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Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup

Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup

Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup is a creamy, hearty Italian-inspired soup combining savory Italian sausage, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and nutritious kale in a flavorful chicken broth. Quickly made in the Instant Pot, this comforting soup delivers rich, layered flavors with minimal effort, perfect for a nourishing lunch or satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 1 pound Italian sausage (spicy or mild, based on preference)
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped

Vegetables

  • 4 medium russet potatoes, diced
  • 4 cups kale, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Fats

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the sausage and bacon: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and cook the Italian sausage and chopped bacon together until browned and crispy, creating caramelized bits that enhance the broth’s richness.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot and cook until fragrant and tender, adding sweetness and depth that complement the meat.
  3. Add potatoes and broth: Stir in the diced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release all flavorful browned bits stuck to the surface.
  4. Pressure cook: Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes to quickly soften the potatoes and meld the flavors.
  5. Release pressure and add kale: Perform a quick release of the pressure, then stir in the chopped kale and heavy cream; the residual heat wilts the kale while the cream adds a luscious texture.
  6. Season and serve: Taste the soup and season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to balance the flavors perfectly before serving.

Notes

  • Brown meat thoroughly: Searing the sausage and bacon well locks in deep, rich flavors.
  • Don’t skip scraping: Scrape the pot bottom after adding broth to prevent burn warnings and capture all flavorful bits.
  • Use quick release: Quick pressure release prevents overcooked kale and preserves its vibrant color.
  • Adjust creaminess: Add heavy cream gradually, tasting as you go to achieve desired richness.
  • Customize salt carefully: Season gradually since broth and sausage add saltiness to the dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot, Zuppa Toscana, soup, Italian sausage, kale, creamy soup, comfort food, easy dinner