Easy Instant Pot Italian Chicken Soup Recipe for a Weeknight Meal

This Italian chicken soup, made in the Instant Pot, is a comforting and flavorful meal that comes together with surprising ease. It’s packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a robust broth that warms you from the inside out.

Why This Instant Pot Italian Chicken Soup Works

This recipe streamlines the process of making a delicious, home-style soup without compromising on flavor. The Instant Pot tenderizes the chicken beautifully and allows the vegetables to meld into a rich broth quickly. It’s a weeknight-friendly option that tastes like it simmered on the stovetop for hours.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of warmth)
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini, orzo, or elbow macaroni)
• 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

These ingredients come together to create the layered flavors that make this soup so appealing. The foundational aromatics of onion, carrot, and celery build a savory base, while the herbs introduce classic Italian notes. The chicken broth and diced tomatoes form the heart of the soup’s liquid, and the pasta and beans add substance and texture.

Here’s another great option: Delicious Keto Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe

How to Make It

Making this soup in the Instant Pot is incredibly straightforward. The “sauté” function is your friend here, and then it’s mostly hands-off cooking.

1. Sauté Aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function on high. Add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften. This step is crucial for developing a deeper flavor profile before adding the liquid. The gentle heat here coaxes out the natural sweetness of the onions and softens the carrots and celery just enough to start the breakdown process, creating a more cohesive flavor base for the entire soup. Rushing this step can result in a less developed, somewhat raw tasting vegetable flavor in the final dish, which is something we want to avoid for that home-style, slow-simmered taste. Pay attention to the aroma; a nicely sautéed mirepoix will smell sweet and fragrant.
2. Add Garlic and Spices: Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Stir and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Adding garlic towards the end of the sautéing phase ensures its flavor is prominent without becoming bitter. The dried herbs, when heated briefly, release their essential oils, imbuing the oil and vegetables with their characteristic aromas and tastes. The red pepper flakes provide a subtle background warmth that is especially welcome in a comforting soup, but can be omitted if you prefer a milder flavor. This aromatic blend is what truly gives this soup its “Italian” character.
3. Deglaze: Pour in about ½ cup of the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits. This is called deglazing and helps prevent a “burn” notice on your Instant Pot, as well as adding fantastic flavor. The browned bits that stick to the bottom of the pot after sautéing are packed with concentrated flavor (fond). By adding liquid and scraping them up, you’re incorporating all that deliciousness into the soup’s broth, adding depth and richness that would otherwise be lost. This step is particularly important for Instant Pot cooking as the moisture and heat can burn food onto the bottom if not addressed.
4. Add Remaining Ingredients (Except Pasta and Beans): Add the remaining chicken broth, the undrained can of diced tomatoes, and the bite-sized chicken pieces to the Instant Pot. Season generously with salt and pepper. Do not add the pasta yet; it will cook in the second stage. Adding the chicken now allows it to cook through and become incredibly tender during the pressure cooking phase. The diced tomatoes, with their juice, contribute acidity and body to the broth, helping to brighten the flavors and add that characteristic Italian tomato base. Seasoning now ensures the flavors are built from the start, though we will adjust it later as final seasoning is always best done when the soup is complete.
5. Cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring the steam release valve is set to “Sealing.” Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the timer for 10 minutes on High Pressure. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a Natural Pressure Release (NPR) for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes of NPR, carefully move the steam release valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure. The 10-minute high-pressure cook time is ideal for tenderizing the chicken without making it fall apart completely, leaving it in pleasant bite-sized pieces. The subsequent 10-minute natural release allows the pressure to subside gradually, which is gentler on the ingredients and helps the chicken remain tender and moist. Venting the remaining pressure is the final step to safely open the pot.
6. Add Pasta and Beans: Once the pressure has fully released and it’s safe to open the lid, stir in the dried pasta and the rinsed and drained cannellini beans. Adding the pasta at this stage ensures it cooks to al dente without becoming overcooked and mushy, which can happen if it’s pressure cooked for too long or in the first stage. Rinsing the cannellini beans removes excess starch and sodium from the canning liquid, resulting in a cleaner flavor and better texture in the soup.
7. Second Cook (for Pasta): Secure the lid again, making sure the valve is still in the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the timer for 3 minutes on High Pressure. This time, perform a Quick Release (QR) immediately after the cooking cycle finishes. The short 3-minute cook time on high pressure is just enough to cook the pasta through to a perfect al dente texture. A quick release afterward is crucial; it stops the cooking process immediately, preventing the pasta from becoming soft and mushy, and ensures the beans are heated through without taking on a grainy texture.
8. Serve: Carefully open the lid once all pressure has been released. Stir the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. This final taste test and adjustment is the most important step for ensuring your soup is seasoned perfectly to your liking. The fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous finish, and the Parmesan cheese brings a salty, umami depth that complements the Italian flavors beautifully.

