Instant Pot soups are a great way to make tasty meals quickly. These recipes let you cook up warm, filling soups without much work. You can make many types of soup in your Instant Pot, from creamy chowders to hearty stews.
Using an Instant Pot for soups saves you time and effort in the kitchen. You can toss in ingredients, set the pot, and come back to a ready-to-eat meal. The Instant Pot keeps flavors locked in and makes meats tender. With these recipes, you’ll have plenty of options for easy, delicious soups.
Chicken tortilla soup is a tasty and easy dish to make in your Instant Pot. You can whip up this flavorful soup in less than 30 minutes.
The recipe uses simple ingredients like chicken breast, black beans, corn, and fire-roasted tomatoes. These create a hearty and filling meal.
To make it, just add the ingredients to your Instant Pot and let it do the work. The pressure cooker quickly tenderizes the chicken and blends the flavors.
Serve your soup with crispy tortilla strips, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime. These toppings add crunch and freshness to each bowl.
This comforting soup is perfect for chilly days or when you want a quick, satisfying meal. Give it a try in your Instant Pot for an easy weeknight dinner.
Broccoli cheddar soup is a comforting classic you can easily make in your Instant Pot. Start by sautéing onions and garlic in butter. Add chopped broccoli, carrots, and potatoes for extra creaminess.
Pour in chicken broth and seasonings like salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Pressure cook on high for just 2-3 minutes. The broccoli will be perfectly tender.
After releasing the pressure, stir in shredded cheddar cheese and some half-and-half or cream. The soup will be thick, cheesy, and full of broccoli flavor.
This quick and easy version tastes just like the famous Panera soup. You’ll have a delicious homemade meal ready in under 30 minutes.
Minestrone soup is a perfect choice for your Instant Pot. This Italian favorite is packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta.
You can make minestrone in about 35 minutes using the Instant Pot’s Soup setting. Start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil.
Add garlic, herbs, and spices for extra flavor. Pour in broth, diced tomatoes, and beans. Don’t forget to include zucchini and a Parmesan rind for richness.
Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 5 minutes. After releasing the pressure, stir in some fresh spinach or kale. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Butternut squash soup is a cozy fall favorite you can easily make in your Instant Pot. Start by sautéing onions and garlic in the pot. Add cubed butternut squash, broth, and spices like sage, thyme, and cinnamon.
Pressure cook the ingredients for a short time until the squash is tender. Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender. For extra richness, stir in some cream or coconut milk.
You can customize your soup with toppings like crispy bacon bits, roasted squash seeds, or a drizzle of olive oil. This creamy, flavorful soup is perfect for chilly evenings and takes much less time in the Instant Pot than traditional cooking methods.
French onion soup is a classic dish you can easily make in your Instant Pot. The pressure cooker speeds up the process of caramelizing onions.
Start by sautéing sliced onions with butter in the Instant Pot. Add some sugar and salt to help them brown. Cook the onions until they’re soft and golden.
Next, add beef broth, thyme, and a bay leaf. Pressure cook for about 10 minutes. When it’s done, ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls.
Top each bowl with a slice of toasted baguette and grated Gruyère cheese. Broil until the cheese melts and turns golden brown. Your homemade French onion soup is ready to enjoy!
Lentil soup is a perfect dish for your Instant Pot. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. You’ll love how simple it is to make this hearty meal.
Start by adding chopped carrots, celery, and onions to your Instant Pot. Toss in some minced garlic for extra flavor. Then add lentils, vegetable broth, and tomato sauce.
Spice things up with cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Don’t forget a bay leaf for depth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Lock the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 15 minutes. Let it release pressure naturally when done. Your lentil soup will be ready to enjoy in no time.
Split pea soup is a comforting classic that’s easy to make in your Instant Pot. You’ll need dried split peas, vegetables like carrots and onions, and broth as the base.
For extra flavor, add ham or bacon. Vegetarians can skip the meat and still enjoy a tasty soup. Herbs like bay leaves, thyme, and oregano enhance the taste.
Your Instant Pot will cook this soup quickly, usually in under an hour. The result is a thick, hearty soup perfect for cold days.
This recipe is budget-friendly and packed with nutrients. It’s great for meal prep too. You can easily freeze leftovers for future meals.
You can make a tasty tomato basil soup in your Instant Pot. This soup is creamy and packed with flavor.
