Instant Pot Chicken White Bean Spinach Soup
A healthy and easy recipe for any night of the week. Shredded white meat chicken is enveloped in a flavorful broth and surrounded by seasoned white beans, petite diced tomatoes, and fresh spinach.
A healthy and easy recipe for any night of the week. Shredded white meat chicken is enveloped in a flavorful broth and surrounded by seasoned white beans, petite diced tomatoes, and fresh spinach.
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1 1/2 tsp olive oil
- 2 cups packed fresh spinach
- 1 can petite diced tomatoes with juices
- 3 cups chicken broth (or 3 cups water and 3 tsp better t
- 2 cans white beans, rinsed and drained (i used s& w lightly seasoned white beans)
- 1 1/2 lbs (24 oz) boneless skinless chicken breasts (this was 2 chicken breast halves for m
- optional for serving: parmesan cheese and crouton
- Carbohydrate 3.66633449989691 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.4313599994436 g
- Fiber 0.798325003936952 g
- Protein 0.6187054999824 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0650064999211808 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -6 serving (191g)
- Sodium 242.206509999965 mg
- Sugar 2.86800949595996 g
- Trans Fat 0.0343060999826727 g
- Calories 19 calories
Step-by-step
- Turn your Instant Pot to saute. Use the adjust button to change it to "normal."
- Heat up the olive oil for about 2 minutes.
- Add in the diced onion followed by the garlic. Stir for 2 minutes, until onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant.
- Add in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, sugar, basil, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, beans, and chicken breasts.
- Cover and secure the lid of the Instant Pot. Make sure the valve is on "sealing."
- Set the timer to 10 minutes on manual (high pressure).
- When the timer beeps, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes and then release the rest of the pressure by moving the valve to "venting."
- Remove the chicken and place it on a cutting board. Shred the chicken or cut it into pieces.
- Add the chicken back into the pot.
- Stir in the spinach.
- Ladle into bowls and serve with croutons and Parmesan, if desired.
Instant Pot Chicken White Bean Spinach Soup: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between school pick-ups, soccer practice, and the never-ending pile of laundry, the last thing I want is to spend hours in the kitchen. That's why I've become completely obsessed with my Instant Pot. It's a lifesaver, transforming weeknight dinners from a stressful chore into a quick and satisfying experience.
This Instant Pot Chicken White Bean Spinach Soup is a perfect example. It's ready in under 30 minutes, packed with flavor, and incredibly nutritious. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the ingredients to your liking, adding different vegetables, spices, or even a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness. It’s also great for meal prepping – it tastes even better the next day!
The Magic of the Instant Pot
For those unfamiliar, the Instant Pot is a pressure cooker that also functions as a slow cooker, rice cooker, and more. It's a one-stop shop for quick and easy meals. The pressure cooking method tenderizes the chicken perfectly while simultaneously infusing the broth with incredible depth of flavor. The result is a soup that's both comforting and sophisticated, perfect for a chilly evening or a light lunch.
Why This Soup is a Staple in My Kitchen
Beyond its speed and convenience, this soup has several qualities that make it a weekly staple. It’s healthy, packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the beans and spinach. It's also incredibly adaptable. I often add leftover cooked chicken or vegetables to make it even quicker. Sometimes, I throw in a handful of kale or chard for extra greens. The possibilities are endless!
Beyond the Recipe: A Weeknight Ritual
Making this soup isn't just about the food; it's about creating a little bit of calm in the midst of a busy week. The rhythmic chopping of onions, the comforting aroma filling the kitchen, and the satisfying whir of the Instant Pot – these simple acts bring a sense of peace and normalcy to my otherwise hectic schedule. It's a small ritual that reminds me to slow down, even if just for a few moments, and appreciate the simple joys of cooking a good meal for my family.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This soup is delicious on its own, but I love to add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and some crunchy croutons for extra texture and flavor. A dollop of plain Greek yogurt or a swirl of cream also adds a nice richness. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also experiment with different beans, such as chickpeas or cannellini beans. If you don't have fresh spinach, frozen spinach works perfectly well too.
More Than Just a Meal: A Moment of Connection
More than just a quick and easy dinner, this soup has become a symbol of self-care and family connection. It’s a tangible representation of my commitment to nourishing my family with wholesome food, even when time is short. The shared meal, the laughter around the table, these are the things that make this soup so much more than just a recipe. It's a reminder to prioritize nourishment – both for the body and the soul.
From the Kitchen to the Table: A Journey of Flavors
The simple act of cooking, of transforming humble ingredients into a nourishing and delicious meal, brings me a profound sense of satisfaction. This soup is more than just a recipe; it's a journey – from the vibrant colors of the fresh spinach to the comforting warmth of the broth, each step is a testament to the power of food to connect us, nourish us, and bring joy to our lives.
So, next time you're looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful weeknight meal, give this Instant Pot Chicken White Bean Spinach Soup a try. You might just find yourself surprised by how much it simplifies your life and enriches your dinner table.
