Instant Pot Italian Chicken Soup [+Video]
This Instant Pot Italian Chicken Soup is the perfect cozy meal for a chilly day. Loaded with hearty vegetables and tender chicken, it’s a delicious twist on classic chicken soup. Plus, it can be made in just minutes using an Instant Pot. Watch the video for step-by-step instructions!
The yummiest Instant Pot chicken soup recipe I’ve ever made! It is healthy, quick and easy. This might just be my new favorite chicken soup!! And that is saying a lot because I LOVE so many soups. Pure comfort food!
If you haven’t tried “The Soup“, you have to do that! It is a staple around here, but this new Italian chicken soup recipe is light, but filling, and so, so flavorful.
And then there is our chicken tortilla soup, which is the best chicken tortilla soup that has ever existed, but still, there’s something about this Italian chicken soup that just hits the spot for me! You have to try it!
With the Instant Pot, you end up with a soup in less than an hour that tastes like it has been simmering all day!
Ingredients Needed for Instant Pot Chicken Soup
This soup is packed with veggies, rotisserie chicken, fresh herbs and orzo and topped with Parmesan and chunks of crusty bread. I’ve also seen it called chicken pastina soup or penicillin soup because it’s so nourishing to the soul that it will cure anything that ails you! Head down to the recipe card for the exact measurements, but here is your grocery list:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Vegetables: Yellow Onion, Garlic, Carrots, Celery and Tomatoes
- Water or Chicken Broth
- Better than Bouillon Chicken (not needed if you use chicken broth)
- Seasonings: Bay Leaves, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper
- Herbs: Fresh Parsley and Fresh Basil
- Orzo Pasta
- NOTE: If you want to keep this gluten-free, skip the orzo and bread chunks.
- Rotisserie Chicken
- Lemon
- Parmesan Cheese
- Bread (optional)
How to Make Italian Chicken Soup in the Instant Pot
Your going to want to start this recipe by chopping all the veggies so that they are ready to add at the appropriate time. I know most people hate chopping veggies, but I kind of like it. Does that make me the nerdiest? Once the veggies are chopped, you are ready to start cooking.
- Sauté the veggies in the Instant Pot.
- Add broth, bay leaves, minced garlic and S&P.
- Place lid on and set valve to sealing position.
- Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes.
- Cook the orzo in a pot on the stove top and then drain it while running it under cold water.
- Quick release the pressure cooker and remove the bay leaves.
- Add the chopped tomato, cooked orzo, shredded chicken (see next section) and herbs and place the lid back on. Seal the valve again and cook for 4 more minutes.
- Quick release again, stir in the lemon juice and season to taste.
- We love to garnish each bowl with fresh parm and chunks of crusty bread.
For the full instructions, head down to the recipe card below.
What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?
Ideally, I buy the 2 pound bag of rotisserie chicken meat that they sell at Costco. It’s pretty much the best thing that has ever happened. All the flavor of a rotisserie chicken with none of the work.
If you can’t find that or you don’t live near a Costco, cook three skinless chicken breasts using whatever method you prefer. You can cook them in the Instant Pot with the broth and veggies, or you can cook them stove top or even bake them. You could also just buy a rotisserie chicken and break it down yourself.
Variations for Italian Chicken Soup
One thing I love about this recipe is that it is so versatile. We love it with orzo (a small pasta that looks similar to rice), but you could also do any kind of pasta you enjoy. Acini de pepe or ditalini pasta would both be great substitutes for orzo. It is also great with rice, potatoes or beans. A small white bean would be good, like a navy bean or cannellini bean. You could also swap the Italian seasonings for other fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. Experiment and find what works for your family!
What Kind of Bread Should I Use?
We like to buy crusty bacci rolls or a good sourdough loaf. You could even make a loaf of our no knead artisan bread if you are feeling really ambitious! We like to toast them in the oven for a bit so the bread gets good and toasty. Carbs for life!
Can This Soup Be Made in the Crockpot?
This can absolutely be made in the Crockpot! I would sauté the veggies first for maximum flavor. Then add them and all the ingredients except the orzo the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5 hours. Add the orzo for about the last 10-15 minutes.
Can This Soup Be Made on the Stove Top?
Of course! Yes! Add all the ingredients except the orzo to the pot and simmer on medium-low heat for about 30 minutes. Stir in the orzo right before serving and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes.
Instant Pot Cheat Sheet
If you’re on the fence about an Instant Pot, you should take a look at our Instant Pot Cheat Sheet and it will sell you on the Instant Pot. You can make so many foods in just minutes.
Storing and Reheating Instant Pot Chicken Soup
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep for up to 5 days and can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop. It also freezes extremely well. Let it cool completely and then place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months.
Warm up with this delicious and easy Instant Pot Italian Chicken Soup! Loaded with fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and savory Italian flavors, this comforting soup is sure to become a family favorite. It is simple, delicious and on the table in no time!
Watch the Video!
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Instant Pot Italian Chicken Soup
Description
This Instant Pot Italian Chicken Soup is the perfect cozy meal for a chilly day. Loaded with hearty vegetables and tender chicken, it's a delicious twist on classic chicken soup. Plus, it can be made in just minutes using an Instant Pot. Watch the video for step-by-step instructions!
Course 50 of the Best Easy Soup Recipes for Families, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine Italian
Keyword chicken, chicken breast, instant pot, main dish, soup
Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes minutes
Total Time 45 minutes minutes
Servings 10
Calories 128kcal
Author Carrian Cheney
Prepare all of your ingredients by chopping the veggies on a cutting board so you're ready to go. See note for advice on the chicken.
Add the oil to the instant pot and turn it to high sauté mode. Once hot, add the veggies- onions, garlic, celery and carrots and stir until tender, about 3 minutes.
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil, 1 Large Yellow Onion, 4 Cloves Garlic, 3 Stalks Celery, 3 Carrots
Pour in the broth, bay leaves, salt and pepper, and 3 minced tomatoes. Place the lid on and set the valve to seal. Press, pressure and set the time for 25 minutes.
8 Cups Water, 1/4 Cup Better than Bouillon Chicken, 2 Bay Leaves, 3 teaspoons Kosher Salt, 1 teaspoon Fresh Black Pepper, 3 Medium Tomatoes
Cook the orzo in a pot and drain with cold water running over the orzo to separate the pasta.
1 Cup Orzo Pasta
Do a quick release on the valve and remove the bay leaves.
Add the 1 chopped tomato, orzo, chicken, and herbs and place the lid back on, turning the valve to seal and cooking for 4 more minutes.
1 Tomato, 2 Pounds Rotisserie Chicken, 1/2 Bunch Parsley, 3/4 Cup Basil Leaves
Do another quick release and stir in the lemon, season to taste and serve with fresh parmesan and bread!
1/2 Lemon, 1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese, Bread
I like to buy the rotisserie chicken meat in a 2 pound package at Costco. If you do not have that available you will need about 3 chicken breasts. You can add them directly to the pot with the broth and veggies, but skip adding the rest. Once the 25 minutes are up, remove and shred the chicken and strain out any chicken fat remaining. Or cook the chicken separately or buy a rotisserie chicken and shred all the meat.
Serving: 1.5cups | Calories: 128kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 838mg | Potassium: 299mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 3898IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 99mg | Iron: 1mg
READ: Instant Pot Italian Chicken Soup [+Video]