10 Easy Instant Pot Recipes for Effortless Lazy Evenings

After a long day, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. Luckily, your Instant Pot is here to save the day! These 10 easy recipes will help you whip up delicious meals with minimal effort, so you can kick back and relax instead of stressing over dinner.

Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice

Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice is a light and refreshing dish that brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table. This recipe features tender chicken simmered with zesty lemon and fragrant herbs, creating a delicious combo that pairs perfectly with fluffy rice. It’s not only tasty but also incredibly easy to whip up, making it a go-to for those laid-back evenings.

The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting here, infusing the chicken with moisture and flavor while ensuring the rice cooks to perfection. You’ll be left with a comforting meal that feels fancy but requires minimal effort. Perfect for lazy evenings!

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano.
2. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add a splash of oil. Brown the chicken on both sides for about 2-3 minutes each.
3. Add garlic, lemon juice, and zest to the pot, stirring to combine.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and add the rice. Stir everything together.
5. Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Allow for a natural release for 5 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining pressure.
6. Fluff the rice with a fork, and serve with chopped parsley on top.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Risotto

This creamy garlic parmesan risotto is the perfect dish for those lazy evenings when you want something comforting yet simple. The creamy texture and rich flavors of garlic and parmesan come together beautifully in this dish, making it a family favorite.

Not only is it easy to make, but it also cooks quickly in the Instant Pot, freeing you to relax and unwind while dinner is prepared. This risotto is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect side or a satisfying main course.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add butter and onions, cooking until the onions are translucent.
2. Stir in garlic and Arborio rice, cooking for another minute until the rice is slightly toasted.
3. Add the white wine (if using) and cook until mostly evaporated.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth, secure the lid, and set to high pressure for 6 minutes.
5. Once done, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
6. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Spicy Chicken Tacos with Slaw

Spicy Chicken Tacos with Slaw are a perfect blend of heat and crunch, making them a delightful option for any lazy evening. The tender, seasoned chicken pairs beautifully with a tangy slaw, providing a fresh contrast.

This recipe is super simple, requiring minimal prep time and only one pot for cooking. You’ll love how quick and easy these tacos come together, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without the fuss.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
• 1 cup carrots, shredded
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 small tortillas
• Cilantro for garnish
• Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken: In an Instant Pot, heat olive oil on the sauté setting. Add the diced chicken and taco seasoning. Sauté until the chicken is browned, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add Liquid: Pour in the chicken broth, then close the lid. Set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 8 minutes. Once the time is up, do a quick release.
3. Prepare the Slaw: In a bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Toss until well mixed.
4. Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas in a pan or microwave. Fill each tortilla with the spicy chicken and top with a generous amount of slaw.
5. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, and enjoy!

Vegetarian Chili with Black Beans

This vegetarian chili is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for those lazy evenings when you want something warm and comforting without much fuss. Packed with black beans, colorful bell peppers, and corn, it delivers a delightful mix of textures and tastes, making it filling and delicious.

It’s an easy recipe to follow; just toss everything into your Instant Pot, set it, and let it do the work for you. You’ll love how the spices blend together, creating a rich and satisfying flavor that warms you up from the inside out!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Avocado and fresh cilantro for topping

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in the Instant Pot on the sauté setting. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
2. Add the chopped bell pepper and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
3. Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
5. Once the cooking time is complete, carefully release the pressure. Serve hot, topped with avocado slices and fresh cilantro!

Hearty Beef Stew with Vegetables

This Hearty Beef Stew with Vegetables is the ultimate comfort food for lazy evenings. Packed with tender beef and a colorful array of veggies, it’s a filling dish that warms you from the inside out. The savory broth, enhanced by herbs and spices, brings all the ingredients together for a delightful flavor that satisfies your cravings without requiring too much effort in the kitchen.

Not only is this stew easy to make, but it also cooks quickly in your Instant Pot, cutting down on the time without sacrificing the depth of flavor. Perfect for a weeknight meal, you can throw everything in, press a button, and let the magic happen!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 cups beef broth
• 3 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add olive oil and let it heat up. Brown the beef stew meat in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add onions and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add Ingredients: Return the browned meat to the pot. Add the carrots, potatoes, green beans, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Pressure Cook: Close the lid of the Instant Pot, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Allow for natural release for 10 minutes, then switch to quick release.
5. Serve: Open the pot and stir the stew. Adjust seasoning if needed, and enjoy your hearty meal!

