7+ Nourishing Instant Pot Clear Soup Recipes for a Light Meal

As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. We get commissions for purchases made through links on this website from Amazon and other third parties.

When you're looking for a comforting yet light meal, nourishing clear soups can be a perfect choice. Instant Pot recipes make it easy to whip up hearty options like Classic Chicken Clear Soup or zesty Lemon Ginger Chicken Soup in no time. Each recipe combines wholesome ingredients to create satisfying flavors. Curious about which soups can warm your evenings and soothe your soul? Let's explore these delightful options together.

Jump to: show

Key Takeaways

Classic Chicken Clear Soup offers wholesome flavors with chicken, vegetables, and herbs, perfect for a light and comforting meal.
Lemon Ginger Chicken Soup combines zesty lemon and ginger with tender chicken, providing a soothing option for cold days or illness recovery.
Hearty Vegetable Broth delivers a rich, aromatic base that's nutritious and easy to prepare in an Instant Pot, ideal for light meals.
Miso Soup With Tofu and Greens is packed with umami flavor and nutrients, customizable with various vegetables for a healthy option.
Spicy Tomato and Basil Soup is a versatile light meal that can be adjusted for spice and texture, featuring fresh ingredients for vibrant flavors.

Classic Chicken Clear Soup

Classic Chicken Clear Soup is a warm and comforting dish that brings together the wholesome flavors of chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a chilly day or when you're feeling under the weather, this soup is easy to prepare and can be made in your Instant Pot, allowing for a quick and efficient cooking process.

The clear broth showcases the natural flavors of the ingredients, making it a delightful and nutritious option for any meal. This recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides a light and healthy alternative to heavier soups. By using the Instant Pot, you can infuse the broth with deep flavors in a fraction of the time it would normally take.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious bowl of Classic Chicken Clear Soup ready to enjoy in no time.

Ingredients:

1 pound chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless)
6 cups chicken broth
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

Start by turning on your Instant Pot and selecting the "Sauté" function. Once hot, add a drizzle of oil and sauté the diced onion, carrots, and celery for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.

Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, stirring continuously to prevent burning. Next, place the chicken breasts or thighs into the pot, followed by the chicken broth, thyme, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper.

Close the lid of the Instant Pot, making sure the valve is set to "sealing." Select the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" setting and set the timer for 10 minutes.

Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a natural release of pressure for about 5 minutes before carefully turning the valve to "venting" to release any remaining pressure. Open the lid, remove the chicken, and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stir, and taste for seasoning before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Extra Tips:

For added depth of flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth or adding a splash of lemon juice before serving to brighten the soup.

Feel free to customize your clear soup by incorporating your favorite vegetables, such as peas or green beans, or adding noodles for a heartier meal. Make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly if you add different ingredients.

Hearty Vegetable Broth

The Instant Pot greatly reduces the cooking time, allowing you to enjoy homemade broth without spending hours simmering on the stove.

With just a few key ingredients and minimal preparation, you can create a rich and aromatic broth that will elevate any dish. Let's explore the ingredients and cooking instructions!

Ingredients:

4 cups of water
2 carrots, chopped
2 stalks of celery, chopped
1 onion, quartered
4 cloves of garlic, smashed
1 cup of mushrooms, sliced
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon of dried thyme
1 teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Fresh herbs (like parsley or dill) for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

Begin by adding all the chopped vegetables, garlic, and mushrooms to the Instant Pot.
Pour in the water and add the bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Close the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring the vent is set to the sealing position.
Select the 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' setting, and set the timer for 30 minutes.
Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes before performing a quick release to let out any remaining steam.

Extra Tips:

To enhance the flavor of your broth even further, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or nutritional yeast for an umami boost.

You can also experiment with different vegetable combinations based on what you have on hand or the flavors you prefer.

Strain the broth using a fine mesh sieve before storing it to achieve a clear liquid, and remember to store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.

Enjoy your homemade hearty vegetable broth as a delicious base for countless recipes!

Miso Soup With Tofu and Greens

Miso soup is a traditional Japanese dish known for its rich umami flavor and versatility. This comforting soup isn't only quick to prepare in an Instant Pot, but it's also packed with nutrients from tofu and greens, making it a perfect light meal or appetizer.

