Best Instant Pot Soups for Busy Nights

Imagine coming home after a long day to a warm, comforting bowl of soup. It’s ready in under 30 minutes. With an Instant Pot, this dream is a reality. Pressure cooking makes nutritious and delicious meals quickly, perfect for busy weeknights.

You can try many fast soups that save time and keep flavors and nutrients. From creamy broths to hearty stews, your Instant Pot is very versatile.

Key Takeaways

• Quick and easy soup recipes using an Instant Pot.
• Nutritional benefits of pressure cooking.
• Variety of soups that can be prepared.
• Time-saving tips for busy nights.
• Simple steps to delicious meals.

Why Instant Pot Soups Are Perfect for Hectic Weeknights

The Instant Pot makes weeknight dinners easy. It cooks delicious, hearty soups fast. You can have a warm, comforting meal even when you’re busy.

Time-Saving Benefits of Pressure Cooking

Using the Instant Pot for soup saves a lot of time. Pressure cooking makes soups up to 70% faster. You can go from starting to serving in under 30 minutes.

Tougher meats cook fast, saving time and keeping meals tasty and nutritious. This is great for busy nights.

One-Pot Convenience for Easy Cleanup

The Instant Pot also makes cleanup easy. It’s a one-pot wonder, so you don’t need many dishes. Just sauté, add, and let it cook.

This is super helpful on busy nights. You get a tasty soup without a big cleanup.

Essential Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Soups Every Time

Want to make amazing Instant Pot soups? Follow these tips for tasty results every time. Great soups in the Instant Pot need more than just ingredients. They need special techniques for the best flavor.

Proper Liquid Ratios for Soup Success

Getting the liquid right is key for great Instant Pot soups. Too little, and it’s too thick or might burn. Too much, and it’s just broth. Aim for at least 1 cup of liquid for most soups, adjusting as needed.

Natural vs. Quick Release Methods

Knowing when to use natural release or quick release matters a lot. Natural release is best for thick soups that need more cooking time. Quick release is better for soups with delicate ingredients like fish or veggies.

Layering Ingredients for Optimal Flavor

The way you layer ingredients in the Instant Pot affects flavor. Start with onions and garlic, then add proteins, and finish with veggies and liquids. This order maximizes flavor from each ingredient.

Sautéing Aromatics First for Deeper Flavor

Use the Instant Pot’s sauté function for aromatics before adding other ingredients. This adds a rich flavor that’s hard to get without it. Soften and fragrance onions, garlic, and other aromatics for the best taste.

By using these tips, you’ll make delicious Instant Pot soups every time. Enjoy making tasty meals with ease.

Hearty Instant Pot Soups Ready in 30 Minutes or Less

You don’t have to choose between fast and flavorful. Instant Pot soups offer both in under 30 minutes. Whether you want something creamy or light, there’s a recipe for you.

Loaded Potato Soup with Bacon

Ingredients and Prep Time

To make Loaded Potato Soup with Bacon, you’ll need:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups diced potatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Salt and pepper to taste

Prep Time: 10 minutes.

Cooking Instructions

1. Press the ‘Saute’ button on the Instant Pot and melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook until softened.

2. Add the garlic, potatoes, chicken broth, and salt. Close the lid and cook on ‘Manual’ mode for 10 minutes.

3. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.

4. Stir in the milk and crumbled bacon. Serve hot.

Quick Chicken Tortilla Soup

Ingredients and Prep Time

For Quick Chicken Tortilla Soup, gather:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• Tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and avocado for topping

Prep Time: 15 minutes.

Cooking Instructions

1. Add the chicken, diced tomatoes, black beans, onion, garlic, and chicken broth to the Instant Pot.

2. Cook on ‘Manual’ mode for 10 minutes.

15-Minute Tomato Basil Soup

Ingredients and Prep Time

For 15-Minute Tomato Basil Soup, you’ll need:

• 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Prep Time: 5 minutes.

Cooking Instructions

1. Add the chopped tomatoes, basil, garlic, and vegetable broth to the Instant Pot.

2. Cook on ‘Manual’ mode for 5 minutes.

3. Blend the soup until smooth, then stir in the heavy cream.

4. Serve hot, garnished with additional basil if desired.

Protein-Packed Instant Pot Soups for Satisfying Meals

Looking for a meal that’s both nourishing and filling? Try these protein-rich Instant Pot soups. They’re great for busy weeknights when you need a healthy meal fast.

Beef and Barley Soup

This classic comfort food is delicious and packed with protein. It also has fiber from the barley, making it a satisfying and healthy option.

Ingredients and Prep Time

• 2 lbs beef stew meat
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Prep Time: 15 minutes. Total Time: 30 minutes.

Cooking Instructions

1. Press the “Saute” button and brown the beef.
2. Add the remaining ingredients and close the lid.
3. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.

Lentil and Sausage Soup

This soup is a great example of how legumes and sausage can come together. It creates a protein-rich meal that’s both flavorful and filling.

Ingredients and Prep Time

• 1 cup dried lentils
• 1 lb sausage, sliced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Prep Time: 10 minutes. Total Time: 25 minutes.

Cooking Instructions

1. Saute the sausage until browned.
2. Add lentils, broth, onion, and garlic.
3. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.

White Bean Chicken Chili

This chili is a hearty and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for any night of the week, packed with protein from the chicken and beans.

Ingredients and Prep Time

• 1 lb boneless chicken breast
• 1 can white beans
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Prep Time: 15 minutes. Total Time: 20 minutes.

Cooking Instructions

1. Saute the onion and garlic.
2. Add chicken, beans, tomatoes, and broth.
3. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.

Vegetarian and Vegan Instant Pot Soups

The Instant Pot is a game-changer for vegetarians and vegans. It makes quick and hearty soups. These soups are delicious and full of nutrients.

Creamy Butternut Squash Soup

This soup is creamy and sweet. It’s great for a cold evening.

Ingredients and Prep Time

• 1 medium butternut squash
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Prep Time: 15 minutes. Total Time: 30 minutes.

Cooking Instructions

1. Press the “Saute” button and heat the olive oil.
2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
3. Add the squash, broth, and seasonings. Close the lid.
4. Cook on “Manual” mode for 10 minutes.
5. Let the pressure release naturally, then blend with coconut milk.

Hearty Vegetable Minestrone

A classic Italian soup that’s filling and nutritious. It’s made with various vegetables and beans.

Ingredients and Prep Time

• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can kidney beans, drained
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Prep Time: 20 minutes. Total Time: 35 minutes.

Cooking Instructions

1. Saute onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in olive oil.
2. Add the remaining ingredients and close the lid.
3. Cook on “Manual” mode for 10 minutes.
4. Let the pressure release naturally.

Coconut Curry Lentil Soup

A flavorful and nutritious soup. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients and Prep Time

• 1 cup red or green lentils, rinsed
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons curry paste
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste

Prep Time: 15 minutes. Total Time: 25 minutes.

Cooking Instructions

1. Saute onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add lentils, broth, curry paste, and coconut milk.
3. Cook on “Manual” mode for 8 minutes.
4. Let the pressure release naturally.

International Instant Pot Soups to Expand Your Recipe Collection

Start a journey around the world with these international Instant Pot soups. You can easily try soups from all over with our recipes. This makes it easy to make tasty meals from different cultures.

Thai-Inspired Tom Kha Gai

Tom Kha Gai is a coconut soup from Thailand. It’s creamy and has a mix of sweet, sour, and spicy tastes.

Ingredients and Prep Time

• 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs
• 2 cups coconut milk
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Prep Time: 15 minutes. Cooking Time: 10 minutes.

Cooking Instructions

1. Press the “Saute” button and heat the Instant Pot. Add the curry paste and cook until fragrant.
2. Add the chicken, coconut milk, chicken broth, ginger, and garlic. Close the lid.
3. Cook on “Manual” mode for 10 minutes.
4. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.

Italian Wedding Soup

This Italian soup is hearty and comforting. It has tender meatballs and vegetables in a rich chicken broth.

Ingredients and Prep Time

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup diced vegetables (carrots, celery, onion)
• 1 cup small pasta shapes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Prep Time: 20 minutes. Cooking Time: 10 minutes.

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and Parmesan to form meatballs.
2. Add the chicken broth, diced vegetables, and meatballs to the Instant Pot. Close the lid.
3. Cook on “Manual” mode for 5 minutes, then add pasta and cook for another 5 minutes.
4. Let the pressure release naturally.
5. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Mexican Pozole Rojo

Pozole Rojo is a traditional Mexican soup. It’s made with hominy and red chili peppers, giving it a rich and slightly spicy flavor.

Ingredients and Prep Time

• 1 lb pork shoulder or pork shank
• 1 can hominy
• 2 cups pork or chicken broth
• 2 dried red ancho chilies
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: lime wedges, shredded cabbage, radish slices

Prep Time: 20 minutes. Cooking Time: 30 minutes.

Cooking Instructions

1. Rehydrate the ancho chilies by soaking them in hot water.
2. Add the pork, hominy, broth, rehydrated chilies, onion, and garlic to the Instant Pot.
3. Cook on “Manual” mode for 30 minutes.
4. Shred the pork and season the soup with salt and pepper.
5. Serve with your choice of toppings.

Transform Your Weeknight Dinners with These Instant Pot Soups

Adding Instant Pot soups to your meals can change your weeknights. They cook fast, so you get a hot, healthy meal quickly. The Instant Pot makes dinner easy and good for you.

Instant Pot soups are full of options, from warm and cozy to cool and fresh. You can make a simple tomato soup or try something new like Thai Tom Kha Gai. The Instant Pot makes it easy to make tasty meals with little work.

Trying different Instant Pot soups can make dinner exciting. You can cook everything in one pot and try new ingredients. This makes mealtime fun and inspires you to try new things.

Begin exploring Instant Pot soups and see how they can be a key part of your meals. They make dinner easy for you and your family.