The temperatures may not feel like fall yet, but fall routines are back in FULL swing! The supplies have been bought, the backpacks packed, and our cute little students are walking their way back into school. Hopefully you’re finding your rhythm and your kiddos are adjusting well to their new routines.
I’m sure many of you have realized just how busy life has become since the first day of school. Soccer practices, dance classes, homework, it’s a lot! So, let’s talk about my absolute favorite kitchen tool to make this season of change just a tad bit easier: the Instant Pot. I was so resistant to the idea of the Instant Pot at first. I loved my slow cooker and the thought of a pressure cooker intimidated me. But last year, I snagged an Instant Pot on Amazon Prime Day just to test it out for our lifestyle, and I have never looked back.
I even got rid of my once-beloved slow cooker a few days after the Instant Pot arrived on my doorstep! Then there was the time I forgot to thaw a whole frozen chicken and I was able to pop that baby in my Instant Pot and have dinner on the table in a relatively short amount of time…I mean, could I ask for more!?
I’ve rounded up a few yummy, easy, weeknight dinners that my whole family loves. These are meals that can all be prepped in advance, thrown in the Instant Pot, then gobbled up by your family—littles and bigs alike. Enjoy!
1. A Pinch of Healthy | Red Beans and Rice
As someone who is married to a New Orleans boy, I felt that I had to include this recipe on the round up. It’s easy to customize the level of spice for little eaters and makes great leftovers to take to work or school the next day!
2. Creamy Potato Soup
This potato soup is one of our family favorites! It is so incredibly easy and a great way to use up extra produce.
3. Lemon Butter Herb Chicken from Trader Joe’s
(Serve with a simple bagged salad & buttery crusty bread!)
This is yet another meal that makes a regular appearance around our home. The leftover chicken will make a delicious chicken salad the next day, and you can use the broth left in the Instant Pot for a soup later in the week! We typically shred the chicken and serve with a bagged Caesar salad from the store and a hunk of crusty French bread with a little butter.
4. Family Fresh Meals | Instant Honey Garlic Chicken
This Honey Garlic Chicken is the perfect way to satisfy a Chinese takeout craving without all of the added calories! Serve it over Trader Joe’s Microwavable Jasmine Rice (a staple around our house) or some shredded cabbage for a healthier spin. I subbed 2 Tbsp of arrowroot flour instead of cornstarch because that’s what I had on hand, and it thickened the sauce up just fine. I also put my chicken thighs in frozen and it was still done after being under pressure for 15 minutes!
5. Amber Massey | Instant Pot Shrimp Pasta
This recipe really could be a one-pot hearty meal on its own, or you could pair it with a quick salad or maybe a little roasted broccoli to add some greens.
I hope the start of the school year has been a relatively easy adjustment for you and yours! Wishing you all the best on a new year filled with learning adventures for your family.
Read More: The Busy Mom’s Guide to Stress-Free Meal Planning
