19 Instant Pot recipes that save busy weeknights

Cooking dinner usually takes far too much time. Discover the 19 Instant Pot recipes people are calling an unreal time saver for the whole family. This simple trick changes everything about weeknight meals!

Instant Pot Brisket

Instant Pot BBQ beef brisket shredded on a plate. — Instant Pot Brisket. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Packed schedules get a boost when Instant Pot Brisket cuts the usual hours into a quick, hands-off cook. The result comes out tender without babysitting. Leftovers easily turn into tomorrow’s quick meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Brisket

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Overhead shot of a plate of chicken adobo with rice and scallions on the side. — Instant Pot Chicken Adobo. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Weeknights move faster with Instant Pot Chicken Adobo, since the bold sauce comes together in a fraction of the usual time. It pairs well with simple sides you already have. Great for nights when you want flavor without hovering.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Instant Pot Queso

An image of queso in a bowl with nacho chips on the side and an instant pot on the back. — Instant Pot Queso. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Snack-style dinners or quick add-ons get easier once Instant Pot Queso becomes part of your rotation. It stays smooth and warm without constant stirring. Easy to set out for dipping, topping, or last-minute meals.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Queso

Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup

Creamy tomato tortellini soup made in the Instant Pot in a bowl. — Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Comfort hits fast with Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup, perfect for nights when you need something quick and steady. The tortellini cooks through without extra steps. Great for keeping things simple after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup

Instant Pot Chicken Tinga

Taco nights speed up when Instant Pot Chicken Tinga handles the heavy lifting in minutes. The quick shred makes it great for bowls, tacos, or whatever you throw together. Easy to batch for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Tinga

Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi

A bowl of pasta topped with cooked shrimp and garnished with fresh parsley. — Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Busy nights get a lift when Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi cooks in practically no time. The shrimp stay tender without guesswork. Works with pasta, rice, or bread depending on what you’ve got around.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi

Instant Pot Chicken Korma

Low angle shot of bowls of chicken korma. — Instant Pot Chicken Korma. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

When you want something comforting but fast, Instant Pot Chicken Korma fits weeknights perfectly. It cooks smoothly and doesn’t need constant checking. Great for pairing with quick sides.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Korma

Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew

Cooler evenings or long workdays pair well with Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew, which saves time without losing depth. Everything comes together fast in one pot. It reheats easily for another easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew

Pesto Risotto (Instant Pot + Stovetop)

A black bowl containing green risotto garnished with fresh basil leaves, placed on a textured surface with scattered rice and herbs nearby. — Pesto Risotto (Instant Pot + Stovetop). Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Risotto on a tight schedule actually works thanks to Pesto Risotto (Instant Pot + Stovetop). The Instant Pot handles the heavy lifting so you don’t have to stir constantly. A quick pesto finish keeps it weeknight-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Risotto (Instant Pot + Stovetop)

Instant Pot Pork Loin Roast with Vegetables

Sliced roast pork served with cooked potatoes and carrots, garnished with chopped herbs on a plate. — Instant Pot Pork Loin Roast with Vegetables. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Full dinners feel easier with Instant Pot Pork Loin Roast with Vegetables, especially when time is tight. Everything cooks together so you’re not juggling pans. It’s a no-nonsense way to get a complete meal on the table.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pork Loin Roast with Vegetables

Instant Pot Chicken With Sweet Peppers

Fast weeknight meals get easier with Instant Pot Chicken With Sweet Peppers, which comes together without slowing you down. The mix cooks evenly and quickly. It works well over rice or on its own.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken With Sweet Peppers

Instant Pot Cabbage Soup

Ground beef cabbage soup made in the Instant Pot in a white serving bowl. — Instant Pot Cabbage Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Light dinners come together fast with Instant Pot Cabbage Soup, especially when you want something easy. The cook time stays short without losing comfort. Perfect for simple evenings.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cabbage Soup

Easy Instant Pot Pork Chops

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with a piece of meatloaf covered in brown gravy and garnished with chopped parsley. — Easy Instant Pot Pork Chops. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Dinner moves quickly when Easy Instant Pot Pork Chops take center stage. They cook evenly without much attention. A quick side is all you need to finish the meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Instant Pot Pork Chops

Instant Pot Beef Stew

A bowl of vegetable soup with carrots, green beans, potatoes, and broth, garnished with a sprig of parsley; a spoon is in the bowl. — Instant Pot Beef Stew. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Long days call for something that feels steady, and Instant Pot Beef Stew brings that to the table fast. Everything cooks down quickly without hovering over a pot. It’s easy to ladle out and enjoy right away.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beef Stew

Instant Pot Chicken Taco Lettuce Wraps

A plate of lettuce wraps filled with shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, cilantro, sour cream, sliced jalapeño, and diced red onions. — Instant Pot Chicken Taco Lettuce Wraps. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Quick dinners hit different when they feel light but still get the job done, which makes Instant Pot Chicken Taco Lettuce Wraps a solid weeknight fix. This one brings fast flavor without slowing you down. Cleanup stays easy, so the night keeps moving.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Taco Lettuce Wraps

Instant Pot Picadillo

Vegan tempeh picadillo served in a bowl with cauliflower rice. — Instant Pot Picadillo. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

When you need something quick but still layered enough for a full meal, Instant Pot Picadillo fits the moment. It cooks fast and works with whatever sides are handy. Great for nights when time and energy are low.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Picadillo

Instant Pot Coconut Pork

Instant Pot coconut pulled pork served with turmeric rice in a bowl. — Instant Pot Coconut Pork. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Some evenings need something simple but comforting, and Instant Pot Coconut Pork slides right into that routine. It cooks quickly and stays tender without extra effort. Perfect when you want dinner done with minimal decisions.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Coconut Pork

Instant Pot Chipotle Mac and Cheese (Gluten-Free)

A bowl of macaroni and cheese topped with a sprinkle of ground pepper, with a wooden spoon resting on the side. — Instant Pot Chipotle Mac and Cheese (Gluten-Free). Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Busy evenings feel easier when Instant Pot Chipotle Mac and Cheese (Gluten-Free) comes together in minutes. The quick, creamy finish makes it a go-to when you need something fast. Leftovers reheat well for another no-stress meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chipotle Mac and Cheese (Gluten-Free)

Instant Pot Bolognese

Weeknights run smoother when Instant Pot Bolognese steps in with a fast, hearty sauce. You get comfort without babysitting anything. It pairs with whatever pasta you’ve got ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bolognese