18 Instant Pot Soup Recipes for Busy Weeknights
Busy weeknights deserve soups that taste slow simmered without the wait. With the Instant Pot, you toss in ingredients, set the timer, and sit back while magic happens.
These recipes are dependable, cozy, and flexible enough for whatever is in your fridge. Let’s make dinner feel handled, fast.
1. Chicken Noodle Soup
When a busy night hits, chicken noodle is the warm hug you want. Use rotisserie chicken to cut prep time and build flavor with sautéed onion, celery, and carrots.
Add broth, herbs, and pressure-cook, then stir in egg noodles at the end so they stay perfectly tender.
A squeeze of lemon brightens everything and a handful of parsley adds freshness. You can swap noodles for rice if that is what you have.
This soup freezes well, but store noodles separately to avoid sogginess.
For extra comfort, toss in peas or a splash of cream. Keep seasoning simple with salt, pepper, and a bay leaf.
It tastes like Sunday dinner, even on Wednesday.
2. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
This creamy tomato basil soup is pantry friendly and weeknight ready. Sauté garlic and onion, add canned tomatoes, broth, and a pinch of sugar to smooth acidity.
Pressure-cook, then blend until silky and finish with cream or coconut milk for luscious texture.
Fresh basil wakes it up, and a knob of butter adds roundness. If you like a little heat, add crushed red pepper before cooking.
Pair it with grilled cheese for the ultimate dip situation.
Use fire-roasted tomatoes when you want extra depth. If the soup feels tangy, stir in more cream or a splash of milk.
Dinner tastes like a café special, but you barely lifted a finger.
3. Beef and Barley Soup
Here is the cold-night classic that does not take all day. Brown the beef right in the pot for fond that seasons every spoonful.
Add onion, carrots, celery, garlic, tomato paste, beef broth, and pearl barley, then pressure-cook until the meat turns fork tender.
A splash of Worcestershire deepens flavor without fuss. Stir in parsley and a squeeze of lemon to lift the richness.
The barley thickens the soup naturally, so it feels hearty without cream.
Leftovers are gold, soaking up even more goodness by tomorrow. If it gets too thick, thin with broth while reheating.
This one eats like a meal, especially with buttered bread alongside.
4. Lentil Soup With Carrots and Cumin
This lentil soup is fast, filling, and kind to your budget. Sauté onion, carrots, and garlic with cumin and a touch of smoked paprika for depth.
Add brown or green lentils, broth, and a bay leaf, then pressure-cook until everything softens into a cozy, naturally thick bowl.
Finish with lemon juice to brighten the earthiness. A drizzle of olive oil adds sheen, and cilantro or parsley brings color.
You can blend a cup for extra creaminess while keeping texture intact.
It is great for meal prep because it reheats like a dream. Serve with warm pita or crusty toast.
You will feel like you cooked all afternoon, even if it only took minutes.
5. White Chicken Chili
White chicken chili checks every weeknight box. Add chicken thighs or breast, onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, white beans, green chiles, and broth.
Pressure-cook, shred the chicken, and stir in a bit of cream cheese or sour cream for body.
Lime juice makes the flavors pop, and canned corn gives sweetness and color. Adjust heat with jalapeno or keep it mild for everyone.
It is thick but spoonable, perfect for topping with avocado, cilantro, and crunchy tortilla strips.
Make it ahead and it tastes even better the next day. If it thickens too much, loosen with broth.
You will want seconds, so plan on leftovers or double the batch.
6. Minestrone
Minestrone is a veggie-packed miracle that flexes with your fridge. Sauté onion, carrot, celery, and garlic, then add tomatoes, beans, broth, Italian herbs, and a parmesan rind if you have it.
Pressure-cook, then stir in small pasta and tender greens to finish.
Adding pasta after cooking keeps it al dente. Zucchini and spinach are great, but kale or cabbage works too.
Serve with olive oil and grated parmesan for that trattoria vibe without leaving home.
Kid friendly and colorful, it is a smart way to clear the crisper. Make a big pot and lunches are solved.
Each spoonful tastes bright, cozy, and satisfying.
7. Potato Leek Soup
Simple ingredients deliver big comfort here. Sweat sliced leeks in butter until sweet, then add potatoes, garlic, and broth.
Pressure-cook, blend until smooth, and swirl in cream or half-and-half for luxurious texture without heaviness.
Top with chives for freshness or crispy bacon for crunch. If you prefer it rustic, blend only half and keep some potato pieces.
The Instant Pot tames leeks fast, so you get that slow-simmered flavor quickly.
Season generously with salt and pepper, tasting as you go. Serve with a green salad or crusty bread to round it out.
It is simple, soothing, and always welcome on a chilly night.
8. Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Broccoli cheddar is pure comfort, done faster than takeout. Sauté onion and carrot, add broccoli, broth, and a touch of mustard for depth.
Pressure-cook briefly, then stir in cream and handfuls of sharp cheddar off heat so it melts smoothly.
Purée part of the soup for velvety texture while keeping some florets intact. If it is too thick, splash in broth.
A pinch of nutmeg makes the cheese taste fuller without being obvious.
Serve with crusty bread or in a bread bowl when you want drama. Kids devour this, and adults go back for seconds.
It is weeknight win material, every time.
9. Italian Sausage and Kale Soup
This sausage and kale number tastes like a full meal. Brown Italian sausage for savory depth, then add onion, garlic, potatoes, broth, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Pressure-cook until the potatoes are tender, then stir in kale to wilt.
A splash of cream softens the edges and makes the broth luxurious. Balance with lemon or a little vinegar so it does not feel heavy.
