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Instant Pot Recipes

Instant Pot Potato Salad

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Have you ever committed to bringing something to a party or cookout and then completely forgotten about it? *Raises hand* I have done this several times. In those moments when I’m in a pinch, I need one thing — an easy AND delicious cookout side I can throw together in a hurry. This Instant Pot Potato Salad recipe is both easy and delicious.

Instant Pot Potato Salad

Why use the Instant Pot?

I get asked this question a lot. For me, the Instant Pot serves a dual purpose. First, they are quick. Second, you can use an Instant Pot for almost anything! In this particular scenario, the Instant Pot comes in handy because the entire dish takes about 20 minutes to cook. So even if you’re not bringing the potato salad to a last minute picnic, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need to throw something together in a pinch. If you haven’t purchased an Instant Pot, you can find my favorite here.

Instant Pot Potato Salad

What you’ll need to make Instant Pot Potato Salad

Besides your Instant Pot (or other electric pressure cooker, like a Chef IQ), you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 8 potatoes
  • water
  • salt
  • 4 eggs
  • white onion
  • mayo
  • mustard
  • pepper
  • paprika
  • dill

That’s it! As I mention in the recipe below, you may want to add more paprika, dill, and salt at the end. My kids prefer the potato salad a little more bland, as where I prefer a lot of paprika and dill.

Instant Pot Potato Salad

How to make Instant Pot Potato Salad

Yield: 8

Instant Pot Potato Salad

Instant Pot Potato Salad
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 8 potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 4 cups of water
  • 1 tablespoon of salt
  • 4 eggs
  • ½ white onion
  • 1.5 cup of mayo
  • 1 tablespoon of mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of paprika
  • 2 tablespoon of dill

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

  1. Peel and cube potatoes into 1-2 inch cubes.
  2. Place the potatoes in the instant pot. Add enough water to cover the potatoes. Add salt. 
  3. Place the eggs in the instant pot on top of potatoes and close the lid. Make sure the pressure value is set to close.
  4. Set the instant pot to pressure cook for zero minutes on high pressure.
  5. Chop onion to desired size.
  6. Mix onions, mayonnaise, mustard, pepper, and paprika to combine.

  7. Once the instant pot is done cooking, safely release the pressure by opening the pressure value using a towel or hot pad.
  8. Remove the eggs and soak in ice water. Peel and chop the eggs once cooled (after about 5 minutes of ice water soak).
  9. Drain the potatoes from the water and place back into instant pot. 
  10. Add eggs, mayonnaise mixture, and dill to the potatoes in Instant Pot.
  11. Mix until combined.
  12. Add salt to taste.
  13. ENJOY!
    Instant Pot Potato Salad

Notes

I prefer a bit more paprika and dill, but I make it this way because of my kids' preference. So add more paprika and/or dill as you'd like!

© Rachel

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PIN FOR LATER - INSTANT POT POTATO SALAD

Instant Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

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Today marks the first day of yet another busy week. We are finally ‘healthy-ish’ again. So I’m back to making regularly scheduled family meals. But we still don’t have a lot of time on our hands between practices and extracurriculars. So we need easy meals. And our newest favorite easy weeknight meal is this Instant Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni.

Instant Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

What you’ll need

We know that one of my favorite kitchen gadgets is my Instant Pot. Between the Instant Pot and the air fryer (okay, and maybe the Vitamix, too!) — that’s all I need!

As far as ingredients, here’s what the recipe calls for:

  • 1 pound of Ground Sausage
  • 1 teaspoon of Salt
  • 1 teaspoon of Pepper
  • 24 ounces of Pasta Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of Italian Seasoning
  • 3 cups of Chicken Broth
  • 1/2 cup of Heavy Cream
  • 16 ounces of Rigatoni Noodles
  • 1 1/2 cups of Shredded Parmesan Cheese
  • Fresh Parsley (Garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon of Garlic

That’s basically it. The fresh parsley is optional, but absolutely delicious.

IP Creamy Sausage Rigatoni Recipe

Yield: 4 servings

Instant Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

Instant Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni
Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of Ground Sausage
  • 1 teaspoon of Salt
  • 1 teaspoon of Pepper
  • 24 ounces of Pasta Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of Italian Seasoning
  • 3 cups of Chicken Broth
  • 1/2 cup of Heavy Cream
  • 16 ounces of Rigatoni Noodles
  • 1 1/2 cups of Shredded Parmesan Cheese
  • Fresh Parsley (Garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon of Garlic

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

  1. Set Instant Pot to sauté.
  2. When the Instant Pot is hot, brown ground sausage until cooked through.
  3. After ground sausage is cooked, turn off sauté function. Add the broth, pasta sauce, heavy cream, garlic, salt, pepper & Italian seasoning into the instant pot.


