When you think of cozy meals, soups might just top the list, right? Instant Pots make whipping up delicious soups super easy, so you can enjoy a warm bowl of comfort without the fuss. Whether you're craving something classic like Chicken Noodle or something a bit zesty like Spicy Lentil, there's a recipe that'll hit the spot. Ready to discover some mouthwatering options that'll have you dreaming of soup? Let's plunge into the best ones!
Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
Classic Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting dish that warms both the body and soul. This easy-to-follow Instant Pot recipe brings together tender chicken, flavorful broth, and hearty noodles, making it a perfect meal for cold days or when you're feeling under the weather.
With the Instant Pot, you can have this classic favorite ready in no time, allowing you to savor the deliciousness without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups egg noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Start by setting your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" mode. Add the olive oil, and once it's hot, sauté the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes until they soften.
Stir in the dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf, followed by the chicken broth. Place the chicken breasts into the pot, ensuring they're submerged in the broth.
Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on "Manual" high pressure for 10 minutes. After the cooking time is up, perform a quick release of the pressure.
Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot along with the egg noodles. Close the lid again and cook on "Manual" high pressure for another 4 minutes.
Once done, do a quick release again, season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Extra Tips:
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth if you have it on hand.
You can also customize the soup by adding other vegetables like peas or corn. If you prefer a thicker soup, feel free to adjust the amount of broth or add a cornstarch slurry at the end.
Remember to always check that the chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temperature) before serving. Enjoy your hearty bowl of Classic Chicken Noodle Soup!
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that can be made quickly and easily in your Instant Pot. This rich soup is perfect for a cozy dinner, and it pairs wonderfully with a grilled cheese sandwich or crusty bread.
The combination of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a touch of cream creates a luscious texture and vibrant taste that will warm you up from the inside out.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for a dairy-free option)
Cooking Instructions:
Start by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté function and heat the olive oil.
Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Next, add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Close the lid, ensuring the valve is set to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, carefully release the pressure.
Stir in the fresh basil leaves and heavy cream. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or transfer it in batches to a blender.
Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve hot.
Extra Tips:
For added depth of flavor, consider roasting the tomatoes and garlic before adding them to the pot.
You can also experiment with different herbs such as thyme or parsley to personalize the soup further.
If you prefer a thicker consistency, reduce the amount of vegetable broth, or let the soup simmer on the sauté setting after blending to thicken it to your liking.
For an extra touch, garnish with more fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Enjoy your Creamy Tomato Basil Soup!
Hearty Vegetable Minestrone
Hearty Vegetable Minestrone is a comforting and nutritious soup that showcases a medley of seasonal vegetables, beans, and pasta, all simmered in a rich broth. This Instant Pot version allows you to create this delicious dish in a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. Packed with flavor and vibrant colors, this minestrone isn't only satisfying but also a great way to sneak in some healthy ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
Start by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté mode, add the olive oil, and let it heat up. Once hot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add the zucchini, green beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cannellini beans, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release and carefully open the lid.
Stir in the pasta and set the pot to sauté mode again. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
Extra Tips:
For an added depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a Parmesan rind to the soup during cooking.
You can also customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or what's in season, such as adding spinach or kale for extra greens.
To make this dish heartier, pair it with some crusty bread for dipping. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the soup tends to taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Spicy Lentil Soup
Spicy Lentil Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for warming up on a chilly day. Packed with protein-rich lentils, vibrant vegetables, and a kick of spice, this Instant Pot recipe isn't only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. In just a matter of minutes, you can enjoy a nutritious bowl of soup that's both comforting and invigorating, making it an ideal meal for any day of the week.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon (optional)
To prepare the Spicy Lentil Soup, start by turning on the Instant Pot and selecting the 'Sauté' function. Add the olive oil and let it heat up before adding the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable broth, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Close the lid, ensuring the vent is sealed, and set the Instant Pot to 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' for 15 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes before carefully releasing any remaining pressure.
Stir the soup well, and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
When making Spicy Lentil Soup, consider experimenting with different spices or adding additional vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition. If you prefer a creamier consistency, you can blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender.
This dish also freezes well, so feel free to make a larger batch to enjoy later. Adjust the spice levels to suit your taste, and don't hesitate to top it off with some crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Potato Leek Soup
Potato leek soup is a creamy and comforting dish that highlights the subtle flavors of leeks and potatoes. Perfect for chilly days, this soup is easy to whip up in your Instant Pot, making it a convenient option for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
This recipe will guide you through the steps to create a velvety potato leek soup that's sure to warm your soul.
Ingredients:
- 4 large leeks, cleaned and chopped
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
- 3 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
Start by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add the butter or olive oil and let it melt.
Then, add the chopped leeks and onion, cooking until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Next, stir in the diced potatoes and vegetable broth. Close the lid, ensuring the valve is set to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
Open the lid and stir in the heavy cream, then blend the soup using an immersion blender until smooth.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot, garnished with fresh chives or parsley if desired.
Extra Tips:
When cleaning leeks, make sure to remove any dirt trapped between the layers by slicing them lengthwise and rinsing under cold water.
You can adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more or less broth depending on your preference.
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a tablespoon of Dijon mustard before blending.
This soup also freezes well, so feel free to make a larger batch and store leftovers for a quick meal later on!