Instant Pot soups are a game-changer for busy cooks. These recipes let you make tasty, comforting meals with less time and effort.
You can throw ingredients in the pot, set it, and have a hot soup ready in no time.
With 30 Instant Pot soup recipes to choose from, you’ll find options for every taste and diet. There are classic favorites like potato and chicken noodle, as well as creative new ideas.
Whether you want a light veggie soup or a hearty stew, there’s a recipe here for you. These soups are perfect for chilly nights or when you need a quick, filling meal.
1. Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken tortilla soup is a tasty and easy meal to make in your Instant Pot. You’ll love how quick it comes together.
Start by sautéing onions and garlic in the pot. Then add chicken, tomatoes, black beans, and spices.
Pour in chicken broth and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 more minutes.
Take out the chicken and shred it. Return it to the pot and stir.
Serve your soup with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, and a squeeze of lime. You can make the tortilla strips by baking corn tortillas in the oven until crisp.
2. Beef and Barley Soup
Beef and barley soup is a hearty dish perfect for your Instant Pot. You can make this comforting meal quickly and easily.
Start by browning chunks of beef in your Instant Pot using the saute function. This adds flavor to the meat.
Next, add vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery. Mushrooms are a tasty addition too.
Stir in some garlic for extra flavor.
Pour in beef broth and add pearl barley. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Close the lid and cook on high pressure for about 30 minutes. The beef will be tender and the barley soft when done.
Let the pressure release naturally before opening. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot for a satisfying meal.
3. Lentil and Spinach Soup
Lentil and spinach soup is a tasty and healthy option for your Instant Pot. This soup combines protein-rich lentils with nutrient-packed spinach for a filling meal.
To make it, start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in your Instant Pot. Add garlic, cumin, and other spices for extra flavor.
Stir in lentils and broth, then seal the pot and cook on high pressure for about 15 minutes.
After releasing the pressure, add chopped spinach and stir until it wilts.
This soup is quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights. You can adjust the spices to your liking or add other vegetables for variety.
4. Tomato Basil Soup
Tomato basil soup is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make in your Instant Pot. You’ll love how quickly this flavorful soup comes together.
Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and carrots in olive oil using the Instant Pot’s sauté function. Add fresh or canned tomatoes, chicken broth, and herbs like basil and oregano.
Pressure cook the mixture for 5-10 minutes. After releasing the pressure, blend the soup until smooth.
For extra creaminess, stir in some grated Parmesan cheese.
This soup pairs perfectly with grilled cheese sandwiches or crusty bread. You can also freeze leftovers for quick meals later.
5. Mushroom Wild Rice Soup
This Instant Pot soup combines earthy mushrooms with nutty wild rice for a hearty meal. You’ll start by sautéing onions and mushrooms in butter using the pot’s sauté function.
Next, add wild rice, broth, and seasonings. Cook on high pressure for about 35 minutes.
After releasing the steam, toss in carrots, garlic, and celery.
Give it another 10-minute pressure cook. The result is a rich, flavorful soup packed with tender vegetables and perfectly cooked wild rice.
You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs or swapping in different mushroom varieties. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days.
6. Potato and Leek Soup
Potato and leek soup is a comforting classic that’s easy to make in your Instant Pot. This creamy soup combines the mild onion flavor of leeks with hearty potatoes.
To make it, start by sautéing chopped leeks in butter using the Instant Pot’s sauté function. Add garlic, potatoes, and broth, then pressure cook for a short time.
Once done, blend the soup until smooth. You can leave some chunks for texture if you prefer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Top your soup with shredded cheese, bacon bits, or chives for extra flavor. This quick and simple recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or chilly days when you need a warm meal.
7. Thai Coconut Soup
Thai Coconut Soup is a tasty dish you can make in your Instant Pot. It’s full of flavor and easy to prepare.
Start by using the sauté function to cook onions, garlic, and peppers in oil. Add mushrooms and cook for a few more minutes.
