Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup (Fast Comfort for Busy Families)

When you need a fast, comforting dinner, this Instant Pot chicken noodle soup is a true weeknight lifesaver. I learned that on one of those chaotic evenings when I walked into the kitchen at almost 7 p.m. with no plan and two hungry kids asking when dinner would be ready. I grabbed what I had, a few chicken thighs, some carrots and celery, and half a box of fusilli and tossed everything into the Instant Pot, and hoped for the best.

Twenty minutes later, I lifted the lid and was amazed. The broth was rich and soothing, the chicken was tender, and the noodles were perfectly cooked. It tasted like it had simmered for hours, not minutes. Ever since that night, this has been our go-to “I need dinner now” soup….warm, cozy, and homemade with almost no effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb skinless, bone-in chicken thighs (about 4–5 thighs): Adds rich flavor as the bones season the broth while cooking.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps soften the veggies and build flavor during the sauté step.
• 1 small onion, diced: Adds gentle sweetness and depth to the broth.
• 1 tsp garlic powder: Quick, even garlic flavor without chopping.
• 2 carrots, sliced: Classic soup veggies that soften beautifully under pressure.
• 2 celery stalks, sliced: Another classic soup veggies.
• 6½ cups chicken broth: Use a broth you enjoy — low-sodium works too; just adjust salt at the end.
• 2 cups dry fusilli pasta: Holds its shape well and gives the soup a hearty, cozy bite.
• 1 tsp salt: Simple seasoning that keep the flavor classic and comforting.
• ½ tsp black pepper: Another simple seasoning.
• ½ tsp dried thyme or parsley: Thyme adds warmth, while parsley gives a lighter, herbal note.

Equipment Needed

• Instant Pot (6-quart or 8-quart)
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Sharp knife + cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle for serving

Substitutions (If Needed)

• Chicken thighs: boneless thighs or chicken breasts work if that’s what you have.
• Garlic powder: swap for 1–2 fresh garlic cloves if preferred.
• Fusilli pasta: any short pasta works (rotini, penne, egg noodles).
• Chicken broth: vegetable broth or low-sodium broth also work.
• Dried thyme/parsley: Italian seasoning or dried basil can stand in.

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté. Heat the olive oil and add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, just until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 2. Carefully slice the bone-in chicken thighs into thin strips, keeping an eye out for the bones. Add the sliced chicken along with the bones, chicken broth, salt, pepper, thyme, and fusilli pasta to the pot. Stir everything together to combine, making sure most of the pasta is submerged.

Step 3. Close the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 4 minutes.

Step 4. When the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve to Venting. Open the lid once all pressure has fully released.

Step 5. Stir the soup and let it sit for 3–5 minutes to thicken slightly. Remove the bones from the soup and shred any meat that has come loose back into the pot.

Variations & Add-Ins

• Extra veggies (add after cooking): Stir in peas, corn, spinach, kale, or diced zucchini while the soup is still hot.
• Creamier finish: For a cozy, richer bowl, melt in a splash of heavy cream, half-and-half, or a small spoonful of cream cheese.
• Fresh herbs for brightness: Add chopped parsley, dill, or a little fresh thyme right before serving. Fresh herbs lift the flavor, make the soup smell homemade, and add a pop of color.
• Gluten-free option: Use your favorite gluten-free short pasta, but cook it separately and add it to each bowl.
• Switching up the noodles: If you prefer egg noodles, rotini, shells, or wide ribbon noodles, cook them in a separate pot and stir them in just before serving.
• A little heat for spice lovers: Add red pepper flakes, a drizzle of hot sauce, or a touch of chili crisp to individual bowls.

Storage & Freezing

• Refrigerating Leftovers: Store your soup in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Fusilli will continue to soak up broth as it sits, so don’t be surprised if it thickens — just stir in a splash of water or broth when reheating.
• Freezing: You can freeze this soup up to 2 months, but fusilli tends to soften after thawing. If that doesn’t bother you, freeze as-is. To keep the noodles firmer, freeze the soup before adding the pasta next time, and cook fresh fusilli when reheating.
• Reheating: Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a little extra broth or water as needed — pasta-heavy soups always thicken in the fridge.

Instant Pot Tips & Notes

• Use a 6-quart or 8-quart Instant Pot: A 6-quart fits this recipe comfortably with room to spare. An 8-quart also works, but it may take slightly longer to come to pressure because of the larger space.
• Keep ingredients below the MAX fill line: Soups bubble as they come to pressure. Staying below the line prevents sputtering and ensures the pot can seal properly.
• Set the valve to Sealing before you start: It’s an easy step to forget, especially if you’re in a hurry. If the pot never begins counting down, double-check the valve position.
• Quick Release is the method used here: When the timer ends, carefully turn the valve from Sealing to Venting. Steam will shoot straight upward, keep hands, cabinets, and your face out of the way.
• High-altitude note: If you live at higher elevation, your Instant Pot may take 1–3 minutes longer to reach pressure. The cook time stays the same, the only difference is the “pre-heat” phase.

What to Serve With It

This cozy chicken noodle soup is a full meal on its own, but a little something on the side makes it extra comforting:

• Crusty bread or dinner rolls — perfect for soaking up the broth.
• Garlic toast or buttered baguette — quick, easy, and kid-approved.
• A simple side salad — something crisp to balance the warm, hearty soup.
• Grilled cheese or turkey sandwiches — the classic soup-and-sandwich combo.
• Crackers — always a reliable, crunchy topper if you’re keeping it simple.

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