Name: Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
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 into cubes (russet recommended); 4 cups kale, chopped (about 1 small bunch); 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium or no sodium added); 1 cup half and half or heavy cream

If you’ve ever craved a warm, comforting bowl of Italian-inspired soup but needed it done fast, this Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe is exactly what you want in your life. I love how it brings together spicy sausage, tender potatoes, and hearty kale in one creamy, soul-soothing meal that only takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. The Instant Pot makes it easy to capture the deep flavors without hovering over the stove all day.

This soup works perfectly for busy weeknights, chilly weekends, or anytime you want a cozy dish with minimal hassle. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe is both quick and satisfying — trust me, you’ll want to keep these ingredients on hand once you try it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to give you that classic, rich, and slightly spicy flavor this soup is known for. When shopping, look for good-quality Italian sausage and fresh kale, since they make a big difference in the final taste.

Olive oil: A good base for sautéing that adds subtle richness without overpowering the flavors.
Italian sausage: Mild or spicy, depending on your heat preference; I usually go spicy for a little kick.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; chopping it fine helps it melt into the soup.
Garlic: Fresh minced cloves give the soup that warm, aromatic flavor.
Red pepper flakes: Just a touch to lift the heat; feel free to adjust this to taste.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that rounds out the savory profile beautifully.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning — I recommend adjusting at the end to suit your palate.
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are best here because they break down slightly for a creamy texture while still holding shape.
Kale: Adds color, nutrients, and earthiness; chopping it finely helps it cook evenly.
Chicken broth: Low sodium is ideal to control the saltiness.
Half and half or heavy cream: Half and half for a lighter swirl of creaminess, heavy cream if you want it indulgent and rich.

Variations

I love tweaking this Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe depending on what I have and who I’m cooking for. Feel free to play around with it — after all, cooking should be fun and personal!

Vegetarian Variation: Swap Italian sausage for seasoned plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a hearty meatless option — I tried mushrooms once, and the texture was surprisingly satisfying.
Leafy Green Swaps: If kale isn’t your favorite, spinach works just as well and cooks faster.
Spice Level Adjustments: For a milder version, reduce or skip the red pepper flakes. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños before pressure cooking.
Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk or a cashew cream substitute instead of half and half to keep it creamy without dairy.
Potato Substitutes: Yellow potatoes or red potatoes add a different texture and sweetness if you want to mix it up.

How to Make Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté the Aromatics

Start by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté mode. Once hot, add the olive oil and then the Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break the sausage apart and cook until it’s no longer pink, about 3 minutes. This step is key because it builds the base flavor you’ll want all through your soup. After the sausage is browned, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking them together until the onion turns translucent, about another 3 minutes. This ensures your aromatics release their sweet, mellow flavors and aren’t raw or harsh.

Step 2: Add Spices, Potatoes, and Broth

Next, stir in your red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper — this seasoning mix really defines the taste, so don’t skip it! Then add the cubed potatoes. Pour in the chicken broth until everything is well combined with a good stir. The broth level is crucial to cover the potatoes so they cook evenly and absorb those sausage flavors.

Step 3: Pressure Cook the Soup

Seal your Instant Pot lid and make sure the valve is set to “Sealing.” Set it to Manual or Pressure Cook mode and program it for 5 minutes. It might seem short, but the pressure buildup cooks the potatoes perfectly without turning them into mush. Once the timer goes off, I like to let it natural release for about 10 minutes — it lets the flavors meld and avoids splattering. If you’re short on time, a quick release is fine, just be careful when opening the lid.

Step 4: Finish with Kale and Cream

Open the lid carefully, then add the chopped kale. Turn your Instant Pot back to sauté and let the soup cook uncovered for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally until the kale softens but stays vibrant. Finally, stir in the half and half or heavy cream for that luscious, silky finish. You’re almost there!

How to Serve Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe

The image shows several ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. In the center, there is a white bowl filled with raw ground meat, showing a mix of pink and white colors with a soft texture. Surrounding the bowl are two whole yellow onions near the top left, a small white bowl of sliced white onions at the top right, and a small pile of dried herbs on the right side. Below the ground meat bowl, there is a light brown potato, three cloves of white garlic, and a bunch of fresh green kale with curly leaves. Also visible are a small white bowl of coarse salt near the bottom left and a larger white bowl filled with bright yellow olive oil toward the bottom center. Some chili flakes are scattered close to the onions on the left side. The overall scene is clean and well-lit, highlighting the fresh ingredients used for cooking photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese right on top — it adds a salty, nutty touch that makes every bite delicious. Crispy bacon bits are my go-to garnish when I want to turn up the indulgence factor, and a few fresh cracked black pepper twists add a nice final touch. Fresh parsley or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes also brighten the bowl if you want a bit more color or heat.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, like a good Italian baguette or sourdough — perfect for dipping. When I’m feeling extra hungry, I serve alongside a crisp Caesar salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal. Garlic knots or cheesy breadsticks also make a fun accompaniment, especially if you’re serving family or friends.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try serving this Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out sourdough loaves for an impressive presentation. I once brought this to a potluck, and the bread bowl surprises always steal the show! Another idea is layering it in clear glass mugs to show off the soup’s beautiful color layers, perfect for casual get-togethers or cozy winter nights.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers are often even better than day one. Just make sure to cool it before refrigerating to keep everything fresh.

Freezing

This soup freezes well, which is a lifesaver for busy weeks. I let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and label them. It’s best to freeze before adding the cream if you want to maintain the texture — just add it fresh when reheating. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent the cream from separating. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it. Microwaving works too, but watch the timing to avoid overheating. After reheating, give it a quick stir and a final taste check for seasoning.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of Italian sausage?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner version of this Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe. Just season it well with Italian herbs, garlic, and a little red pepper flakes to mimic the spicy sausage flavor. You might want to add a bit of olive oil when browning since these meats are leaner and can dry out.
How spicy is this soup?

The spice level is moderate since the recipe includes red pepper flakes and spicy Italian sausage as optional. You can easily adjust the heat by reducing or omitting the red pepper flakes or swapping spicy sausage for mild. It’s very customizable based on your family’s taste.
Do I have to use an Instant Pot to make this soup?

Nope! While this Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe is designed for the Instant Pot’s speed and convenience, you can absolutely make it on the stovetop. Just brown the sausage and onions in a large pot, add ingredients, simmer until potatoes are tender, then add kale and cream at the end.
What can I substitute for kale if I don’t like it?

Spinach is a great substitute — it wilts quickly and adds a mild flavor. Swiss chard or collard greens also work well if you want a similar green but with a slightly different texture and taste.
How thick should the soup be?

The Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe should be creamy but brothy — not too thick like chowder, but not watery either. The creamy half and half or heavy cream adds body, while the potatoes give gentle thickness. Adjust broth or cream amounts depending on your preferred consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s quick yet still tastes like I spent hours simmering it to perfection. It’s effortless comfort food that’s perfect anytime you want a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal fuss. Give it a try — I’m confident you’ll love how this soup fits into your family dinners or meal plans just like it does mine.