Mix in brown sugar, ginger, curry paste, fish sauce, and soy sauce. You can add chicken or tofu for protein.
Pour in chicken broth and coconut milk. Add lemongrass and lime leaves for extra flavor.
Cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally or do a quick release.
Your soup will be ready to enjoy. It’s creamy, spicy, and perfect for a cold day.
8. Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Broccoli cheddar soup is a comforting classic you can easily make in your Instant Pot. Start by sautéing butter, onions, and garlic until fragrant.
Add broth, broccoli, and carrots to the pot. Pressure cook on high for 1-3 minutes, depending on your preference for broccoli texture.
After a quick or natural release, stir in a cornstarch-water mix to thicken the soup. Finally, add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
This creamy, cheesy soup is ready in about 30 minutes. Serve it with crusty bread for a quick and cozy meal.
9. Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash soup is a cozy fall favorite you can easily make in your Instant Pot. This creamy soup comes together quickly with simple ingredients.
To start, sauté garlic and spices in the pot. Then add chopped butternut squash, vegetable stock, and other veggies like carrots or apples.
Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. After a quick release, blend the soup until smooth. For extra richness, stir in some cream at the end.
This soup keeps well in the fridge for about 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just wait to add cream until after thawing if you plan to freeze it.
10. Minestrone Soup
Minestrone soup is a hearty Italian dish you can easily make in your Instant Pot. This vegetable-packed soup is perfect for cold days.
To start, sauté onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil using the Instant Pot’s sauté function. Add garlic and seasonings like oregano for extra flavor.
Next, toss in diced tomatoes, beans, and broth. Pressure cook the soup for about 5 minutes. After releasing the pressure, add pasta and cook until tender.
For a finishing touch, stir in some fresh spinach or kale. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve your minestrone soup hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if you like.
11. French Onion Soup
French onion soup is a classic dish that’s easy to make in your Instant Pot. You’ll love how quickly it comes together.
Start by sautéing sliced onions in butter until they’re soft and golden. Add some sugar to help them caramelize.
Pour in beef broth and seasonings. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
While the soup cooks, slice a French baguette and toast the pieces.
When the soup is done, ladle it into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with a toasted baguette slice and some grated Gruyere cheese.
Broil until the cheese melts and bubbles.
Your homemade French onion soup will taste just like it came from a fancy restaurant.
12. New England Clam Chowder
You can make tasty New England clam chowder in your Instant Pot. This classic soup is creamy and comforting.
The recipe uses canned clams, potatoes, celery, onion, and butter. You’ll also need flour, chicken broth, and cream.
Start by cooking bacon, celery, and onions using the Sauté function. Add garlic and spices for extra flavor.
Next, add potatoes, clams, and broth. Pressure cook for just a few minutes. The potatoes will be tender quickly.
Finish the chowder by stirring in cream and thickening with flour. Your rich, hearty soup will be ready in about 15 minutes total.
13. Pho Ga (Vietnamese Chicken Soup)
Pho Ga is a comforting Vietnamese chicken noodle soup you can easily make in your Instant Pot. This flavorful dish combines tender chicken with aromatic spices and herbs.
To start, toast coriander seeds, cinnamon, and cloves in the Instant Pot. This step releases their fragrant oils.
Next, add chicken, onions, ginger, and fresh herbs to the pot.
Fill the Instant Pot with water and cook on high pressure for 20-30 minutes.
After cooking, strain the broth and shred the chicken.
Serve the soup over rice noodles with bean sprouts, lime wedges, and fresh herbs.
This quick Instant Pot version of Pho Ga brings the authentic flavors of Vietnam to your table in just 30 minutes.
14. Chili Con Carne
Chili con carne is a hearty soup that’s perfect for your Instant Pot. This Mexican-inspired dish combines beef, beans, and tomatoes with spices for a flavorful meal.
You can make this classic comfort food in under 30 minutes using your pressure cooker.
