Our Best Instant Pot Soup Recipes

February 26, 2025

Instant Pot soups are a game-changer for busy cooks. These recipes let you make tasty soups fast and easy.

You can create many different flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.

Your Instant Pot can help you make over 31 different soups. From classic potato soup to creative lasagna soup, there’s something for everyone.

These recipes are perfect for cold nights or when you need a quick meal. You’ll find options for meat lovers, vegetarians, and everyone in between.

1. Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken tortilla soup is a tasty and simple dish you can make in your Instant Pot. This Mexican-inspired soup combines chicken, tomatoes, beans, and corn with warm spices.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in your Instant Pot.

Add raw chicken, broth, crushed tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Season with cumin, chili powder, and paprika.

Cook the soup under pressure for a short time. When done, shred the chicken and return it to the pot.

Serve with crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.

This soup keeps well in the fridge for a few days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Reheat and enjoy a quick, comforting meal anytime.

2. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

This Instant Pot soup is a quick and tasty option for tomato soup lovers. You’ll love its rich flavor and smooth texture.

To make it, start by dicing an onion, celery, and carrots. Add these veggies to your Instant Pot with canned tomatoes, broth, and fresh basil.

Cook the soup under pressure, then blend until smooth. For extra creaminess, stir in a bit of heavy cream at the end.

This soup is perfect for chilly days. Serve it with grilled cheese sandwiches for a classic combo.

You can also top it with croutons or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

3. Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash soup is a comforting fall favorite you can easily make in your Instant Pot. This creamy soup combines butternut squash, apples, and savory spices for a delicious blend of flavors.

To make it, add cubed squash, apple slices, onion, and garlic to your Instant Pot.

Pour in vegetable broth and season with sage, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and nutmeg.

Pressure cook on high for 5 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally for 12 minutes.

Blend until smooth and enjoy your quick, tasty soup.

You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. For extra flavor, try roasting the squash seeds as a crunchy topping.

4. Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Loaded baked potato soup is a comforting dish you can easily make in your Instant Pot. This hearty soup combines the flavors of a classic baked potato with its favorite toppings.

Start by sautéing onions and bacon in the Instant Pot. Add potatoes, broth, and seasonings.

Cook under pressure for a short time to soften the potatoes.

After cooking, mash or blend some of the potatoes to create a creamy texture.

Stir in cream cheese, half-and-half, and cheddar cheese for richness.

Top your soup with extra bacon, cheese, and green onions.

For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and skip the bacon. This soup is perfect for cold days or when you crave a filling meal.

5. Zuppa Toscana

Zuppa Toscana is a tasty Italian soup you can make in your Instant Pot. It has sausage, potatoes, and leafy greens in a creamy broth.

To make it, start by cooking sausage, onions, and garlic in the pot. Then add potatoes and broth.

Pressure cook for a few minutes until the potatoes are soft.

After cooking, stir in some half-and-half or cream.

You can use kale or spinach as the greens. Add them at the end so they stay fresh.

This soup is perfect for cold days. It’s filling and full of flavor. Your family will love this easy Instant Pot meal.

6. Minestrone Soup

Minestrone soup is a classic Italian dish that’s perfect for your Instant Pot. This hearty soup is packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta.

You’ll start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil. Then add garlic and seasonings like oregano and thyme.

Next, toss in diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and your choice of beans. Small pasta shapes work well in this recipe.

The Instant Pot cooks everything quickly, blending the flavors perfectly.

In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, comforting soup.

Top your minestrone with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

It’s a nutritious and satisfying meal that’s easy to make any night of the week.

7. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili

This Instant Pot recipe combines hearty black beans with sweet potatoes for a filling and flavorful chili. You’ll start by sautéing onions and garlic in the pot.

Next, add spices like chili powder, cumin, and chipotle for a smoky kick. Toss in black beans, diced sweet potatoes, and tomatoes.

The Instant Pot cooks everything quickly, melding the flavors together.

In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a piping hot, nutritious meal.

