Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Recipe

Introduction

Zuppa Toscana is a hearty and comforting Italian soup made with sausage, potatoes, kale, and a creamy broth. Prepared quickly in the Instant Pot, this dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal anytime you crave rich, flavorful soup.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed, mild or spicy)
• 1 large onion (chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
• 4 medium potatoes (cut in cubes, russet recommended)
• 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium or no sodium added)
• 4 cups kale (chopped, about 1 small bunch)
• 1 cup half and half or heavy cream

Instructions

1. Step 1: Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting following the manufacturer’s guide.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in the Instant Pot. Add the sausage and brown for 3 minutes until no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
3. Step 3: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
4. Step 4: Add red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well, then add the cubed potatoes and chicken broth. Mix to combine.
5. Step 5: Close the Instant Pot lid securely. Set the pot to Manual mode and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Ensure the steam release knob is set to “Sealing.”
6. Step 6: When the cooking cycle is complete, allow a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes. For quicker release, follow the manufacturer’s quick-release instructions. Carefully remove the lid.
7. Step 7: Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Add chopped kale to the pot and set the Instant Pot back to sauté. Cook uncovered for 2 minutes until kale softens. Stir in the half and half or heavy cream.
8. Step 8: Turn off the Instant Pot by pressing the cancel button. Serve warm, optionally garnished with Parmesan cheese or bacon bits.

Tips & Variations

• Use spicy Italian sausage for a bolder flavor or switch to turkey sausage for a leaner option.
• Romaine or spinach can substitute kale if you prefer a milder green.
• For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes while cooking or add a tablespoon of cornstarch slurry at the end.
• Add cooked crispy bacon on top for extra texture and flavor.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent separation. You may need to add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this soup without an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can prepare Zuppa Toscana on the stovetop. Brown the sausage and vegetables in a large pot, then add the potatoes, broth, and seasonings. Simmer until potatoes are tender, about 20-25 minutes. Add kale and cream last, cooking until kale wilts.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, the basic recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels of your sausage and broth to be sure they do not contain gluten or additives.

Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 104 reviews

A comforting and hearty Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana recipe featuring Italian sausage, tender potatoes, kale, and a creamy broth made with half and half. This flavorful soup comes together quickly using the pressure cooking function of the Instant Pot for a delicious, warming meal perfect any day of the week.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Instant Pot
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Soup Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed; mild or spicy)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)

Vegetables and Broth

• 4 medium russet potatoes, cut into cubes
• 6 cups low sodium or no sodium added chicken broth
• 4 cups kale, chopped (about 1 small bunch)

Finishing

• 1 cup half and half (or heavy cream)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Instant Pot: Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté setting according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Brown the sausage: Heat the olive oil, add the Italian sausage, and cook for about 3 minutes until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
3. Sauté onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking for another 3 minutes until the onion has softened and become translucent.
4. Add seasonings and potatoes: Stir in the red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the cubed potatoes and pour in the chicken broth, then stir to combine.
5. Pressure cook the soup: Secure the Instant Pot lid according to the manufacturer’s guide. Set to Manual mode for 5 minutes, and ensure the steam release valve is in the “Sealing” position.
6. Release pressure: After cooking, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for about 10 minutes. If in a hurry, you can perform a quick release following the manufacturer’s instructions. Carefully remove the lid.
7. Cook kale and finish soup: Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Add the chopped kale, turn the Instant Pot back to sauté, and cook uncovered for 2 minutes until the kale softens. Stir in the half and half or heavy cream to finish the soup.
8. Serve: Press the cancel button to turn off the Instant Pot. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with Parmesan cheese or bacon bits if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

• You can substitute heavy cream for half and half for a richer soup.
• Add bacon bits or grated Parmesan cheese as optional garnishes.
• If using spicy sausage, omit or reduce the red pepper flakes for balanced heat.
• Russet potatoes are preferred for their creamy texture, but Yukon gold can be used as a substitute.
• For a thinner broth, add additional chicken broth or water.

Keywords: Instant Pot, Zuppa Toscana, Italian sausage soup, kale soup, creamy potato soup, comfort food