Introduction
Cold days call for meals that are warm, easy, and ready fast—and that’s exactly where your Instant Pot shines. These winter recipes are simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. Whether you’re craving soups, stews, hearty grains, or tender meats, you’ll find something comforting to enjoy all season long.
Recipes
1. Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
A classic, comforting dish that cooks into a creamy, hearty bowl in minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse rice and add to the Instant Pot.
- Add chicken, vegetables, broth, and seasonings.
- Seal and cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes.
- Let pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick release.
- Stir gently to combine.
How to Serve It
Top with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
2. Instant Pot Beef Stew
This stew becomes incredibly tender in a fraction of the usual time.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat
- 2 cups potatoes, cubed
- 1.5 cups carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot and stir.
- Seal and cook on High Pressure for 35 minutes.
- Allow natural release for 10 minutes.
- Stir to thicken slightly.
How to Serve It
Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
3. Instant Pot Lentil Soup
A quick and hearty plant-based meal packed with protein and fiber.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups brown lentils
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot.
- Seal and cook on High Pressure for 12 minutes.
- Quick release and stir well.
How to Serve It
Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or a drizzle of olive oil.
4. Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
A rich, smooth soup that tastes slow-simmered but comes together fast.
Ingredients
- 2 cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add tomatoes, broth, onion, garlic, and basil to the pot.
- Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes.
- Quick release and blend until smooth.
- Stir in cream.
How to Serve It
Top with basil or homemade croutons.
5. Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Perfect for chilly evenings or when you want something soothing.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1.5 cups egg noodles
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add everything except noodles to the Instant Pot.
- Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes.
- Quick release, remove chicken to shred, and return it.
- Add noodles and simmer on sauté for 5 minutes.
How to Serve It
Add a little fresh parsley or lemon juice before serving.
6. Instant Pot Quinoa Chili
A hearty plant-forward chili that’s warm, filling, and easy to customize.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 can black beans
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup corn
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the pot.
- Seal and cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes.
- Quick release and stir.
How to Serve It
Top with avocado, cilantro, or shredded cheese.
7. Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, fluffy potatoes made effortlessly in one pot.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup milk
- 4 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add potatoes, garlic, and water to the pot.
- Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes.
- Quick release and drain.
- Mash with milk, butter, salt, and pepper.
How to Serve It
Top with chives or a pat of butter.
8. Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken
A sweet and savory weeknight favorite that cooks fast and stays tender.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger powder
Instructions
- Whisk sauce ingredients and add with chicken to the pot.
- Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes.
- Quick release and simmer on sauté to thicken.
How to Serve It
Serve over rice with sesame seeds and chopped green onion.
9. Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Rich, cheesy, and perfect for cold evenings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add broccoli, carrots, broth, and onion to the pot.
- Cook on High Pressure for 6 minutes.
- Quick release and stir in cream and cheese.
How to Serve It
Garnish with extra cheese or croutons.
10. Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
Sweet, savory, and perfect with rice or noodles
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup broth
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot.
- Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes.
- Quick release and simmer on sauté to thicken sauce.
How to Serve It
Top with chopped scallions.
11. Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup
All the flavor of stuffed peppers but easier and faster.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup rice
- 2 bell peppers, diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté turkey and onion.
- Add remaining ingredients.
- Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes.
- Quick release and stir.
How to Serve It
Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
12. Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings
Warm, cozy, and perfect for winter nights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots
- 1 cup celery
- 1 cup peas
- 1 can biscuit dough, cut into pieces
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Add chicken, vegetables, and broth.
- Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes.
- Quick release, shred chicken.
- Stir in milk and biscuit pieces.
- Simmer on sauté for 5–7 minutes.
How to Serve It
Add parsley or black pepper on top.
13. Instant Pot Minestrone
A hearty Italian-style soup loaded with veggies and warmth.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pasta
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 cup zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup carrots
- 1 onion
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Add all ingredients except pasta.
- Cook on High Pressure for 6 minutes.
- Quick release, add pasta, and simmer 5 minutes.
How to Serve It
Add parmesan and fresh basil.
14. Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
A simple winter staple ready in a fraction of the usual time.
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Place trivet in the pot and add water.
- Set sweet potatoes on top.
- Cook on High Pressure for 18 minutes.
- Quick release.
How to Serve It
Top with cinnamon, butter, or maple drizzle.
15. Instant Pot Butter Chicken
Rich, smooth, and full of warming spices.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Add all ingredients except cream.
- Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes.
- Quick release and stir in cream.
How to Serve It
Serve with rice or naan.
16. Instant Pot Vegetable Curry
Warm spices and creamy coconut make this perfect for cold days.
Ingredients
- 2 cups potatoes, cubed
- 1 cup carrots
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup cauliflower
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 cup broth
- 1 tsp curry powder
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the pot.
- Cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes.
- Quick release and stir.
How to Serve It
Serve with rice and lime wedges.
17. Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
Simple, flavorful, and perfect for quick taco nights.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup broth
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the pot.
- Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes.
- Quick release and shred chicken.
How to Serve It
Add to tortillas with lettuce, cheese, or avocado.
18. Instant Pot Barley Mushroom Soup
Earthy, comforting, and perfect for cold days.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 6 cups broth
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Add everything to the pot.
- Cook on High Pressure for 20 minutes.
- Natural release for 10 minutes.
How to Serve It
Garnish with parsley.
19. Instant Pot Lemon Herb Chicken
Fresh and vibrant while still cozy for winter nights.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot.
- Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes.
- Quick release.
How to Serve It
Serve with rice, potatoes, or a fresh salad.
20. Instant Pot Oatmeal
A warm and wholesome start to cold mornings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups water or milk
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the pot.
- Cook on High Pressure for 3 minutes.
- Natural release for 10 minutes.
How to Serve It
Top with fruit, nuts, or honey.
21. Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Rich, comforting, and perfect when you want something satisfying fast.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 12 oz pasta
- 2 cups broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Add chicken, pasta, broth, and garlic to the pot.
- Cook on High Pressure for 6 minutes.
- Quick release and stir in cream and parmesan.
How to Serve It
Add fresh parsley on top.
Conclusion
These Instant Pot winter recipes make it easy to enjoy warm, comforting meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Save your favorites, try something new this week, and share these ideas with friends or family who love quick and cozy dishes. Enjoy every bowl, bite, and warm moment this season!
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