This chili is naturally vegan and gluten-free. It’s perfect for cold days or when you want an easy, healthy dinner.

Serve it with your favorite toppings like avocado, cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream.

8. Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Broccoli cheddar soup is a tasty and easy Instant Pot meal. You can make this creamy soup in just minutes using your pressure cooker.

Start by sautéing onions and broccoli in butter. Then add chicken broth and pressure cook for 3 minutes.

After a quick release, stir in cream and shredded cheddar cheese.

For extra flavor, use sharp cheddar. You can also add some fish sauce to enhance the taste.

For a smoother texture, blend half the soup before adding the cream and cheese. This comforting soup is perfect for chilly days.

9. French Onion Soup

French onion soup is a classic dish you can easily make in your Instant Pot. Start by melting butter in the pot and adding sliced onions with some sugar.

Cook the onions until they’re soft and golden. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Add garlic and thyme for extra flavor.

Pour in beef broth and a splash of brandy or wine. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.

When it’s done, ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with a slice of toasted baguette and some grated cheese.

Broil the bowls until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Enjoy your warm, comforting French onion soup!

10. Beef and Barley Soup

Beef and barley soup is a hearty meal perfect for your Instant Pot. This dish combines tender chunks of beef with chewy barley and vegetables.

To make it, start by browning the beef in your Instant Pot using the sauté function. Add onions, carrots, and celery for flavor and nutrition.

Pearl barley works best for this recipe. It cooks faster than other types and becomes soft in the pressure cooker.

Mix in some tomato paste and beef broth for a rich base.

Pressure cook everything together until the meat is tender and the barley is cooked through.

This soup is filling and comforting. It’s great for cold days or when you need a satisfying meal.

11. Lentil and Spinach Soup

Lentil and spinach soup is a tasty, filling meal you can make in your Instant Pot. This soup combines protein-rich lentils with nutrient-packed spinach for a healthy dish.

You can cook this soup in just 12 minutes using the pressure cook setting.

The Instant Pot helps the lentils become tender quickly while keeping their shape.

For extra flavor, try adding Italian sausage to your lentil and spinach soup. Or keep it vegan by using only veggies and lentils.

Either way, it’s a hearty soup perfect for cold days.

This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to eat.

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12. Asian Noodle Soup

Asian noodle soup in your Instant Pot is quick and tasty. You can make many types, like ramen, pho, or miso-based soups.

Start by sautéing garlic and ginger in the pot. Add broth, soy sauce, and other seasonings.

Pressure cook chicken or beef if using meat.

After releasing pressure, add noodles and veggies. Use the sauté function to cook them. Noodles only need a few minutes.

Top your soup with green onions, bean sprouts, or a soft-boiled egg.

You can also add corn or Asian greens for more flavor and nutrition.

This soup is perfect for cold days or when you want a fast, filling meal.

13. Mushroom Barley Soup

Mushroom barley soup is a hearty and flavorful dish you can easily make in your Instant Pot. This comforting soup combines earthy mushrooms with chewy barley for a satisfying meal.

To start, sauté onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil using the Instant Pot’s sauté function. Add cremini mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and pearl onions for extra flavor and texture.

Pour in vegetable broth and add the barley. Close the lid and cook on high pressure.

When done, you’ll have a rich, warming soup perfect for chilly days.

This recipe is low in fat but high in taste. It’s a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.

You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs.

14. Split Pea Soup with Ham

Split pea soup with ham is a great recipe to make in your Instant Pot. It cooks much faster than on the stove, taking only about an hour instead of 2-3 hours.

You can use a leftover ham bone or buy ham specifically for the soup. The ham adds rich flavor and provides health benefits from the bone marrow.

To make it, combine split peas, diced ham, chicken broth, and vegetables in your Instant Pot. Add some seasonings like bay leaves, salt, and pepper.

The pressure cooking process extracts lots of flavor from the ingredients.

Your soup will turn out thick, creamy, and packed with nutrients.

