5 Delicious Instant Pot Recipes to Simplify Your Cooking

Are you ready to revolutionize your kitchen routine? Look no further than your trusty Instant Pot! This magical appliance is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. From hearty soups to tender meats and even desserts, the Instant Pot can do it all. Let’s dive into five mouthwatering recipes that will have you falling in love with your Instant Pot all over again.

1. Comforting Minestrone Soup

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of minestrone soup to warm your soul. This recipe is a personal favorite that I’ve perfected over countless chilly evenings.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup small pasta (like shells or ditalini)
• 2 cups chopped spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions:

1. Set Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add olive oil, onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
2. Add garlic and zucchini, sauté for another 2 minutes.
3. Add tomatoes, beans, broth, and pasta. Stir to combine.
4. Close the lid and set to Manual/Pressure Cook for 4 minutes.
5. Quick release the pressure when done.
6. Stir in spinach and let it wilt. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Serves: 6

Pro Tip: For a heartier meal, try adding some cooked Italian sausage to the soup just before serving.

2. Fall-Off-The-Bone BBQ Ribs

Believe it or not, you can make restaurant-quality ribs in your Instant Pot in under an hour! This recipe will make you the star of your next barbecue.

Ingredients:

• 2 racks of baby back ribs
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp liquid smoke
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• Dry rub: 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix dry rub ingredients and rub all over the ribs.
2. Pour water, vinegar, and liquid smoke into Instant Pot.
3. Place ribs in the pot, standing them on their side and wrapping around the pot.
4. Close lid and cook on Manual/Pressure Cook for 25 minutes.
5. Natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release.
6. Carefully remove ribs and place on a baking sheet.
7. Brush with BBQ sauce and broil for 3-5 minutes until caramelized.

Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Serves: 4-6

Fun Fact: I once served these ribs at a family gathering, and my BBQ-loving uncle couldn’t believe they weren’t grilled!

3. Creamy Tuscan Chicken

This restaurant-worthy dish comes together in a flash and will transport you straight to the Italian countryside.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Set Instant Pot to Sauté and add olive oil. Brown chicken for 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Remove chicken, add broth and scrape the bottom of the pot.
4. Return chicken to the pot, add sun-dried tomatoes.
5. Close lid and cook on Manual/Pressure Cook for 8 minutes.
6. Quick release pressure and remove chicken.
7. Add cream cheese, spinach, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Stir until creamy.
8. Return chicken to the sauce and serve.

Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Serves: 4

Pairing Suggestion: This dish is divine served over pasta or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

4. Perfectly Fluffy Coconut Rice Pudding

Who said Instant Pots are just for savory dishes? This dessert will change your mind!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut
• Cinnamon for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rinse rice and add to Instant Pot with coconut milk, water, sugar, and salt.
2. Close lid and cook on Manual/Pressure Cook for 10 minutes.
3. Natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release.
4. Stir in vanilla extract and shredded coconut.
5. Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
6. Serve warm or chilled, sprinkled with cinnamon.

Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Serves: 6

Memory Lane: This recipe reminds me of the coconut rice pudding my grandmother used to make, but with a fraction of the effort!

5. One-Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

Say goodbye to multiple pots and pans! This one-pot wonder will become your go-to weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pre-made or homemade meatballs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups water
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 8 oz spaghetti, broken in half
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan for serving

Instructions:

1. Set Instant Pot to Sauté. Add olive oil and brown meatballs. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, water, basil, and oregano. Stir to combine.
4. Break spaghetti in half and add to the pot, making sure it’s submerged.
5. Place meatballs on top of pasta.
6. Close lid and cook on Manual/Pressure Cook for 8 minutes.
7. Quick release pressure and stir gently.
8. Let sit for 5 minutes to absorb sauce.
9. Serve with grated Parmesan.

Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Serves: 4-6

Time-Saving Tip: Keep a bag of frozen meatballs on hand for those nights when you need dinner on the table ASAP!

There you have it – five fantastic Instant Pot recipes to add to your culinary arsenal. From the comforting Minestrone Soup to the indulgent Coconut Rice Pudding, these dishes showcase the incredible versatility of your Instant Pot. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, these recipes are sure to impress. So, dust off that Instant Pot and get cooking – delicious meals await!

Happy cooking, and remember – with an Instant Pot, you’re always just minutes away from a fantastic meal!