  4. Add the rigatoni noodles making sure they are fully submerged into the liquid.
  5. Place the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to seal. Set Manual pressure to 'High' for 6 minutes with quick release.
  6. When all pressure is released, remove lid and stir in the parmesan cheese.

    Garnish with parsley.
  7. ENJOY!
    Instant Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni
© Rachel

If you’re looking for other easy recipes, be sure to check these out. There are so many recipes that are weeknight (and family!) friendly.

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INSTANT POT CREAMY SAUSAGE RIGATONI RECIPE

Instant Pot Asian Pork

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My husband is obsessed with any and all Asian food. No lie. In fact, I think he eats Asian cuisine at least 6 out of the 7 days of the week. Whether it be eating pho while at the office, or making ramen — he’s obsessed. Naturally, some of his obsession has rubbed off on the rest of the family. I’ll admit — I despise cooking with a wok. We have one, but it’s just so bulky and awkward. I much prefer using an Instant Pot with similar (if not better!) results. That’s why this Instant Pot Asian Pork is the perfect meal!

Instant Pot Asian Pork

So why use the Instant Pot?

If you’ve used an Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker before, you’ll know that it’s the perfect way for all of the flavors to really soak into the foods. It’s the reason I will only cook spaghetti in the pressure cooker. Seriously. You haven’t tasted perfect spaghetti until you’ve tasted Instant Pot spaghetti. It soaks every bit of sauce and moisture up in the noodles. Perfection!

Instant Pot Asian Pork

And the same can be said with this Asian pork recipe. Tender, juicy pork, full of all of the best Asian flavors.

What you’ll need

In addition to your favorite Instant Pot or pressure cooker, you’ll nee the following ingredients:

  • 2 pounds of pork shoulder, boneless and fat trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons of peanut oil (or sesame oil)
  • 2 teaspoons of minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon of minced ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
  • 1/4 cup of sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of raw honey
  • 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup of white vinegar
  • 2 cup of water + 1 teaspoon
  • 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
  • Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

That’s it! I know it seems like a lot of ingredients, but I promise this will bring you the perfect flavors to create this recipe. And be sure to serve it with a side of rice, if that’s what you fancy!

Instant Pot Asian Pork

Instant Pot Asian Pork Recipe

Instant Pot Asian Pork

Instant Pot Asian Pork
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Additional Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds of pork shoulder, boneless and fat trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons of peanut oil (or sesame oil)
  • 2 teaspoons of minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon of minced ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
  • 1/4 cup of sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of raw honey
  • 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup of white vinegar
  • 2 cup of water + 1 teaspoon
  • 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
  • Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

  1. Set the instant pot to sauté and add the oil. Once hot add the pork and begin to sear the meat on all sides.
  2. Once the pork is seared, add the ginger, garlic, and pepper. Sauté for 2 minutes more.
  3. Cancel sauté mode and add a splash of water and deglaze the pot liner.
  4. Pour in the remaining water, and add the chili sauce, soy sauce, and honey. Close the lid and seal the pressure valve.
  5. Cook at high pressure for 30 minutes. Let naturally release pressure for 10.
  6. Manually release any remaining pressure and remove the pork. Using forks, shred the pork and set aside.
  7. Drain the remaining liquid keeping 3/4 cup and set the instant pot to sauté.
  8. Mix the cornstarch and 1 teaspoon of water to create a slurry. Once the liquid is simmering, whisk in the slurry to thicken the liquid into a sauce.
  9. Return the pork to the instant pot and mix so that the sauce fully coats the pork.
  10. Serve the pork with white rice and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. ENJOY!
© Rachel

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Instant Pot Refried Beans Recipe

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Confession: I am basically obsessed with eating Mexican cuisine. We eat a lot more tacos than I care to admit. But, the good news? SO much of my Mexican food is homemade. In addition to my homemade taco bowl shells, this Instant Pot Refried Beans recipe is a Taco Tuesday must-have!

Instant Pot Refried Beans

What you’ll need

These refried beans are the easiest, most perfect addition to your taco Tuesday. Honestly, you’ll never want to go back to canned refried beans once you make them yourself.

Instant Pot Refried Beans

You’ll need an Instant Pot for this recipe. I promise that the Instant Pot is most definitely needed. Pressure cooking foods truly infuses them with flavors you wouldn’t otherwise have.

Here’s what else you’ll need:

  • 1 pound of pinto beans, dried
  • 1/2 stick of butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon of paprika
  • 1 tablespoon of chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons of ground cumin

That’s it!