This process ensures the chicken is perfectly cooked, the vegetables are tender, and the pasta is al dente, all within a manageable timeframe for a busy cook.

Nutrition at a Glance

Here’s a general idea of the nutritional breakdown per serving. Keep in mind that exact numbers can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used, and whether optional additions like Parmesan cheese are included.

• Calories: Typically around 350-450 kcal. This can fluctuate significantly based on broth sodium content, amount of oil, and optional additions like cheese. For instance, a lower-sodium broth and minimal oil will reduce the calorie count.
• Protein: Approximately 30-40g. The chicken is the primary source of protein here, with a good contribution from the cannellini beans, making this a hearty and filling meal that supports muscle health.
• Fat: Around 8-15g. This is mostly from the olive oil used for sautéing and any fat naturally present in the chicken. Choosing leaner chicken cuts will keep this on the lower end.
• Carbohydrates: Roughly 30-40g. These come primarily from the pasta, beans, and vegetables like carrots and onions. This provides sustained energy, with the fiber from the beans and vegetables slowing down the release of sugars.
• Fiber: About 5-8g. A good source of dietary fiber comes from the vegetables and cannellini beans, which contribute to satiety, digestive health, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
• Sugar: Generally 5-10g. This is primarily from the natural sugars present in vegetables like carrots and tomatoes. It’s important to note these are naturally occurring sugars and come packaged with beneficial nutrients.
• Sodium: Varies widely, but aim for lower sodium broth to control this. Expect 600-1200mg if using standard broth, or significantly less (400-700mg) with low-sodium options. The salt added by the cook also plays a role, so tasting and adjusting is key.

This soup offers a balanced mix of macronutrients, making it a satisfying and wholesome meal. The inclusion of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats contributes to its appeal for everyday cooking and dietary needs. It’s a well-rounded dish that can be a staple in a healthy eating plan.

How to Serve It

This Italian Chicken Soup is wonderfully versatile and can be enjoyed in several ways, making it adaptable to different meal occasions and preferences.

• With Crusty Bread: The classic pairing. A warm baguette or a hearty rustic loaf is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that flavorful broth. The texture of the bread contrasts nicely with the soup.
• With a Side Salad: A light, crisp green salad offers a refreshing counterpoint to the warmth and richness of the soup. A simple romaine salad with a bright vinaigrette, or a mixed greens salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumber, would work well.
• With Grilled Cheese: For a more decadent and comforting meal, a classic cheesy grilled cheese sandwich alongside the soup is a delightful combination. The melted cheese and toasted bread are a perfect complement.
• As a Lighter Meal: Enjoy it on its own for a satisfying lunch or a lighter dinner. A sprinkle of extra herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or a dollop of pesto can elevate it further.
• Over Rice or Quinoa: For a heartier meal or if you want to extend the soup, spoon it over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa. This incorporates more whole grains into your meal.
• With a Dollop of Pesto: Stirring a spoonful of fresh pesto into your individual bowl before eating adds a burst of herbaceous, garlicky flavor that complements the Italian theme beautifully.

No matter how you choose to serve it, this soup is always a welcome dish, bringing warmth and flavor to the table. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be adapted for a quick weeknight dinner or a more leisurely weekend meal.

Common Mistakes

Even with a straightforward recipe like this, a few small things can impact the final dish, leading to less than ideal results. Being aware of these can help ensure your soup turns out wonderfully every time.

