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Home » Recipe Collections

23 Instant Pot Meals So Quick They Save Your Sanity

Published: Apr 12, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Instant pot meals are a game-changer when you’re trying to keep dinner stress low but still want something that actually tastes great. These recipes are perfect when you’re tired, short on time, or just over the whole “what’s for dinner?” question. They come together fast, they’re simple to make, and they don’t skimp on flavor. Whether you're cooking for picky kids, a hungry partner, or just yourself, these are the kind of meals that make you feel like you’ve got it together—even when the day’s been a mess.

A plate of easy instant pot pork chop.
Easy Instant Pot Pork Chops. Photo Credit: xoxoBella

Corn Chowder

An image of instant pot corn chowder in a bowl with a spoon resting on the side.
Corn Chowder. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This Instant Pot corn chowder is ready in just 15 minutes and combines sweet corn, potatoes, and cheddar in a smooth, creamy base. It's a quick option for a hearty meal on chilly evenings.
Get the Recipe: Corn Chowder

Pinto Bean Soup

An overhead image of pinto bean soup in a green bowl with a spoon on the side.
Pinto Bean Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This pinto bean soup is a filling one-pot meal with plenty of plant-based protein. The Instant Pot makes it easy to prepare, especially during colder months when you need a warming, nutritious dish.
Get the Recipe: Pinto Bean Soup

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Close up of mashed potatoes with a slice of butter and a golden spoon.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This Instant Pot mashed potatoes recipe is creamy and garlicky, making it a convenient side dish for busy weeknights. It cooks quickly, requiring minimal effort, and is ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Tomato Soup

Close up of Instant Pot Tomato soup in a white bowl, with grilled cheese next to it.
Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Ready in 30 minutes, this Instant Pot tomato soup is made with fresh or canned tomatoes, offering a smooth, filling dish. It's an easy meal for cooler days when you're craving something comforting.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Soup

Pot Pork Chops

Pot Pork Chops. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

These Instant Pot pork chops cook to tender perfection in a sweet and spicy garlic sauce. The Instant Pot enhances the flavors, making it a quick and simple dinner choice with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Pot Pork Chops

Jollof

A close-up of a pot with cooked jollof rice with a person's hand holding a red spatula.
Jollof. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This Instant Pot Nigerian Jollof Rice features stewed rice with tomatoes and peppers, creating a vibrant, flavorful dish. It’s a hearty meal that's quick to prepare, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Jollof

The Best Vegan Potato Soup

The Best Vegan Potato Soup. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This creamy Vegan Potato Soup can be made in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop. It’s a simple, warming dish, perfect for cold weather when you want something comforting without much work.
Get the Recipe: The Best Vegan Potato Soup

Green Chicken Curry

Instant Pot Green Chicken Curry (Thai Green Curry Recipe) in a black bowl with bell peppers, basil, and limes.
Green Chicken Curry. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Thai Green Curry in the Instant Pot brings bold, vibrant flavors in a short cooking time. It's a great meal for busy days when you want something flavorful and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Green Chicken Curry

Pumpkin Risotto

Pumpkin Risotto. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Instant Pot pumpkin risotto, made with pumpkin puree, arborio rice, sage, and walnuts, is ready in just 20 minutes. It’s a nourishing dish for fall days when you want something easy yet hearty.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Risotto

Spaghetti Squash

A close up image of a spaghetti squash scraped out by a spoon placed on a white plate.
Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Instant Pot spaghetti squash cooks in under 30 minutes, making it a fast option for a vegetable base. It's a convenient side or main dish to pair with sauces or enjoy on its own.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Squash

Chipotle Mac and Cheese

Chipotle Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This nutritious pasta, made with just three plant-based ingredients, is a quick and simple dish. It’s a practical choice for a wholesome dinner that's both easy and filling.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Mac and Cheese

Low-Carb Sweet & Spicy Barbecue Chicken Wings

Low-Carb Sweet & Spicy Barbecue Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Instant Pot Sweet & Spicy BBQ Chicken Wings cook quickly, bringing bold flavors to your plate. It's an easy meal that delivers comfort and convenience, especially when you're short on time.
Get the Recipe: Low-Carb Sweet & Spicy Barbecue Chicken Wings

Vegan Split Pea Soup with Za’atar

Vegan Split Pea Soup with Za’atar. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Instant Pot Split Pea Soup with za'atar is a filling dish with a hint of lemon and spices. It’s a warming, simple meal that’s perfect for any time of year, especially during cooler weather.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Split Pea Soup with Za’atar

Buttery Lemon Chicken Pasta with Zucchini and Squash

Buttery Lemon Chicken Pasta with Zucchini and Squash. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Instant Pot buttery lemon chicken pasta combines chicken, zucchini, squash, and pasta in a quick, light meal. It’s an adaptable option for busy evenings when you need a satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Lemon Chicken Pasta with Zucchini and Squash

Vegan Cashew Carrot Ginger Soup

Vegan Cashew Carrot Ginger Soup. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This Vegan Carrot Cashew Ginger Soup is a minimal-effort Instant Pot recipe that creates a warming meal. It’s perfect for colder nights when you want something nutritious and simple.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Cashew Carrot Ginger Soup

BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza

BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Instant Pot BBQ chicken French bread pizza is a quick 20-minute dinner with a crispy baguette and flavorful toppings. It's a fast, hearty meal for busy weeknights when you need something filling.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza

Tortellini Soup

A bowl of tortellini soup sits on a rustic wooden cutting board with a yellow linen and a bunch of parsley.
Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Instant Pot tortellini soup, filled with sausage and cheesy tortellini, makes a filling meal with minimal effort. It’s a comforting option for nights when you want something substantial yet easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Instant Pot creamy macaroni and cheese is a simple and comforting dish that cooks quickly. It's a convenient meal for busy nights when you need something easy, warm, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Mashed Cauliflower

Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower in a white bowl with a spoon, parsley, butter, salt, and black pepper.
Mashed Cauliflower. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Instant Pot mashed cauliflower is a buttery, flavorful side dish that cooks quickly. It's a lighter alternative to mashed potatoes, making it a great side for any hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Cauliflower

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup is simple to make in the Instant Pot and requires just a few ingredients. It’s an affordable, easy soup that warms you up on a cold day.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Minestrone

An overhead image of a bowl of minestrone soup served in a white bowl, accompanied by a spoon on the side and a white cloth underneath.
Minestrone. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This Instant Pot vegetable soup is packed with beans and fresh vegetables and ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a healthy and filling meal that requires minimal prep, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone

The Best Vegan Biryani

The Best Vegan Biryani. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This Vegan Biryani is a fragrant rice dish made with aromatic spices in the Instant Pot. It's an effortless meal for cooler nights when you want something hearty without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: The Best Vegan Biryani

Mac and Cheese

Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Instant Pot mac and cheese, made with just five ingredients, is a fast and easy meal. It’s a cozy, kid-friendly dinner that’s ready quickly, making it perfect for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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