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.
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 Italian Chicken Soup
This soup is packed with veggies, rotisserie chicken, fresh herbs and orzo and topped with Parmesan and chunks of crusty bread. Head down to the recipe card for the exact measurements, but here is your grocery list:
- Olive Oil
- Yellow Onion
- Garlic
- Carrots
- Celery
- Water or Chicken Broth
- Better than Bouillon Chicken (not needed if you use chicken broth)
- Bay Leaves
- Kosher Salt
- Black Pepper
- Tomatoes
- Orzo Pasta
- Rotisserie Chicken
- Parsley (fresh)
- Basil (fresh)
- 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.
- Saute the veggies in the Instant Pot.
- Add broth, bay leaves, minced tomatoes and S&P.
- Place lid on and set valve to seal.
- 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 Instant Pot and remove the bay leaves.
- Add the chopped tomato, cooked orzo, 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 top 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 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, but you could also do any kind of pasta you enjoy. It is also great with rice, potatoes or beans. A small white bean would be good, like a navy bean or cannellini bean.
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! Add 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.
Soup season is upon us and everyone should be making this Italian chicken soup recipe all season long! It is simple, delicious and on the table in no time! It is sure to be a family favorite!
More Easy Soup Recipes You’ll Love:
- Instant Pot Chili
- Tomato Basil Soup
- Egg Drop Soup
- Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Enchilada Chili
- Chicken Noodle Soup
- Broccoli Cheese Soup
- Taco Chili
- Cheesy Meatball Soup
- One Pot Zuppa Toscana
- All our SOUP RECIPES here!
Instant Pot Italian Chicken Soup
Description
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 Large Yellow Onion, minced
- 4 Cloves Garlic, minced
- 3 Stalks Celery, Minced
- 3 Carrots, Peeled and chopped
- 8 Cups Water , or chicken Broth
- 1/4 Cup Better than Bouillion Chicken, skip if using broth
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 3 Teaspoons Kosher Salt, plus more to taste
- 1 Teaspoon Fresh Black Pepper
- 3 Medium Tomatoes, Minced
- 1 Tomato, Chopped
- 1 Cup Orzo Pasta, cooked and drained
- 2 Pounds Rotisserie Chicken, shredded *see note
- 1/2 Bunch Parsley, minced
- 3/4 Cup Minced Basil Leaves, Fresh
- 1/2 Lemon, Juiced
- 1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese
- Bread for serving
Instructions
- 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 saute mode. Once hot, add the veggies- onions, garlic, celery and carrots and stir until tender, about 3 minutes.
- 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. Cook the orzo in a pot and drain with cold water running over the orzo to separate the 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.
- Do another quick release and stir in the lemon, season to taste and serve with fresh parmesan and bread!
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Products
REMEMBER TO SUBSCRIBE TO our FREE Oh Sweet Basil NEWSLETTER AND RECEIVE EASY RECIPES DELIVERED INTO YOUR INBOX EVERY DAY!
When you try a recipe, please use the hashtag #ohsweetbasil on INSTAGRAM for a chance to be featured in our stories! FOLLOW OH, SWEET BASIL ON FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | TWITTER FOR ALL OF OUR LATEST CONTENT, RECIPES AND STORIES.
Sara
Do you have an easy conversion for crock pot or stovetop?
Sweet Basil
Hi Sara! This recipe works great in the crock pot or the stovetop. There is a section in the post that talks about making in the crock pot. You will basically add everything into the crock pot except the orzo and cook it for 3 hours on high or 5 hours on low. Then add the orzo about 15 minutes before serving. Cooking on the stovetop will be about the same thing. Add everything to a pot (except the orzo) and let it simmer for a few hours. Then add the orzo about 15 minutes before serving.
Cheryl
I would give this recipe more stars if I could. It has become my favorite chicken soup recipe. It does take longer to make than stated (took me about 2 hrs from start to finish including chopping time and time for the IP to come to pressure). I added a container of fresh sliced, cooked mushrooms at the end along with the herbs, tomatoes, orzo, and chicken. I also put the lid back on and let the soup come to a slight boil using sautee for a minute or two instead of pressure cooking for 4 minutes. Everything was cooked perfectly and tasted delicious. I think the 2 lb package of Costco rotisserie chicken definitely helps to add flavor to this soup. Thanks for sharing your recipe. It is a keeper and one that I’ve made several times already.
Sweet Basil
Thank you so much for the feedback Cheryl! I’m so glad you love this recipe!
Christi
If I am using frozen chicken breasts can I put them in raw for the 25 minutes? Also, could I just add the orzo raw for the last 4 minutes since it should cook in about thay time under pressure?
Sweet Basil
Yes to both questions!
Traci Chae
Hi Carrian!
By “minced tomatoes”, do you mean diced tomatoes…? or even crushed tomatoes? Sorry, Ive never heard the term “minced tomatoes” before.
Thanks,
Traci
Sweet Basil
Hi Traci! You will want to gran 3 Roma tomatoes and just do a really tiny chop on them…as close to minced as you can get. I hope this helps! Enjoy!
Rebecca Daly
The recipe indicates adding 2 lb of shredded chicken, is that correct? Additionally, you also indicate 1/2 parmesan cheese; are you meaning 1/2 cup?
Sweet Basil
Hi Rebecca! Yes, 2lbs of shredded or rotisserie chicken is correct. That is about how much chicken you will get off an average sized rotisserie chicken. Thank you for letting me know about the parmesan cheese! Yes, it should be 1/2 cup. I’ve updated the recipe card.
Rebecca Daly
THANKS so much for your quick response. I intended on making this soup tonight; but I want to make it correctly. You mentioned to Press, pressure and set the time for 25 minutes – am assuming Pressure Cook, High Pressure, correct? Then after adding the tomato, orzo, chicken & herbs, you mention cooking for 4 more minutes……still Pressure Cook, High or Low Pressure?
Sweet Basil
Hi Rebecca! Yes, Pressure Cook on high pressure both times. Great questions! Thank you!