• Not Enough Deglazing: Failing to scrape the bottom of the Instant Pot after sautéing can lead to a “burn” notice from the appliance and a less flavorful broth. Always deglaze with a little liquid to incorporate those flavorful browned bits (fond) into the soup.
• Overcooking the Pasta: Adding the pasta too early, or overcooking it in the second pressure cook cycle, can result in mushy, unappetizing pasta. Stick to the recommended cook times and always perform a quick release immediately after the pasta stage to stop the cooking.
• Forgetting to Adjust Seasoning: Chicken broth and canned tomatoes can vary greatly in their salt content. Always taste and adjust the salt and pepper *after* the soup is fully cooked to ensure it’s seasoned perfectly to your liking. Don’t oversalt at the beginning.
• Skipping the Sauté Step: While you *could* technically dump all ingredients into the pot, sautéing the aromatics (onion, carrot, celery) first builds a much deeper, more complex flavor base for the entire soup. This initial step is crucial for that “slow-simmered” taste.
• Using Too Much Liquid with the Pasta: If you add extra ingredients or significantly more broth than the recipe calls for, the pasta might not cook correctly in the short second pressure cook cycle, or it could become overcooked. Stick to the specified liquid amounts.
• Not Venting Properly: Always ensure that all pressure is released before attempting to open the lid. This is a critical safety step and also ensures the cooking process stops cleanly.

Paying attention to these details ensures you get the best possible texture and flavor from your Instant Pot Italian Chicken Soup. It’s about understanding how each step contributes to the final delicious outcome.

Storage and Reheating

This soup stores and reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prepping and enjoying throughout the week.

• Refrigerator Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Ensure the container is properly sealed to maintain freshness and prevent odors from transferring.
• Freezer Storage: For longer storage, cool the soup completely and transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When freezing, it’s best to leave out the pasta if you’re concerned about texture, and add it when reheating. However, it generally freezes quite well.
• Reheating on the Stovetop: The stovetop is usually the best method for reheating as it allows for gentle, even heating. Gently heat the soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water if the soup has thickened too much during storage, especially if pasta was included.
• Reheating in the Microwave: Place a portion of the soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or a paper towel to prevent splattering. Heat on medium power in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot. Microwaving is convenient for single servings.
• Reheating Pasta: If you froze the soup with pasta, be aware that it might be a bit softer upon reheating. If the soup seems too thick after reheating, a little extra broth will often revive it.

Proper storage ensures that you can enjoy this delicious soup for days to come, just like it was freshly made. It’s a fantastic dish to have on hand for quick and comforting meals.

Leftover Ideas

The deliciousness of this soup doesn’t have to end with the first serving. Its robust flavor and tender ingredients lend themselves well to being repurposed into other appealing dishes.

• Soup and Sandwich Combo: Enjoy smaller portions of the soup alongside your favorite sandwiches for a classic and satisfying lunch. A crusty Italian bread or a simple turkey sandwich pairs well.
• Chicken and Rice Bake: If you have more soup than you can eat, consider repurposing it into a hearty bake. You can drain some of the excess liquid, stir in cooked rice, and a bit of extra cheese, then bake it in the oven for a comforting casserole.
• Add More Veggies: If you have plain sautéed or steamed vegetables on hand (like zucchini, spinach, or green beans), stir them into leftover soup to boost the nutrient content and add extra freshness and texture.
• Serve with Gnocchi: Instead of pasta, try serving leftover soup with cooked potato gnocchi. The soft, pillowy gnocchi absorb the flavorful broth beautifully, offering a slightly different texture and experience.
• Topped with Pesto: A swirl of fresh pesto stirred into the heated soup before serving can add a vibrant, herbaceous zing and a touch of richness that complements the Italian flavors.
• As a base for a quick pasta sauce: If you have plain cooked pasta, you can heat the leftover soup, thicken it slightly if needed, and serve it as a flavorful sauce.
• Shredded and Mixed with Rice: For a more informal meal, shred the chicken from the soup and mix it with the broth and vegetables over a bed of plain cooked rice.

This soup is so flavorful that it lends itself well to being incorporated into other dishes or enjoyed in slightly varied ways throughout the week.

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