Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup (Sausage & Potato Soup)

Picture yourself on a chilly evening, cozy in your kitchen, the aroma of Italian sausage, potatoes, and garlic filling the air. That’s the magic of Zuppa Toscana—a creamy, hearty soup that tastes like it’s been simmering all day, but thanks to the Instant Pot, it’s ready in a fraction of the time. Creamy, savory, and with just the right touch of spice, this soup is the ultimate comfort food.

Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s effortless or a crowd-pleasing starter for a dinner party, this Instant Pot version will quickly become your go-to. Trust me, once you take that first spoonful of creamy sausage and tender potatoes, you’ll understand why this soup is so beloved.

Recipe Origin

Zuppa Toscana is a classic Tuscan-inspired soup, popularized in the U.S. by Italian-American restaurants. Traditionally made with sausage, potatoes, kale, and a creamy broth, it’s warm, comforting, and perfect for cozy nights. Using the Instant Pot makes it easy to achieve the depth of flavor of slow-simmered soup in less than half the time.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Ladle for serving

Print

Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup

This soup isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience in a bowl. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Quick & Easy

The Instant Pot does the heavy lifting. You get deep, layered flavors without hours of simmering.

Comforting

Creamy, hearty, and full of tender potatoes, sausage, and kale—it’s pure cozy in a bowl.

Flavorful

Italian seasoning, garlic, red pepper flakes, and perfectly seasoned sausage create a rich, savory broth.

Crowd-Pleasing

Perfect for dinner parties, weeknight meals, or Sunday family dinners. Everyone loves it.

Versatile

You can adjust the spice level, swap heavy cream for milk or a lighter cream alternative, or add extra vegetables.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Brown the sausage in the Instant Pot using the sauté function for extra flavor.
• Cut potatoes evenly so they cook uniformly.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
• Stir in the kale at the very end to maintain its vibrant color and texture.
• Use good-quality sausage and stock for the best-tasting soup.

Ingredients in Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Main Ingredients

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For sautéing sausage and aromatics, adding depth of flavor.
Pork Sausage: The star of the soup—rich, savory, and perfectly seasoned.
Italian Seasoning, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, Kosher Salt: A flavor-packed seasoning blend that makes the broth irresistible.
Chicken Stock: Forms the rich, savory base of the soup.
Russet Potatoes: Cubed and tender, adding hearty, comforting texture.
Heavy Cream: Creamy, indulgent, and perfectly balances the savory sausage and spices.
Baby Kale: Adds a pop of color, freshness, and a nutrient boost.

Instructions

Let’s dive into making this delicious, creamy soup:

Sauté Sausage: Turn your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil and sausage. Brown until fully cooked and slightly crispy on the edges. Remove and set aside.

Season & Sauté: Add Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and kosher salt to the pot. Stir for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.

Add Potatoes & Stock: Add cubed potatoes and chicken stock. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor.

Pressure Cook: Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 5 minutes. Once done, allow a natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure.

Add Cream & Kale: Stir in heavy cream and baby kale. Let the kale wilt slightly in the hot soup, keeping its bright green color.

Finish & Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls, serve hot, and enjoy the creamy, savory goodness with a crusty bread if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6–8
Calories per serving: Approx. 350–400
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes (including sautéing and pressure cooking)
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup

• Fresh Bread: Serve with crusty baguette or garlic bread to soak up every drop of creamy broth.
• Salads: A crisp green salad adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
• As a Meal: Serve on its own for a comforting, filling dinner.
• Garnish Ideas: Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan, a pinch of crushed red pepper, or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Prep Ahead: Brown sausage and chop vegetables in advance. Store in the fridge until ready to cook.
• Storage Tips: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Freeze before adding cream for best texture. Reheat gently and stir in cream when warming.

Variations to Try

• Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Vegetable Boost: Include carrots, celery, or bell peppers.
• Lower Fat: Substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream.
• Sausage Swap: Use chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner option.

Additional Tips

• Use russet potatoes for the best texture—they hold up well in the Instant Pot.
• Stir frequently after adding cream to avoid curdling.
• Adjust seasoning at the end for the perfect balance of salt and spice.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this on the stovetop instead of an Instant Pot?
A1: Yes! Brown sausage in a pot, add stock and potatoes, simmer until tender, then stir in cream and kale.

Q2: Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
A2: Absolutely! Just reduce sautéing time and proceed with the recipe.

Q3: Can I make this dairy-free?
A3: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a creamy, non-dairy option.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Q5: Can I freeze this soup?
A5: Yes, freeze before adding cream for best texture. Reheat and stir in cream when ready to serve.

Q6: Can I use other greens instead of kale?
A6: Spinach or Swiss chard work beautifully as well.

Q7: How spicy is this soup?
A7: Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to taste for your preferred heat level.

Q8: Can I add cheese?
A8: Yes, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano before serving.

Q9: How thick should the soup be?
A9: The soup should be creamy but slightly broth-like. Adjust by adding more stock or cream as desired.

Q10: Can I make this low-carb?
A10: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets for a low-carb version.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup is creamy, hearty, and bursting with flavor. It’s quick enough for weeknights, elegant enough for dinner guests, and comforting enough for a cozy night in. With tender potatoes, savory sausage, and vibrant kale, every spoonful is a taste of Italian comfort.

Grab your Instant Pot, prep your ingredients, and in less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a bowl of pure, cozy happiness. Perfect for chilly nights, busy evenings, or anytime you crave a comforting, savory hug in a bowl.

Learn how to make Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana soup: