Name: Instant Pot Creamy Split Pea Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional); 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 bay leaf; 1 1/2 cups dried green split peas, rinsed; 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth; 1/4 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (optional, for added creaminess)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Thanks to the Instant Pot, what would normally take hours on the stovetop is ready in under an hour—without sacrificing taste or texture. The split peas cook down beautifully, creating a naturally creamy consistency, and you can make it vegetarian for a more traditional twist. It’s budget-friendly, high in fiber and protein, and ideal for freezing and reheating.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Dried green split peas
Olive oil or butter
Onion
Carrots
Celery
Garlic
Bay leaf
Dried thyme
Smoked paprika (optional)
Salt
Black pepper
Vegetable broth or chicken broth
Heavy cream or coconut milk (optional, for added creaminess)

Directions

Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add olive oil or butter, then sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes, until softened.
Stir in the garlic, dried thyme, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute.
Add the rinsed split peas, broth, bay leaf, Stir to combine.
Lock the lid in place and set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 15 minutes.
Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
Remove the bay leaf. For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency, or leave it chunky.
Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk if a creamier soup is desired. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes (plus pressure build-up and release, about 20 minutes total)
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Smoky Flavor: Use smoked paprika and a dash of liquid smoke or smoked salt.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
Herb Boost: Stir in fresh parsley or dill before serving for a fresh finish.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm the soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each. If the soup thickens during storage, simply add a splash of broth or water to loosen it.

For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use yellow split peas instead of green?

Yes, yellow split peas work just as well and have a slightly milder flavor. The texture and cook time remain the same.

Do I need to soak split peas before cooking?

No soaking is necessary when using an Instant Pot. The pressure cooking breaks them down perfectly without pre-soaking.

How do I make this soup creamier?

You can blend the soup partially or fully using an immersion blender and add a splash of heavy cream, coconut milk, or even Greek yogurt.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure not to fill the Instant Pot above the “max fill” line. Cooking time remains the same.

Why is my soup too thick?

Split pea soup thickens as it cools. Add extra broth or water when reheating to adjust the consistency.

Can I make this without sautéing the vegetables?

Yes, you can skip sautéing and just add everything to the pot, though sautéing enhances flavor.

Is split pea soup healthy?

Yes, it’s high in plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. It’s also low in fat, especially if you skip cream

Can I freeze split pea soup?

Absolutely. It freezes well and reheats beautifully. Just be sure to cool it fully before transferring to freezer containers.

What should I serve with this soup?

It pairs well with crusty bread, cornbread, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

Conclusion

Instant Pot creamy split pea soup is a quick, wholesome, and deeply comforting dish that’s perfect for any season. Its creamy texture, rich flavor, and customizable ingredients make it a go-to for easy weeknight dinners or make-ahead lunches. Whether you enjoy it chunky or blended smooth, with or without , this recipe is sure to become a cozy favorite in your kitchen.