Farro is a dietitian-approved grain to cook with because of its delicious nutty flavor and impressive fiber and protein content (1). Semi-pearled farro is easy to find at grocery stores and is the star of this whole-grain risotto-like Instant Pot dish. Fresh peas (frozen is fine in a pinch), baby spinach and lemon give this hearty dish a beautiful pop of color and bright, fresh flavor.  

RD Tip: If desired, the baby spinach can be subbed with other vegetables such as fresh pea shoots or baby arugula.

Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 45 minutes

Pressure Cooker Fresh Pea Farrotto

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large leek, light green and white parts only, rinsed well and thinly sliced
• 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 cups (270g) semi-pearled farro
• 3 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 2 1/2 cups (613g) chicken bone broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup (145g) shelled fresh peas (or frozen, thawed)
• 1/2 cup (40g) shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 2 cups (60g) baby spinach
• 2 tsp lemon juice

Directions

Add oil to Instant Pot, select Sauté and adjust to Normal/Medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the leeks and celery and cook, stirring frequently, until the leeks are tender, about 4 minutes. Add the farro and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, for 1 minute. Press Cancel.

Add the broth and bay leaf and stir to combine. Lock on the lid, select the Pressure Cook function and adjust to High pressure for 9 minutes. Make sure the steam valve is in the Sealing position.

When the cooking time is up, let the pressure come down naturally for 10 minutes, and then quick-release any remaining pressure. Stir in the peas and cheese. Cover and let stand for 3 minutes to allow the cooking liquid to thicken. Remove and discard bay leaf. Season with the salt and pepper.

Toss the baby spinach with the lemon juice. Divide the farrotto among 4 bowls. Top with the baby spinach and serve.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 1 ⅔ cups farrotto, 1/2 cup baby spinach

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 435; Total Fat: 14g; Saturated Fat: 4g; Monounsaturated Fat: 6g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 11mg; Sodium: 739mg; Carbohydrate: 60g; Dietary Fiber: 10g; Sugar: 3g; Protein: 19g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 222mg; Iron: 25%; Vitamin A: 33%; Vitamin C: 16%; Calcium: 20%

Originally published April 4, 2020; Updated May 2026

The post Pressure Cooker Fresh Pea Farrotto appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

This juicy, fall-off-the-bone healthy Instant Pot Greek chicken tastes like it has been roasting in the oven for hours when really it comes together in about an hour thanks to an electric pressure cooker. A delicious mix of fresh herbs, lemon zest and garlic is tucked into the skin to flavor the meat while the juices mingle with olives and capers to make a bright-tasting pan sauce.

Pro tip: A gravy separator is an inexpensive tool that makes skimming the fat off of soups and sauces like this one a snap.

To reduce the calories and saturated fat in this recipe, remove the skin before cooking. Serve with a high-fiber grain, like farro or quinoa, and a side of steamed veggies.

Active time: 20 minutes | Total time: 1 hour, 5 minutes

Pressure Cooker Greek Chicken

Ingredients

• 1 medium lemon
• 1 (6-inch/15cm) fresh rosemary sprig
• 1 (6-inch/15cm) fresh oregano sprig
• 2 medium garlic cloves
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 (4-lb/1.8kg) whole chicken, giblets and neck removed from cavity, if present
• Cooking spray
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, sliced
• 1/4 cup pitted Castelvetrano olives, smashed
• 1 tbsp vinegar-packed capers, rinsed and drained

Directions

Zest the lemon onto a cutting board. Cut the lemon in half and juice it into a measuring cup. Add enough water to make 1/2 cup (118ml) and set aside. Pull the rosemary and oregano leaves off the woody stems and discard the stems. Mound the herbs and garlic on top of the lemon zest and chop everything together until the mixture forms a coarse paste. Transfer the mixture to a small bowl, add the pepper and salt, and stir to combine.

Carefully slide your fingers under the skin of the chicken covering the breast, thighs, and drumsticks. Stuff the lemon zest-herb mixture under the chicken skin, spreading evenly. Tuck the wing tips under the chicken. Remove and discard the yellow fat inside the chicken cavity. Stuff the spent lemon halves into the cavity and tie the ends of the drumsticks together with kitchen string. Spray a trivet with handles with cooking spray and place the chicken breast-side up on the trivet. Set aside.

