Our Best Instant Pot Soup Recipes

Instant Pot soups offer a delicious and easy way to enjoy homemade meals without spending hours in the kitchen.

From hearty chicken soups to vegetarian options like butternut squash and cabbage detox soup, these pressure cooker recipes deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.

You can create restaurant-quality dishes like French onion soup or family favorites like taco soup with just a few simple steps.

These 21 best Instant Pot soup recipes will help you put nutritious, comforting meals on the table quickly, even on your busiest weeknights.

The hands-off cooking approach means you can set your Instant Pot and attend to other tasks while your soup simmers to perfection.

With options ranging from classic chicken noodle to keto-friendly and vegan recipes, you’ll find something to satisfy everyone at your table.

1. Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup in the Instant Pot is a game-changer for busy weeknights.

You can make this classic comfort food in a fraction of the time compared to stovetop methods.

The beauty of using your Instant Pot is that you don’t need to cook the chicken beforehand. Simply add raw chicken directly to the pot with your other ingredients.

This hearty soup combines tender chicken, soft noodles, and vegetables in a flavorful broth. It’s perfect for cold mornings or when you’re feeling under the weather.

For the best results, add the noodles after pressure cooking to prevent them from becoming too soft. This ensures your soup has the perfect texture every time.

2. Instant Pot Lasagna Soup

Instant Pot Lasagna Soup brings all the flavors of traditional lasagna without the lengthy preparation. This comforting dish combines ground beef or turkey with three types of cheese for a rich and satisfying meal.

Your Instant Pot makes this soup super simple by cutting down cooking time dramatically. The soup tastes like it’s been simmering all day, but it comes together quickly.

For a healthier version, you can make it gluten-free. The basic recipe includes onions and Italian seasonings like basil and oregano to create that classic lasagna flavor profile.

Simply use the sauté function to start, then let your Instant Pot do the work. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave comfort food.

3. Instant Pot Spicy Butternut Squash Soup

This flavorful soup combines the natural sweetness of butternut squash with a spicy kick. It’s quick and easy to make in your Instant Pot, saving you valuable time in the kitchen.

The recipe typically includes butternut squash, shallots, celery, and warming spices like ginger. Some versions add brown sugar to enhance the squash’s natural sweetness while balancing the heat.

You can customize the spice level to suit your taste preferences. Many recipes are naturally gluten-free and vegan, making this soup perfect for various dietary needs.

For added texture, try garnishing with roasted squash seeds or a swirl of cream. Pair with crusty bread for a satisfying meal that’s especially comforting on chilly days.

4. Instant Pot Vegan Cabbage Detox Soup

This simple vegan soup is perfect for busy days when you want something healthy and quick. You just need to chop up some vegetables and let your Instant Pot do the rest.

The main ingredients include cabbage, carrots, celery, onion, and canned tomatoes. You’ll also add vegetable broth, garlic, vinegar, lemon juice, and sage for flavor.

To make this soup, simply add all ingredients to your Instant Pot and let it cook. The pressure cooking method helps blend the flavors while saving you time in the kitchen.

This cabbage soup is not only tasty but also great for those looking for lighter meal options. It’s completely plant-based and packed with vegetables.

5. Instant Pot Keto Chili

Keto chili is a hearty, low-carb version of traditional chili that skips the beans but keeps all the flavor. Your Instant Pot makes this comfort food ready in less than half the normal cooking time.

This dish typically contains ground beef, tomatoes, peppers, and a blend of spices like chili powder and cumin. Most recipes have only about 8g net carbs per serving, making it perfect for keto dieters.

You can cook keto chili in your Instant Pot on either the pressure cook or slow cook setting. For a variation, try white chicken chili made with cream cheese for a creamy, satisfying meal.

6. Instant Pot Tomato Soup

Instant Pot Tomato Soup brings comfort food to your table with minimal effort. You can create this creamy, delicious soup with just 10 minutes of prep and 5 minutes of cooking time.

The Instant Pot locks in flavor, giving your soup a slow-simmered taste without the long cooking process. You can make this soup with canned tomatoes, making it a year-round option.

