Last Updated on December 17, 2024 by Kimberly Stroh

Craving a warm, hearty bowl of clam chowder doesn’t mean you have to spend hours in the kitchen. This Instant Pot Clam Chowder recipe is the solution you’ve been waiting for! With all the creamy, comforting flavors of a classic clam chowder—fresh clams, tender potatoes, and savory bacon—this recipe simplifies the process, delivering a rich, velvety soup in minutes. It’s our family’s go-to for a cozy meal during wintertime.

The Instant Pot gives you a set-it-and-forget-it convenience, without the long hours of a slow cooker. Surprisingly, flavorful soups only take minutes to make. I also make an Instant Pot Gumbo— soups and stews are perfect for the Instant Pot. That makes this recipe perfect for busy weeknights when you just need to get dinner on the table and you’re exhausted.

What To Serve With Clam Chowder Soup

If you really want to take dinner to the next level, grab some sourdough rounds and make yourself a bread bowl. There is nothing better than a bread bowl for your soup. I crave soup in bread bowls. However, if you’re better than me, pair your soup with a salad. A beautiful winter salad recipe adds a touch of green. Soup, salad, and bread just go together!

For toppings, I add a touch of fresh parsley and some oyster crackers. Crushed Ritz Crackers are another option if you don’t have any oyster crackers.

How To Store Leftovers

Once your soup has cooked and cooled, transfer any remaining leftovers to an airtight food storage container. Keep the soup refrigerated and for best freshness, enjoy within 3-4 days of cooking. I like to reheat my soup in the microwave, on high, for 1-2 minutes.

The Clam Chowder also freezes really well. Soups are perfect to freeze and enjoy later. Store the soup in the back of the freezer, where temperatures are more stable. Let the soup thaw overnight before reheating again. Freeze the soup for up to three months before tossing.

Recipe Variations

Clam Chowder is such an easy soup to switch up and make it unique. Try playing with your herbs. Thyme, Bay Leaves, Dill and Tarragon are easy additions to change the flavor. Pick one to add. Next, consider adding a different vegetable. Corn and carrots are two great vegetables that go with clam chowder. Lastly, coconut milk or beer are two liquids that can be added for heightened flavor.

Instant Pot Clam Chowder Soup Ingredients:

• Chopped Clams: Purchase in canned goods
• Bacon: I prefer a smoked hickory bacon that’s thick
• Onion: It adds flavor (I used yellow, but sweet works too)
• Cornstarch: For thickening
• Potatoes: Look for medium-sized potatoes that are Yukon or Russett
• Water
• Salt
• Pepper
• Half and Half

How To Make Clam Chowder In The Instant Pot

Turn Instant Pot on to saute mode and cook bacon and onions until the bacon has browned.

Add in clams and cornstarch and stir together. Add in potatoes and then the water and seasonings, stirring to mix.

Put the lid on the Instant Pot and turn the pressure valve to sealing. Set for a manual-high time of 3 minutes. Allow for a quick pressure release when the time has been completed.

Add half and half and turn on saute mode to heat through. Add additional salt and pepper as needed, to taste.