How to make Instant Pot Refried Beans

Yield: 8 servings

Instant Pot Refried Beans

Instant Pot Refried Beans
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of pinto beans, dried
  • 1/2 stick of butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon of paprika
  • 1 tablespoon of chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons of ground cumin

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

  1. Place dry rinsed beans into instant pot and add 5 cups of water.
  2. Seal the lid and pressure valve and cook on high for 30 minutes. Manually release pressure when finished. 
  3. Drain beans while keeping 2 cups of liquid and set aside.
  4. Place the beans in a food processor with butter and spices.
  5. Blend until beans are smooth and creamy. Add left over liquid 1 tablespoon at a time to achieve desired consistency.
  6. ENJOY!
© Rachel

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REFRIED BEANS

Instant Pot Salsa Chicken Recipe

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If there’s one thing this busy mom loves, it’s a good dump and go meal. If you’ve been following my blog for very long, you’ll know this is 100% true. Even in my least ‘busy’ moments, I tend to feel overwhelmed by the idea of making meals for the family. Especially when it comes to meals I know the whole family will enjoy. But this Instant Pot Salsa Chicken recipe checks all of the boxes. It’s easy, it’s quick, and it will most certainly be enjoyed by the whole family.

Instant Pot Salsa Chicken Recipe

Why use the Instant Pot?

The Instant Pot is one of my favorite kitchen tools. In fact, I’d often argue that there aren’t a TON of must-have kitchen tools. But, in no particular order, my top three kitchen tools are my Instant Pot, air fryer, and my Vitamix.

Instant Pot Salsa Chicken Recipe

But the Instant Pot will forever be my go-to for quick and easy meals. If you’ve never made anything in a pressure cooker, just know that it makes the flavors 100 times more flavorful and juicy! That’s why I love using my Instant Pot. That and that it saves a LOT of time.

What you’ll need for this recipe

There are literally four simple ingredients for this recipe. FOUR! Here’s what they are:

  • 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
  • 1 cup of salsa
  • 1 Tablespoon of salt (divided in two, one for each side of the breast)
  • 1 Tablespoon of pepper (divided in two, one for each side of the breast)
Instant Pot Salsa Chicken Recipe

But I cannot recommend this enough — have some tortillas handy, too. Because this chicken makes the most absolutely perfect tacos. In which case, cheese, cilantro, and avocado are also a bonus.

Instant Pot Salsa Chicken Recipe

Instant Pot Salsa Chicken

Instant Pot Salsa Chicken
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Additional Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
  • 1 cup of salsa
  • 1 Tablespoon of salt (divided in two, one for each side of the breast)
  • 1 Tablespoon of pepper (divided in two, one for each side of the breast)

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

  1. Pour 1 cup of salsa into your instant pot.
  2. Place your chicken breasts on top of the salsa in the instant pot. Season one side with 1/2 of the salt and pepper.
  3. Flip your chicken over and season with the remaining amount of salt and pepper.
  4. Close your instant pot by twisting the lid on in a locked position. Close the valve by pushing it away from you. Set your pressure cooker to high pressure for 20 minutes.
  5. Once your pressure cooker has stop cooking, allow it to release naturally for about 10 minutes. After you released it actually for 10 minutes, manually release by using a hot pad or towel, and bring the valve forward.
  6. Using two forks, shred your chicken inside the instant pot so that’s the remaining seasoning of the salsa will continue to mix in with the chicken.
  7. Enjoy by adding it to flour or corn taco shells. You can top with tomatoes, cilantro, cheese, sour cream, avocados, and more!
© Rachel

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Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

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Right now it is very cold in the Midwest. So cold, in fact, that schools are closed! If weather like this doesn’t scream ‘comfort food,’ I’m not sure what does. To me, comfort food means something warm, hearty, and filling. Well this Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta recipe is all of those things. And easy!

Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

What You’ll Need

If you’ve been around this blog before, you’ll know that I adore two things (other than my family): my pressure cooker and my air fryer. My go-to pressure cooker is an Instant Pot because they are easy to use. But other brands of pressure cookers will certainly work.

Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

I find that cooking full meals in the Instant Pot brings so much more flavor out of the food. In addition to your Instant Pot, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts, cubed
  • 1 purple onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cups of chicken stock
  • 4 cups rotini pasta
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 2 tablespoons of minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded cheese

That’s it! The best part of this recipe is that it’s practically dump and start — all in one pot!

Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

How to make Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe

Yield: 4 - 6 servings

Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breasts, cubed
  • 1 purple onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cups of chicken stock
  • 4 cups rotini pasta
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 2 tablespoons of minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded cheese

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

  1. Combine chicken, onion, bell pepper, oil, fajita seasoning, salsa, garlic and chicken stock into instant pot. Stir thoroughly.
  2. Pour pasta over stirred ingredients making sure pasta is completely submerged. 
  3. Close the lid and seal the pressure valve. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Once finished cooking, release the pressure manually.
  4. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese (it will thicken).
  5. Garnish with your favorite toppings! Mine is cilantro, cheese, sour cream and tortilla chip strips.
© Rachel

What’s your favorite Instant Pot comfort meal?