Add fresh basil, garlic, and vegetables for extra flavor. For a creamier texture, try adding a dollop of coconut cream.

Want a heartier meal? Add cheese tortellini for a tasty twist. This soup pairs perfectly with grilled cheese sandwiches for a complete comfort food experience.

7. Instant Pot Split Pea Soup

Split pea soup is a comfort food that becomes incredibly easy in your Instant Pot. This hearty soup transforms dried split peas into a creamy texture in just 30 minutes.

You can add a ham bone or diced ham for rich flavor, or use bacon for a smoky taste. For vegetarians, simply omit the meat.

The basic ingredients include split peas, onions, celery, and garlic. Butter adds richness, while bay leaves enhance the savory profile.

This soup freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal that warms you from the inside out.

8. Instant Pot Beef Stew

Instant Pot beef stew is the ultimate comfort food that’s quick and easy to make. The pressure cooker transforms tough cuts of meat into tender, melt-in-your-mouth pieces.

You’ll love how the rich, savory sauce develops deep flavors in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. Simply brown your meat, add vegetables, broth, and seasonings, then let the Instant Pot work its magic.

This hearty meal works well with potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions. Many recipes are healthy and diet-friendly too – some versions have no yellow container counts and are gluten-free and dairy-free.

Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something warming and satisfying without hours of cooking time.

9. Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup

Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup is the perfect comfort food for chilly days. This hearty soup combines wild rice with a mix of vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, and celery.

You can make this soup in under an hour using your Instant Pot. The pressure cooking method helps the wild rice become tender while melding all the flavors together beautifully.

The soup can be made vegetarian or with chicken, depending on your preference. Many recipes include a creamy base, though vegan adaptations are also popular.

For extra flavor, add your favorite seasonings and herbs. This cozy soup makes a complete meal when served with crusty bread.

10. Instant Pot Potato Soup

Instant Pot Potato Soup is the perfect comfort food for cold days. This creamy soup comes together quickly and easily in your pressure cooker.

The main ingredient is Russet potatoes, which give the soup its hearty texture. Most recipes call for butter, onion, garlic, and chicken broth as the flavor base.

For extra richness, many versions include cream of chicken soup. The finished soup is typically topped with classic loaded baked potato toppings – cheese, bacon, sour cream, and green onions.

You can customize this soup to your taste by adjusting the creaminess or adding extra vegetables. It’s a satisfying weeknight meal that the whole family will enjoy.

11. Instant Pot Vegetable Soup

Instant Pot Vegetable Soup is a quick and healthy meal perfect for busy weeknights. You can have this nutritious soup ready in under 30 minutes.

This soup combines a variety of vegetables with vegetable stock, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Simply add your favorite veggies, some dried herbs, salt, and pepper to the Instant Pot.

The recipe is versatile and works well for vegan and paleo diets. You can customize it with whatever vegetables you have on hand.

It’s hearty, comforting, and ideal for colder months. The pressure cooking method helps blend all the flavors together while keeping the vegetables tender.

12. Instant Pot Pho

Instant Pot Pho brings the rich, aromatic Vietnamese noodle soup to your table in a fraction of the traditional cooking time. You can create a savory beef broth in just 3 hours instead of the usual all-day simmering process.

The pressure cooker method doesn’t sacrifice flavor while cutting your cooking time by more than half. The broth remains rich and complex, forming the perfect base for this beloved soup.

When serving, you can customize your pho with an assortment of mix-ins. Add rice noodles, thinly sliced meat, bean sprouts, herbs, and lime for an authentic experience. This top-it-yourself approach makes it perfect for family meals.

13. Instant Pot Hamburger Soup

Instant Pot Hamburger Soup is a hearty and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. You can make this comforting dish with simple ingredients like ground beef, vegetables, and potatoes.

This budget-friendly soup is often called “Poor Man’s Soup” because it uses affordable ingredients but doesn’t skimp on taste. The Instant Pot makes the cooking process quick and easy.