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is the perfect blend of rich flavors and comforting texture. This dish offers a delightful balance of sweet tomatoes and fragrant basil, making it a favorite for many. It’s easy to whip up, especially in an Instant Pot, where you can let the ingredients meld beautifully without much fuss.

This soup is not just simple; it’s also incredibly satisfying. Serve it with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal. Whether it’s a rainy day or a busy weeknight, this creamy soup is sure to warm you up and lift your spirits.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (or canned tomatoes)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in the Instant Pot on the sauté setting. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant.
2. Add the tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 10 minutes.
4. Once done, carefully release the pressure. Stir in the heavy cream and chopped basil.
5. Blend the soup using an immersion blender until smooth. Serve hot, garnished with additional basil and grated Parmesan if desired.

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli

If you’re searching for a quick and delicious meal, Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli is the perfect dish. This vibrant recipe combines succulent shrimp with tender broccoli, all enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce. It’s not only tasty but also simple to whip up, making it ideal for those lazy evenings when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

The balance of flavors makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. The shrimp are cooked to perfection, while the broccoli adds a nice crunch. This recipe is sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp and Broccoli: Start by rinsing the shrimp and broccoli. Set them aside.
2. Cook the Broccoli: In your Instant Pot, add 1 cup of water and place the broccoli in a steamer basket. Set to steam for 2 minutes. Release the pressure and remove the broccoli.
3. Sauté the Shrimp: Use the sauté function on your Instant Pot and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Sauté until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Combine: Add the broccoli back into the pot and toss everything together until well coated in the garlic butter sauce.
5. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy immediately!

Quick Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that never fails to please. This quick version is creamy, cheesy, and so simple to make, it’s perfect for those lazy evenings when you want a hearty meal without much fuss. Imagine a bowl of warm, gooey noodles enveloped in rich cheese sauce, all made in your Instant Pot!

Not only is this dish tasty, but it’s also a breeze to whip up. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can sit back and enjoy a delicious meal in no time. It’s great for busy weeknights, and you can even add your favorite mix-ins like broccoli or crispy bacon for an extra touch!

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Add elbow macaroni, water, and salt to the Instant Pot. Close the lid and set the pressure valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes, then quick release the steam.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce: Stir in butter, milk, and garlic powder. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and mix until creamy. Adjust seasoning with black pepper.
3. Optional Topping: If you like a crunchy topping, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and bake for about 10 minutes until golden brown.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot, and dig in!

Sweet and Sour Pork Stir-Fry

This Sweet and Sour Pork Stir-Fry is a delightful combination of tender pork, vibrant bell peppers, and juicy pineapple, all drenched in a tangy sauce. The balance of sweet and sour flavors creates a dish that’s both satisfying and comforting, perfect for a lazy evening.

Making this recipe in an Instant Pot is a breeze. With minimal prep and cook time, you can have a delicious meal ready that the whole family will enjoy. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound pork tenderloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 bell pepper, sliced (red or green)
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup vinegar (white or apple cider)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add vegetable oil and let it heat up. Add the pork pieces and brown them on all sides.
2. Add garlic and onion, cooking until softened. Stir in the bell pepper and pineapple, mixing everything together.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the pork and vegetables in the Instant Pot.
4. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual mode for 10 minutes. Once done, let it naturally release for 5 minutes before doing a quick release.
5. Serve hot over rice or noodles and enjoy your sweet and sour feast!

Savory Mushroom Risotto

This savory mushroom risotto is a creamy delight that brings rich flavors to your table with minimal effort. The deep umami taste of mushrooms complements the buttery, comforting texture of the risotto, making it a perfect dish for a cozy evening.

What’s great about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare using an Instant Pot. Just set it, forget it, and enjoy the delicious smells wafting through your kitchen while it cooks!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup arborio rice
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in the Instant Pot on the sauté setting. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
2. Add the arborio rice and mushrooms, stirring for about 2 minutes until lightly toasted.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth and stir to combine. Close the lid and set to high pressure for 6 minutes.
4. Once cooking is complete, allow for a natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure.
5. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.