Start by sautéing onions and garlic in the pot. Then add ground beef and brown it.
Next, toss in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and pinto beans.
Spice it up with chili powder, cumin, and other seasonings to taste.
Close the lid and cook on high pressure for about 15 minutes.
After a quick release, you’ll have a rich, tasty chili ready to serve. Top with cheese, sour cream, or green onions for extra flavor.
15. Zuppa Toscana
Zuppa Toscana is a tasty Italian soup you can make quickly in your Instant Pot. This creamy soup features Italian sausage, potatoes, and kale.
You can have this comforting meal ready in about 30 minutes using your pressure cooker. The Instant Pot makes the potatoes tender and blends all the flavors together perfectly.
To make Zuppa Toscana, first cook the sausage using the sauté function. Then add potatoes, onions, and broth.
Pressure cook for a few minutes. Finish by stirring in kale and cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
This hearty soup is perfect for chilly evenings. It’s filling enough to be a meal on its own, especially when served with crusty bread.
16. Italian Wedding Soup
Italian Wedding Soup is a tasty dish you can make easily in your Instant Pot. This soup has meatballs, vegetables, and small pasta in a flavorful broth.
To start, mix ground meat with herbs and spices to form tiny meatballs. Cook these in your Instant Pot first to give them a nice sear.
Next, add veggies like carrots, celery, and onions.
Pour in chicken broth and seasonings. Let the Instant Pot do its magic for a few minutes under pressure.
After releasing the pressure, stir in some small pasta and fresh spinach.
The heat from the soup will cook the pasta and wilt the spinach perfectly.
A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top adds the finishing touch to your homemade Italian Wedding Soup.
17. Corn Chowder
Corn chowder is a creamy, comforting soup you can easily make in your Instant Pot. This hearty dish combines sweet corn, potatoes, and bacon for a satisfying meal.
To start, sauté bacon in the Instant Pot until crispy. Add onions and garlic, then stir in corn, potatoes, and broth.
Pressure cook for 5-15 minutes, depending on your recipe.
After cooking, you can thicken the soup with a mixture of cream and cornstarch.
Stir this in and let it simmer for a few minutes.
Some recipes call for cheese or additional seasonings like thyme or cayenne pepper.
This versatile soup can be customized to your taste preferences. You can make it vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead.
18. Matzo Ball Soup
Matzo ball soup is a comforting classic that you can easily make in your Instant Pot. Start by preparing the matzo balls according to package directions.
Add chicken, vegetables, and broth to your Instant Pot.
Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. While it cooks, simmer the matzo balls separately on the stovetop.
Once the soup is done, release the pressure and add the cooked matzo balls.
The result is a flavorful broth with tender chicken, soft vegetables, and fluffy matzo balls.
This Instant Pot version saves time without sacrificing taste. You’ll have a delicious, warming soup perfect for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather.
19. White Bean Sausage Soup
White bean sausage soup is a hearty and comforting meal you can easily make in your Instant Pot. This recipe combines creamy white beans with savory sausage for a delicious flavor combination.
Start by sautéing Italian sausage in your Instant Pot. Add onions, garlic, and carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
Pour in chicken stock, white beans, and seasonings like Italian herbs.
Set your Instant Pot to cook for about 20 minutes.
Once done, you can stir in some leafy greens like kale or spinach for added color and nutrients.
This soup is perfect for chilly days and can be customized to your taste. Serve it with crusty bread for a filling meal that’s ready in no time.
20. Split Pea Soup
Split pea soup is a tasty and filling dish you can easily make in your Instant Pot. You’ll need split peas, onions, carrots, celery, and ham for a classic version.
Start by sautéing the vegetables in the pot. Then add the split peas, ham, and broth.
Cook under pressure for about 15 minutes. The result is a thick, creamy soup perfect for cold days.
You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for later. This soup is budget-friendly and packed with protein and fiber. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal.
