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Home » Best Recipes Collection

Simple Instant Pot Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Modified: Mar 4, 2025 · Published Mar 4, 2025 · by Jacqueline Piper · Leave a Comment · This post may contain affiliate links. Read our privacy policy.

After a long day, cooking dinner can feel like just another chore. The Instant Pot takes the stress out of mealtime, turning simple ingredients into rich, flavorful dishes in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re craving a cozy bowl of soup, hearty pasta, a spiced curry or you need an easy side dish without the wait, these easy recipes will have dinner on the table fast. Let the Instant Pot handle the hard work tonight.

Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

A cooked halved sweet potato on a plate topped with pats of butter.
Image Credit: The Forked Spoon

Instant Pot sweet potatoes turn out soft, creamy, and perfectly cooked with almost no effort. In about 40 minutes, you’ll have an easy nutritious side dish that works with just about any meal.

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

Instant Pot Acini Di Pepe

Cooked acini di pepe in a bowl.
Image Credit: My Plant Based Bowl

Ever heard of acini di pepe? This tiny pasta is a hidden gem in Italian cuisine. It's versatile, fun to eat, and adds a unique texture to soups and salads. Learn how to cook it in a pressure cooker.

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Acini Di Pepe

Instant Pot Brown Rice

Brown rice in a bowl.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Your Instant Pot is the secret to getting brown rice just right. You'll have perfectly cooked, nutty brown rice every time with this foolproof method.

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Brown Rice

Instant Pot Beets

Cooked beets on a plate.
Image Credit: The Forked Spoon

Cooking beets in the Instant Pot is a simple way to get perfectly tender results in no time. Great for salads, soups, or even smoothies, these beets come out soft, flavorful, and ready to use however you like.

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Beets

Instant Pot Chickpea Curry

Rice and chickpea curry in a bowl.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

This chickpea and potato curry is a meatless marvel. It's creamy, spicy, and totally satisfying. Plus, it's ready in a fraction of the time thanks to your Instant Pot.

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Chickpea Curry

Instant Pot Lemon Rice with Orzo

Rice in a bowl topped with lemon zest and parsley.
Image Credit: My Plant Based Bowl

Want a zesty side dish that's ready in no time? This lemon rice with orzo is your answer! It's tangy, comforting, and pairs well with just about anything. Plus, it's a breeze to make in your Instant Pot.

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Lemon Rice with Orzo

Instant Pot Chickpeas Without Soaking

Chickpeas in a bowl.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Forget about soaking chickpeas overnight! This Instant Pot method lets you cook dried chickpeas from scratch in no time. It's a total time-saver for homemade hummus or chickpea salads.

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Chickpeas Without Soaking

Instant Pot Whole Chicken

A whole cooked chicken on a cutting board with halved lemons.
Image Credit: Savory Experiments

A whole chicken in the Instant Pot is one of the easiest ways to get dinner on the table. Cook it as a main course or shred it up for soups, sandwiches, or salads—it’s a meal prep lifesaver.

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Whole Chicken

How to Cook Quinoa in an Instant Pot

Quinoa in a bowl.
Image Credit: My Plant Based Bowl

Cooking quinoa doesn't have to be a hassle. With a pressure cooker, you'll have perfect, fluffy quinoa in minutes. It's a game-changer for meal prep and quick, healthy meals.

Get the recipe: How to Cook Quinoa in an Instant Pot

Easy Creamy Instant Pot Cauliflower Soup

Orange soup in a bowl with a white cream swirl and seeds on top.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Craving something warm and comforting? This creamy cauliflower soup hits the spot. It's velvety smooth, packed with veggies, and super satisfying.

Get the recipe: Easy Creamy Instant Pot Cauliflower Soup

Instant Pot Thai Inspired Red Curry Chickpeas

Rice and chickpea curry in a bowl.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Spice up your meatless Monday with these Thai-inspired chickpeas. They're loaded with bold flavors and come together in no time. Serve over rice for a satisfying meal.

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Thai Inspired Red Curry Chickpeas

Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani

Cooked rice and shrimp in bowls.
Image Credit: Savory Experiments

This shrimp biryani is rich, aromatic, and packed with bold spices. With tender shrimp and perfectly seasoned basmati rice, this one-pot Instant Pot meal is full of comforting, complex flavors.

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani

Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken

Rice in a bowl topped with chunks of chicken.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Craving takeout? This bourbon chicken will hit the spot. It's sweet, savory, and ready in minutes. Serve it over rice for a quick and tasty dinner.

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken

Instant Pot Pasta and Sausage

Pasta and sausage in a bowl topped with parsley.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

Need a quick dinner idea? This sausage pasta is a crowd-pleaser that comes together in a flash. It's hearty, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Pasta and Sausage

Instant Pot Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

Chicken on a plate with potato slices.
Image Credit: Pipercooks

This one-pot wonder is packed with lemony, herby goodness. It's a complete meal that's both comforting and fresh. Your family will be asking for seconds!

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

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