Dinner

Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Recipe

Name: Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-493080H54M26S
Total time: PT-493080H54M26S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 lb mild or spicy Italian ground sausage; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups peeled and chopped potatoes; 32 oz vegetable stock; 1/2 teaspoon oregano; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for Paleo); 2 cups chopped kale; Cooked bacon bits (optional)

ByMariam Harutyunyan April 1, 2026April 1, 2026

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Introduction

Zuppa Toscana is a hearty Italian soup that combines savory sausage, tender potatoes, and nutritious kale in a creamy broth. This Instant Pot version simplifies the traditional recipe, delivering rich flavors in a fraction of the time. Perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week.

A close-up of a bowl of creamy soup filled with chunks of white potato, cooked ground meat, and dark green leafy spinach floating in a thick, light yellow broth with a slightly oily surface. The bowl is white with a thin gold trim and sits on a white plate with a silver spoon resting beside it. The background shows a blurred warm skin tone with a woman's hand and gold bracelets. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 lb mild or spicy Italian ground sausage

1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups peeled and chopped potatoes
32 oz vegetable stock

1/2 teaspoon oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for Paleo)

2 cups chopped kale
Cooked bacon bits (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Press the ‘Saute’ button on the Instant Pot and add the olive oil. When hot, add the ground sausage and brown until no longer pink, about 3 minutes.

Step 2: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for another 3 minutes. Then stir in the potatoes, vegetable stock, oregano, and season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Lock the lid and set the valve to ‘Sealing’. Press ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ on high pressure for 10 minutes.
Step 4: When cooking finishes, press ‘Turn Off’ and carefully quick release pressure by turning the valve to ‘Releasing’ with a wooden spatula to avoid steam burns.

Step 5: Once the lid unlocks, open it carefully. Stir in the heavy cream, chopped kale, and cooked bacon bits if using. Mix well and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For a Paleo-friendly dish, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Use spicy Italian sausage if you prefer a bit more heat in the soup.

Adding cooked bacon bits on top adds extra smoky flavor and crunch.
If you don’t have an Instant Pot, try the stovetop method by browning sausage and veggies, then simmering the potatoes in broth until tender before adding cream and kale.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens after cooling, add a splash of broth or water when reheating to reach desired consistency.

How to Serve

A bowl of creamy soup with a pale yellow broth filled with small chunks of light yellow potatoes, green leafy vegetables, and bits of browned ground meat spread evenly throughout. The bowl is white with a thin gold rim and sits inside a deeper white bowl with a shiny brown inner surface. A silver spoon with a detailed handle rests on the side, partially inside the bowl. The setting is on a white marbled surface, and a brown cloth napkin is placed in the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any ground sausage you like, such as pork, turkey, or chicken. Adjust seasoning if using a milder sausage to maintain flavor.

Is it possible to make this soup vegan?

To make a vegan version, replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms, use vegetable broth, and substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or another plant-based cream alternative.