Start by sautéing vegetables in the pot. Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and spices. You can use fresh garden tomatoes for extra flavor.
Cook the soup in your Instant Pot. After cooking, you can puree the mixture if you prefer a smoother texture. If you like chunkier soup, skip this step.
This soup is perfect for dipping grilled cheese sandwiches. It’s also a great way to use up summer tomatoes and basil. You can make extra and freeze it for later.
Creamy potato soup is a comforting dish you can easily make in your Instant Pot. Start by sautéing onions, celery, and garlic in butter until soft. Add chopped potatoes, carrots, and chicken broth.
Pressure cook the ingredients, then use an immersion blender to break up some potato pieces for texture. Stir in half-and-half or Greek yogurt for creaminess.
For extra thickness, mix flour with a bit of broth and add it to the soup. Let it simmer briefly. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or oregano to taste.
This hearty soup is perfect for chilly days. Serve it topped with cheese, bacon bits, or chives for added flavor.
Italian Wedding Soup is a tasty and comforting dish you can easily make in your Instant Pot. This soup combines small meatballs, vegetables, and tiny pasta in a flavorful broth.
To start, mix ground meat with seasoning and form small meatballs. Brown them in your Instant Pot using the sauté function. Next, cook carrots, celery, and onions until tender.
Add chicken broth, pasta, and spices to the pot. Carefully place the meatballs back in and top with spinach. Close the lid and pressure cook for a short time.
When done, you’ll have a hearty soup perfect for cold days or anytime you want a filling meal. The Instant Pot makes this classic soup quick and easy to prepare.
Chicken and rice soup is a comforting meal you can easily make in your Instant Pot. This hearty dish combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vegetables in a flavorful broth.
You can whip up this soup in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The Instant Pot cooks the ingredients quickly while locking in flavor.
For a creamy version, try adding half-and-half at the end. You can use fresh or frozen veggies to suit your preferences. Chicken tenders work well, but you can also use other cuts of chicken.
This soup is great when you’re feeling under the weather or just need a warm, satisfying meal. It’s a versatile recipe you can adapt to your taste.
Clam chowder is a tasty soup you can make in your Instant Pot. It’s creamy and full of flavor. You’ll need clams, potatoes, onions, and celery as the main ingredients.
Start by cooking bacon in your Instant Pot. Then add butter, onions, and celery. Cook until the onions are soft. Next, add garlic, potatoes, and clam juice.
Pressure cook the mixture for about 5 minutes. After releasing the pressure, stir in the clams and some cream. Your clam chowder will be ready to serve in no time.
This Instant Pot version is quick and easy. It tastes just as good as traditional clam chowder. You can have a warm, comforting bowl of soup with little effort.
Shrimp bisque is a creamy, flavorful soup you can easily make in your Instant Pot. Start by sautéing shrimp shells in butter to bring out their flavor.
Add vegetables like onions, celery, and carrots to build a tasty base. Pour in seafood broth and white wine for depth.
Pressure cook the mixture to extract maximum flavor from the shells. Strain the broth and return it to the pot. Add cream and cooked shrimp pieces.
Blend the soup until smooth for a velvety texture. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs to taste. Your Instant Pot shrimp bisque will be ready in no time!
You can make a tasty Zuppa Toscana in your Instant Pot. This Italian-inspired soup is packed with flavor. It features Italian sausage, potatoes, and kale in a creamy broth.
To start, brown the sausage using the sauté function. Add onions and garlic for extra taste. Then toss in cubed potatoes and chicken broth.
Pressure cook for just 3 minutes. After a quick release, stir in some kale and cream. The result is a hearty, comforting soup that’s ready fast.
This Zuppa Toscana is perfect for chilly days. It’s filling enough to be a meal on its own. You can even make it dairy-free by using coconut milk instead of cream.
Pumpkin soup is a perfect fall dish you can easily make in your Instant Pot. Start by sautéing onions in the pot until soft. Add garlic, ginger, and spices like cumin and turmeric for extra flavor.
Next, add pumpkin, broth, and coconut milk. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then manually release the rest.
Use a stick blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. For added richness, stir in some cream at the end. You can garnish with pumpkin seeds or a swirl of cream before serving.
This warm, comforting soup is great for chilly days. It’s quick to make and full of delicious fall flavors you’ll love.