Put the olive oil in the Instant Pot and adjust to high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until tender and beginning to brown, about 4 minutes. Press Cancel. Add the lemon juice-water mixture and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the olives and capers and stir to combine. Place the chicken on the trivet in the pot. Lock the lid and make sure the pressure valve is sealed. Select Pressure Cook, adjust to high pressure, and cook for 24 minutes.

When the cooking program ends, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes. Release any remaining pressure. Wearing oven mitts, lift the chicken on the trivet out of the pot and place it on a rimmed baking sheet. Using an instant-read thermometer, check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. 

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the onion, capers, and olives to a small gravy boat. Set aside. Pour the cooking liquid into a gravy separator. If you do not have a gravy separator, pour the sauce into a large glass measuring cup and spoon off the fat floating on top.

Pour the defatted sauce back into the Instant Pot and add the onion-olive mixture. Select Saute and adjust to medium heat. Simmer uncovered while finishing the chicken.

Set the broiler to high and adjust an oven rack to the upper third of the oven. Broil the chicken, rotating the baking sheet once, until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Remove from the oven. Carve the chicken and serve with the sauce.

Serves: 8 | Serving Size: 1/6 of the chicken (131g), 1/4 cup (59ml) sauce

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 531; Total Fat: 38g; Saturated Fat: 10g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 200mg; Sodium: 410mg; Carbohydrate: 4g; Dietary Fiber: 2g; Sugar: 1g; Protein: 43g

Nutrition Bonus: Calcium: 5%; Iron: 21%; Potassium: 91mg; Vitamin A: 35%; Vitamin C: 19%

Originally published July 2021; Updated May 2026

The post Pressure Cooker Greek Chicken appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

A pressure cooker quickly transforms canned chickpeas, infusing them with Indian flavors and turning their texture from firm to irresistibly creamy. The vegan dinner gets the right amount of sauciness by draining one can of tomatoes and leaving one can undrained, plus tons of flavor from a finishing splash of canned full-fat coconut milk. To keep things quick and easy, pick up precooked rice — either frozen or in a shelf-stable pouch.

Pressure Cooker Chickpea Tikka Masala

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 14.5-oz. cans no-salt-added diced tomatoes, one can drained of liquid
• 2 15-oz. cans low-sodium chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 cup canned full-fat coconut milk
• 3 cups hot cooked quinoa
• 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped

Directions

Set the Instant Pot to sauté and allow it to preheat for 2 minutes. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 4 minutes. Stir in the garam masala and cayenne pepper and cook, stirring constantly, for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.

Drain the juice from one can of tomatoes. Stir both cans of tomatoes into the pot along with the chickpeas and salt.

Cover and lock the lid, setting the steam valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes (the pot will take about 15–20 minutes to come to pressure).

When cooking is complete, carefully quick-release the pressure by turning the steam valve to venting. Remove the lid and stir in the coconut milk.

Serve the chickpea mixture over the cooked quinoa and garnish with cilantro, if desired.

Serves: 6 | Serving Size: 1/2 cup quinoa and about 1 cup chickpea mixture

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 363; Total Fat: 12g; Saturated Fat: 6g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 585mg; Carbohydrate: 52g; Dietary Fiber: 10g; Sugar: 10g; Protein: 13g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 771mg; Iron: 17%; Vitamin A: 1%; Vitamin C: 5%; Calcium: 5%

Originally published: February 23, 2020; Updated May 2026

The post Pressure Cooker Chickpea Tikka Masala appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Reminiscent of creamy beef stroganoff without the beef, this Instant Pot recipe uses whole-grain pasta, mushrooms and herb and garlic spreadable cheese to get dinner on the table fast. Use gourmet mushrooms instead of cremini if you’re feeling fancy.

Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 25 minutes

Pressure Cooker Creamy Mushroom and Kale Pasta

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cups (280g) cremini mushrooms, cut into quarters
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 medium garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 2 tsp fresh thyme, roughly chopped
• 8 oz. (227g) whole-wheat rotini
• 1 1/2 cups (355ml) low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 pinch crushed red pepper
• 4 cups (100g) baby kale
• 4 tbsp (58g) herb and garlic spreadable cheese

Directions

Select the sauté function on the Instant Pot and adjust to high heat. Add the olive oil, mushrooms, onions, and salt and cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes, or until the mushrooms begin to release their juices. Add the garlic and thyme and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.