For the best flavor, brown the ground beef using the sauté function before adding other ingredients. Carrots, celery, and barley add heartiness to this tomato-based soup.

Serve your hamburger soup with fresh bread or cornbread for a complete meal. You can also customize it with your favorite vegetables or seasonings.

14. Instant Pot French Onion Soup

French onion soup becomes quick and easy in your Instant Pot. This version comes together in just over an hour, much faster than traditional methods.

The pressure cooker helps caramelize onions beautifully, creating that deep, sweet-savory flavor that makes French onion soup so special. The result is a rich beef broth filled with perfectly softened onions.

Top your soup with toasted crusty bread and melted Gruyère cheese for the complete experience. The cheese gets golden and bubbly, creating that classic restaurant-style presentation.

This soup offers the perfect balance of savory flavors and comforting warmth. You’ll likely find it better than many restaurant versions you’ve tried.

15. Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup

Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup combines comfort and convenience in one delicious meal. With only 10 minutes of active prep time, you can create a hearty soup perfect for cold days.

This soup cooks quickly in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option. It’s both gluten-free and dairy-free for those with dietary restrictions.

The recipe includes warming spices and a hint of lemon that elevate the flavor profile. At about 241 calories per serving, it’s a nutritious option that doesn’t sacrifice taste.

You’ll appreciate how the Instant Pot perfectly cooks both the tender chicken and rice together while blending all the flavors.

16. Instant Pot White Bean Chicken Chili

White Bean Chicken Chili is a family favorite that comes together quickly in your Instant Pot. This comforting dish needs just a few chicken breasts and common pantry items.

You’ll love how the chicken becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender in under an hour of total cooking time. The rich mixture of beans, corn, and green chiles creates a hearty meal with minimal effort.

This chili has that “cooked all day” flavor despite taking only about 20 minutes of actual cook time. It’s perfect for warming you up during cold weather.

Most versions are gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free if needed. Serve with your favorite toppings like avocado, lime, or a sprinkle of cheese.

17. Instant Pot Mushroom Barley Soup

Mushroom barley soup in the Instant Pot combines earthy flavors with minimal effort. This hearty soup needs only a few simple ingredients: barley, fresh mushrooms, carrots, celery, onions, herbs, and broth.

The recipe is low in fat but rich in flavor. You can create this comforting soup with just six main ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

The pressure cooking method creates a silky, rich broth that’s incredibly flavorful. Some versions add miso for an extra umami boost.

If you prefer more protein, you might consider adding chicken. The cooking time is relatively short, ensuring all ingredients maintain their best textures.

18. Instant Pot Curry Soup

Curry soup made in the Instant Pot offers rich flavors with minimal effort. The pressure cooker intensifies the aromatic spices while saving you time.

You can create various versions including Thai curry soup with coconut milk or Indian-inspired Mulligatawny. Both options are warming and full of depth.

For a vegan version, use vegetable broth and plant-based proteins. Add butternut squash for natural sweetness that balances the spice.

The beauty of curry soup in your Instant Pot is its versatility. You can adjust the spice level, add your favorite vegetables, and have a comforting meal ready in under an hour.

19. Instant Pot Sweet Potato Soup

Sweet potato soup in your Instant Pot offers warmth and comfort in less than 20 minutes of cooking time. The result tastes like it’s been simmering all day on the stove.

You can create different variations to suit your taste. Add warming spices and coconut milk for a creamy, exotic flavor. Or try a smoky tomato-rich broth with jalapeño and crispy tortilla strips for a Mexican-inspired version.

This soup works well with additions like red lentils for extra protein. The pressure cooker perfectly softens the sweet potatoes, creating a naturally creamy texture that’s both nourishing and satisfying.

20. Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

Minestrone soup is a hearty Italian vegetable soup that becomes even better when made in your Instant Pot. This complete meal combines beans, vegetables, pasta, and rich flavors in one pot.

The soup typically includes onions, celery, carrots, and garlic as a flavor base. A touch of olive oil and Italian seasoning helps build the traditional taste profile.