15. Thai Coconut Chicken Soup

Thai Coconut Chicken Soup is a tasty and quick meal you can make in your Instant Pot. This soup blends coconut milk, chicken broth, and Thai spices for a rich flavor.

You can use chicken or swap it for shrimp if you prefer. The soup includes colorful veggies like onions and peppers. Some recipes add lime juice for a tangy kick.

To make it, you’ll sauté the veggies and chicken in the Instant Pot first. Then add the liquids and spices.

The soup cooks fast, often ready in under an hour.

For a vegetarian version, you can skip the meat and add extra coconut milk instead. This soup is great for cold days or when you want a bit of Thai flavor at home.

16. White Chicken Chili

White chicken chili is a tasty alternative to traditional beef chili. It’s easy to make in your Instant Pot.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil. Add boneless, skinless chicken breasts, white beans, and corn.

Season with chili powder, salt, and pepper. Pour in chicken broth and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes.

After cooking, shred the chicken and stir in cream cheese for extra creaminess.

You can also add bell peppers for more flavor and color.

This hearty soup is perfect for cold days. Serve it with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.

17. Italian Wedding Soup

Italian Wedding Soup is a tasty dish you can make in your Instant Pot. It has small meatballs, veggies, and tiny pasta in a flavorful broth.

To make it, brown the meatballs first. Then add chicken broth, carrots, and celery to the pot.

Toss in some spinach and herbs like basil and oregano.

Set your Instant Pot to the soup function for about 10 minutes.

The result is a warm, comforting soup perfect for cold days.

You can change up the recipe by using different meats for the meatballs. Try ground turkey or a mix of beef and pork. The soup is easy to make and sure to please your family.

18. Carrot Ginger Soup

Carrot ginger soup is a tasty and comforting meal you can make in your Instant Pot. This dish combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the warmth of ginger.

The Instant Pot cooks the carrots quickly at high pressure. This helps create a smooth and creamy texture.

You can add coconut milk after pressure cooking for extra creaminess.

This soup is often vegan and dairy-free. It’s also gluten-free, paleo, and Whole30-friendly.

You can make it in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

For extra flavor, try adding a swirl of sriracha on top. You can also garnish with dairy-free yogurt if you want to keep it vegan.

19. New England Clam Chowder

This classic soup is easy to make in your Instant Pot. Start by sautéing celery, carrots, and onions in butter until tender. Add garlic and herbs for extra flavor.

Pour in chicken broth and clam juice, then pressure cook. After a quick release, stir in heavy cream and chopped clams.

You can use fresh clams or canned ones for convenience. Fish sauce is optional but adds a nice umami boost. Don’t forget to include diced potatoes for that hearty texture.

This creamy, comforting chowder is perfect for cold days. Your Instant Pot makes it quick and simple to prepare a restaurant-quality meal at home.

20. Roasted Red Pepper Soup

Roasted red pepper soup is a tasty and simple dish you can make in your Instant Pot. This soup blends roasted peppers with garlic, onions, and tomatoes for a rich flavor.

You can add coconut cream for extra creaminess. The Instant Pot makes cooking quick and easy.

It only takes about 7 minutes to cook once the pot reaches pressure.

For added crunch, try topping your soup with homemade grilled cheese croutons. This adds a fun twist to the classic soup and sandwich combo.

Remember to let the Instant Pot release pressure before opening. This soup is perfect for chilly days or when you want a light meal.

21. Pumpkin Curry Soup

This Instant Pot pumpkin curry soup is perfect for fall. It combines sweet pumpkin with warm spices for a comforting meal.

To make it, sauté onions, garlic, and celery in your Instant Pot. Add pumpkin, broth, and spices like curry powder, ginger, and cayenne.

Pressure cook for a short time, then blend until smooth. The result is a creamy, flavorful soup.

You can customize it by adding Thai red curry paste or roasting the pumpkin first. For extra creaminess, stir in coconut milk at the end.

This soup is great for meal prep and keeps well in the fridge. Serve it with crusty bread for a satisfying lunch or light dinner.