Add 1 cup of water and simmer for 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Press cancel.

Add the pasta, vegetable broth, and crushed red pepper and stir to combine. Lock the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes.

Carefully quick-release the pressure, loosely draping a towel over the vent to catch any starchy liquid. Remove the lid and stir in the kale and spreadable cheese until combined. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes to allow the pasta to finish cooking and absorb the liquid.

Serve immediately.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 1 1/4 cups pasta

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 319; Total Fat: 12g; Saturated Fat: 5g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 15mg; Sodium: 450mg; Carbohydrate: 47g; Dietary Fiber: 9g; Sugar: 4g; Protein: 12g

Nutrition Bonus: Calcium: 13%; Iron: 15%; Potassium: 703mg; Vitamin A: 3%; Vitamin C: 47%

Originally published: September 15, 2020; Updated May 2026

The post Pressure Cooker Creamy Mushroom and Kale Pasta appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Layers of lean ground turkey-filled sauce, creamy basil-flecked ricotta and melty mozzarella are hidden in these delicious peppers. The Instant Pot cuts the cook time to just 6 minutes, so they can be yours any weeknight when a lasagna craving hits. Be sure to use a thin bottled marinara sauce, so the Instant Pot can create enough steam to come to pressure (Note: Thick, chunky sauces won’t work).

Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 1 hour

Pressure Cooker Lasagna Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients

• 4 medium bell peppers
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb 85% lean ground turkey
• 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 3 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup + 2 tbsp (293g) thin, no-sugar added marinara sauce, divided
• 1 cup (246g) part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup (12g) fresh basil, chopped and divided
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup (57g) part-skim mozzarella, shredded
• 1/4 cup (60g) low-sodium chicken broth

Directions

Cut the top 1/2-inch off the peppers and reserve for another use. Scoop out the seeds and white membranes inside the peppers and discard.

Put the olive oil in the Instant Pot, select saute, and adjust to high heat. When the oil is hot, add the ground turkey, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, for 1 minute. Press Cancel. Add 2/3 cup marinara sauce to the pot and stir to combine. Spoon half of the turkey-marinara sauce evenly into the peppers and set aside.

In a medium bowl, stir together the ricotta, half of the basil, and the egg until thoroughly combined.

Spoon the ricotta mixture into the peppers. Spoon the remaining meat sauce into the peppers over the ricotta, making sure to scrape the pot clean. Sprinkle the mozzarella on top of each pepper, pressing the cheese down slightly so it stays inside the peppers.

Pour the remaining 1/2 cup marinara sauce and the chicken broth into the Instant Pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Place a trivet with handles in the pot and arrange the peppers on the trivet, cheese-side up. Lock the lid and turn the pressure valve to sealing. Select Pressure Cook, adjust to high pressure, and cook for 6 minutes.

When the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure. Carefully transfer the peppers to plates using a large slotted spoon and set aside. Remove the trivet from the pot.

Select Saute and adjust to high heat. Simmer the sauce, stirring occasionally, until slightly reduced, about 2 minutes. For browned, bubbly cheese, place the peppers under a high broiler for 2–3 minutes. Spoon the sauce over the peppers, garnish with the remaining basil, and serve.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 1 pepper, 3 tbsp sauce

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 442; Total Fat: 28g; Saturated Fat: 9g; Monounsaturated Fat: 9g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g; Cholesterol: 169mg; Sodium: 745mg; Carbohydrate: 17g; Dietary Fiber: 4g; Sugar: 10g; Protein: 33g

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin D: 8%; Calcium: 32%; Potassium: 864mg; Vitamin A: 11%; Vitamin C: 196%

Originally published February 2020; Updated May 2026

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Whether it’s a busy weekday or a lazy weekend, there’s never a bad time for a warm, comforting breakfast. With an emphasis on the word ‘quick,’ it’s time to lean on the Instant Pot. It’s a convenient kitchen gadget you’ll want in your cooking lineup, if it’s not already there.

Today, we’re using it for oatmeal — hearty, whole-grain bowls ready in 8 minutes of pressure cooking, plus 5 minutes of natural release, while you’re getting ready for work.  (Read: No stirring, burning or standing at the stove!)

