Easy Instant Pot Chicken Noodle with Vegetables Recipe
Whip up a comforting Instant Pot Chicken Noodle with Vegetables in minutes—healthy, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights! This dish brings together tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles all in one pot, creating a soul-soothing meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Whether you’re craving warmth or looking for a quick and wholesome option, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes to wash means more time relaxing and enjoying your meal.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Loaded with vegetables and lean chicken for a balanced, healthy dinner.
- Customizable Flavors: Easily adaptable with herbs, spices, and veggies to suit your taste.
- Comfort Food Classic: A cozy, satisfying bowl that warms both body and soul.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Instant Pot Chicken Noodle with Vegetables recipe lies in its straightforward and essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering fresh flavors, satisfying textures, and lovely colors that make the dish inviting.
- Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Choose boneless and skinless for tender meat that cooks uniformly.
- Egg Noodles: Classic noodles that soak up all the savory broth and blend beautifully with the veggies.
- Carrots: Add a natural sweetness and vibrant orange for great visual appeal.
- Celery Stalks: Offer a crisp texture and subtle earthiness to balance the flavors.
- Onion: Brings depth and a mild sweetness when sautéed.
- Garlic: Infuses a fragrant aroma and bold taste that elevates the whole dish.
- Chicken Broth: The flavorful base that keeps everything moist and savory.
- Thyme and Parsley: Fresh herbs that brighten and enhance the soup’s natural flavors.
- Olive Oil or Butter: Used for sautéing to add richness and boost flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to round out every bite.
Variations for Instant Pot Chicken Noodle with Vegetables
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! The Instant Pot Chicken Noodle with Vegetables is super adaptable, making it easy to tweak based on what you have in your pantry or your dietary needs.
- Swap the Noodles: Use gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini for a low-carb option.
- Add More Veggies: Toss in peas, green beans, or spinach for extra color and nutrients.
- Spice It Up: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for a kick.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Shortcut your cooking by adding pre-cooked chicken shredded at the end.
- Dairy-Free Version: Replace butter with olive oil and skip any cream additions for a light, dairy-free meal.
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Noodle with Vegetables
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté mode and heating olive oil or butter. Add diced onions, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and celery. Sauté until the onions become translucent and the veggies soften slightly, releasing their natural sweetness and aromas.
Step 2: Add Chicken and Broth
Place the chicken breasts or thighs on top of the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the chicken is submerged. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and thyme evenly over the mixture for balanced seasoning.
Step 3: Pressure Cook
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. This ensures the chicken becomes tender and the flavors meld without overcooking the vegetables.
Step 4: Shred Chicken and Add Noodles
Once cooking is complete, perform a quick pressure release. Carefully remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot along with your noodles. Stir everything gently to combine.
Step 5: Cook Noodles
Switch the Instant Pot back to sauté mode and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but still slightly firm. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herbs
Turn off the Instant Pot and stir in chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Your comforting Instant Pot Chicken Noodle with Vegetables is ready to serve!
Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Chicken Noodle with Vegetables
- Prep Ingredients Ahead: Chop your vegetables in advance to speed up cooking time on busy nights.
- Don’t Overfill: Keep Instant Pot capacity in mind to avoid spills and ensure even cooking.
- Noodle Timing: Add noodles only after chicken is cooked to avoid over-softening.
- Pressure Release Safety: Use quick-release carefully to prevent steam burns and overcooking.
- Customize Herbs: Use rosemary or basil if you want a different herb flavor profile.
How to Serve Instant Pot Chicken Noodle with Vegetables
Garnishes
Add freshly grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper, or a drizzle of lemon juice to brighten the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
A simple green salad or crusty bread pairs perfectly to round out this hearty meal without overpowering the delicate flavors of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in rustic bowls topped with a few sprigs of parsley or thyme for a cozy presentation that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer leftover Instant Pot Chicken Noodle with Vegetables into airtight containers and refrigerate. It stays fresh for up to 3 days and tastes even better the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you prefer to save some for later. Cool completely before freezing in individual portions for easy thawing and reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the noodles have soaked up too much liquid.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this Instant Pot recipe?
Absolutely! The Instant Pot cooks frozen chicken quickly and safely, making it a convenient option when you’re short on time.
What kind of noodles work best in this dish?
Egg noodles are traditional and hold their texture well, but you can substitute with any quick-cooking pasta or spaghetti broken into shorter lengths.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to create a hearty, vegetarian version.
Can I add cream or milk to make it richer?
You can stir in a little cream or a dairy-free alternative at the end for a creamier soup, but it’s delicious even without it.
How do I avoid soggy vegetables in my Instant Pot soup?
Cook vegetables just until tender during the sauté phase and pressure cook with the chicken, then add delicate vegetables like peas or spinach at the end to keep them fresh and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a comforting meal that comes together quickly and delivers wholesome goodness, the Instant Pot Chicken Noodle with Vegetables is your go-to recipe. It’s simple to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for sharing with loved ones any day of the week. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food!
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Instant Pot Chicken Noodle with Vegetables
This comforting Instant Pot Chicken Noodle with Vegetables recipe combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked egg noodles all in one pot for a quick, nourishing, and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free Option
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Noodles
- 6 ounces egg noodles
Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Fats
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil or butter. Add diced onions, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and celery. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the vegetables soften slightly, releasing their natural sweetness and aromas.
- Add Chicken and Broth: Place the chicken breasts or thighs on top of the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and thyme evenly over the mixture for balanced seasoning.
- Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. This will tenderize the chicken and allow flavors to meld without overcooking the vegetables.
- Shred Chicken and Add Noodles: Perform a quick pressure release when cooking is complete. Carefully remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and add the egg noodles. Gently stir to combine.
- Cook Noodles: Switch the Instant Pot back to sauté mode and cook for about 5 minutes until the noodles are tender but still slightly firm. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Turn off the Instant Pot. Stir in chopped fresh parsley for added color and flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Prep Ingredients Ahead: Chop vegetables in advance to speed up cooking on busy nights.
- Don’t Overfill: Be mindful of Instant Pot capacity to avoid spills and ensure even cooking.
- Noodle Timing: Add noodles only after the chicken is cooked to prevent them from over-softening.
- Pressure Release Safety: Use quick-release carefully to avoid steam burns and overcooking.
- Customize Herbs: Substitute thyme with rosemary or basil for a different flavor profile.
- Variations: Swap noodles for gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini, add extra veggies like peas or spinach, spice it up with red pepper flakes or smoked paprika, or use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use olive oil instead of butter and skip any cream additions.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days or freeze after cooling completely.
- Reheat gently and stir occasionally, adding broth or water if noodles absorb too much liquid.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: thirty g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: instant pot, chicken noodle soup, one pot meal, healthy dinner, quick recipe, comfort food