7 Low-Carb Instant Pot Recipes That Make Weekday Dinners a Breeze

Pair these easy high-protein recipes with a side of veggies for added nutrients on your low-carb diet.
Image Credit: bhofack2/iStock/GettyImages

If you're trying to cut carbs, you may find yourself in a dinner rut consisting of plain old chicken breast and steamed broccoli. Because let's be honest, low-carb meals that are actually tasty take some planning and strategy.

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Thankfully, there's a slew of recipes that are not only family-friendly but also quick to make thanks to the handy Instant Pot — all you have to do is prep the ingredients, add them to your pot and let the pressure cooker do all the work.

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From jerk chicken to creamy smothered pork chops, keep scrolling to see our top low-carb Instant Pot recipes that clock in under 12 grams of carbs.

1. Instant Pot Cajun Ranch Chicken Soup

This low-carb soup is creamy and rich with a hint of heat that the entire family will love.
  • 5 grams of carbs

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There's something comforting about soup — especially when you can make a whole pot in just 40 minutes. "With 44 grams of protein and leafy greens, this recipe is sure to be satisfying," says Kim Hoban, RDN of KH Nutrition. If you're looking to cut back on fat content, consider using less cheese and bacon.

Get the Instant Pot Cajun Ranch Chicken Soup recipe and nutrition info from That Low Carb Life.

2. Instant Pot Jerk Chicken

Feel free to substitute chicken breasts for a leaner cut of meat in this spicy recipe.
  • 10 grams of carbs

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This jerk chicken recipe isn't for the faint of heart as it calls for either Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers. "It relies on the powerful flavors garlic, citrus and herbs while minimizing the total added salt and sugar," Hoban says. She also notes that chicken thighs contain key nutrients like iron and zinc, which are helpful for immunity and overall health.

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Get the Instant Pot Jerk Chicken recipe and nutrition info from Easy Chicken Recipes.

3. Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash Buffalo Chicken

This buffalo wing-inspired recipe proves spaghetti squash doesn't have to be paired with tomato sauce.
  • 11 grams of carbs

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If you're a fan of buffalo wings, you'll love this pasta-like dish. It's filled with lean chicken breast, rich cream cheese and spicy buffalo sauce atop a bed of spaghetti squash. "Spaghetti squash is a high-fiber and low-glycemic option that can help promote gut health, boost immunity and manage blood sugar," Hoban says. And because this low-carb recipe has 27 grams of protein, you'll be satisfied for hours.

Get the Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash Buffalo Chicken recipe and nutrition info from Taste and See.

4.Instant Pot Pork Chops With Creamy Ranch Sauce

Smothered pork chops have never been so delicious and easy as this 30-minute recipe.
  • 4 grams of carbs

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In most cases, smothered pork chops aren't exactly a low-carb meal option, but this Instant Pot rendition fits the bill and doesn't lack in flavor. "Pork is an excellent source of vitamin B6, which is key for brain health and metabolic processes," Hoban says, adding that it's also a good source of zinc and potassium. To lighten up this recipe, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or milk.

Get the Instant Pot Pork Chops With Creamy Ranch Sauce recipe and nutrition info from Diethood.

5. Instant Pot Lemon Chicken With Artichokes and Asparagus

You'll love the ease of cooking your entire meal, main dish and sides, in one pot.
  • 5.8 grams of carbs

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One-pot wonders like this come in handy when you're pressed for time during the week, and this recipe cooks up in under 10 minutes! And we love that this dish packs two types of vegetables for extra nutrients. "Asparagus contains antioxidants like anthocyanins that help fight free radicals and artichokes contain potassium and vitamins A and C," Hoban says. Not to mention, this meal is gluten-free, paleo and Whole30-friendly.

Get the Instant Pot Lemon Chicken With Artichokes and Asparagus recipe and nutrition info from Lexi's Clean Kitchen.

6. Instant Pot Turkey Chili

All it takes is 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cook time to get this hearty chili on the table.
  • 8 grams of carbs

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Subbing ground turkey for beef makes a pot of chili a lot lighter and lower in calories and fat. "This chili offers a lean protein source and at least a half cup of vegetables per serving," Hoban says. And hidden veggies come in handy if you're serving picky eaters. She recommends adding beans to bulk up the protein and fiber content.

Get the Instant Pot Turkey Chili recipe and nutrition info from Joy Filled Eats.

7. Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli

Why order Chinese takeout when you can whip up this better-for-you version of savory beef and broccoli?
Image Credit: Savory Tooth
  • 10 grams of carbs

Beef is rich and iron and broccoli is a great source of vitamin C — and pairing the two together helps increase the absorption of both nutrients, Hoban says. To make this meal complete, you can serve it alongside a side salad or additional veggies to keep your carb content low, but you could also add a small serving of healthy carbohydrates like quinoa or brown rice.

Get the Instant Beef and Broccoli recipe and nutrition info from Savory Tooth.

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