The steps are simple: combine liquids and oats, seal the pot, and cook — then serve immediately with your favorite toppings or portion into jars and refrigerate for the entire week.

A few notes: For best results, a low-fat or non-dairy milk works well — high-fat milks like coconut milk may separate during cooking. You’ll also need less liquid than you would on the stovetop — in the Instant Pot, liquid is absorbed rather than evaporated, so go easy to avoid oatmeal soup.

Active time: 10 minutes | Total time: 20 minutes

Pressure Cooker Oats

 Ingredients

• 2 cups (160g) old-fashioned oats
• 2 cups (480g) water, divided
• 2 cups nonfat milk (almond, hemp, coconut and soy also work)
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tbsp flaxseeds
• 1 tbsp hemp seeds
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional)

Directions
Insert the steamer rack inside the inner pot of your Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water. In a 4-cup heat-safe bowl, combine the oats, remaining 1 cup water, milk, salt, maple syrup, and seeds, and stir to combine.

Place the bowl on top of the steaming rack and secure the lid on the Instant Pot. Set the valve to “sealed” and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.

After cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure by turning the valve to vent using a wooden spoon.

Carefully remove the bowl from the Instant Pot. Serve the oatmeal with your favorite toppings, or allow to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers and refrigerating for up to 5 days.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 1 cup

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 246; Total Fat: 6g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g; Cholesterol: 4mg; Sodium: 343g; Carbohydrate: 39g; Dietary Fiber: 6g; Sugar: 10g; Protein: 11g

Nutrition Bonus: Iron 13%; Calcium 19%; Potassium 416mg

Originally published October 2018; Updated May 2026

The post Pressure Cooker Oats appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

This recipe is a great source of fiber and gives you about 40% of your Vitamin A for the day. Vitamin A is important for immune system function, proper vision and growth and development (1).

Poblano chilies are a glossy dark green, with a grassy flavor and meaty texture that makes this chili especially complex. Look for them where other hot peppers are sold. Substitute with 2 light green Anaheim peppers if you can’t find poblanos.

Active time: 20 minutes | Total time: 45 minutes

Pressure Cooker White Bean Chili

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 poblano pepper, seeded and diced
• 3 medium cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 2 tsp Mexican oregano
• 3 cups butternut squash, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup frozen corn
• 2 15-oz. cans no salt added cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• 1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt, for garnish

Directions:

Select the sauté function on the Instant Pot and heat the olive oil. Add the onion and poblano chili and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is softened. Add the garlic, cumin, coriander, and oregano and cook for about 45 seconds, or until fragrant. Press cancel.

Add the butternut squash, broth, corn, beans, salt, and black pepper to the pot and stir to combine. Lock the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.

When the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5–10 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure. Stir in the cilantro.

Serve hot with lime wedges and Greek yogurt on top.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 2 cups chili + 2 tbsp Greek yogurt

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 398; Total Fat: 9g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 5g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 2mg; Sodium: 560mg; Carbohydrate: 57g; Dietary Fiber: 16g; Sugar: 7g; Protein: 17g

Nutrition Bonus: Calcium: 24%; Potassium: 1139mg; Vitamin A: 41%; Vitamin C: 75%, Iron: 34%

Originally published: January 2020; Updated March 2026

The post Pressure Cooker White Bean Chili appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Much quicker than take-out, these chicken tacos take just 8 minutes to cook in the Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker. Quick-pickled onions and shredded cabbage add crunch and extra nutrients.

Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 40 minutes

Pressure Cooker Chicken Adobo Tacos

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 3 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, fat trimmed
• 1/2 cup fresh tomato salsa
• 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo, chopped
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 8 (6-inch) corn tortillas, warmed
• 2 cups red cabbage, finely shredded

Directions

In a small saucepan, combine water with the vinegar, salt and sugar. Bring to a boil over high heat. Place the onion in a medium nonreactive container and pour the pickling liquid over the top. Let stand at room temperature while preparing the taco filling.

In the Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker, combine the chicken thighs, salsa, broth, chipotle pepper, and cumin. Lock the lid, select the pressure cook function, and adjust to high pressure. Ensure the steam valve is in the sealing position and the keep-warm setting is off. Cook for 8 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

When the cooking time is up, let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes, then carefully quick-release the remaining pressure Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and chop. Select sauté and adjust to high heat. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and stir into the pot. Simmer until thickened and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes, then pour over the chicken.