What makes minestrone special is the combination of vegetables, beans, and pasta all in one dish. Some recipes suggest adding a Parmesan rind for extra depth of flavor.

You can have this wholesome soup ready much faster in your Instant Pot than with traditional stovetop methods. It’s perfect for a comforting meal on cold days.

21. Instant Pot Clam Chowder

Instant Pot Clam Chowder brings the classic New England dish to your table in less than an hour. This rich and flavorful soup features tender potato chunks and chopped clams in a creamy broth.

You can make this comforting soup easily using canned clams, Yukon Gold potatoes, and bacon for that signature smoky flavor. The pressure cooker method ensures the potatoes cook perfectly while allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.

For a healthier version, try using cauliflower and evaporated skim milk instead of heavy cream. This substitution reduces calories while maintaining the soup’s creamy texture and satisfying taste.

Seasoning with fresh herbs enhances the flavor, making this Instant Pot soup a delicious meal for any day.

Nutritional Benefits of Instant Pot Soups

Instant Pot soups offer significant nutritional advantages through their cooking method and ingredient versatility. They provide excellent options for health-conscious individuals while delivering rich flavors.

Low-Calorie Options

Many Instant Pot soup recipes can be remarkably low in calories while still satisfying hunger.

A typical serving of vegetable-based Instant Pot soup contains only 150-170 calories per bowl, making it perfect for weight management goals.

Bean and vegetable combinations pack significant protein and fiber into each serving without adding excessive calories.

For example, a 1-1/3 cup serving of bean soup provides approximately 167 calories with 5g of fat and 21g of carbohydrates.

To keep calorie counts lower, you can:

Use lean proteins like chicken breast or turkey
Limit added oils by sautéing with broth instead
Add extra vegetables for bulk without many calories
Control portion sizes with meal prep containers

Many recipes also freeze well, allowing you to portion control effectively for future meals.

Maximizing Nutrient Retention

The Instant Pot’s sealed cooking environment helps preserve more vitamins and minerals compared to traditional cooking methods.

Pressure cooking retains up to 90% of water-soluble vitamins like B and C that typically get lost during conventional boiling.

The quick cooking time means less nutrient degradation during the heating process. Vegetables maintain more of their natural compounds and colors when cooked rapidly under pressure.

You can boost nutrition further by:

Adding ingredients rich in antioxidants like tomatoes and leafy greens
Including immune-supporting herbs and spices
Combining complementary proteins for complete amino acid profiles
Using bone broth as a base for added minerals

The “set and forget” nature of Instant Pot cooking makes it easier to prepare nutrient-dense meals even on busy weeknights when you might otherwise choose less healthy options.

Common Ingredients and Their Roles

Instant Pot soups rely on key ingredients that build flavor and texture. Understanding what each component contributes helps you create delicious soups with minimal effort.

Aromatics and Spices

Aromatics form the flavor foundation of great Instant Pot soups. Onions, garlic, carrots, and celery (often called mirepoix) release natural sweetness when sautéed in the pot’s initial cooking phase.

You can use the Sauté function for 3-5 minutes to develop these flavors before adding other ingredients.

Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves infuse soups slowly, while dried herbs can be added directly. For spices, paprika adds smokiness, cumin brings earthiness, and red pepper flakes contribute heat.

Aromatic Combinations by Cuisine:

Italian: Garlic, basil, oregano, thyme
Mexican: Onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder
Asian: Ginger, garlic, lemongrass, star anise

Salt is crucial—add it in stages rather than all at once. Acids like lemon juice or vinegar brighten flavors when added after cooking.

Proteins and Their Varieties

Proteins add substance and nutrition to your Instant Pot soups. Chicken thighs work better than breasts as they stay tender during pressure cooking.

When using beef, choose tougher cuts like chuck or stew meat. The pressure breaks down connective tissues perfectly.

Beans are excellent protein sources that cook quickly in the Instant Pot without pre-soaking. Canned beans should be added later in the cooking process to prevent mushiness.

Cooking Times for Common Proteins: