15 Delicious Friday Instant Pot Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Instant Pots have revolutionized home cooking by making meals faster, easier, and more flavorful.

With their ability to sauté, pressure cook, and slow cook, they save time while delivering delicious results.

These 15 Friday Instant Pot recipes are perfect for anyone who wants to end the week with satisfying, stress-free meals.

From hearty dinners to flavorful soups, stews, and even desserts, there’s something for every taste.

Each recipe balances convenience, nutrition, and taste, ensuring your Friday meals are both quick and delicious.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, these recipes simplify meal prep without sacrificing flavor.

These Instant Pot dishes are designed for busy schedules, allowing you to enjoy home-cooked meals with minimal effort.

Prepare for a weekend of flavorful, comforting, and easy-to-make meals using your Instant Pot.

15 Delicious Friday Instant Pot Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Instant Pot recipes make cooking efficient, delicious, and stress-free.

These 15 recipes offer a variety of flavors, from savory main dishes to rich, hearty soups.

They are ideal for busy Fridays when you want a wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

With the Instant Pot, you can explore new cuisines, experiment with ingredients, and still save time.

These recipes make it easy to enjoy home-cooked meals and end your week on a flavorful note.

Cooking with an Instant Pot is convenient, fun, and satisfying for both beginners and experienced cooks.

Start your Friday evenings with these easy, delicious, and wholesome Instant Pot recipes.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Creamy garlic parmesan chicken is rich, savory, and perfectly tender.

Juicy chicken breasts cook quickly in the Instant Pot and are coated with a creamy garlic-parmesan sauce.

The sauce is thick, flavorful, and comforting, making it ideal for a weekend meal.

Serve with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a complete dinner.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil.
• Sear chicken breasts 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden.
• Add garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
• Pour in chicken broth and sprinkle Italian seasoning.
• Lock the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
• Quick release, stir in parmesan and cream, and simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened.

Creamy garlic parmesan chicken is tender, rich, and flavorful.

The sauce perfectly coats the chicken, making it comforting and delicious.

It’s an easy, plant-free meal ideal for a busy Friday evening.

Every bite is creamy, savory, and satisfying.

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Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff

Instant Pot beef stroganoff is hearty, creamy, and packed with flavor.

Tender beef and mushrooms cook quickly under pressure, creating a rich sauce with sour cream and seasonings.

Serve over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes for a filling, satisfying dinner.

It’s perfect for a cozy Friday meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup sour cream (or vegan alternative)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Set Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil.
• Brown beef cubes 3–4 minutes per side, then remove.
• Sauté onion and mushrooms until tender, 3–4 minutes.
• Add beef, beef broth, paprika, and Dijon mustard.
• Lock lid and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes.
• Quick release, stir in sour cream, and season with salt and pepper.

Instant Pot beef stroganoff is creamy, tender, and flavorful.

The beef and mushrooms absorb the rich sauce perfectly.

It’s an easy, comforting meal for a busy Friday night.

Every bite is hearty, creamy, and satisfying.

Thai Coconut Curry Lentils

Thai coconut curry lentils are fragrant, flavorful, and satisfying.

Red lentils cook quickly in the Instant Pot with coconut milk, curry paste, and vegetables.

Aromatic spices and coconut cream create a rich, plant-based meal.

Serve with rice or naan for a complete, vegan-friendly dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
• 1 can coconut milk (14 oz)
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp red curry paste
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1 cup diced bell pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

• Set Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil.
• Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
• Add red curry paste and cook 1 minute.
• Stir in lentils, coconut milk, vegetable broth, and bell pepper.
• Lock lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
• Quick release and season with salt.

Thai coconut curry lentils are creamy, fragrant, and flavorful.

The coconut milk and spices create a rich, satisfying plant-based dish.

It’s perfect for a quick, easy Friday dinner.

Every bite is aromatic, hearty, and comforting.

Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Jackfruit

Pulled BBQ jackfruit is savory, smoky, and tender.

Young green jackfruit absorbs barbecue sauce perfectly, creating a plant-based alternative to pulled pork.

Cooked in the Instant Pot, it becomes soft, shreddable, and packed with flavor.

Serve on buns, tacos, or over rice for a hearty meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans young green jackfruit in brine, drained
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Set Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil.
• Sauté onion and garlic 2–3 minutes until soft.
• Add jackfruit, vegetable broth, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Lock lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
• Quick release, shred jackfruit with forks, and stir in BBQ sauce.

Pulled BBQ jackfruit is tender, smoky, and flavorful.

It’s a delicious plant-based alternative to traditional pulled pork.

Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or rice bowls on a busy Friday.

Every bite is savory, soft, and satisfying.

Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup

Chicken and rice soup is comforting, hearty, and flavorful.

Tender chicken, vegetables, and rice cook together in the Instant Pot, creating a warm and satisfying meal.

Seasoned with garlic, herbs, and pepper, it’s perfect for a cozy Friday dinner.

Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, diced
• 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Set Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil.
• Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
• Add chicken, rice, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
• Lock lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
• Quick release and stir the soup before serving.

Chicken and rice soup is hearty, comforting, and flavorful.

The chicken and vegetables cook perfectly in the rich broth.

It’s an easy, warming meal ideal for Friday evenings.

Every spoonful is savory, nourishing, and satisfying

Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli

Beef and broccoli is tender, savory, and full of flavor.

Juicy strips of beef cook quickly with fresh broccoli in a soy-ginger sauce.

The sauce is thick, aromatic, and perfect for drizzling over rice or noodles.

Ideal for a quick, satisfying Friday dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions:

• Set Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat oil.
• Sauté beef 2–3 minutes until browned, then remove.
• Add garlic and ginger, cook 1 minute until fragrant.
• Stir in beef broth, soy sauce, and sugar.
• Return beef to pot, lock lid, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
• Quick release, add broccoli, and cook on sauté for 3–4 minutes until tender.
• Stir in cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the sauce.

Beef and broccoli is tender, savory, and aromatic.

The sauce perfectly coats the beef and broccoli for a flavorful meal.

It’s an easy, restaurant-style dish for a busy Friday.

Every bite is juicy, savory, and satisfying

Instant Pot Lentil and Vegetable Stew

Lentil and vegetable stew is hearty, nutritious, and comforting.

Red and green lentils cook quickly with seasonal vegetables in a rich, aromatic broth.

Herbs and spices enhance flavor, making it perfect for a plant-based Friday dinner.

Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
• 1 cup green lentils, rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Set Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil.
• Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
• Add lentils, vegetable broth, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Lock lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
• Quick release, stir stew, and adjust seasoning.

Lentil and vegetable stew is hearty, flavorful, and nutritious.

The lentils and vegetables cook to tender perfection in a rich broth.

It’s a plant-based, comforting meal ideal for Friday evenings.

Every spoonful is savory, warming, and satisfying.

Instant Pot Teriyaki Salmon

Teriyaki salmon is tender, flavorful, and perfectly glazed.

Fresh salmon fillets cook quickly under pressure and are coated with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce.

Serve with steamed vegetables or rice for a complete, healthy dinner.

Perfect for a quick and elegant Friday meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions:

• Mix soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger in the Instant Pot.
• Add salmon fillets on top of the sauce.
• Lock lid and cook on high pressure for 3–4 minutes.
• Quick release, remove salmon, and stir cornstarch mixed with water into the sauce.
• Simmer on sauté for 2 minutes to thicken, then pour over salmon.

Teriyaki salmon is tender, flavorful, and aromatic.

The sauce perfectly balances sweet and savory notes.

It’s a quick, healthy, and elegant plant-based meal for Friday.

Every bite is soft, rich, and satisfying.

Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken tikka masala is creamy, aromatic, and packed with flavor.

Tender chicken pieces cook in a spiced tomato-cream sauce under pressure for perfect consistency.

Serve with rice or naan for a hearty, satisfying Friday dinner.

It’s a flavorful, restaurant-quality meal made easily at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breasts, diced
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1/2 cup coconut cream
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

• Set Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil.
• Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
• Add chicken, spices, and tomato puree, stirring to combine.
• Lock lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
• Quick release, stir in coconut cream, and simmer 2–3 minutes.

Chicken tikka masala is creamy, spiced, and aromatic.

The tomato and coconut sauce perfectly coats tender chicken pieces.

It’s an easy, flavorful plant-based meal ideal for Friday dinner.

Every bite is rich, comforting, and satisfying.

Instant Pot Vegetable Risotto

Vegetable risotto is creamy, flavorful, and perfectly tender.

Arborio rice cooks under pressure with vegetables, broth, and seasonings for a rich, comforting dish.

The result is a plant-based, satisfying risotto ready in less time than traditional methods.

Serve with fresh herbs or vegan parmesan for extra flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, bell pepper)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Set Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil.
• Sauté onion and garlic 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
• Add rice, vegetables, and broth, stirring to combine.
• Lock lid and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
• Quick release, stir risotto, and season with salt and pepper.

Vegetable risotto is creamy, flavorful, and tender.

The rice absorbs the broth and vegetables perfectly for a rich texture.

It’s a plant-based, comforting meal ideal for Friday evenings.

Every bite is creamy, hearty, and satisfying.

Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken

BBQ pulled chicken is tender, juicy, and packed with smoky flavor.

Chicken breasts cook quickly in the Instant Pot and absorb barbecue sauce for a flavorful, easy meal.

Serve on buns, over rice, or with roasted vegetables for a complete Friday dinner.

Perfect for a casual weekend gathering or family dinner.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Set Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil.
• Sauté onion and garlic 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
• Add chicken, chicken broth, and salt and pepper.
• Lock lid and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes.
• Quick release, shred chicken with forks, and stir in BBQ sauce.

BBQ pulled chicken is juicy, tender, and smoky.

The sauce perfectly coats each piece for a flavorful meal.

It’s a quick and satisfying dish perfect for Friday dinners.

Every bite is savory, soft, and delicious.

Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom risotto is creamy, earthy, and perfectly cooked.

Arborio rice absorbs the flavors of mushrooms, broth, and seasonings in minutes using the Instant Pot.

It’s a comforting, plant-based dish that’s easy enough for a Friday night.

Serve with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of vegan parmesan.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Set Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil.
• Sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
• Add rice and broth, stirring to combine.
• Lock lid and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
• Quick release, stir risotto, and season with salt and pepper.

Mushroom risotto is creamy, earthy, and satisfying.

The rice absorbs the broth and mushrooms perfectly for a rich texture.

It’s a simple, comforting meal for a Friday evening.

Every spoonful is creamy, flavorful, and delicious.

Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash Primavera

Spaghetti squash primavera is light, colorful, and flavorful.

The Instant Pot quickly cooks the squash to tender perfection while vegetables remain crisp-tender.

Tossed with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, it’s a healthy, plant-based Friday dinner.

Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or vegetarian gathering.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium spaghetti squash, halved and seeded
• 1 cup zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to taste

Instructions:

• Pour 1 cup water into the Instant Pot and place the squash halves on the trivet.
• Lock lid and cook on high pressure for 7 minutes.
• Quick release, shred squash with a fork.
• Sauté garlic and vegetables in olive oil using sauté mode 3–4 minutes.
• Combine shredded squash with vegetables and season with herbs, salt, and pepper.

Spaghetti squash primavera is light, colorful, and full of flavor.

The vegetables remain crisp while the squash is tender.

It’s a healthy, plant-based meal perfect for Friday dinners.

Every bite is fresh, aromatic, and satisfying.

Instant Pot Thai Peanut Chicken

Thai peanut chicken is creamy, savory, and slightly spicy.

Chicken pieces cook quickly in a peanut sauce made with coconut milk, soy sauce, and lime.

Serve with rice or noodles for a rich, flavorful Friday meal.

Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with restaurant-quality taste.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breasts, diced
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)

Instructions:

• Set Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat ginger and garlic 1–2 minutes.
• Add chicken, peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, and chili flakes.
• Lock lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
• Quick release and stir sauce to coat chicken evenly.

Thai peanut chicken is creamy, rich, and flavorful.

The peanut sauce perfectly coats tender chicken for a comforting meal.

It’s an easy, satisfying dish for a busy Friday evening.

Every bite is creamy, savory, and delicious.

Instant Pot Vegetable Chili

Vegetable chili is hearty, spicy, and packed with plant-based goodness.

Beans, vegetables, and spices cook quickly in the Instant Pot to create a rich, flavorful chili.

Serve with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips for a satisfying Friday dinner.

It’s perfect for a warming, easy-to-make plant-based meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Set Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil.
• Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper 3–4 minutes until soft.
• Add beans, tomatoes, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
• Lock lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
• Quick release, stir chili, and adjust seasoning as needed.

Vegetable chili is hearty, flavorful, and satisfying.

The beans and vegetables absorb spices perfectly for a rich, comforting meal.

It’s an easy, plant-based dish ideal for Friday evenings.

Every spoonful is savory, warming, and delicious.