Pressure Cooker Chicken Zucchini Noodle Soup
Try this Pressure Cooker Chicken Zucchini Noodle Soup recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Pressure Cooker Chicken Zucchini Noodle Soup recipe, or contribute your own.
- salt and pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 4 cups water
- 1 red onion diced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 celery ribs diced
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 3 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 3 teaspoons fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
- 1.5 pounds chicken with skin and bones (i like to use about 4 but if you like more meat, add in at least 1 chicken breast)
- 4 cups chicken broth low-sodium
- 3 medium zucchinis blade d noodles trimmed
- Carbohydrate 14.5867671875 g
- Cholesterol 3680 mg
- Fat 745.8219771875 g
- Fiber 3.86524992716312 g
- Protein 914.2508978125 g
- Saturated Fat 212.446706208333 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (6671g)
- Sodium 3631.88067711539 mg
- Sugar 10.7215172603369 g
- Trans Fat 63.1035121458333 g
- Calories 10669 calories
Step-by-step
- Turn your pressure cooker to the saute setting.
- Add the oil and let warm up for 30 seconds and then add the garlic, onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 3-5 minutes or until onions turn translucent.
- Add the red pepper flakes, thyme, oregano, season with salt and pepper, and stir well.
- Add the chicken broth, chicken, water, and bay leaves.
- Close the lid and set to the Soup setting and set the timer for 7 minutes.
- Once the cycle is done, wait until the natural release is done, about 10 more minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the pressure cooker and shred, using two forks.
- Switch the pressure cooker back to the saute function and add in the zucchini noodles and let cook, uncovered, for 3 minutes or until noodles are al dente.
- Turn off the pressure cooker, add the chicken back, stir well, remove the bay leaves, and serve into bowls, garnished with freshly cracked black pepper.
My Pressure Cooker Chicken Zucchini Noodle Soup Adventure: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between school pick-ups, after-school activities, and the endless cycle of laundry and household chores, the thought of spending hours in the kitchen often leaves me feeling overwhelmed. That's why I've become a huge fan of my pressure cooker – it’s my secret weapon for creating flavorful, nutritious meals in a fraction of the time. This Pressure Cooker Chicken Zucchini Noodle Soup is a perfect example. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, packed with flavor, and light enough for a healthy weeknight dinner, yet hearty enough to satisfy even the pickiest eaters in my family.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. No fancy ingredients are needed, just everyday staples you likely already have in your pantry. I love the vibrant colors and fresh flavors that come together – the sweetness of the carrots and onions, the delicate aroma of thyme and oregano, and the tender, juicy chicken. The zucchini noodles are a fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional pasta, adding a delightful texture and lightness to the soup. I often find myself doubling the recipe and freezing half for a quick and easy meal on a particularly hectic day. The pressure cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while I attend to other pressing matters. It’s a lifesaver for those times when I’m juggling multiple responsibilities, yet still want to serve a nutritious and delicious meal to my family.
What I especially appreciate about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables depending on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach would all be delicious additions. You could also easily adjust the spices to suit your preference – adding a dash of chili flakes for a little heat or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness. The possibilities are endless! This isn't just a recipe; it’s a starting point for culinary creativity. It’s a blank canvas where you can express your own culinary style and preferences. For me, this soup represents the perfect balance between convenience and flavor, making it a consistent favorite in our household.
Beyond the simple preparation and delicious taste, I find there's a sense of accomplishment in creating a healthy and flavorful meal from scratch, even amidst the chaos of everyday life. It’s a small act of self-care and a way to nurture my family with wholesome food. In our fast-paced world, where convenience often overshadows quality, taking the time to prepare a meal like this is a reminder to slow down, appreciate the simple things, and relish the moments shared around the dinner table. So, whether you're a busy professional, a stay-at-home parent, or just someone who appreciates a quick and delicious weeknight dinner, I highly recommend giving this Pressure Cooker Chicken Zucchini Noodle Soup a try. It’s guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen, just as it has in mine.
Beyond the practical aspects, this soup also represents a comforting ritual. The act of cooking, especially with a pressure cooker that practically does the work for you, is therapeutic. It’s a way to de-stress after a long day, focusing my mind on the simple task at hand. The comforting aroma that fills the kitchen as the soup simmers is a welcome invitation to relax and unwind. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the feeling of warmth and nourishment that it brings to our family.
I often find myself adapting this recipe based on what's available in my fridge. Sometimes I add leftover cooked chicken from a previous meal, or even use different types of noodles – rice noodles would work beautifully as well. The key is to be flexible and not to be afraid to experiment. The beauty of cooking lies in the freedom to express your creativity and to adjust the recipe to your own liking. This soup is a testament to the power of improvisation in the kitchen. It’s a journey of culinary exploration, not just a destination.
The best part? Cleaning up is a breeze! The pressure cooker’s simplicity extends to the cleanup process, making it a true time-saver. After a long day, the last thing I want to do is spend ages scrubbing pots and pans. This recipe allows me to focus on enjoying the meal with my family, rather than spending precious time cleaning up afterwards. It’s a small detail, but it makes a significant difference in my overall cooking experience.
In conclusion, this Pressure Cooker Chicken Zucchini Noodle Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a symbol of practicality, flavor, and the joy of creating wholesome meals for those you love. It’s a testament to the power of simplicity and the versatility of a pressure cooker to transform everyday ingredients into something truly extraordinary. So, go ahead, give it a try, and experience the magic for yourself!
