If you’re craving a bowl of warm comfort with flavor that explodes in every bite, you absolutely have to try Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana. This creamy, dreamy soup is inspired by the beloved Tuscan classic but uses the magic of your Instant Pot to go from kitchen to table in just about half an hour. Spicy Italian sausage, smoky bacon, tender potatoes, and vibrant kale all swim together in a luscious broth that’ll make your kitchen smell like a charming country trattoria. Trust me, one spoonful and you’ll see why Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana is always on rotation in my home!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana is all about using simple, quality ingredients that each bring something wonderful to the table. Every addition amps up the flavor, texture, or inviting color, so gather these must-haves for the very best bowl!
- Italian sausage: Choose mild or spicy according to your taste; this is what gives the soup its heartiness and signature flavor.
- Bacon: Those crispy bits take smoky to a whole new level and add irresistible texture.
- Onion: Diced onion creates a savory base and subtle natural sweetness as it cooks down.
- Garlic: No Tuscan-inspired dish is complete without lots of fragrant garlic!
- Russet potatoes: Classic for this soup, russets break down perfectly into soft, tender bites; Yukon golds work in a pinch.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth and balances the richness of the cream and sausage.
- Heavy cream: The magic ingredient for that dreamy, velvety texture—add more or less to taste.
- Chopped kale: A pop of green, packed with nutrients, and it holds up beautifully in the hot broth.
- Salt: Just the right amount brings out all the savory notes without overpowering.
- Black pepper: Lends warmth and a gentle kick to every spoonful.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a touch of heat—use as much or as little as you like!
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Don’t skip this for serving; it melts into the soup and adds a salty, nutty finish that ties everything together.
How to Make Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana
Step 1: Crisp Up the Bacon
Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and toss in the chopped bacon. Cook until every piece is golden and crispy, stirring often—nothing smells cozier! Scoop out the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside for garnish, but be sure to leave those magical drippings behind in the pot to flavor the next steps.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Still on sauté, add the Italian sausage right into those bacon drippings. Break it apart with your spoon and let it brown until it’s no longer pink—you want some caramelized bits for maximum flavor! This step is where your kitchen really starts to smell like an Italian bistro.
Step 3: Soften the Onion and Garlic
Once the sausage is beautifully browned, stir in the diced onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, about three minutes. Then, add the minced garlic; just a minute here does the trick, making it beautifully aromatic without burning.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Goodness
Turn off sauté mode and add your diced potatoes, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using!) to the pot. Give everything a good stir to combine, then lock the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. This does all the heavy lifting for you, infusing flavor straight into the potatoes.
Step 5: Add Kale and Cream
After the timer is up, carefully quick release the pressure. Open the lid and stir in the chopped kale. Let it wilt for a few minutes in the residual heat—no mushy greens here! Finally, pour in the heavy cream and stir to create that dreamy, rich texture that makes Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana so irresistible.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the piping hot soup into bowls, crown each serving with your crispy bacon, and shower on a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Grab your best soup spoon—dinner is served, and you won’t want to miss a single bite!
How to Serve Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you can make this soup shine! A heap of crispy bacon and a cloud of freshly grated Parmesan on each bowl take Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana from homemade to restaurant-worthy. A swirl of extra cream or a crack of black pepper right before serving works wonders, too.
Side Dishes
While this soup is hearty enough to stand alone, a hunk of crusty bread or warm garlic knots for dunking never disappoint. Pair with a crisp side salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette to balance the richness, or try roasted veggies to round out your comforting spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, serve Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana in rustic bread bowls—a true crowd-pleaser for dinner parties or cozy get-togethers. Or offer a DIY toppings bar: crispy shallots, red pepper flakes, and extra Parmesan, so everyone can make their bowl unique. A drizzle of chili oil adds a pop of color and heat for the adventurous at heart!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let your soup cool to room temperature, then store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors only deepen overnight, making Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana an even better treat the next day.
Freezing
While you can freeze Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana, keep in mind creamy soups can sometimes separate. For best results, freeze without the cream, then stir it in fresh after reheating. Store portions in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat or use the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. If the soup thickens up too much, stir in a splash of broth or cream to bring back that signature silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use another type of sausage for this soup?
Absolutely! While classic Italian sausage brings that familiar flavor, turkey or chicken sausage work well for a lighter spin. If you’re adventurous, try a smoky chorizo for a bold twist!
Can I make Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana dairy-free?
You sure can! Substitute canned coconut milk or any unsweetened non-dairy creamer for the heavy cream. Omit the Parmesan or use your favorite plant-based cheese for that final flourish.
Is Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana gluten-free?
Yes, the traditional recipe as outlined here is naturally gluten-free, so it’s perfect for anyone avoiding gluten. Just double-check your sausage and chicken broth labels, as those can sometimes contain hidden gluten.
What potatoes work best in this soup?
Russet potatoes are traditional, breaking down nicely for that creamy texture, but Yukon golds or red potatoes can be swapped for a slightly different bite and color. Choose what you love or have on hand!
How spicy is Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana?
You’re in control! Using spicy Italian sausage and red pepper flakes will turn up the heat, while sticking with mild sausage keeps things subtle. Adjust the spice to suit your taste buds.
Final Thoughts
Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana is one of those soul-satisfying recipes you’ll come back to again and again. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights but special enough to serve to friends and family. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes a new favorite in your kitchen, too!
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Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and flavorful Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana recipe that combines Italian sausage, bacon, potatoes, kale, and a creamy broth for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Italian Sausage:
1 pound
Bacon:
4 slices, chopped
Onion:
1 medium, diced
Garlic Cloves:
3, minced
Russet Potatoes:
4 cups, diced
Chicken Broth:
4 cups
Heavy Cream:
1 cup
Kale:
3 cups, chopped
Salt:
1 teaspoon
Black Pepper:
1/2 teaspoon
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes:
1/2 teaspoon (optional)
Grated Parmesan Cheese:
for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Bacon: Cook chopped bacon in Instant Pot until crispy; set aside.
- Brown Sausage: Cook Italian sausage until browned; add onion and garlic.
- Pressure Cook: Add potatoes, broth, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Pressure cook for 5 minutes.
- Add Kale and Cream: Stir in kale, let wilt, then add cream.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls, top with bacon and Parmesan. Enjoy!
Notes
- Choose mild or spicy sausage based on preference.
- Yukon gold potatoes can substitute for russets.
- Adjust cream amount for desired richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