21. Sopa de Albóndigas (Mexican Meatball Soup)
Sopa de Albóndigas is a hearty Mexican soup perfect for your Instant Pot. You’ll love this flavorful dish with tender meatballs and a rich broth.
To make the meatballs, mix ground beef, rice, garlic, and spices. Roll them into small balls and set aside.
For the broth, blend tomatoes, onions, and garlic. Sauté this mixture in your Instant Pot before adding water or broth.
Add your meatballs to the pot and cook on high pressure. The result is a comforting soup with juicy meatballs and a savory tomato broth.
Serve your Sopa de Albóndigas hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. It’s a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
22. Pumpkin Curry Soup
You can make a delicious pumpkin curry soup in your Instant Pot. Start by sautéing onions and garlic in the pot. Then add pumpkin cubes, spices, and broth.
Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 10-15 minutes. After cooking, you can blend the soup for a smoother texture if desired.
For extra creaminess, stir in some coconut milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
This warming soup is perfect for chilly autumn days. You can customize the flavors by adjusting the curry spices or adding a splash of maple syrup for sweetness. Serve with a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds on top for crunch.
23. Taco Soup
Taco soup in your Instant Pot brings all the flavors of tacos into a comforting bowl. This easy meal comes together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights.
Brown ground beef in your Instant Pot using the sauté function. Drain any excess fat. Add onions, garlic, and bell peppers to the pot and cook until softened.
Toss in beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and taco seasoning. Pour in beef broth and give everything a good stir.
Close the lid and cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for a few minutes before doing a quick release.
Serve your taco soup hot with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips.
24. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Soup
Sweet potato and black bean soup is a tasty and filling meal you can make in your Instant Pot. This soup combines the sweetness of sweet potatoes with the heartiness of black beans.
The Instant Pot makes cooking this soup quick and easy. You can use either dried or canned black beans, depending on what you have on hand.
To make the soup, you’ll need sweet potatoes, black beans, onions, garlic, and vegetable broth. Spices like cumin and chili powder add extra flavor.
This soup is packed with nutrients and fiber. It’s a great option for a cozy dinner or lunch. You can top it with avocado, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime for extra taste.
25. Hamburger Soup
You can make tasty hamburger soup in your Instant Pot. Start by browning ground beef using the sauté function. Add chopped onions and garlic for extra flavor.
Next, toss in diced carrots and potatoes. Pour in beef broth and canned tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 7-8 minutes. Let the pot sit for a 15-minute natural release after cooking.
This hearty soup is perfect for cold days. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or pasta. It’s a quick and easy meal that your whole family will enjoy.
26. Turkey and Wild Rice Soup
Turkey and wild rice soup is a comforting dish you can easily make in your Instant Pot. This hearty soup combines tender turkey meat with nutty wild rice and vegetables.
To start, sauté onions, carrots, and celery in the pot. Add garlic, seasonings, and wild rice, then toss in cubed turkey breast.
Pour in chicken or turkey stock and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for about 30 minutes. After releasing the pressure, stir in some fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
The result is a creamy, satisfying soup perfect for chilly days or using up leftover turkey.
27. Stuffed Pepper Soup
Stuffed pepper soup brings the flavors of classic stuffed peppers into a cozy bowl. This Instant Pot version cooks quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
You’ll start by browning ground beef in the pot. Then add chopped peppers, onions, and garlic.
Pour in beef broth and tomatoes, along with seasonings like Worcestershire sauce. Rice goes in next.
The pressure cooker works its magic, perfectly cooking the rice and melding all the flavors. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a hearty soup ready to serve.
This soup is filling on its own, but you can pair it with crusty bread for dipping. It’s a crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to make in your Instant Pot.
28. Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Creamy chicken noodle soup in your Instant Pot is a comforting meal you can make quickly. You’ll need chicken breast, egg noodles, vegetables, and seasonings.
Start by sautéing carrots, celery, and onions in the pot. Add garlic for extra flavor. Then, layer in your chicken pieces and seasonings.
