Best Cooks Illustrated Instant Pot Dinner Recipes

When it comes to quick, delicious, and foolproof dinner recipes, the Instant Pot is a game-changer. But what if you could take that convenience to the next level with recipes from a trusted source like Cook’s Illustrated? In this article, we’ll dive into some of the best Cooks Illustrated Instant Pot dinner recipes that combine flavor, ease, and efficiency for busy weeknights. From hearty stews to creamy pastas, these recipes prove that you don’t have to sacrifice taste for speed. So, if you’re looking for meal inspiration and want to make the most of your Instant Pot, keep reading.

The Basics of Instant Pot Cooking

What is an Instant Pot?

The Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking by combining multiple kitchen appliances into one. It’s a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, and more—all wrapped up into one handy device. In a nutshell, it’s designed to make cooking faster and more efficient, while still delivering the same flavors and textures you’d expect from longer cooking methods.

Instant Pots are perfect for busy people who want to prepare a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re trying to cook a weeknight dinner for the family or preparing a comforting dish for a small gathering, the Instant Pot ensures you can have it all ready in a fraction of the time.

Essential Instant Pot Features for Cooking Dinner

When you’re cooking a meal in the Instant Pot, understanding its key functions is essential to getting the best results. Here are a few features that make it the perfect tool for cooking dinner:

Pressure Cooking

Pressure cooking is the Instant Pot’s signature feature. It uses high pressure to cook food much faster than traditional methods. For example, a stew that would typically take hours on the stovetop can be cooked in under an hour in the Instant Pot, while still maintaining all of the rich flavors.

Sauté Function

The sauté function allows you to brown meat and veggies directly in the pot before pressure cooking. This is especially important for dishes that need a deep, caramelized flavor. For instance, when making stews or curries, browning the meat first creates a savory base that adds layers of richness to the dish.

Slow Cooking

Though the Instant Pot is known for its speed, it also has a slow-cook function that’s perfect for dishes that need a longer cooking time. It gives you the flexibility to prepare meals ahead of time and let them cook at a low heat until you’re ready to eat.

Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Cooking

If you’re new to using an Instant Pot, there are a few tips you should keep in mind to ensure your meals turn out perfectly every time:

• Don’t overfill: The Instant Pot works best when it’s about two-thirds full. Overfilling it can cause uneven cooking and potential safety issues.
• Use enough liquid: The Instant Pot needs liquid to create the steam pressure that cooks your food. Be sure to follow the recipe’s liquid measurements closely.
• Layer ingredients properly: When adding ingredients to your Instant Pot, start with the ingredients that need the longest cooking time on the bottom, and layer the quicker-cooking items on top.

These basic features and tips are just the beginning. As you get more comfortable with your Instant Pot, you’ll discover just how versatile it can be. And now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into some of the best Cooks Illustrated Instant Pot dinner recipes that will help you make the most of your appliance.

Best Cooks Illustrated Instant Pot Dinner Recipes

1. Instant Pot Beef Stew

Nothing says comfort food like a hearty beef stew, and this recipe from Cook’s Illustrated takes it to the next level with the Instant Pot’s pressure-cooking magic. The beauty of this dish lies in how tender the beef becomes in just under an hour, all while infusing the broth with deep flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into chunks
• 4 large carrots, sliced
• 2 onions, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 teaspoons thyme
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons flour (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the beef: Start by using the sauté function on your Instant Pot. Heat the olive oil and brown the beef stew meat in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

2. Cook the vegetables: Add onions, garlic, and carrots to the pot, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.

3. Add the broth and seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, and beef broth. Return the browned beef to the pot. Stir well to combine.

4. Pressure cook: Lock the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 35 minutes. Once the timer goes off, release the pressure manually.

5. Thicken the stew (optional): If you prefer a thicker stew, create a slurry by mixing the flour with water and stir it into the pot. Use the sauté function again to bring it to a simmer and allow the stew to thicken.

