The Story Behind My Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup
I remember the first time I made Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup. It was a Tuesday. Of course it was a Tuesday! Picture this: school pickup chaos, a mountain of laundry threatening to topple over, and the dreaded “what’s for dinner?” question hanging in the air. I was desperate for something warm, comforting, and FAST. That’s when I stumbled upon the idea of the Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana (Sausage Potato Soup). The kids were surprisingly quiet that night (a total miracle!), and everyone actually ate their vegetables! It felt like a huge win.
Now, making Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup has become a regular in our meal rotation. It’s the perfect solution for those nights when you need something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s so easy to customize to your family’s tastes.
Fellow kitchen warriors, if you’re looking for a sanity-saving meal that will please even the pickiest eaters, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get cooking!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup. Trust me, this list is SHORT because mama doesn’t have time for fancy!
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your choice!)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 bunch kale, chopped (about 6 cups)
- 1 cup heavy cream

Shopping Tip: You can grab most of these ingredients at Aldi or Trader Joe’s while doing your regular grocery run.
Ingredient Swaps
- No kale? Spinach works great in this Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup too!
- Don’t have heavy cream? Half-and-half will do in a pinch.
- For a vegetarian version of *easy Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup*, use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.
Budget-Friendly Tips
This *flavorful Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup* doesn’t have to break the bank! Buy sausage in bulk and freeze it. Potatoes and kale are usually pretty affordable, too.
Storage Wisdom
Leftover Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Personal Preferences
My family loves when I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little extra heat to the Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup. Give it a try for an extra zing!
Let’s Make it Happen!
Alright, let’s get down to business and make some Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup! Don’t worry, it’s super easy. I promise.
- Brown the Sausage: Turn your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- While the sausage is browning, pour yourself a cup of coffee. You deserve it!
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the Instant Pot. Cook until the onion is softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Your Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup should smell amazing by now!
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour in the chicken broth and water. Add the salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add Potatoes: Add the peeled and cubed potatoes to the Instant Pot.
- Pressure Cook: Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to “Sealing.” Cook on “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” for 8 minutes.
- Perfect time to fold that laundry pile while the *pressure cooker Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup* is cooking! Or, you know, scroll through social media. No judgment here!
- Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is up, do a quick release of the pressure. Be careful of the steam!
- Add Kale and Cream: Open the lid and stir in the chopped kale. Let it wilt for a few minutes. Then, stir in the heavy cream.
- Don’t panic if your Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup looks a little thin at this point. The potatoes will help thicken it up as it sits.
- Serve and Enjoy! Ladle the Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup into bowls and serve hot.
- Here’s where I used to mess up my Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup – I wouldn’t let the kale wilt enough. Make sure it’s nice and tender before serving!
Timing Tip: In my chaotic kitchen, this Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, including prep time. That’s a win in my book!
For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out my Spicy Black Bean Soup recipe!
How We Love to Eat This!
This *flavorful and comforting Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup* is a family favorite for so many reasons. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with flavor. Here’s how we love to enjoy it!
Kid-Approved Side Dishes:
- Crusty bread for dipping: The kids devour this Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup when I serve it with a side of warm, crusty bread. They love dipping it in the broth!
- Grilled cheese sandwiches: A classic pairing!
- Side salad: For a little extra veggies.
Perfect Occasions:
This Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you need something quick and easy. It’s also great for:
- Cold, rainy days
- Potlucks
- Holiday gatherings
Presentation Tips:
I’m all about keeping it real, so my presentation tips are simple:
- Ladle the Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup into bowls.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese (optional).
- Serve with a smile!
Leftover Ideas:
If you have any leftover Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup (which is rare in my house!), you can:
- Reheat it for lunch the next day.
- Use it as a base for a pasta sauce.
- Freeze it for a future meal.
Seasonal Variations:
I’ve tried a few different variations of this Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup, including:
- Adding butternut squash in the fall
- Using spicy Italian sausage for a little extra kick
Guest Reactions:
Everyone always raves about this Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup! It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure.
This Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup reminds me of another family favorite, my Butternut Squash Soup. It’s got that same comforting, veggie-packed goodness.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
I know you probably have some questions about making Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup, so I’m here to help!
- Can my picky eater handle this Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup?
- It’s possible! Start with a small serving and let them try it. You can also customize it to their liking by leaving out the kale or using mild sausage.
- What if I burn my Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)
- Don’t panic! If you get the dreaded “burn” notice, turn off the Instant Pot immediately and release the pressure. Remove the inner pot and let it cool slightly. Then, carefully transfer the soup to a new pot, leaving behind any burnt bits. You can still salvage it!
- Can I make this Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana ahead for meal prep?
- Absolutely! This is a great meal to prep in advance. Just cook it according to the instructions and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Can I use frozen potatoes in my Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup?
- Yes, you can use frozen potatoes in this Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup. Just add them directly to the Instant Pot without thawing.
- What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
- No problem! You can also make this soup on the stovetop. Just brown the sausage in a large pot, then add the onion and garlic. Sauté until softened. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer until the potatoes are tender.
- How can I thicken this *creamy Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup*?
- If you want a thicker Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup, you can mash some of the potatoes with a fork or use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup.
- Can I add other vegetables?
- Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or zucchini to this Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup.
For more Instant Pot inspiration and tips and tricks, check out other sources like Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana (Sausage Potato Soup) – Simply Happy …, Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana | Delicious Meets Healthy or even Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana • Salt & Lavender
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup is special to my family because it’s a reminder that even on the busiest of nights, we can still enjoy a delicious and healthy meal together. It’s a comforting classic that brings us all to the table.
My Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup Mom Hacks:
- Pre-chop veggies on Sunday for even faster weeknight prep.
- Use pre-cooked sausage to save time.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and seasonings!
Family-Tested Variations:
- My son loves it with extra sausage.
- My daughter prefers it with spinach instead of kale.
- My husband likes it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Kitchen warriors, I hope you try this Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana recipe and make it your own! Don’t be afraid to get creative and customize it to your family’s tastes. I know you can do it! And if you ever need a reminder that you can do this, check out my garlic soup recipe, as well!
Happy cooking! 💕 I truly hope you and your family enjoy this Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup!
Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup
Enjoy a hearty and flavorful Zuppa Toscana Soup made quickly and easily in your Instant Pot. This creamy soup is packed with Italian sausage, kale, and potatoes for a satisfying and comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casing
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 bunch kale, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the onion and garlic to the Instant Pot and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced potatoes.
- Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
- Carefully open the Instant Pot and stir in the kale. Cook until the kale is wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For a spicier soup, use hot Italian sausage and add a pinch more red pepper flakes. You can also top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.