Quick & Easy Instant Pot Dinners: Weeknight Meals in a Flash

The Instant Pot has revolutionized the way we cook dinner. Gone are the days of slaving over a hot stove for hours. With the Instant Pot, you can create delicious and satisfying meals in a fraction of the time. This article is dedicated to providing you with quick and easy Instant Pot dinner recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights. We’ll cover everything from creamy pasta dishes to flavorful chicken entrees, all designed to be prepared with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Why Use an Instant Pot for Dinner?

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s explore why the Instant Pot is such a game-changer for weeknight dinners:

• Speed: The Instant Pot cooks food much faster than traditional methods like stovetop or oven cooking. This is because it uses high pressure to create a superheated environment.
• Convenience: It’s a one-pot wonder! Many Instant Pot recipes require minimal cleanup, as you can often sauté, pressure cook, and even keep food warm all in the same appliance.
• Flavor: Pressure cooking infuses food with intense flavor. Ingredients meld together beautifully, creating rich and delicious dishes.
• Nutrient Retention: Because of the shorter cooking times, the Instant Pot helps retain more nutrients in your food compared to longer cooking methods.
• Versatility: The Instant Pot isn’t just for stews and soups. You can cook everything from rice and beans to yogurt and desserts in it.

Essential Instant Pot Tips for Beginners

If you’re new to the Instant Pot, here are a few essential tips to ensure success:

• Read the Manual: Familiarize yourself with your specific Instant Pot model. Understanding its functions and safety features is crucial.
• Start with Water Tests: Before cooking food, perform a few water tests to get comfortable with the pressure cooking process. This involves adding water to the pot, sealing the lid, and bringing it to pressure.
• Understand Pressure Release Methods: There are two main pressure release methods: natural pressure release (NPR) and quick release (QR). NPR allows the pressure to release gradually on its own, while QR involves manually releasing the pressure by turning the valve. The best method depends on the recipe.
• Don’t Overfill the Pot: Never fill the Instant Pot more than two-thirds full, especially when cooking foods that expand, like beans or rice.
• Deglaze the Pot: After sautéing ingredients, always deglaze the pot by adding a liquid (like broth or water) and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This prevents the dreaded “burn” error.
• Use Enough Liquid: The Instant Pot needs liquid to create steam and pressure. Most recipes require at least 1 cup of liquid.

Quick & Easy Instant Pot Dinner Recipes

Now, let’s get to the recipes! These are designed to be quick, easy, and delicious, perfect for busy weeknights.

Recipe 1: Creamy Tomato Pasta

This creamy tomato pasta is a crowd-pleaser that comes together in minutes. It’s a perfect example of a dump-and-go Instant Pot meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Add the pasta, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the Instant Pot.
2. Stir to combine. Ensure the pasta is mostly submerged in liquid; add a little more broth if needed.
3. Close and lock the lid. Set the valve to the sealing position.
4. Cook on high pressure for half the time indicated on the pasta package, minus 2 minutes. For example, if the package says 10 minutes, cook for 3 minutes.
5. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
6. Carefully open the lid. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
7. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Recipe 2: Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

This flavorful chicken and rice dish is a complete meal in one pot. The lemon and herbs add a bright and refreshing touch.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1/2 cup frozen peas

Instructions:

1. Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add the olive oil and heat.
2. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Add them to the Instant Pot and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the Instant Pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
4. Add the rice and chicken broth to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.
5. Place the chicken thighs on top of the rice.
6. Close and lock the lid. Set the valve to the sealing position.
7. Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes.
8. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
9. Carefully open the lid. Stir in the lemon juice, thyme, rosemary, and frozen peas.
10. Fluff the rice with a fork.
11. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Recipe 3: Beef and Broccoli

Skip the takeout and make this delicious Beef and Broccoli in your Instant Pot. It’s healthier, faster, and just as flavorful!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound beef sirloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
• 4 cups broccoli florets

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the beef sirloin, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and cornstarch. Toss to coat.
2. Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add the sesame oil and olive oil and heat.
3. Add the beef to the Instant Pot and sear for 2-3 minutes, until browned. Remove the beef and set aside.
4. Add the garlic and ginger to the Instant Pot and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
5. Add the beef broth, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and remaining soy sauce to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine and deglaze the pot.
6. Return the beef to the Instant Pot.
7. Close and lock the lid. Set the valve to the sealing position.
8. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
9. Quick release the pressure.
10. Carefully open the lid. Add the broccoli florets to the Instant Pot.
11. Close the lid (no need to lock it) and let the broccoli steam for 2-3 minutes, until tender-crisp.
12. Serve the beef and broccoli over rice. Garnish with sesame seeds, if desired.
13. Enjoy!

