiber), 27g protein.
19/29
Pressure Cooker Nutty Apple Butter
From the Recipe Creator:
Being a New England native, I love apple-picking season. Grab some apples and peanut butter to make this creamy PB&J riff. Dunk in sliced fruit or graham crackers, or spread it on a sandwich. —Brandie Cranshaw, Rapid City, SD
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 43 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 9mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
20/29
Pressure-Cooker Black Bean Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Life can get really crazy with young children, but I never want to compromise when it comes to cooking. This recipe is healthy and so easy thanks to my one-pot cooker! —Angela Lemoine, Howell, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 125 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 517mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch.
21/29
Pressure-Cooker Pork and Apple Curry
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a gentle curry dish that's won't overwhelm more delicate palates. For fun, try varying the garnish—add a few chopped peanuts or a little chutney. —Nancy Reck, Mill Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 174 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 287mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
22/29
Pressure-Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is a true comfort food! Cajun spice adds a nice heat to the creamy Alfredo sauce. Add more or less seasoning depending on your preferred spice level. And nothing beats having to clean only one pot. The dish would also be tasty with shrimp or smoked sausage. —Jennifer Stowell, Deep River, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 717 calories, 40g fat (22g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 935mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein.
23/29
Pressure-Cooker Marinated Mushrooms
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a terrific healthy addition to any buffet spread. Mushrooms and pearl onions seasoned with herbs, balsamic and red wine are terrific on their own or alongside a tenderloin roast. —Courtney Wilson, Fresno, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 43 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 138mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
24/29
Pressure-Cooker Red Clam Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe tastes as if you've been working on it all day. What a classy way to jazz up pasta sauce! —JoAnn Brown, LaTrobe, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 302 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 667mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 5g fiber), 17g protein.
25/29
Pressure-Cooker Winter Fruit Compote
From the Recipe Creator:
You can make this colorful and easy fruit relish up to a week in advance. It's an outstanding accompaniment to turkey, chicken or pork throughout the holiday season. —Esther Chesney , Carthage, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 161 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 32mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
26/29
Pressure-Cooker Chicken Bog
From the Recipe Creator:
Chicken Bog is a South Carolina tradition with lots of variations—think herbs, spices and fresh veggies—but the standard ingredients remain sausage, chicken and rice. This pressure-cooked rendition is a simple take on the classic. — Anna Hanson, Spanish Fork, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 409 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 1275mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 27g protein.
27/29
Pressure-Cooker Saucy Italian Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
To make this in the slow cooker, cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Plate and top with cheese. —Marisa Loper, Sammamish, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1 cup tomato mixture: 414 calories, 22g fat (8g saturated fat), 120mg cholesterol, 1303mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 7g fiber), 43g protein.
28/29
Instant Pot Chicken and Broccoli
From the Recipe Creator:
Instant Pot chicken and broccoli is a simple riff on a classic Chinese chicken dish that proves you can savor the takeout taste you crave while still eating right. —Connie Krupp, Racine, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 241 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 798mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
29/29
Pressure-Cooker Orange Chipotle Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
The citrus in this delicious chicken dish keeps things fresh and lively. We're big on spice in our house, so sometimes I use two chipotle peppers. —Deborah Biggs, Omaha, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast with 1/4 cup sauce: 246 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 315mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 starch.
Quick Instant Pot Recipes FAQ
What family-friendly Instant Pot recipes can I make for a quick dinner?
Favorites like meatballs, chicken and rice soup or one-pot mac and cheese are family-friendly Instant Pot recipes perfect for quick dinners. These dishes use naturally quick-cooking ingredients, which cook even faster under pressure, or familiar shortcuts, like jarred marinara, for easy prep. If you have a little more time, beef stew is rich and hearty and ready in about one hour.
What easy Instant Pot meals can I meal prep?
Chili, shredded chicken and vegetable stews are easy Instant Pot meals that work well for lunches throughout the week or as a dinner meal prep idea. Cook a big batch, then portion it into individual containers so you can grab a single serving whenever you need it. These recipes reheat well and can be paired with cooked grains, roasted veggies or salad. You can also use the Instant Pot to cook grains like quinoa or brown rice to use as the base for bowl meals topped with vegetables, shredded beef, chicken or pork or fried eggs, to give you a headstart on dinner.
What are the best 30-minute recipes I can make in an Instant Pot?
Cooking under pressure in an Instant Pot is a time-saver, but even so, tough cuts of meat or dry beans need more than 30 minutes to become tender. To keep the total time short, start with ingredients that cook quickly, like lean, boneless chicken, pork tenderloin, sausage, pasta and canned beans. From there, you can make tender shredded meat for tacos or burritos, easy chili recipes, cheesy pasta ideas or simple, comforting soups.
