Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup

If you’re craving a bowl of comfort that warms the soul and satisfies every hunger pang, this Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup recipe is your new best friend. Packed with savory sausage, tender kale, creamy potatoes, and a rich broth, it combines robust flavors and hearty ingredients for a quick yet indulgent meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want that cozy Italian-inspired taste without the fuss, this soup delivers everything you want in one delicious pot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Speedy Comfort: Made in the Instant Pot to cut down cooking time while maximizing flavor in minutes.
• Hearty and Filling: Loaded with sausage, potatoes, and kale, it’s a complete meal in a bowl.
• One-Pot Wonder: No need to dirty multiple pans – everything cooks together for easy cleanup.
• Perfectly Creamy: The addition of cream gives a luscious texture without heaviness.
• Family Favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike thanks to its comforting and familiar flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup is made with simple, well-balanced ingredients that come together beautifully. Each element adds its own unique texture and flavor: spicy sausage brings savory depth, kale adds freshness and a pop of color, while potatoes create a hearty, satisfying bite.

• Italian Sausage: Ground or sliced, it’s the flavorful meat base that adds savory richness.
• Kale: Fresh kale provides earthy flavor and vibrant green color, balancing the richness.
• Potatoes: Russet or Yukon gold work best for creamy, tender chunks in the soup.
• Onion and Garlic: Aromatics that build a flavorful foundation to the broth.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and allows the other flavors to shine.
• Heavy Cream: For that smooth, velvety finish in the soup.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch for subtle heat and complexity.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything together perfectly.

Variations for Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup

One of the best parts about this recipe is how easy it is to make your own! Feel free to switch up ingredients or adjust seasonings to suit your tastes or dietary needs without losing that classic comforting feel.

• Remove the Cream: Use coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free, creamy option.
• Spicy Kick: Add extra crushed red pepper or swap the sausage for spicy chorizo.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in chopped carrots or celery for added nutrients and texture.
• Meat Alternatives: Use turkey sausage or plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian adaptation.
• Potato Swap: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets to lower carbs while maintaining volume.

How to Make Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Aromatics

Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting and cook the Italian sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks. Remove and set aside. In the same pot, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until soft and fragrant—this builds the flavor base.

Step 2: Add Potatoes and Broth

Return the sausage to the pot, add diced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Stir everything together, scraping the bottom of the pot to ensure nothing is stuck, then secure the lid and set to pressure cook for 7 minutes.

Step 3: Release and Add Kale

Once cooking is done, carefully do a quick release of the pressure. Open the lid and stir in chopped kale; the residual heat will wilt it perfectly without overcooking.

Step 4: Finish with Cream and Seasonings

Switch the Instant Pot back to sauté mode and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well and add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Let the soup simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors and thicken slightly.

Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh kale and quality sausage make a noticeable difference in flavor.
• Don’t Skip Browning: Sautéing the sausage first deepens the soup’s taste.
• Cut Potatoes Evenly: Uniform chunks ensure even cooking and texture.
• Pressure Release Safety: Use a natural release if avoiding hot steam is a concern, but quick release works fine here.
• Adjust Creaminess: Start with less cream and add more to your desired consistency.

How to Serve Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, a few torn basil leaves, or a drizzle of good olive oil adds shine and extra flavor that elevate the bowl’s presentation and taste.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside crusty Italian bread or garlic knots for dipping into that flavorful broth, or a crisp green salad for a complete comforting meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in rustic bowls with a side of pepper flakes and Parmesan cheese on the table for guests to customize their bowls, adding a fun interactive element to your meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld beautifully as it sits.

Freezing

This soup freezes well in portions, just leave out the cream and add it in after reheating for best texture and creaminess.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove or microwave and stir in cream or a splash of broth as needed to refresh the soup’s creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I make Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup without sausage?

Absolutely! You can substitute sausage with mushrooms, lentils, or leave it out for a vegetarian version, but you might want to add extra seasoning to keep it flavorful.

Is kale the only green I can use?

No, you can swap kale for spinach, Swiss chard, or collard greens depending on what you have available; just add them towards the end to avoid overcooking.

Can I use a slow cooker instead of an Instant Pot?

Yes, but cooking times will be longer—plan for 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high, sauté or brown the sausage and aromatics beforehand for best flavor.

How can I make this soup dairy-free?

Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to keep it creamy but suited for dairy-free diets.

What is the best type of potato to use?

Russet or Yukon gold potatoes are ideal due to their texture which becomes tender but not mushy when cooked in soup.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup—it’s an easy, satisfying meal that feels as indulgent as it tastes. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week, this cozy soup brings warmth and smiles with every spoonful. Give it a try and discover your new go-to comfort classic!

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