Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
An easy and creamy chicken noodle soup recipe perfect for a cold day. Chicken, vegetables, and pasta are all cooked together in one pot. It's under 300 calories per serving!
An easy and creamy chicken noodle soup recipe perfect for a cold day. Chicken, vegetables, and pasta are all cooked together in one pot. It's under 300 calories per serving!
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 cloves
- â½ tsp black pepper
- â¼ tsp salt
- 1 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 celery ribs
- 8 cups chicken broth (or 8 cups water + 8 tsp of better
- 3 medium to large carrots
- â½ tsp dried oregano
- â½ tsp dried thyme
- 10 ounces (about 4 cups) uncooked noodles (see note--i used
- 1 cup heavy cream half and half or milk, warmed (see note)
- Carbohydrate 4.69632125104966 g
- Cholesterol 45.6616699820813 mg
- Fat 6.1928226699041 g
- Fiber 0.879799996382213 g
- Protein 11.0801071986178 g
- Saturated Fat 3.63475698590491 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (127g)
- Sodium 64.8585040593281 mg
- Sugar 3.81652125466744 g
- Trans Fat 0.476885107423853 g
- Calories 120 calories
Step-by-step
- Turn your Instant Pot to the saute setting. When the display says HOT, add in the butter and swirl it around until it is melted.
- Add in the onion and saute for a few minutes until it is softened and translucent.
- Add in the garlic cloves and saute for 20 seconds.
- Then stir in the chicken broth. Keep the Instant Pot on the saute setting so that the broth can start heating up.
- While the broth is heating up, prepare your celery and carrots. Slice into ½ inch pieces.
- Add the celery, carrots, oregano, pepper, thyme, and salt to the Instant Pot.
- Prepare your chicken by cutting it into bite-size cubes. Add the chicken into the pot.
- If you'll be eating the soup immediately, you can cook the pasta right now inside the Instant Pot. Add the uncooked noodles into the pot. If you want to eat the soup later and you'll have leftovers, you may want to cook your noodles on the stovetop. This way the noodles won't suck up all the broth and get swollen. You can just add noodles into individual bowls. Boil the noodles on the stove according to package directions.
- Cover the pot and secure the lid. Make sure the valve is set to sealing. Turn off the saute setting.
- Set the manual/pressure cook button to 1 minute (even though you are setting it to 1 minute it will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure and this will be plenty enough time for the chicken and pasta to cook through).
- Once the time is up, let the pot sit there for 5 minutes and then move the valve to venting. If foam starts coming out of the valve then move it back to sealing and try again in 20 seconds to release the pressure. Remove the lid.
- Stir the cornstarch into the dairy until smooth and then stir the mixture into the pot.
- Turn the pot to saute and let the soup thicken up a bit. Once it's thick, turn off the pot or turn it to Keep Warm.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle soup into bowls and serve.
My Go-To Comfort Food: Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Finding quick, healthy, and delicious meals is a constant quest, and this Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup has become my absolute lifesaver. Forget spending hours slaving over a stove; this recipe whips up a hearty and flavorful soup in a fraction of the time, leaving me with more moments to spend with my family.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It’s a one-pot wonder, meaning minimal cleanup, a huge bonus after a long day. I love how the Instant Pot perfectly cooks the chicken until it’s tender and juicy, and the vegetables retain their vibrant colors and subtle sweetness. The creamy texture, achieved with a simple cornstarch and dairy blend, elevates the soup to a whole new level of deliciousness. It's rich, comforting, and utterly satisfying—the perfect antidote to a chilly evening or a stressful day.
I often adapt this recipe based on what I have on hand. Sometimes I add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for an extra nutritional boost. Other times, I’ll swap the noodles for rice or even quinoa for a different texture and flavor profile. The versatility of this recipe is what makes it so special. It’s a blank canvas for culinary creativity, allowing me to personalize it to suit my family’s preferences and my own dietary needs. The best part? It’s consistently a crowd-pleaser, even with picky eaters!
Beyond the Recipe: The Comfort of a Simple Meal
More than just a recipe, this soup represents a sense of comfort and ease in my busy life. It’s a reminder that nourishing meals don't have to be complicated or time-consuming. It’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special. The aroma that fills my kitchen as the soup simmers is enough to melt away the stresses of the day, and the warmth of the soup itself is the perfect way to end a long day and connect with my family. It's a small act of self-care in a chaotic world.
This isn't just about food; it's about the feeling of warmth and contentment it brings. It's about finding joy in the simple act of preparing a nourishing meal for those I love. It's about making memories around the dinner table, laughter mingling with the clinking of spoons against bowls. And it's about having a quick, delicious, and healthy meal ready in minutes—a luxury I wouldn’t trade for anything. This simple recipe is a cornerstone of my family's well-being and a testament to the power of home-cooked goodness.
Tips and Variations:
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For extra creaminess, use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream. Feel free to experiment with different types of noodles or pasta shapes. Add some fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, before serving for a burst of freshness. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. This soup also freezes incredibly well; simply let it cool completely before storing it in freezer-safe containers.
So, the next time you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delicious weeknight meal, give this Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup a try. I’m confident it will become a staple in your kitchen just as it has in mine. Enjoy the warmth, the flavor, and the extra time you’ll gain back from this simple, yet extraordinary, recipe.
