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instant pot spaghetti squash lentil bolognese4
October 30, 2020

Healthy Instant Pot Recipes

Main Dishes Instant Pot
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When you need dinner on the table quickly, there’s nothing better than an Instant Pot! It cooks food fast, and it makes cooking a breeze. Today I’m sharing some of my favorite healthy Instant Pot recipes to inspire you at mealtime!

One of the coolest things about an Instant Pot is that you can sauté meat or veggies in it as if it’s a normal pot on the stovetop, then toss the rest of the ingredients in and close the lid to finish. It saves you from extra dirty dishes, and a majority of the cooking time is hands-off. Always a bonus!

healthy Instant Pot recipes for dinner

Healthy Instant Pot Dinner Recipes

Most of these recipes would be perfect for a weeknight dinner. But of course they’d work for lunches, too! They’re all easy, hearty, and delicious – a great combination. 🙂

No Instant Pot yet? Here’s an affiliate link to the Instant Pot I have. It’s 6 quarts, under $100, and great for Instant Pot beginners.

And now, on to the recipes!

Spaghetti Squash & Vegan Bolognese (Instant Pot)

 Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash

This recipe looks super fancy, but it’s actually quite easy! Perfect for dinner parties or as a make-ahead and eat all week meal.

The lentil bolognese is rich, thick and meaty, and the spaghetti squash adds a delicious flavor. Plus, it’s vegan and gluten free, too!

Healthy Turkey Chili (Instant Pot)

Instant Pot Turkey Chili

The main instructions for this turkey chili are for a crockpot/slow cooker, but Instant Pot instructions are also included.

It’s so comforting and filling, with just a hint of spice. Perfect for fall or winter! Serve with crusty bread, cornbread, avocado slices, or whatever you like!

This turkey chili also freezes really well for later, which is perfect for when you don’t want to eat the same meal a whole bunch of times in a row. 

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup

butternut squash soup easy homemade

This Instant Pot butternut squash soup is comforting, full of fall flavors, and super nutritious. It’s lusciously creamy, and packed with veggies you won’t even know are there!

Farro Risotto with Spring Veggies (Instant Pot)

This lightened-up veggie-packed version of risotto is creamy and delicious. It’s so easy and quick to make in the Instant Pot – it’s done in just a fraction of the time risotto normally takes!

The spring veggies shine here, but feel free to use whatever veggies you’ve got on hand – even frozen veggies would work!

Instant Pot Vegetarian Tortellini Soup

vegetarian tortellini soup with parmesan

This Italian-inspired pasta soup is packed with veggies and pillowy, cheesy tortellini. With a tomato vegetable broth and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, it’s a delicious vegetarian soup that’ll warm you right up!

Maple Mustard Chicken (Instant Pot)

Instant Pot Chicken with Mustard and Maple Sauce

 This chicken dish is a fast and easy weeknight meal, with a nice combination of sweet and savory.

The pairing of maple and mustard in the marinade/sauce makes it so flavorful. This can also be made in the slow cooker!

Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers

Making stuffed peppers in an Instant Pot saves tons of time! You’ll have a fancy-looking, tasty dish on the table in just 30 minutes.

Instant Pot Vegetable Soup

instant pot vegetable soup with crusty bread

This veggie soup is so comforting, but also packed with nutrients – the best of both worlds! This is one of those recipes where you can basically toss in whatever veggies and beans you have left in your vegetable drawer, freezer, and/or pantry, and it’ll come out delicious. 🙂

Quinoa Fried Rice (Instant Pot)

This “fried rice” swaps out the rice for quinoa, making it gluten-free.

It’s comfort food like your favorite takeout, but with a lighter, veggie-packed twist. Plus it’s ready in under 30 minutes, and it’s a great way to use up those extra veggies in your vegetable drawer!

Chicken Tortilla Soup (Instant Pot)

This chicken tortilla soup is flavorful and savory, and comes together in under 30 minutes flat for a great weeknight meal. A comforting fall or winter soup to warm you right up!

I like to top this soup with crushed tortilla chips, avocado slices, shredded cheese, and/or a dollop of Greek yogurt to make it extra creamy. But it’s delicious all on its own, too!

And 2 more recipes that are great for meal prep:

Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Breasts

Did you know you can easily (and quickly) cook chicken breasts directly from frozen in your Instant Pot? It’s true – no need to defrost first!

I love to have shredded chicken cooked up and ready to go for the week, especially if I need to throw together a quick lunch or dinner. Here’s how to cook frozen chicken breasts in your Instant Pot.

Instant Pot Mexican Chicken

Instant Pot mexican chicken in a white bowl with avocados in the background

For something with some seasoning/spice, this shredded Mexican chicken is where it’s at. It’s so full of flavor. And it makes tender, juicy chicken that’s perfect for so many dishes: tacos, quesadillas, burritos/burrito bowls, nachos, the list goes on!

And for some meal inspiration, here are some of my favorite recipes to make with shredded chicken:

  • Mix & Match Grain Salad Bowl Recipes
  • Thai Coconut Chicken Soup
  • Mexican Lasagna
  • Mix & Match Healthy Sandwich Recipes
  • Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Thai Peanut Sauce
  • Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Black Beans (this recipe is vegan, but tossing some shredded chicken on top would be delicious!)
  • Chicken White Bean Chili Soup

For even more ideas, feel free to check out my round-up of 11 easy meals you can make with rotisserie/cooked chicken.

I hope you love these healthy Instant Pot recipes as much as we do. 🙂 Enjoy!

What’s a favorite/go-to Instant Pot recipe for you? Let me know in the comments – I always appreciate new recipe ideas!

- anne
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you might also like:

Instant pot quinoa fried rice 2

Instant Pot Chicken Fried “Rice” with Quinoa

Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Maple Mustard Sauce

Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Breasts Recipe

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4 comments
  • Pam October 30, 2020 · 5:04PM:
    That lentil bolognese sounds great. A vegetarian pasta sauce with protein is appealing. I don't have an Instant Pot (yet) but this should be doable on the stove. Have you ever thought about a blog post describing the process of recipe development? I think it would be interesting.
    Reply
    • Anne
      November 2, 2020 · 10:17AM:
      I haven't, but that's an interesting idea! I have a woman who helps me with it, so it's not just me!
      Reply
  • Roadrunner October 30, 2020 · 7:59PM:
    These look super, especially the Bolognese and the tortilla soup, which would be great on a chilly day! Thanks!
    Reply
    • Anne
      November 2, 2020 · 10:18AM:
      Thank you - let me know if you try them what you think!
      Reply
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anne mauney fannetastic food
Hi, I’m Anne! I'm a Washington D.C. based Registered Dietitian, mother, runner, and lover of travel, adventure, and the great outdoors. I've been blogging since 2009, sharing a mix of lifestyle content, recipes, and fitness tips. Come for the recipes – stay for the fun!
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I’m Anne, a Registered Dietitian and mother. I've been blogging since 2009 and love showing others that eating nutritious foods and staying active can actually be fun rather than overwhelming!

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