Drain the pickled onions. Fill the tortillas with the chicken and top with cabbage and pickled onions. Serve immediately.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 2 tacos, stuffed with 3/4 cups chicken, 2 tbsp pickled onions and 1/2 cup cabbage

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 365; Total Fat: 9g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 3g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 160mg; Sodium: 720mg; Carbohydrate: 32g; Dietary Fiber: 5g; Sugar: 7g; Protein: 37g

Nutrition Bonus: Calcium: 7%; Iron: 16%; Potassium: 615mg; Vitamin A: 13%; Vitamin C: 40%

Originally published: June 7, 2018; Updated May 2026

The post Pressure Cooker Chicken Adobo Tacos appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

This lightly sweetened breakfast porridge uses short-grain brown rice, giving it a pleasant nutty bite. Brown rice contains fiber and antioxidants, so it’s a good item to keep in your pantry for this recipe and beyond (1). Top this creamy coconut milk porridge with Greek yogurt for additional protein.

Active time: 5 minutes | Total time: 1 hour

Pressure Cooker Brown Rice Breakfast Porridge

Ingredients

• 1 cup (180g) short-grain brown rice, rinsed
• 1 14-oz. can (440ml) unsweetened light coconut milk
• 3 tbsp (60g) pure maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted, roughly chopped
• 1 green apple, very thinly sliced
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Directions

In the bowl of a pressure cooker, add the brown rice, coconut milk, maple syrup, salt, and 2 cups of water. 

Secure the lid and pressure cook on Manual for 30 minutes at high pressure. Make sure the pressure valve is sealed.

When the cooking program ends, allow the pressure to release naturally for 20 minutes, then move the pressure release valve to venting to release any remaining steam.

Remove the lid and stir the porridge. Scoop into bowls, top with Greek yogurt and garnish with toasted walnuts, and apple. Dust with cinnamon and serve.

Serves: 6 | Serving Size: About 3/4 cup porridge, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt + toppings

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 257; Total Fat: 9g; Saturated Fat: 5g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 3mg; Sodium: 226mg; Carbohydrate: 39g; Dietary Fiber: 3g; Sugar: 13g; Protein: 9g

Nutrition Bonus: Calcium: 9%; Iron: 2%; Potassium: 182mg; Vitamin C: 3%

Originally published February 2021; Updated May 2026

The post Pressure Cooker Brown Rice Breakfast Porridge appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Lean pork tenderloin, dry Chinese egg noodles and lots of veggies make this one-pot meal a weeknight win. A spoonful of chili crisp, an addictive jarred Chinese condiment, adds a little warm heat and umami, but it’s optional. It looks wickedly spicy, but it’s more savory than hot.

Active time: 25 minutes | Total time: 40 minutes

Pressure Cooker Pork Lo Mein

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (120g) low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 lb (454g) pork tenderloin, fat trimmed, cut crosswise into 2 large pieces
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp safflower oil
• 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, sliced
• 1 large carrot, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (135g) baby corn, drained and cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 tbsp rice cooking wine or dry sherry
• 5 oz. dried Chinese egg noodles (not instant ramen)
• 3 cups steamed broccoli florets
• 4 tbsp (60g) chili crisp oil

Directions

In a small bowl, combine the broth with 3 tbsp water and soy sauce; set aside. Season the pork all over with the pepper. Put the oil in the Instant Pot, select sauté, and adjust to medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the pork pieces and cook, turning occasionally, until browned all over, about 5 minutes. Transfer the meat to a cutting board and slice into 1/2-inch (1.27cm) thick slices. Cut the slices into 1/2-inch (1.27cm) strips, set aside.

Add the bell pepper, onion, carrot, and baby corn to the pot and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions just begin to brown, about 4 minutes. Press cancel. Add the rice cooking wine and scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Return the pork and any accumulated juices from the cutting board to the pot. Break the noodles into 3-inch (7.6cm) pieces and scatter them over the pork and vegetables. Pour the broth mixture over the noodles.

Lock the lid and set the valve to sealing. Select pressure cook, adjust to high pressure, and set the timer for 2 minutes. Unlock the lid and ensure the pork has reached an internal temperature of 145 °F.

