The Instant Pot doesn’t just save you time—it makes weeknights survivable. These dinners are bold, hearty, and taste like you slaved for hours when really you barely lifted a finger. They free you up to scroll, nap, or just not think about food until it’s magically ready. The only downside? People might start expecting miracles from you every night.

Mexican Corn Salad

Mexican corn salad in bowls, garnished with parmesan cheese and lime wedges, with forks on the side.
Mexican Corn Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Mexican Corn Salad has all the flavors of street stall corn on the cob—sweet corn, creamy butter, freshly squeezed lime juice, diced Jalapeños, chili flakes, and cheese.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Salad

Crock Pot Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo with Tortellini

Close-up of tortellini pasta cooking in a creamy yellow sauce with pieces of chicken, stirred by a wooden spoon.
Crock Pot Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo with Tortellini. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

When I made this Crock Pot Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo with Tortellini, I cooked the chicken thighs in the alfredo sauce first, using evaporated milk. Then I added heavy cream and, finally, the tortellini, turning this into a delicious, easy one-pot meal that tastes just like the restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo with Tortellini

Instant Pot Beef Stew

Beef stew in a yellow bowl with carrots and green beans.
Instant Pot Beef Stew. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

This beef stew recipe features tender beef and hearty vegetables in the most flavorful broth! Old fashioned comfort food cooks up quickly making it totally weeknight-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beef Stew

Shredded BBQ Chicken

Image shows a BBQ shredded chicken sandwich on a wooden board.
Shredded BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Who knew that BBQ and the Instant Pot could go so well together? This delicious BBQ shredded chicken is a cinch to make, and it’s perfect for a BBQ chicken sandwich, on a salad, or as a topping for baked potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken

Instant Pot Crab Boil

A bowl containing crab legs, corn on the cob, small potatoes, and a lemon wedge, garnished with parsley—a perfect choice for easy recipes and quick meals.
Instant Pot Crab Boil. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Get your Instant Pot ready for a seafood feast that comes together in just about 20 minutes using baby potatoes, fresh corn, and a hefty dose of Old Bay seasoning. This recipe turns a classic crab boil into a quick, mess-free meal that’s perfect for those nights when you want flavor without the long wait. With a luscious garlic butter sauce on the side and the option to add hot sauce for a little kick, it’s a sure way to impress without breaking a sweat.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Crab Boil

Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

A bowl of creamy chicken and gnocchi soup with shredded chicken, spinach, carrots, and black pepper.
Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

If you like cozy meals with tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and fresh spinach, this recipe will hit the spot. Made in the Instant Pot, it’s a quick way to get creamy, flavorful soup on the table without spending hours cooking. You’ll love how the carrots add a little crunch to this comforting bowl of soup.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Instant Pot Chicken Barley Soup

A clear glass mug filled with chicken soup, oats, and carrot slices sits on a countertop with a silver spoon inside.
Instant Pot Chicken Barley Soup. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

This easy-to-make soup features tender chicken breasts, pearled barley, and fresh carrots cooked right in the Instant Pot for a speedy, comforting meal. It’s a great way to get a wholesome dinner on the table fast without sacrificing flavor or texture. Perfect for meal prep and freezing, this recipe keeps well and tastes just as good reheated.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Barley Soup

Chicken Paprikash

Three pieces of chicken covered in creamy orange sauce, garnished with chopped herbs, are arranged on a white rectangular plate next to a floral-patterned napkin—perfect for easy dinners or quick meals.
Chicken Paprikash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Made entirely in your Instant Pot, this easy meal has a thick, rich, and smoky gravy that transforms humble chicken thighs into a delish dinner!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Meatballs and Sauce

Image shows Spaghetti and meatballs with a fork twirling pasta in a white bowl.
Meatballs and Sauce. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Satisfy your cravings with our Instant Pot Meatballs and Sauce recipe. Juicy meatballs, bathed in a savory and rich tomato sauce, cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot. Prepare to enjoy a classic and comforting favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Instant pot chicken adobo in a bowl atop cauliflower rice.
Instant Pot Chicken Adobo. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Instant Pot Chicken Adobo recipe is Filipino-inspired, has a touch of sweetness, and is keto-friendly and low-carb. This flavor-packed pressure cooker chicken recipe can be prepared and served in just 40 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Instant Pot Shredded BBQ Chicken

A pulled shredded chicken sandwich in barbecue sauce on a golden bun, shown close-up.
Instant Pot Shredded BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Get juicy chicken breasts cooked fast in the Instant Pot with a tangy mix of BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and smoky spices. This recipe saves you from grilling and delivers tender shredded chicken that’s perfect for sandwiches, sliders, or just eating straight off the fork. It’s an easy, one-pot dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes and leaves your taste buds happy and your cleanup simple.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shredded BBQ Chicken

Carnitas

Image shows Tongs holding carnitas over a tray.
Carnitas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Experience the succulent and flavorful delight of our Instant Pot Carnitas recipe. Tender and juicy pulled pork, infused with a blend of spices, resulting in a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired dish that will have you coming back for more. Get ready to enjoy authentic flavors and irresistible tacos or burritos right at home.
Get the Recipe: Carnitas

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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