Recipe 4: Chicken Tortilla Soup

This hearty and flavorful Chicken Tortilla Soup is perfect for a chilly evening. It’s packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make in the Instant Pot.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Tortilla chips, for serving
• Avocado, diced, for serving
• Sour cream, for serving
• Cilantro, chopped, for serving
• Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions:

1. Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add the olive oil and heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using) to the Instant Pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
3. Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes and green chilies, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.
4. Place the chicken breasts on top of the mixture.
5. Close and lock the lid. Set the valve to the sealing position.
6. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
7. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
8. Carefully open the lid. Remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks.
9. Return the shredded chicken to the Instant Pot and stir to combine.
10. Serve the soup with tortilla chips, avocado, sour cream, cilantro, and lime wedges.
11. Enjoy!

Recipe 5: Mac and Cheese

A classic comfort food made even easier in the Instant Pot! This creamy and cheesy mac and cheese is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 4 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup milk

Instructions:

1. Add the elbow macaroni, chicken broth, butter, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the Instant Pot.
2. Stir to combine. Ensure the macaroni is mostly submerged in liquid; add a little more broth if needed.
3. Close and lock the lid. Set the valve to the sealing position.
4. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.
5. Quick release the pressure.
6. Carefully open the lid. Stir in the cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Stir in the milk to make the mac and cheese extra creamy.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Variations and Customizations

The beauty of these recipes is that they’re easily customizable to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas:

• Add Vegetables: Incorporate your favorite vegetables into any of these recipes. Broccoli, carrots, peas, bell peppers, and spinach all work well.
• Change the Protein: Substitute the chicken with beef, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Make it Creamier: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added richness.
• Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheeses in the mac and cheese recipe, such as Gruyere, Gouda, or Parmesan.
• Add Beans: Kidney beans, cannellini beans, or pinto beans can be added to soups, stews, and chili for extra protein and fiber.
• Use Different Herbs and Spices: Explore different flavor combinations by using different herbs and spices. Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or curry powder can add a unique twist to your dishes.

Tips for Meal Prepping with the Instant Pot

The Instant Pot is also a fantastic tool for meal prepping. You can cook large batches of food on the weekend and have healthy, homemade meals ready to go throughout the week.

• Cook Grains in Bulk: Prepare a large batch of rice, quinoa, or farro in the Instant Pot and use it as a base for various meals.
• Make Soups and Stews: Soups and stews are perfect for meal prepping, as they can be easily reheated and stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
• Shred Chicken: Cook chicken breasts in the Instant Pot and shred them for use in salads, sandwiches, wraps, and tacos.
• Cook Beans: Prepare a large batch of beans in the Instant Pot and use them in salads, soups, stews, and chili.
• Portion Your Meals: Divide your cooked food into individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals.

Troubleshooting Common Instant Pot Problems

Even with the best instructions, you might encounter a few issues when using your Instant Pot. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:

• “Burn” Error: This error usually occurs when there isn’t enough liquid in the pot or when food is stuck to the bottom. To prevent this, always deglaze the pot after sautéing and ensure there’s enough liquid in the recipe.
• Food Not Cooking Properly: This could be due to underfilling or overfilling the pot. Make sure you’re using the correct amount of liquid and not exceeding the maximum fill line.
• Pressure Not Releasing: If the pressure isn’t releasing, check to make sure the sealing ring is properly installed and that the valve is set to the sealing position.
• Lid Won’t Open: This usually means there’s still pressure in the pot. Try quick releasing the pressure carefully, or wait for the pressure to release naturally.
• Food is Overcooked: Reduce the cooking time in future attempts. Remember that the Instant Pot cooks food very quickly, so even a minute or two can make a difference.

Conclusion

The Instant Pot is a versatile and time-saving appliance that can make weeknight dinners a breeze. These quick and easy recipes are just a starting point. With a little experimentation, you can adapt your favorite recipes to the Instant Pot and create delicious, homemade meals in minutes. So, dust off your Instant Pot and get cooking! You’ll be amazed at how easy and convenient it is to create flavorful and satisfying dinners in a fraction of the time.