Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup: Easy & Delicious!

Okay, amiga, get ready for a flavor fiesta because I’m about to drop my Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup recipe on you! You know I don’t mess around with boring meals. This soup? Forget about it! Creamy, savory, and packed with that signature Tuscan heat, it’s gonna become your new obsession. The first time I made this Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup, I knew I’d hit gold. It was during a crazy week, and I needed something fast and comforting. One bite and BAM! It was like a flavor explosion in my mouth. I knew right then that this was a recipe I needed to share with all my fellow flavor adventurers.

My goal was to capture the heart of Zuppa Toscana with a Cuba Queen twist – and speed it up with the magic of the Instant Pot. Let’s be honest, who has hours to simmer soup these days? Not me! This Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup is pure Cuba Queen – bold, unapologetic, and ready to party in your mouth. Are you ready to ditch the blah and embrace the BOOM? Let’s get cooking!

INGREDIENTS You Need for This:

  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot, your call!): I’m a hot sausage kind of girl, but mild works too. Just make sure it’s good quality.
  • 1 large onion, chopped: Yellow or white, whatever you have on hand.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced: Don’t skimp on the garlic! It’s key to that authentic Italian flavor.
  • 8 cups chicken broth: Low sodium is best, so you can control the salt.
  • 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed: Russets are my go-to for creamy soup.
  • 1 bunch kale, chopped: I like to use Tuscan kale (lacinato) if I can find it. It’s a little more tender.
  • 1 cup heavy cream: This is where the magic happens! Don’t even think about using milk.
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For an extra kick!
  • Salt and pepper to taste: Always season to your liking.
Fresh ingredients neatly arranged for making Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup, showcasing the vibrant colors of Italian sausage, russet potatoes, kale, and spices.

This Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! The secret to an epic Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup is using really good sausage. Seriously, don’t skimp on the sausage. It’s the star of the show! You can find the best Italian sausage for this Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup at your local butcher shop or Italian deli. Splurge on this one ingredient – trust me, it’s worth it. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, try using a blend of sweet and spicy sausage for a more complex flavor profile!

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Turn your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the Instant Pot. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, or until the onion is softened and fragrant. This is where the magic starts! Don’t stress – your Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup is going to be incredible.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Those browned bits are flavor gold!
  4. Add the cubed potatoes to the Instant Pot.
  5. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  6. Close the Instant Pot lid and seal the valve. Cook on “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” for 8 minutes. In my kitchen, this Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup takes exactly 8 minutes to cook the potatoes perfectly.
  7. Once the cooking time is up, do a quick release of the pressure. Be careful of the steam!
  8. Carefully open the Instant Pot and stir in the chopped kale. Let the kale wilt for a couple of minutes.
  9. Stir in the heavy cream.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. This is where your Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup transforms into pure magic!

Here’s where most people mess up their Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup – they don’t taste and adjust the seasoning! Trust your taste buds. If it needs more salt, add it! Want more heat? Add more red pepper flakes! Pro tip for Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup perfection: don’t overcook the potatoes! You want them tender but not mushy. While your Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold! And make sure you have some crusty bread ready for dipping.

PRESENTATION:

Ladle your creamy Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup into bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, a drizzle of olive oil, and a generous grating of Parmesan cheese. Boom! People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup at dinner parties! It’s a total crowd-pleaser.

For a more rustic presentation, serve the soup in bread bowls. Talk about flavor adventure! Pair this Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup with a crisp Italian salad and some crusty bread for dipping. It’s the perfect cozy meal. This Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup absolutely slays at dinner parties! Trust me, your guests will be begging for the recipe.

For leftover transformations, try turning your Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup into a hearty pasta sauce! Just toss it with your favorite noodles and top with more Parmesan cheese. For a seasonal variation, add roasted butternut squash to your Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup in the fall.

FAQs:

  • Can I make this Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup spicier? Absolutely! Add more red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne pepper, or use hot Italian sausage. I’m a big fan of heat, so I always add extra!
  • What if I don’t have kale for my Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup? Spinach works great as a substitute. Just add it at the very end, after you’ve released the pressure.
  • Can I use a different type of sausage for this Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup? Yes! Chorizo or even ground turkey sausage would be delicious. Get creative!
  • How do I know when my Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup is perfectly done? The potatoes should be tender and easily pierced with a fork. The kale should be wilted and the soup should be creamy and delicious.
  • Can I freeze this Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup? Yes! Let it cool completely before freezing in airtight containers.
  • What if I don’t have heavy cream? While I highly recommend using heavy cream for the best flavor and texture, you can substitute with half-and-half, although the soup won’t be as rich.
  • Can I make this Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup vegetarian? Absolutely! Just omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add some smoked paprika to give it a smoky flavor.

This Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup recipe is super flexible! I had a flavor adventure making it with andouille sausage. The community loved it! Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. This easy zuppa toscana recipe will make you a kitchen star.

CONCLUSION:

This Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup represents everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, easy recipes, and celebration-worthy meals. It’s a flavor bomb that’s ready in minutes, thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot.

My Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup Power Tips:

  • Don’t skimp on the sausage! It’s the star of the show.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning! Trust your taste buds.
  • Don’t overcook the potatoes! You want them tender but not mushy.

I’ve created a few variations of this Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup that I’m obsessed with: a spicy chorizo version, a vegetarian butternut squash version, and a creamy Tuscan soup instant pot version with sun-dried tomatoes. But my absolute favorite is the olive garden zuppa toscana copycat recipe! It gets the biggest reactions every time.

Amiga, I have all the confidence in the world that you’re going to rock this Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup. This sausage potato soup instant pot recipe is so easy, even a beginner can nail it. So go ahead, make this Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup your signature dish!

Now go make some memories with this incredible Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup! And don’t forget to share your results with me. I can’t wait to see your flavor masterpieces!

A comforting bowl of Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup, garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil, perfect for a cozy night in.

Looking for more flavor adventures? Check out my Creamy Reuben Soup. It will definitely rock your world! For more bold flavor adventures, check out my Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup. This Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup reminds me of another flavor explosion, my Butternut Squash Soup. Also, check out this instant pot zuppa toscana sausage potato soup for comparison. If you love Olive Garden, you MUST check out Instant Pot Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Italian Soup – This Old Gal and Zuppa Toscana Recipe (a la Olive Garden).

 

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Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup

Cozy bowl of Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup

This Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal that’s ready in minutes! It’s packed with Italian sausage, kale, potatoes, and a creamy broth, making it the perfect comforting soup for a chilly day.

  • Author: Quinn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Instant Pot
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 bunch kale, chopped
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Turn the Instant Pot to the Saute function. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add the onion and garlic to the Instant Pot and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze.
  4. Add the diced potatoes, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  5. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to cook on Manual/Pressure Cook for 8 minutes.
  6. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
  7. Stir in the chopped kale and heavy cream. Let the kale wilt for a few minutes.
  8. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes before adding the kale and cream. You can also substitute spinach for the kale.

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