Add the broccoli and chili crisp oil and combine. Cover the pot and let the mixture stand for 2–3 minutes to finish cooking the noodles. Serve immediately.

Tip: To steam broccoli, place it in a small microwave-safe bowl with 1/4 cup water. Cover and microwave on high until crisp-tender, 2–3 minutes. Drain.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 1 3/4 cups/390g

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 488; Total Fat: 20g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 3g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 104mg; Sodium: 656mg; Carbohydrate: 42g; Dietary Fiber: 8g; Sugar: 7g; Protein: 34g

Nutrition Bonus: Calcium: 9%; Iron: 19%; Potassium: 1077mg; Vitamin A: 323%; Vitamin C: 200%

Originally published January 2021; Updated May 2026

The post Pressure Cooker Pork Lo Mein appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

This silky-smooth squash soup cooks in just 10 minutes in the Instant Pot, so it’s quick enough for a weeknight. The soup is garnished with crispy, fried sage leaves, making it fancy enough for dinner, too.

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Active time: 20 minutes | Total time: 50 minutes

Pressure Cooker Pumpkin Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 12 whole sage leaves
• 1 medium onion, diced into 1 inch pieces
• 1 medium carrot, diced into 1 inch pieces
• 2 tsp chopped fresh sage
• 3 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 4 heaping cups (1 1/2 lb/680g) sugar pumpkin or butternut squash cubes 
• 4 cups (946ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Directions

Select the sauté function on the pressure cooker and adjust to high heat. Add the oil and, when hot, add the whole sage leaves. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 1 minute, or until crisp and lightly browned. Transfer the sage leaves to a small bowl with a slotted spoon and reserve for garnish, leaving the oil in the pot.

Add the onion and carrot to the pot and cook, stirring frequently, for about 8 minutes, or until beginning to brown. Add the chopped sage, garlic, and rosemary and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Press cancel.

Add the squash, chicken broth, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Lock the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.

Quick-release the pressure when cooking is complete. Discard the bay leaf. Blend the soup with an immersion blender until smooth, or carefully blend in batches in a standard blender.

Season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve garnished with the crispy sage leaves.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 2 cups

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 125; Total Fat: 7g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 5g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 519mg; Carbohydrate: 13g; Dietary Fiber: 2g; Sugar: 6g; Protein: 4g

Nutrition Bonus: Calcium: 5%; Iron: 9%; Potassium: 510mg; Vitamin A: 370%; Vitamin C: 25%

Originally published: October 2018; Updated May 2026

The post Pressure Cooker Pumpkin Soup appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Use your Instant Pot to put together this whole-grain pasta meal in just 35 minutes from start to finish. For best results, use small boneless, skinless chicken breasts or cut large chicken breasts horizontally into thinner pieces.

Active time: 10 minutes | Total time: 35 minutes

Pressure Cooker Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tbsp (30g) no-salt added tomato paste
• 4 cups (12 oz./340g) dry whole-grain rotini pasta
• 1/4 cup (27g) oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 1 tbsp (15g) olive oil
• 1/2 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
• 1/2 tsp salt 
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 cups (50g) baby spinach
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

Directions

In the pot of an electric pressure cooker, whisk together the broth and tomato paste until the tomato paste is dissolved. Add the pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Place the bell peppers on top of the pasta. Season the chicken with the garlic powder and place on top of the pasta mixture; do not stir.

Lock the lid and select the Manual/Pressure Cook function. Adjust to high pressure and set the timer for 5 minutes. Make sure the steam valve is in the “sealing” position.

When the cooking time is up, carefully quick-release the pressure.

Unlock the lid and ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 °F.  Transfer the chicken to a clean cutting board. Slice the chicken into bite-size pieces and return them to the pot. Add the spinach and cheese and stir until the spinach is wilted. Serve immediately.

Serves: 4 | Serving Size: 2 cups pasta mixture

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 535; Total Fat: 11g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 4g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 87mg; Sodium: 540mg; Carbohydrate: 69g; Dietary Fiber: 11g; Sugar: 5g; Protein: 41g

Nutrition Bonus: Calcium: 7%; Iron: 24%; Potassium: 723mg; Vitamin A: 101%; Vitamin C: 90%

Originally published March 2018; Updated May 2026

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