The mix of hearty potatoes and greens keeps every bite interesting.
It is a crowd pleaser for busy nights and game days. Serve with crusty bread to catch the broth.
You will be surprised how restaurant-style it feels with minimal effort.
10. Tortilla Soup
Tortilla soup brings big flavor with simple steps. Sauté onion, garlic, and spices like chili powder and cumin.
Add chicken, tomatoes, broth, and chiles, then pressure-cook and shred the chicken.
Top each bowl with crunchy tortilla strips, avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Cheese or sour cream mellows the heat if you want it creamy.
It is bright, zippy, and layered without complicated prep.
You can swap chicken for beans to keep it vegetarian. Corn adds sweetness and color.
This will quickly become a rotation favorite because it tastes like you simmered it all day.
11. Split Pea Soup With Ham
Split pea soup is comfortingly thick and smoky. Sauté onion, carrot, celery, and garlic, then add dried split peas, ham or a ham bone, bay leaf, and broth.
Pressure-cook until the peas break down into a creamy base without any cream.
Stir vigorously to smooth it further, or blend if you want extra velvety texture. Finish with black pepper and a little vinegar to wake it up.
Leftovers taste even better as flavors settle overnight.
If it thickens a lot, loosen with water or broth when reheating. Serve with buttered toast or crackers.
It is budget wise, belly warming, and perfect for chilly evenings.
12. French Onion Soup (Shortcut Style)
Shortcut French onion soup leans on the Instant Pot for depth. Use sauté mode to caramelize onions until jammy, adding a pinch of sugar if needed.
Deglaze with wine, add beef broth, thyme, and a splash of Worcestershire, then pressure-cook for concentrated flavor.
Ladle into bowls and top with toasted baguette and melty Gruyere for the full effect. If you skip the broiler, serve with cheesy toast on the side.
The broth still sings with sweet-savory onion goodness.
Season thoughtfully because broth and cheese add salt. A final splash of sherry vinegar brightens everything.
You get bistro vibes without hovering over a stove for hours.
13. Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
This chicken and rice soup is comforting and dependable. Pressure-cook chicken with aromatics and broth, then stir in cooked rice at the end so grains stay fluffy, not blown out.
Add cream or evaporated milk for cozy richness that is not too heavy.
Frozen peas make it feel homemade with almost no effort. If you want to cook rice in the pot, try quick-cooking rice and watch timing carefully.
Lemon and parsley brighten the creamy base.
It reheats well for lunches, especially if rice is stored separately. Keep seasoning simple and generous.
Every spoonful feels like the best part of a casserole, just quicker and easier.
14. Stuffed Pepper Soup
All the flavors of stuffed peppers without stuffing anything. Brown ground beef with onion and garlic, then add diced bell peppers, tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, and rice.
Pressure-cook until the peppers are tender and the rice turns cozy in the tomatoey broth.
A sprinkle of parmesan brings savory depth. If the soup thickens, add a splash of broth when serving.
You can swap beef for turkey or plant-based crumbles and it still satisfies.
Leftovers pack well for lunch. A dollop of sour cream softens acidity and makes it creamy.
It is the exact comfort you want on a busy night with minimal cleanup.
15. Chicken Tortellini Soup
Chicken tortellini soup feels extra special with almost no work. Pressure-cook broth with chicken, carrots, celery, and herbs, then shred the meat.
Add cheese tortellini after cooking so it stays tender and not mushy, and finish with spinach for color.
Lemon and parmesan bring brightness and umami. It is the kind of bowl that comforts instantly, especially with cracked pepper on top.
Use rotisserie chicken to go even faster on hectic nights.
If you like a richer broth, stir in a splash of cream. Keep extra tortellini on the side and cook to order for leftovers.
Every bite tastes like cozy Italian takeout made at home.
16. Black Bean Soup
Black bean soup is weeknight-friendly and deeply satisfying. Use dry or canned beans; either way, the Instant Pot brings them to life with onion, garlic, cumin, and chipotle.
Pressure-cook until tender, then blend partially for a thick, spoon-coating texture.
Finish with lime juice and salt until the flavors pop. Garnish with salsa, sour cream, cilantro, and chopped onion for crunch.
It is hearty enough to be dinner, especially with cornbread or rice.
For a smoky twist, add smoked paprika or a little bacon. Keep it vegan by using vegetable broth and skipping dairy toppings.
This one preps beautifully for lunches all week.
17. Zuppa Toscana-Inspired Soup
This Zuppa Toscana-inspired soup nails that restaurant-style comfort. Brown sausage for big flavor, then add onion, garlic, potatoes, and broth.
Pressure-cook, stir in kale to wilt, and finish with cream for a silky, lightly spicy broth.
A pinch of red pepper flakes wakes up every bite. Balance richness with lemon or a splash of vinegar so it does not feel heavy.
The potato slices turn tender without falling apart.
Serve with plenty of bread to capture the broth. It is a reliable crowd pleaser and a repeat request.
You will be shocked how quickly it comes together on a weeknight.
18. Pho-Inspired Beef Noodle Soup
This pho-inspired soup scratches the craving fast. Toast ginger, onion, star anise, and cinnamon using sauté mode to build aroma, then add beef, fish sauce, and broth.
Pressure-cook for depth, strain if you like, and slice the beef thin.
Soak rice noodles separately and add them at the end so they stay silky. Finish bowls with herbs, lime, and jalapeno for heat.
It is not traditional, but it hits those comforting, fragrant notes beautifully on a busy night.
Keep salt light until after tasting, since fish sauce is punchy. A drizzle of hoisin or chili crisp makes it your own.
Slurp-worthy and soothing, with minimal hovering.