Pour in broth and pressure cook for a short time. The chicken will be tender and easy to shred. Add noodles and cook until soft.
To make it creamy, stir in some milk or cream at the end. This soup is perfect for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather.
29. Avgolemono (Greek Lemon Soup)
Avgolemono is a Greek soup that’s easy to make in your Instant Pot. This comforting dish combines chicken, rice or orzo, and a tangy lemon-egg sauce.
Start by sautéing chicken thighs in the Instant Pot. Add onions and garlic for flavor.
Pour in broth and pressure cook everything together. Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it.
Add rice or orzo to the broth and cook until tender. The key to avgolemono is the egg-lemon mixture.
Whisk eggs and lemon juice, then slowly add hot broth to temper the eggs. Stir this mixture back into the soup.
Return the shredded chicken to the pot. The result is a creamy, lemony soup that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
30. Cabbage Roll Soup
Cabbage roll soup brings the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls to your Instant Pot. This hearty dish combines ground beef, cabbage, rice, and tomatoes for a comforting meal.
To make it, start by browning the beef with onions and garlic using the Saute function. Add spices, tomato sauce, broth, and chopped cabbage. Don’t forget the rice – it cooks right in the soup.
Set your Instant Pot to cook for just 4 minutes. Let it naturally release pressure for 10 minutes before opening.
The result is a quick, tasty soup that tastes like it simmered all day. This soup is perfect for chilly nights. You can customize it by using ground turkey instead of beef or adding extra vegetables.
The Science Behind Instant Pot Cooking
Instant Pot cooking uses pressure and heat to speed up the cooking process. This method traps steam inside a sealed container, raising the internal pressure and temperature.
Understanding Instant Pot Technology
Instant Pots have a sealed cooking chamber that builds up pressure. As the liquid inside heats up, it turns to steam. This steam can’t escape, so pressure builds.
The higher pressure raises the boiling point of water. This lets food cook at higher temperatures than normal.
Instant Pots have safety features to control pressure. A valve releases excess pressure if it gets too high. The lid locks until pressure drops to a safe level.
Benefits of Pressure Cooking
Pressure cooking in an Instant Pot is faster than traditional methods. It can cook foods up to 70% quicker. This saves you time in the kitchen.
The sealed environment keeps in moisture and flavor. Your food won’t dry out, and it will be more tender.
Pressure cooking also preserves nutrients better than other methods. Less water is used, so vitamins and minerals stay in the food.
You can cook frozen foods directly in an Instant Pot. This is handy when you forget to thaw ingredients ahead of time.
Instant Pots use less energy than ovens or stovetops. They can help lower your energy bills if you use them often.
Optimizing Soup Texture and Flavor
Making great Instant Pot soups means getting the texture and taste just right. These tips will help you create rich, flavorful soups every time.
Balancing Ingredients for Richness
Start with a good base of aromatics like onions, garlic, and celery. Sauté them in the Instant Pot before adding other ingredients. This builds a flavor foundation.
Choose ingredients that complement each other. Pair creamy elements like coconut milk or heavy cream with acidic ones like tomatoes or lemon juice. This balance creates depth.
Add starches like potatoes or rice to thicken soups naturally. For a silky texture, blend part of the soup and mix it back in.
Use enough liquid to cook ingredients but not so much that flavors get watered down. The Instant Pot’s sealed environment helps keep flavors concentrated.
Techniques to Enhance Flavor
Layer flavors by adding spices at different stages. Put hardy spices in early, and save delicate herbs for the end.
Use the Instant Pot’s sauté function to brown meats before pressure cooking. This creates rich, caramelized flavors.
Don’t forget umami boosters. A splash of soy sauce, a Parmesan rind, or some miso paste can add depth.
Finish soups with fresh elements like a squeeze of lemon, chopped herbs, or a swirl of cream. These bright notes lift the whole dish.
Let soups rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows flavors to meld and develop fully.