Classic Creamed Red Potatoes & Peas: An Easy Instant Pot Side Dish

There’s something incredibly comforting about a classic side dish, and this recipe for Creamed Red Potatoes and Peas perfectly encapsulates that feeling. It’s an old-fashioned staple, beloved for its simplicity and the heartwarming combination of tender red potatoes and vibrant green peas enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce. This isn’t just a dish; it’s a taste of nostalgia, a recipe that many of us remember from our grandmothers’ kitchens, bringing back cherished memories with every spoonful. While traditionally made on the stovetop, we’ve adapted this beloved recipe for the modern kitchen, making it incredibly quick and convenient using the Instant Pot.

Imagine perfectly cooked, melt-in-your-mouth red potatoes and sweet peas, all coated in a velvety-smooth white sauce that’s seasoned to perfection. This versatile side dish is suitable for any time of year – equally at home on a holiday dinner table as it is alongside a simple weeknight meal. Our Instant Pot method ensures not only easy cleanup but also remarkably quick cook times, allowing you to enjoy this delicious classic without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to recreate a timeless favorite with a modern twist!

The Enduring Charm of Creamed Red Potatoes & Peas

This dish holds a special place in many hearts, a testament to its enduring appeal. For me, it evokes fond memories of my grandma, who would often prepare this simple yet profoundly satisfying side. There’s something truly magical about the combination of tender potatoes and a luxurious cream sauce that makes it irresistible. If you’re a fan of comforting, creamy potato dishes, then this recipe is definitely for you.

What makes this Creamed Red Potatoes and Peas recipe stand out is its straightforward nature, requiring just a handful of common ingredients. You’ll need fresh or frozen red potatoes, sweet green peas, butter, all-purpose flour, milk, half & half (or whipping cream), and basic seasonings. These humble ingredients come together to create a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts, offering a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a wide variety of main courses, enhancing any meal with its rich and satisfying profile.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Version

While Creamed Red Potatoes & Peas is a classic, adapting it for the Instant Pot takes its convenience to a whole new level. My passion for quick and easy cooking led me to convert this traditional recipe into an Instant Pot-friendly version, and the results are truly remarkable. The biggest advantage? I can cook both the potatoes and the peas simultaneously in the same pot, dramatically cutting down on both cooking time and dishwashing!

The secret to perfectly cooked, yet not mushy, vegetables in the Instant Pot lies in a good steamer basket. I highly recommend using a steamer basket, like the ones readily available on Amazon. This accessory is a game-changer for Instant Pot owners, allowing delicate ingredients such as potatoes and peas to steam gently above the water, ensuring they cook evenly and retain their texture and vibrant color. If you don’t own one, it’s a worthwhile investment for expanding your Instant Pot repertoire. Just remember to select the correct size for your specific Instant Pot model (e.g., 6-quart, 8-quart, or 3-quart).

Choosing Your Peas: Fresh vs. Frozen

The beauty of Creamed Red Potatoes & Peas lies in its flexibility, and that extends to your choice of peas! Whether you opt for fresh or frozen, this dish will be absolutely delicious. Each option offers unique benefits, allowing you to tailor the recipe to your preference and what’s available.

If snap peas are in season, perhaps from a local farmers market or your own garden, using fresh peas can add an extra layer of sweetness and a delightful pop of texture. When using fresh peas, remember to remove them from their shells before adding them to the steamer basket. This simple step ensures they cook properly and are ready to be mixed into your creamy sauce. The fresh, earthy flavor of seasonal peas can truly elevate this dish.

However, if fresh peas aren’t available or you’re looking for ultimate convenience, frozen peas are a perfectly acceptable and equally delicious alternative. They require no prior preparation and can be added directly to the steamer basket with your potatoes. The cooking process and times remain the same, making frozen peas an excellent choice for a quick and easy meal. No matter which you choose, you’re guaranteed a yummy and satisfying side dish!

Crafting the Velvety Cream Sauce

The heart of Creamed Red Potatoes & Peas is undoubtedly its rich, smooth, and perfectly seasoned cream sauce. Creating this velvety sauce is simpler than you might think, and it’s a fundamental technique that will serve you well in many other recipes. While your Instant Pot is busy steaming the potatoes and peas, you can easily prepare this glorious sauce on the stovetop.

Start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is completely melted and slightly shimmering, whisk in the all-purpose flour. This combination creates a roux, which is the essential thickening agent for your sauce. Cook the roux for a minute or two, stirring constantly, to cook out the raw flour taste. It should form a smooth paste.

Next, gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. The key here is patience; slowly incorporating the milk ensures a silky-smooth sauce. Continue stirring as the sauce heats and begins to thicken. Once it reaches a slightly thickened consistency, stir in the half & half or whipping cream for an extra layer of richness and creaminess. At this point, add your chicken bouillon paste or cube – this is a secret weapon for adding a depth of savory flavor that truly enhances the dish. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Don’t be shy about tasting and adjusting the seasoning; a perfect cream sauce is all about balance. If the sauce becomes too thick, a splash more milk can easily thin it to your desired consistency. This simple process yields a sauce that beautifully coats every potato and pea, bringing the whole dish together.

Delicious Variations & Serving Suggestions

While this Creamed Red Potatoes & Peas recipe is fantastic as is, it also lends itself beautifully to creative variations. For an added layer of flavor, consider stirring in fresh herbs like chopped dill, parsley, or chives at the end. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a dash of nutmeg can also elevate the cream sauce. If you enjoy a touch of smokiness and crunch, crispy bacon bits make a wonderful addition. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the chicken bouillon and use vegetable broth or a vegetarian bouillon cube instead.

This versatile side dish pairs wonderfully with a myriad of main courses. It’s an ideal accompaniment to roasted chicken, baked ham, pork loin, or even a simple pan-seared fish. Its creamy texture and mild flavor make it a family-friendly choice that complements richer meats without overpowering them. It’s also a fantastic addition to any holiday spread, offering a comforting and familiar option that everyone will love. For a heartier weeknight meal, you could even mix in some leftover shredded chicken or ham directly into the finished dish, turning it into a complete meal in itself. Serve it warm, perhaps with an extra sprinkle of black pepper or fresh herbs, and watch it disappear!

Like this recipe and want to save it for later? Pin it to Pinterest here!

There you have it – a timeless classic, reimagined for modern convenience with your Instant Pot. This Creamed Red Potatoes & Peas recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s an invitation to savor simple, comforting flavors that evoke warmth and nostalgia. Whether you’re preparing it for a special holiday meal or a quick weeknight dinner, its creamy texture, tender vegetables, and rich sauce are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The ease of using the Instant Pot means less time cooking and cleaning, and more time enjoying delicious food with loved ones.

So, gather your ingredients, fire up your Instant Pot, and get ready to create a dish that’s both deeply satisfying and incredibly easy. We hope this updated version of a beloved classic brings as much joy to your table as it does to ours. Don’t forget to try out some of the variations to make it uniquely yours! Happy cooking!