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Top 10 Soup Recipes for Instant Pot Cooking

Skylar SparkmanSep 28, 2024

1. Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup Classic Comfort in a Bowl There are few things quite as warming and comforting as a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup, and it doesn't get any easier than making it in your Instant Pot. This pressure cooking method lets all the flavors meld together in a rich broth packed full of tender chicken and perfectly cooked vegetables. Begin by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in your Instant Pot to make a great foundation. Then add the chicken broth, boneless chicken thighs, herbs, and let your Instant Pot work its magic. Add the cooked noodles at the end of the cooking cycle, and you will have an amazing meal that soothes the soul.

Success Tips

To make it taste more delicious, you may use your homemade chicken broth in place of the store-bought one. You may make big batches and freeze them into portions for later use. You can also have it your way by putting diced tomatoes, spinach, or even a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty chicken noodle soup over crusty bread or with a simple green salad for a nourishing meal. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, or sprinkle a bit of Parmesan cheese on top-the final touches.

2. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

The Smoothest Texture with Flavorful Flare

Creamy tomato basil soup is one of the most beloved classics. Within the Instant Pot, its potential is magnified tenfold. Ripe tomatoes, fresh basil with a hint of cream compose the luxurious soup for any occasion. Begin by sautéing onions and garlic in your Instant Pot until softened and aromatic. Add in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, vegetable broth, and fresh basil leaves, then pressure cook until the tomatoes break down and flavors meld together. Blend to a puree and stir in a splash of cream to enrich.

Tips for Success

To get the best flavor in creamy tomato basil soup, use ripe, in-season tomatoes. If fresh tomatoes are not available, you can use canned whole tomatoes as a substitute. A pinch of sugar will balance the acidity of the tomatoes and bring out even more depth in the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy tomato basil soup with a drizzle of olive oil and freshly cracked black pepper for complexity added. Serve with a grilled cheese sandwich or simple bruschetta for a perfect, satisfying meal that pleases even the pickiest of eaters.

3. Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup

A Southwestern Delight

Make spice up your dinner time in a bowl of spicy chicken tortilla soup prepared within the Instant Pot. This hearty soup is filled with bold flavors of cumin, chili powder, and smoked chipotle peppers so it has earned the approval of any Southwestern food enthusiast. Sauteed onions, garlic, and diced bell peppers should go into the Instant Pot, then you sauté them until they soften a bit. Now add to the Instant Pot the cooked tomatoes, black beans, corn, chicken broth, and boneless chicken breasts. Let this mixture be pressure cooked until the chicken easily shreds with a fork. Finish the soup by adding lime juice and topping it with crispy tortilla strips, avocado, and fresh cilantro.

Tips for Success

For added depth, you can make your own chicken broth and toast spices before adding them to the pot. To adjust to your desired level of spice, you can simply alter the amount of chipotle pepper or add a small pinch of hot sauce according to your preference.

Serve

Serve your spicy chicken tortilla soup topped with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, and more lime wedges to squeeze. Warm cornbread and homemade tortilla chips should be the perfect match alongside this for a whole meal that's quintessentially Southwestern-inspired.

4. Butternut Squash Soup

A Creamy Autumn Delight

Butternut squash soup is a warm and comforting dinner for chilly autumn evenings; it's even better cooked in the Instant Pot. The natural sweetness of butternut squash pairs excellently with warming spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to create this creamy and full-of-flavor soup. Start off by sautéing onions, garlic, and diced butternut squash in your Instant Pot till softened. Add vegetable broth, coconut milk, and your favorite spices and pressure cook until squash is tender. Blend the soup to a silky smooth consistency and adjust seasoning to preference.

Success Tips

To save time, it is often found pre-cut in the produce section of a grocery store. If a thicker soup is desired, less broth may be added or a potato added to the pot to thicken the texture. A spoonful of maple syrup or honey may be stirred into the soup before serving to add richness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your butternut squash soup with a swirl of coconut cream and a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for added texture and visual appeal. Pair it with a crusty baguette or simple arugula salad for a satisfying meal that celebrates fall flavors.

5. Lentil Soup

A filling and nutritious option

This is a nutritious and filling dish - perfect for busy weeknights - and comes together in the Instant Pot a breeze to make. It's full of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. Start by sautéing sliced onions, carrots, and celery in your Instant Pot until softened. Add in dried lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and your favorite herbs and spices, and cook until the lentils are tender. Finish it up with some fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley for brightness.

Tips for Success

Also, make sure to rinse the lentils for the best texture and add them to the Instant Pot with no dirt or debris left behind. You can also tailor your lentil soup according to personal preference as many various ingredients such as diced potatoes, chopped kale, or a splash of balsamic vinegar create the acidity needed. Serving Suggestions

Serve over a slice of crusty bread or topped with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. For a very simple yet elegant presentation, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.

6. Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A Cheesy Favorite

Broccoli cheddar soup is a comfort food favorite that reaches new heights when made in the Instant Pot. A indulgent and satisfying soup arises from the tender broccoli florets, creamy cheddar cheese, and aromatic spices. Start by sautéing onions and garlic in your Instant Pot until softened. Add chopped broccoli, vegetable broth, and your favorite spices, pressure cooking until the broccoli is tender. Finish the soup by stirring in grated cheddar cheese and a splash of cream for richness.

This ensures a smooth and creamy soup that is blended to complete smoothness before the cheese and cream are added. It's also possible to adjust the flavor of the broccoli cheddar soup by including some diced potatoes, shredded carrots, or Crispy Bacon in the pot.

Serving Suggestions

Serve topped with additional crumbled cheddar cheese and a few croutons for added crunch. This simple meal pairs well with a simple side salad or a crusty baguette, ensuring a delight that will satisfy even the fussiest of eaters.

7. Minestrone Soup

Hearty Italian Classic

The Minestrone soup is indeed hearty and flavorful, a dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the year. It will be even tastier in the Instant Pot. Chock-full of vegetables, beans, and pasta, this soup is a one-pot meal. So, start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in the Instant Pot until softened. Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, beans, pasta, and your favorite herbs and spices to the pot and cook it under pressure until the vegetables are tender. Finish the soup with fresh basil stirred in and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for the final touches.

Tips for Success

Use the best assortment of vegetables available in minestrone soup. The best would include zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach. Add the pancetta for diced goodness, garlic for chopped aroma, or red wine to make it richer.

Serve

Serve with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. It's perfect with a nice slice of crusty bread or a simple green salad and the whole family is satisfied.

8. Potato Leek Soup

Smooth, comforting

Really a hearty creamy dish, potato leek soup is served best for a cold, wintry evening and even more impressive if you make it in an Instant Pot. Softened and sautéed with rich creamy potatoes, leeks are a savory mix for heartiness. The Instant Pot is prepped first, as the foundation is prepared and sautéed before adding cream. Add diced potatoes, vegetable broth, your choice of herbs and spices, and pressure cook to a tender and soft texture. Finish with a pulse and blend until smooth and richened with a splash of cream .

Tips to Ensure Success

For the best texture, puree your soup until it is smooth before adding the cream. Add crispy bacon, shredded cheese, or a sprinkle of chopped chives for added depth to your potato leek soup.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over sour cream in a swirl, and with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you like. Serve with a crusty bread or an insipid salad alongside for a well-rounded meal that'll have the inside of you happy again.