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Home » Recipe Collections

25 recipes that prove Instant Pot is a lifesaver

Published: Dec 8, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Instant Pot recipes are a game-changer when you want meals that are fast, easy, and actually taste great. These dishes aren’t just quick—they’re packed with flavor and make weeknight dinners feel effortless. Whether you’re short on time or just want something that hits the mark every time, these recipes prove the Instant Pot is a lifesaver in the kitchen.

Three Instant Pot BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza on a wooden board.
Instant Pot BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza. Photo Credit: xoxoBella

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

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

Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic cook without any draining in the Instant Pot. The appliance shortens cooking time and simplifies preparation, turning this classic side into a hassle-free option.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Mulligatawny Soup

An overhead image of instant pot mulligatawny soup being scoop out from the pot.
Mulligatawny Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Lentils, vegetables, and lightly spiced coconut broth come together smoothly in the Instant Pot for Mulligatawny soup. This method reduces cooking time, leaving a wholesome meal ready in under an hour.
Get the Recipe: Mulligatawny Soup

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.

Jollof rice develops a rich texture and even tomato-pepper flavor when cooked in the Instant Pot. One-pot cooking makes preparation straightforward, turning it into a convenient main dish.
Get the Recipe: Jollof

Tortellini Soup

An image of instant pot tortellini soup in a bowl.
Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Tender cheese-filled tortellini and fresh vegetables come together in about 30 minutes using the Instant Pot. This method speeds up cooking and keeps prep simple, making weeknight dinners quick and effortless.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup

Dal Tadka

Two bowls of finished dal tadka next to each other.
Dal Tadka. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Dal tadka, with lentils simmered alongside aromatic spices, becomes quick to prepare in the Instant Pot. The pressure cooking shortens the process while keeping flavors balanced, making it a practical approach to this traditional dish.
Get the Recipe: Dal Tadka

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.

A mix of beans and vegetables creates a fresh, hearty soup in under 30 minutes with the Instant Pot. It cooks everything evenly and quickly, making it reliable for busy weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone

BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza

Three Instant Pot BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza on a wooden board.
BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

BBQ chicken French bread pizza cooks quickly in the Instant Pot with a crisp baguette base. It’s a practical option for a hearty meal when time is limited.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza

The Best Vegan Biryani

Someone holding a bowl of the best Vegan Biryani.
The Best Vegan Biryani. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Vegan biryani cooks evenly in the Instant Pot, with spices and rice melding together efficiently. Pressure cooking makes it easy to enjoy a complete meal without much effort.
Get the Recipe: The Best Vegan Biryani

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.

Mashed cauliflower becomes soft and buttery in the Instant Pot, making a quick alternative to mashed potatoes. Simple preparation creates a smooth side for any dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Cauliflower

Vegan Cashew Carrot Ginger Soup

A close-up of Vegan Cashew Carrot Ginger Soup.
Vegan Cashew Carrot Ginger Soup. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Carrot cashew ginger soup requires minimal prep—just load the ingredients into the Instant Pot. Fast cooking results in a nourishing meal for cooler nights.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Cashew Carrot Ginger Soup

Pot Pork Chops

A plate of easy instant pot pork chop.
Pot Pork Chops. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Pork chops simmer in sweet and spicy garlic sauce until tender in the Instant Pot. The pressure cooking locks in moisture and speeds up preparation, making it a practical weekday dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pot Pork Chops

The Best Vegan Potato Soup

Someone holding a bowl of the best vegan potato soup.
The Best Vegan Potato Soup. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Potato soup becomes creamy with minimal effort using the Instant Pot. The appliance simplifies preparation while producing a filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: The Best Vegan Potato Soup

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.

Pinto bean soup thickens and develops flavor effortlessly in the Instant Pot. One-pot cooking makes it a convenient choice for a warm, filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Pinto Bean Soup

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A bowl of Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Broccoli cheddar soup, made with everyday ingredients, cooks quickly in the Instant Pot. Fast cooking creates a creamy meal that works well on cooler days.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar 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 comes together in a short time using the Instant Pot, with flavors blending smoothly. The appliance reduces cooking time while producing a rich, comforting dish.
Get the Recipe: Green Chicken Curry

Buttery Lemon Chicken Pasta with Zucchini and Squash

Four instant pot buttery lemon chicken pasta with zucchini and squash.
Buttery Lemon Chicken Pasta with Zucchini and Squash. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Lemon chicken pasta with zucchini and squash cooks thoroughly and quickly in the Instant Pot. The appliance makes this versatile meal easy to fit into a busy schedule.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Lemon Chicken Pasta with Zucchini and Squash

Mac and Cheese

Two bowls of Instant Pot Mac and Cheese.
Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Five-ingredient mac and cheese cooks fast in the Instant Pot, turning into a kid-friendly dinner in no time. Quick preparation makes it easy for weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Pumpkin Risotto

A bowl of the best Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto.
The Best Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto. Photo Credit: MOON and spoon and yum

Pumpkin risotto with rice, sage, and walnuts is ready in about 20 minutes using the Instant Pot. Even cooking makes it a practical choice for busy fall evenings.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Risotto

Low-Carb Sweet & Spicy Barbecue Chicken Wings

A bowl of instant pot low-carb sweet and spicy barbecue chicken wings.
Low-Carb Sweet & Spicy Barbecue Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

BBQ chicken wings turn tender and flavorful in the Instant Pot. Pressure cooking reduces prep and cleanup, making it a straightforward way to serve a hearty dish.
Get the Recipe: Low-Carb Sweet & Spicy Barbecue Chicken Wings

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Instant pot chipotle mac and cheese with a spoon in a bowl.
Creamy Macaroni and Cheese. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Macaroni and cheese becomes creamy and ready in minutes thanks to the Instant Pot. Even cooking makes it an easy, quick option for a filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

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.

Corn, potatoes, and cheddar cook together into a creamy chowder in just 15 minutes in the Instant Pot. Fast cooking makes it a convenient choice for a cozy weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Corn Chowder

Vegan Split Pea Soup with Za’atar

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

Split pea soup with za’atar and lemon cooks evenly in the Instant Pot, building flavor without long simmering. It works well as a simple, nourishing option any time of year.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Split Pea Soup with Za’atar

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.

Tomato soup comes together smoothly in the Instant Pot with fresh or canned tomatoes. Quick cooking turns it into a hearty meal ready any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Soup

Chipotle Mac and Cheese

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

A simple three-ingredient pasta cooks rapidly in the Instant Pot. This method keeps prep minimal while creating a complete meal in very little time.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Mac and Cheese

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.

Spaghetti squash cooks perfectly in under 30 minutes in the Instant Pot, creating a quick vegetable base for many dishes. It saves time while adding something fresh to the meal.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Squash

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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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