The combination of miso paste, soft tofu, and fresh vegetables creates a delightful and soothing experience, perfect for warming up on a chilly day or simply enjoying any time of the year.

To make your miso soup with tofu and greens, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The Instant Pot streamlines the cooking process, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dish in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.

With just a few steps, you can create a flavorful and healthy soup that will surely impress your family and friends.

Ingredients:

4 cups vegetable broth
3 tablespoons miso paste (white or red)
1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, cubed
2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
2 green onions, sliced
1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 inch piece of ginger, sliced (optional)
Sea salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

Begin by adding the vegetable broth, ginger, and soy sauce (if using) to the Instant Pot. Secure the lid and set the pot to cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
Once done, allow a natural release for about 5 minutes before performing a quick release to let out any remaining steam.
After releasing the pressure, remove the ginger slices if used. Stir in the miso paste until fully dissolved.
Add the cubed tofu and chopped greens, and let the soup sit for about 5-10 minutes on the "Keep Warm" setting to heat the tofu and wilt the greens.
Finally, drizzle with sesame oil and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Extra Tips:

When preparing miso soup, feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms, carrots, or seaweed, for added flavor and texture.

Always remember to add miso paste after the pressure cooking phase to preserve its beneficial probiotics. Adjust the saltiness by varying the amount of soy sauce or miso paste according to your taste preference.

Enjoy your homemade miso soup!

Lemon Ginger Chicken Soup

Lemon Ginger Chicken Soup is a delightful and comforting dish that combines the warmth of chicken broth with the zesty brightness of lemon and the subtle spice of ginger. This soup isn't only perfect for cold days but also serves as a soothing remedy when you're feeling under the weather.

The Instant Pot makes it easy to prepare, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully in a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop. This flavorful soup is packed with healthy ingredients, making it a nutritious choice for any meal.

The combination of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and aromatic spices creates a deliciously fragrant broth that warms the soul. Whether you're serving it for lunch or dinner, Lemon Ginger Chicken Soup is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Ingredients:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 cups chicken broth
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
Juice of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions:

Start by setting your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' mode. Add a splash of oil, then sauté the diced onion, carrots, and celery until they begin to soften, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add the chicken breasts to the pot, followed by the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Close the lid, ensuring the valve is set to sealing, and set the Instant Pot to 'Manual' mode for 10 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for about 5 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining pressure.
Carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stir well, and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Extra Tips:

For an added depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or tamari to the broth. You can also customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or using leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.

If you prefer a thicker soup, feel free to blend a portion of it and return it to the pot for a creamier texture. Enjoy your Lemon Ginger Chicken Soup with a slice of crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal!

Spicy Tomato and Basil Soup

Spicy Tomato and Basil Soup is a perfect blend of flavors that will warm you up on a chilly day. This vibrant soup combines the sweetness of ripe tomatoes with the aromatic notes of fresh basil, all enhanced with a touch of spice.

Using the Instant Pot, this recipe allows you to prepare a comforting bowl of soup in no time, making it a convenient choice for busy weeknights or a quick lunch option.

The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity and the freshness of the ingredients. You can easily adjust the level of heat to your preference, whether you like it mild or with a fiery kick. Serve it alongside some crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a delightful meal that's sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes, undrained
4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

Turn on the Instant Pot and select the Sauté function. Add the olive oil, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent. Stir in the red pepper flakes for added heat.
Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable broth, and sugar (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once done, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure. Stir in the fresh basil and balsamic vinegar (if using) before serving.

Extra Tips:

For an extra creamy texture, consider blending the soup using an immersion blender or transferring it to a regular blender in batches.

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can reduce the amount of broth or let it simmer longer after pressure cooking. Additionally, feel free to customize the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes, or even incorporating other spices like smoked paprika for added depth.

Enjoy your delicious Spicy Tomato and Basil Soup!

Asian-Inspired Clear Noodle Soup

To make this clear noodle soup even more enjoyable, you can add protein such as tofu, shrimp, or chicken to make it a heartier meal.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility; feel free to adjust the vegetables and seasonings according to your personal preference. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a bowl of deliciousness that's sure to please everyone in your family.