Description
This Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana is a hearty, comforting Italian-inspired soup featuring spicy or mild Italian sausage, tender potatoes, kale, and a creamy broth. Made quickly and easily in an Instant Pot, it delivers rich flavors with minimal effort and is perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Vegetables
- 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 into cubes (russet recommended)
- 4 cups kale, chopped (about 1 small bunch)
Liquids
- 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium or no sodium added)
- 1 cup half and half or heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Set your Instant Pot to the sauté setting following the manufacturer’s guide to begin cooking.
- Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in the Instant Pot, add the Italian sausage, and cook for about 3 minutes while breaking it up with a wooden spoon until it is no longer pink.
- Sauté Aromatics: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for an additional 3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Add Seasonings and Potatoes: Mix in red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the cubed potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid securely, ensuring the steam release knob is set to “Sealing.” Select Manual/Pressure Cook and set it to cook for 5 minutes.
- Release Pressure: When cooking completes, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. If short on time, use a quick release following safety instructions, then carefully remove the lid.
- Add Kale and Cream: Adjust seasoning if needed. Add chopped kale, then set the Instant Pot back to sauté and cook uncovered for 2 minutes until the kale softens slightly. Stir in the half and half or heavy cream to finish.
- Serve: Turn off the Instant Pot by pressing cancel and serve the soup warm. Garnish optionally with Parmesan cheese or bacon bits for extra flavor.
Notes
- Sausage: Choose mild or spicy Italian sausage according to your heat preference.
- Potato Choices: Russet potatoes yield a creamier soup; yellow or red potatoes can be used as alternatives.
- Dairy: Half and half creates a lighter soup, while heavy cream results in a richer texture.
- Kale Substitution: Fresh spinach works well as a substitute for kale if preferred.
- Nutritional Info: Nutrition values are based on approximately 2 cups per serving.
Keywords: Instant Pot soup, Zuppa Toscana, Italian sausage soup, creamy soup, kale soup, potato soup, easy dinner, pressure cooker soup