22. Cabbage Roll Soup

Cabbage roll soup brings the flavors of stuffed cabbage to your Instant Pot. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy this classic dish.

The soup combines ground beef, rice, and chopped cabbage in a tomato-based broth. Onions and garlic add savory notes.

You can make this hearty soup in about 30 minutes using your pressure cooker. It’s perfect for chilly days when you want something warming and filling.

Try adding some ground pork along with the beef for extra flavor. A splash of vinegar at the end brightens up the taste.

This soup freezes well, so you can make a big batch and save some for later. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal.

23. Corn Chowder

Corn chowder is a tasty soup you can make in your Instant Pot. It’s creamy and full of sweet corn flavor.

You start by cooking bacon bits in the pot. Then sauté onions and garlic in the bacon fat for extra taste.

Next, add corn, potatoes, broth, and seasonings. Pressure cook everything together.

When it’s done, you can mash some potatoes to thicken the soup.

Finish by stirring in cream to make it rich and smooth. The Instant Pot makes this chowder quick and easy to prepare.

24. Hearty Beef Stew

Instant Pot beef stew is a comforting meal perfect for cold days. You can make this classic dish quickly using your pressure cooker.

Start by cutting chuck roast into bite-sized pieces. Add the beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, and celery to your Instant Pot.

Pour in broth and seasonings. Set the pot to high pressure for 35 minutes. Let it naturally release for 10 minutes before quick-releasing the rest.

The result is tender beef and vegetables in a rich, savory broth. Serve your stew with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

25. Vegetable Soup

Instant Pot vegetable soup is a quick and easy meal. You can make it in under 20 minutes.

Start by sautéing onions in the pot. Add tomato paste, garlic, and seasonings. Then toss in your favorite veggies.

Popular choices include carrots, potatoes, green beans, and corn. You can use fresh or frozen vegetables.

Pour in some broth and set the Instant Pot to cook.

In minutes, you’ll have a warm, comforting soup.

This recipe is flexible. Try adding barley for extra heartiness. Or swap in kale or spinach for added nutrients.

26. Shrimp and Corn Soup

This Instant Pot soup combines tender shrimp and sweet corn in a creamy broth. It’s quick to make and perfect for chilly days.

You’ll love the rich texture and satisfying flavors. The shrimp adds protein while the corn brings a touch of sweetness.

To make it, sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in your Instant Pot. Add broth, corn, and seasonings. Cook on high pressure, then stir in shrimp and cream at the end.

Serve your shrimp and corn soup with crusty bread for dipping. A simple green salad on the side makes it a complete meal.

27. Pho Ga

Pho Ga is a tasty Vietnamese chicken noodle soup you can make in your Instant Pot. It’s quick and easy, taking about 30 minutes to prepare.

You’ll need a whole chicken or chicken parts, onions, and aromatic spices. The pressure cooker helps create a rich, flavorful broth in less time than traditional methods.

While the soup cooks, you can prepare the garnishes. Thinly sliced onions, fresh herbs, and lime wedges are common toppings.

Cook rice noodles separately and add them to the broth just before serving. This ensures they don’t get mushy.

The result is a comforting bowl of soup with tender chicken, fragrant broth, and fresh garnishes. It’s perfect for cold days or when you need a satisfying meal.

28. Gazpacho

Gazpacho is a tasty cold soup from Spain. It’s perfect for hot summer days when you want something refreshing.

You can make gazpacho in your Instant Pot quickly and easily. Start by blending fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and garlic.

Add some bread, olive oil, and vinegar to the mix. This gives the soup a creamy texture and tangy flavor.

Pour the mixture into your Instant Pot and chill it. You don’t need to cook gazpacho, just blend and cool it.

Serve your gazpacho cold with toppings like chopped vegetables or croutons. It’s a healthy and simple meal that’s full of fresh flavors.

29. Egg Drop Soup

Egg drop soup is a quick and easy dish you can make in your Instant Pot. Start by adding chicken broth, ginger, garlic powder, and white pepper to the pot. Set it to high pressure for 3 minutes.