6. Serve and enjoy! This beef stew is perfect served over mashed potatoes or with crusty bread for a comforting meal.

2. Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo

Creamy chicken alfredo is a classic dish that’s often reserved for a time-consuming stovetop effort. With the Instant Pot, you can make this decadent dish in no time while still getting that rich, creamy texture.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into pieces
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the chicken: Using the sauté setting, cook the chicken breast pieces in the Instant Pot until they’re golden brown on all sides.

2. Add garlic and liquid: Stir in the minced garlic, then pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

3. Pressure cook the pasta: Add the uncooked pasta into the pot, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Lock the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 4 minutes. Quick-release the pressure when the time is up.

4. Make the Alfredo sauce: Switch the Instant Pot to the sauté function again. Stir in the heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

5. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

This Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo is creamy, flavorful, and so much faster than making it on the stovetop.

3. Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

Chicken and rice is a simple yet satisfying meal, and when cooked in the Instant Pot, it’s an incredibly easy one-pot dish. The rice soaks up all the savory flavors from the chicken, making every bite a taste of comfort.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Sauté the chicken: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and brown the chicken thighs on both sides for about 3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté the onion: In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.

3. Add rice and liquid: Stir in the garlic powder, paprika, rice, and chicken broth. Place the chicken thighs back on top of the rice.

4. Pressure cook: Lock the lid, set the Instant Pot to high pressure, and cook for 10 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before doing a quick release.

5. Fluff and serve: Remove the chicken, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve the chicken on top of the rice. Garnish with fresh parsley.

This chicken and rice dish is the definition of comfort food, with minimal effort required thanks to the Instant Pot.

More Cook’s Illustrated Instant Pot Recipes for Dinner

4. Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs

For a rich, succulent dinner, you can’t go wrong with beef short ribs. Cooking them in the Instant Pot ensures they’re fall-off-the-bone tender in less than half the time it would take in the oven.

Ingredients:

• 4 beef short ribs
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the ribs: Use the sauté function to brown the short ribs on all sides for about 4 minutes per side.

2. Add aromatics and liquid: Remove the ribs and add the onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, rosemary, and beef broth.

3. Pressure cook: Place the ribs back in the pot, lock the lid, and cook on high pressure for 45 minutes.

4. Finish and serve: Let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then do a quick release. Serve the ribs with the flavorful broth.

5. Instant Pot Vegetable Curry

If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, an Instant Pot vegetable curry is a must-try. Packed with vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients, this recipe proves that plant-based meals can be just as satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, potatoes, etc.)
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the aromatics: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add the onion and garlic, cooking for 3 minutes until fragrant.

2. Add vegetables and spices: Stir in the curry powder, ginger, and mixed vegetables.

3. Pressure cook: Add the coconut milk and vegetable broth, stir, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.

4. Serve: Serve the curry over rice or with naan for a complete meal.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Instant Pot Cooking

How to Adjust Cooking Times for Different Ingredients

Understanding how different ingredients cook in the Instant Pot is key to getting the best results every time. For instance:

• Chicken: Boneless chicken breasts cook quickly (about 6 minutes), while bone-in chicken thighs may require up to 15 minutes of pressure cooking.
• Vegetables: Root vegetables like potatoes and carrots take longer to cook than leafy greens.
• Rice: White rice generally cooks in 4-6 minutes, but brown rice may need 22-25 minutes.

Maximizing Flavor in Your Instant Pot Recipes

The key to great flavor lies in layering ingredients properly and using the sauté function to develop a deep, caramelized base. Always be sure to deglaze the pot (scrape up browned bits) before pressure cooking to prevent a burn notice and enhance the flavor.

Best Cooks Illustrated Instant Pot Dinner Recipes

6. Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi

For seafood lovers, this Instant Pot shrimp scampi recipe is a dream come true. It’s light, flavorful, and cooks in no time. The Instant Pot allows the shrimp to cook to perfection while infusing the garlic and butter sauce with richness, making this dish a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 cup pasta (linguine or spaghetti)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Sauté garlic and shrimp: Use the sauté setting to melt butter and olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the shrimp and cook for 2 minutes on each side, then remove and set aside.