Cuban Black Bean Soup is a tasty and filling dish you can make in your Instant Pot. This soup combines black beans with onions, garlic, and bell peppers for a flavorful meal.
To start, sauté the vegetables in the Instant Pot using the sauté function. Add spices like cumin, oregano, and bay leaves for extra flavor.
Next, add dry black beans and broth to the pot. Cook on high pressure for about an hour. The beans will become soft and creamy.
After cooking, you can blend some of the soup for a thicker texture. Serve your Cuban Black Bean Soup with rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Hot and sour soup is a tasty dish you can make in your Instant Pot. This soup has a mix of spicy and tangy flavors.
To make it, you’ll need ingredients like tofu, mushrooms, and eggs. You’ll also use vinegar and soy sauce for the sour taste, and white pepper for some heat.
Cook the main ingredients in your Instant Pot for about 5 minutes on high pressure. After that, you can add a cornstarch mix to thicken the soup.
The last step is to stir in beaten eggs. This creates thin ribbons of egg in the soup. Serve your hot and sour soup right away for the best taste.
Albondigas soup is a tasty Mexican meatball soup you can easily make in your Instant Pot. This hearty dish features flavorful beef meatballs simmered in a savory broth.
To prepare, mix ground beef with rice, cilantro, and spices to form small meatballs. Add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions to the pot along with broth.
Carefully drop the meatballs into the soup one at a time. Cook on high pressure for about 4 minutes. The result is a warm, comforting soup perfect for chilly days.
You can customize this soup by adding zucchini or other veggies. Serve it with a squeeze of lime and extra cilantro on top for a delicious meal.
Cauliflower soup is a creamy and comforting dish you can easily make in your Instant Pot. Start by sautéing onions and garlic in the pot until soft and fragrant.
Add cauliflower florets, vegetable or chicken broth, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Lock the lid and pressure cook for 5-8 minutes.
After a quick release, blend the soup until smooth. For a cheesy version, stir in some shredded cheddar. You can also add celery or curry powder for extra flavor.
This soup is perfect for chilly days and takes less than 30 minutes to make. It’s a great way to use up extra cauliflower and get more veggies in your diet.
White bean soup is a tasty and filling meal you can make in your Instant Pot. Start by sautéing onions, celery, and garlic in olive oil. Add dried white beans, broth or water, and herbs like rosemary.
Pressure cook the mixture for about 35 minutes. After releasing the pressure, you can blend some of the soup for a creamier texture. Add lemon juice for extra flavor.
For a heartier version, toss in some carrots and tomatoes before cooking. You can also stir in fresh spinach at the end for added nutrients. This soup is easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.
Chili is a perfect dish to make in your Instant Pot. You can create a hearty, flavorful meal in less time than traditional stovetop methods.
Start by sautéing ground beef with onions and garlic in the Instant Pot. Add your favorite beans, diced tomatoes, and spices like cumin and chili powder.
Pour in some broth or stock, then seal the lid and pressure cook for about 15 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before quick-releasing the rest.
You can customize your chili with different meats, beans, or vegetables. Top it with cheese, sour cream, or green onions for extra flavor.
You can make a delicious roasted red pepper soup in your Instant Pot. This soup combines red peppers with tomatoes, onions, and garlic for a flavorful blend.
To start, add diced vegetables and spices to your Instant Pot. Pour in vegetable stock and stir to combine the ingredients.
Set your Instant Pot to the soup function for about 30 minutes. When done, blend the soup until smooth and creamy.
For extra richness, try adding some coconut cream or smoked gouda cheese. Serve this warm, comforting soup on chilly evenings with grilled cheese or cheese straws on the side.
This flavorful soup brings Moroccan spices to your Instant Pot. Soak chickpeas for 8 hours before cooking.
Add onions, garlic, and spices to your pot. Stir in chickpeas, vegetables, and broth. Cook on high pressure for 5-10 minutes.
Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Mash some beans to thicken the soup. Mix in spinach, lemon juice, and a touch of honey.
You can swap carrots and celery for sweet potatoes. Adjust water as needed for your preferred consistency. This hearty soup is perfect for a cozy meal.
Avgolemono is a Greek lemon chicken soup you can easily make in your Instant Pot. This creamy soup combines tender chicken, rice, and a tangy lemon-egg broth.