While the broth cooks, mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl. After the pressure cooking finishes, slowly pour in the cornstarch mixture while stirring.

Next, slowly drizzle beaten eggs into the hot soup while gently stirring. This creates the signature egg ribbons. Add some sliced green onions and a dash of sesame oil for extra flavor.

You can customize your soup with add-ins like chicken, tofu, or extra vegetables. Serve it hot as a light meal or appetizer.

30. Mulligatawny Soup

Mulligatawny soup is a tasty Indian-inspired dish you can make in your Instant Pot. This rich and creamy soup has a curry flavor base with a mix of vegetables, rice, and often chicken.

To make it, start by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger in your Instant Pot. Add spices like curry powder, cumin, and turmeric for flavor. Toss in diced vegetables and apples for sweetness.

Pour in broth and coconut milk, then add rice. If you want, include chicken for extra protein. Pressure cook everything together until the flavors blend.

This hearty soup is perfect for cold days. It’s filling enough to be a meal on its own. You can easily make big batches to freeze for later or enjoy as leftovers.

31. Kale and Sausage Soup

This hearty soup comes together quickly in your Instant Pot. You’ll love the combination of savory sausage and nutritious kale.

Start by sautéing onions and Italian sausage in the pot. Add garlic and your favorite spices for extra flavor.

Pour in broth and add diced potatoes. Cook on high pressure for a short time. When done, stir in chopped kale and let it wilt.

The result is a creamy, satisfying soup perfect for cold days. It’s packed with protein from the sausage and vitamins from the kale.

You can customize this soup easily. Try using different types of sausage or swapping potatoes for cauliflower florets.

Benefits of Instant Pot Cooking

Instant Pots make cooking faster and easier. They also help keep food nutritious.

Efficiency and Convenience

Instant Pots save you time in the kitchen. You can cook meals up to 70% faster than traditional methods. This means less waiting and more eating.

Instant Pots are great for busy folks. You can set it and forget it while you do other tasks. Many recipes only need one pot, so cleanup is a breeze.

These devices are versatile too. You can use them to saute, slow cook, pressure cook, and more. This cuts down on the number of appliances you need in your kitchen.

Nutrient Retention

Instant Pots help keep more vitamins and minerals in your food. The sealed cooking environment traps steam and nutrients that might escape with other cooking methods.

Pressure cooking uses less water than boiling. This means fewer nutrients leach out into the cooking liquid. Your veggies stay brighter and more flavorful too.

The quick cooking time also helps preserve nutrients. Less time exposed to heat means more good stuff stays in your food. This makes Instant Pot meals a healthy choice for you and your family.

Understanding Soup Cooking Techniques

The Instant Pot offers two main ways to make soups: pressure cooking and sautéing/simmering. Each method has its own benefits for creating tasty soups.

Pressure Cooking

Pressure cooking is fast and easy. You add all ingredients to the pot, seal the lid, and let it cook. This method traps steam to build pressure and cook food quickly.

Pressure cooking works well for tough meats and dried beans. It makes them tender in less time than traditional cooking.

You can use the soup button on your Instant Pot for many recipes. It usually cooks for 30 minutes on high pressure. You can change the time if needed.

When the cooking is done, you can release the pressure two ways:

  • Quick release: Open the valve right away to let out steam
  • Natural release: Let the pot cool down slowly on its own

Sauté and Simmer

The sauté function lets you brown ingredients before pressure cooking. This adds flavor to your soup.

Steps for sautéing:

  1. Heat oil in the pot
  2. Add aromatics like onions and garlic
  3. Cook until soft and fragrant

After sautéing, you can add liquids and other ingredients. Then switch to pressure cooking or use the simmer setting.

Simmering works well for delicate veggies and pasta. It cooks food gently without high pressure. This keeps textures nice and prevents overcooking.

You can simmer with the lid off or on. Stirring is easier with the lid off. The lid on traps more heat for faster cooking.