2. Cook the pasta: Add chicken broth to the pot, followed by the pasta. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 4 minutes. Quick-release the pressure.

3. Finish the dish: Stir in the cooked shrimp, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss to combine, and serve with fresh parsley on top.

This shrimp scampi is perfectly light, full of flavor, and a quick dinner solution when you’re in a rush but still want something impressive.

7. Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala

Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala is an absolute winner when it comes to bold, spicy, and creamy dishes. With its vibrant, fragrant curry, it’s a must-try recipe that will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds chicken breast or thighs, cut into chunks
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Sauté aromatics and chicken: Set the Instant Pot to sauté. Add the vegetable oil and cook the onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant and soft. Stir in the spices—garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and paprika—and cook for 1-2 minutes.

2. Add chicken and tomatoes: Stir in the chicken chunks and diced tomatoes. Add salt and stir to combine.

3. Pressure cook: Lock the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 10 minutes. Once done, do a quick release of the pressure.

4. Finish with cream: Stir in the heavy cream, mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy, and serve over steamed rice or naan bread.

This Chicken Tikka Masala is bold, aromatic, and super satisfying!

Cook’s Illustrated Instant Pot Dinner Recipes for Special Occasions

8. Instant Pot Braised Lamb Shanks

If you’re looking to impress your guests at a dinner party or celebrate a special occasion, braised lamb shanks in the Instant Pot is a perfect choice. The Instant Pot cuts down on the hours of cooking time, turning this complex dish into an easy one-pot meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 lamb shanks
• 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons rosemary
• 2 teaspoons thyme
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sear the lamb shanks: Set the Instant Pot to sauté and sear the lamb shanks until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté the aromatics: Add onion and garlic to the pot, and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.

3. Add broth and seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, rosemary, thyme, and broth. Return the lamb shanks to the pot.

4. Pressure cook: Lock the lid, set the Instant Pot to high pressure, and cook for 40 minutes.

5. Serve: Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally. Serve the lamb shanks with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

These braised lamb shanks will be fall-off-the-bone tender and packed with rich, savory flavors.

9. Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup

This butternut squash soup is creamy, comforting, and perfect for the cooler months. Using the Instant Pot makes the process much quicker while preserving the delicious flavors of the squash and vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the aromatics: Set the Instant Pot to sauté and cook the onion and garlic in olive oil for 3-4 minutes until soft.

2. Add the squash and broth: Stir in the cubed butternut squash, vegetable broth, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add salt and pepper to taste.

3. Pressure cook: Lock the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 10 minutes. Allow a quick release of the pressure.

4. Blend the soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot, or carefully transfer the soup to a blender. Stir in heavy cream if desired.

5. Serve: Serve warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

This butternut squash soup is the epitome of cozy comfort food—perfect for a chilly evening.

Get more quick and easy Instant Pot dinner ideas from The Kitchn.

Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Dinner Recipes

Understanding Pressure Cooking

To make the most out of your Instant Pot, it’s essential to understand how pressure cooking works. The sealed environment traps steam, which increases the temperature inside the pot. This allows you to cook food much faster than traditional methods, all while locking in flavors.

Pro Tips:

• Always use enough liquid to create the steam needed to build pressure.
• Don’t overfill the Instant Pot. Leave at least a 1-inch gap from the top for safe cooking.
• After the cooking time, allow a natural pressure release for most meats to retain moisture.

How to Avoid the “Burn” Notice

One common problem many users face is the burn warning. This happens when food sticks to the bottom of the pot. To avoid this:

• Always deglaze the pot after sautéing by adding a splash of broth and scraping up any brown bits.
• Stir in the liquid and ingredients evenly to ensure nothing is stuck to the bottom.