The Instant Pot speeds up the cooking process, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal. You’ll love the rich flavors and comforting texture of this traditional Greek dish.
To make it, cook chicken and rice in broth in your Instant Pot. Then whisk eggs with lemon juice and slowly add hot broth to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Stir this mixture back into the soup for a velvety finish.
This dairy-free soup is both satisfying and light. It’s a great option if you’re looking for something different from typical chicken soups.
Benefits Of Using An Instant Pot
Instant Pots offer great advantages for making soups and other dishes. They save time, keep food nutritious, and can cook many different recipes.
Time Efficiency
Instant Pots cook food much faster than other methods. You can make soup in 30 minutes or less. This is great for busy weeknights when you don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
The pressure cooking function speeds things up a lot. It traps steam to create high pressure and high heat. This cooks ingredients quickly.
You can also set it and forget it. Just add your ingredients, close the lid, and let it do its thing. No need to watch a pot on the stove.
Nutrient Preservation
Instant Pots help keep more nutrients in your food. The sealed cooking environment prevents vitamins and minerals from escaping.
Less water is needed for cooking in an Instant Pot. This means fewer nutrients are lost compared to boiling.
The shorter cooking time also helps preserve nutrients. Heat can break down some vitamins, so less time cooking means more nutrients stay intact.
Versatility
Instant Pots can do many cooking tasks. You can sauté, steam, slow cook, and pressure cook all in one pot.
This versatility is great for making soups. You can brown meat, sauté veggies, and cook the soup all in the same pot. Fewer dishes to clean!
You can make many types of soups too. Creamy potato soup, hearty beef stew, or light vegetable broth all work well. The Instant Pot handles different ingredients and textures with ease.
Common Ingredients For Instant Pot Soups
Instant Pot soups rely on a mix of proteins, vegetables, and seasonings to create delicious flavors. These ingredients work together to make hearty and satisfying meals.
Proteins
Chicken, beef, and pork are popular protein choices for Instant Pot soups. You can use boneless chicken breasts or thighs for easy shredding. Ground beef adds richness to many soups. Cubed pork shoulder works well in hearty stews.
For vegetarian options, try beans or lentils. They cook quickly and add fiber and protein. Canned beans work, but dried beans are cheaper and tastier. Soak them overnight before cooking.
Seafood like shrimp or fish can be added at the end of cooking. This prevents overcooking and keeps them tender.
Vegetables
Onions, carrots, and celery form the base of many soups. They add flavor and nutrition. Chop them into small pieces for faster cooking.
Potatoes, sweet potatoes, and squash make soups thick and filling. Cut them into 1-inch cubes so they cook evenly.
Leafy greens like spinach or kale add color and nutrients. Add them at the end of cooking to keep them bright and fresh.
Frozen vegetables are great time-savers. Peas, corn, and mixed veggie blends work well in many recipes.
Seasonings And Spices
Salt and pepper are basic but important. They bring out the flavors of other ingredients. Start with a little and add more to taste.
Dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano add depth to soups. Use about 1 teaspoon per quart of liquid.
Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro are best added after cooking. They add bright, fresh flavors.
Garlic and ginger give soups a flavor boost. Use fresh or powdered forms depending on your preference.
Bouillon cubes or paste can enhance the broth. They add richness and depth to your soups.
Tips For Perfect Instant Pot Soups
Proper ingredient layering and adjusted cooking times are key for making great Instant Pot soups. These tips will help you get the best results every time.
Layer Ingredients Properly
Start by adding liquids and softer ingredients to the bottom of the pot. This prevents burning and sticking. Put heartier veggies and meats on top.
For creamy soups, add dairy products after cooking. This stops them from curdling. Stir in milk, cream, or cheese once the soup is done and the pressure is released.
If using pasta, place it on top of other ingredients. This keeps it from getting mushy. The same goes for delicate veggies like spinach or peas.
Adjusting Cooking Times
Pay attention to cooking times for different ingredients. Tough meats need longer than quick-cooking veggies.
For mixed ingredient soups, set the time for the item that takes longest. You can always add quick-cooking items later.
Use the manual setting to control cook times precisely. Start with shorter times and add more if needed. It’s easier to cook longer than to fix overcooked food.
Remember that natural pressure release adds cooking time. Use quick release for ingredients that cook fast to avoid mushiness.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
