Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana (2024)

What you’ll love about this recipe:

• Time-saving: The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time, allowing you to enjoy this flavorful soup in a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop.
• Easy preparation: With simple ingredients and minimal prep work, making Zuppa Toscana in the Instant Pot is convenient and hassle-free.
• Versatile: This soup can be easily customized to suit different dietary preferences by adjusting the ingredients. For example, you can use turkey sausage for a lighter option or add extra vegetables for more nutritional value.
• Hearty and satisfying: Loaded with Italian sausage, potatoes, kale, and a creamy broth, Zuppa Toscana is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days.
• One-pot meal: The Instant Pot allows you to cook everything in one pot, minimizing cleanup and making it an ideal option for busy weeknights.
• Crowd-pleaser: Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting guests, Zuppa Toscana is sure to be a hit with its rich flavors and satisfying texture.
• Budget-friendly: Made with affordable ingredients that are easy to find, Zuppa Toscana is a budget-friendly option for satisfying meals.

Ingredients for Zuppa Toscana

• 1 small chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 cups chopped kale
• 2 cups diced potatoes
• 32 ounces low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 pound hot Italian sausage
• 6 slices of cooked bacon
• 1 cup milk or cream

Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Recipe

• Heat your Instant Pot on the sauté setting and add olive oil along with onions, garlic, and sausage. Cook until the sausage browns and crumbles.
• Add diced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot, ensuring the bottom is clear of any residue; if necessary, deglaze the pot. Next, layer kale on top.
• Seal the Instant Pot and set it to manual high pressure for 10 minutes.
• Perform a quick release once the cooking time is complete.
• Switch the Instant Pot back to the sauté setting.
• Stir in milk or cream to add richness to the soup.
• Chop cooked bacon and stir it into the soup before serving.

Tips & Tricks

• Choose the Right Sausage: Opt for hot Italian sausage to infuse the soup with delicious flavor and a hint of spice. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use mild Italian sausage instead.
• Sauté for Flavor: Take the time to sauté the onions, garlic, and sausage before pressure cooking. This step helps to develop deeper flavors in the soup.
• Deglaze the Pot: After sautéing, make sure to deglaze the bottom of the pot by adding a splash of broth and scraping up any browned bits. This prevents the “Burn” error and ensures even cooking.
• Layer Ingredients: Layering the kale on top of the potatoes and broth helps to prevent it from overcooking and becoming mushy during pressure cooking.
• Use Low-Sodium Broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the soup, especially since the sausage and bacon add plenty of flavor on their own.
• Quick Release for Greens: After pressure cooking, perform a quick release to prevent the kale from overcooking and losing its vibrant green color.
• Add Dairy Carefully: Stir in the milk or cream after pressure cooking and releasing the pressure. Adding dairy before pressure cooking can lead to curdling.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt and pepper. You can also add additional herbs or spices to suit your taste preferences.
• Garnish for Flavor: Garnish each serving with crispy bacon pieces and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and texture.
• Let it Rest: Allow the soup to rest for a few minutes after adding the dairy. This allows the flavors to meld together before serving.

FAQs about Zuppa Toscana