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You can cook butternut squash soup in an Instant Pot by using the sauté function to soften your aromatics, pressure cooking the squash until it’s tender, and then blending everything into a smooth, velvety soup.
It’s one of the easiest ways to make this cozy, comforting dish because the Instant Pot does most of the heavy lifting for you.
If you’ve been wondering how to cook butternut squash soup in an Instant Pot without standing over a stove for an hour, you’re in the right place.
When you cook butternut squash soup in an Instant Pot, the whole process goes from raw ingredients to a rich, creamy bowl of goodness in about 30 minutes.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to cook butternut squash soup in an Instant Pot, the ingredients you’ll need, and a few tips to make it taste like it came from a fancy restaurant.
Let’s dive in.
Why Cook Butternut Squash Soup in an Instant Pot
Cooking butternut squash soup in an Instant Pot is a game-changer, and here’s why:
1. It’s Fast and Hands-Off
When you cook butternut squash soup in an Instant Pot, you cut the cooking time dramatically compared to roasting or simmering on the stove.
The pressure cooker transforms a tough, dense squash into soft, blendable pieces in just a few minutes of active cooking.
You can walk away, fold laundry, or scroll your phone while the Instant Pot handles the hard part of making butternut squash soup.
2. No Need to Peel Perfectly
One of the best things about how to cook butternut squash soup in an Instant Pot is that you don’t need to wrestle with a rock-hard squash for ages.
The high pressure softens the flesh so thoroughly that even roughly chopped pieces blend into a silky soup.
So when you cook butternut squash soup in an Instant Pot, you spend less time fighting the squash and more time enjoying it.
3. Deep, Concentrated Flavor
Because the Instant Pot traps steam and heat, cooking butternut squash soup in it locks in natural sweetness.
That means every spoonful of your butternut squash soup tastes richer and more intense than a quick stovetop version.
Plus, when you cook butternut squash soup in an Instant Pot, the sauté step lets you build a flavorful base before pressure cooking begins.
Ingredients for Butternut Squash Soup in an Instant Pot
Before you cook butternut squash soup in an Instant Pot, gather these simple ingredients:
1. The Base Vegetables
You’ll need one medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into cubes.
Add one chopped onion, two cloves of minced garlic, and one peeled, chopped carrot for extra sweetness.
These vegetables form the heart of your butternut squash soup in the Instant Pot.
2. The Liquid and Seasonings
Pour in three cups of vegetable or chicken broth to give your butternut squash soup its liquid base.
Season with one teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon of black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon.
A tablespoon of olive oil or butter helps everything sauté nicely before you cook butternut squash soup in the Instant Pot.
3. The Finishing Touch
Keep half a cup of heavy cream or coconut milk on standby.
You’ll stir it in after you cook butternut squash soup in an Instant Pot to make it creamy and luxurious.
A handful of fresh thyme or sage also adds a lovely aroma if you have it on hand.
How to Cook Butternut Squash Soup in an Instant Pot Step by Step
Here’s the exact process for how to cook butternut squash soup in an Instant Pot:
1. Sauté Your Aromatics
Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add the olive oil or butter.
Once it’s hot, toss in the onion, garlic, and carrot, and cook for about three minutes until fragrant.
This step builds the flavor foundation before you cook butternut squash soup in the Instant Pot.
2. Add Squash, Broth, and Seasonings
Add the cubed butternut squash, broth, salt, pepper, and nutmeg to the pot.
Give everything a good stir so the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Now you’re ready to cook butternut squash soup in the Instant Pot under pressure.
3. Pressure Cook and Release
Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for eight minutes.
When the timer beeps, let the pressure release naturally for ten minutes, then carefully do a quick release.
After that, your butternut squash soup in the Instant Pot is almost done.
4. Blend Until Smooth
Use an immersion blender to purée the soup right in the pot until it’s completely smooth.
If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer batches to a regular blender.
This is the step that turns your cooked butternut squash soup in the Instant Pot into a silky masterpiece.
5. Stir in Cream and Serve
Finally, stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk and taste for seasoning.
Ladle your butternut squash soup into bowls and top with fresh herbs, croutons, or a swirl of cream.
Now you know exactly how to cook butternut squash soup in an Instant Pot like a pro.
So, How to Cook Butternut Squash Soup in an Instant Pot?
You can cook butternut squash soup in an Instant Pot by sautéing aromatics, pressure cooking the squash with broth, blending until smooth, and finishing with cream.
It’s fast, foolproof, and delivers a bowl of soup that tastes like you simmered it all day.
Whether you’re new to pressure cooking or a seasoned pro, learning how to cook butternut squash soup in an Instant Pot is a skill worth having in your kitchen.
So grab that squash, fire up your Instant Pot, and get ready for the coziest bowl of soup you’ve ever made.