Hearty Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana

There are some dishes that evoke strong memories and comfort, and for many, Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana is one of them. While it might be America’s ubiquitous take on Italian fare, there’s no denying the immense popularity and deliciousness of this creamy, hearty, and incredibly flavorful soup. It’s a dish that warms the soul, satiates the appetite, and leaves a lasting impression, often becoming a family favorite. For “Dad,” this iconic soup holds a special place in his heart, reminding him of countless cherished family meals.

Driven by a desire to recreate this beloved restaurant classic in the comfort of his own kitchen – and make it accessible for busy weeknights – Dad embarked on a culinary quest. His mission? To develop an Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana recipe that not only captures the authentic taste and texture of the original but also drastically cuts down on cooking time without compromising on flavor. The result is a simple yet spectacular copycat Zuppa Toscana that’s so good, you might just prefer it over the restaurant version!

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The Allure of Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana: A Home Cook’s Dream

Zuppa Toscana, at its core, is a rustic Italian-inspired soup featuring crumbled Italian sausage, tender potatoes, fresh kale, and a rich, creamy broth. Its appeal lies in its comforting simplicity and robust flavors. However, traditional stovetop versions can sometimes take a while to simmer and develop their full potential. This is where the Instant Pot becomes a game-changer.

Using an electric pressure cooker like the Instant Pot transforms Zuppa Toscana from a potentially lengthy endeavor into a remarkably quick and convenient meal. The pressure cooking method tenderizes the potatoes perfectly in a fraction of the time, while also allowing the flavors of the sausage, garlic, and spices to meld deeply into the broth. It’s a true one-pot wonder, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. Imagine having a restaurant-quality soup ready on a busy weeknight – that’s the promise of this Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana recipe.

Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Copycat

Crafting the perfect Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana requires a handful of key ingredients that contribute to its signature taste and texture. Each component plays a vital role, working in harmony to create a truly irresistible soup:

Mild Italian Sausage: The foundation of flavor. Choose a high-quality mild Italian sausage, ideally without the casing, or easily remove it yourself. The fat from the sausage renders during browning, enriching the soup base. For a bit of a kick, you can opt for spicy Italian sausage.
Russet Potatoes: These starchy potatoes are ideal for soups as they break down slightly, adding thickness and creaminess to the broth while still holding their shape. Leaving the peel on adds a rustic touch and extra nutrients. Ensure they are cut into even chunks for consistent cooking.
White Onion & Minced Garlic: The aromatic backbone of many great dishes. Sautéing these until translucent releases their sweet and pungent flavors, creating a fragrant foundation for the soup.
Fresh Kale: This leafy green adds a vibrant color, a slight bitterness that balances the richness, and a boost of nutrition. Tuscan kale (Lacinato) is particularly authentic, but curly kale works wonderfully too. Remember to wash it thoroughly and remove any tough stems.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the sausage and aromatics, it adds a touch of classic Italian flavor.
Dried Oregano, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: These dried spices enhance the savory notes of the sausage and aromatics, ensuring a well-rounded flavor profile throughout the soup.
Chicken Broth: The liquid base of the soup. Good quality chicken broth is crucial for a flavorful Zuppa Toscana. You can use low-sodium broth to better control the overall saltiness.
Heavy Cream: The secret to that luxurious, creamy texture. Added at the end, it transforms the broth into a velvety indulgence.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste. Always adjust these at the end to ensure the soup is perfectly balanced.

Prep: The Foundation for Flavor

Before you even think about turning on your Instant Pot, a little bit of prep work goes a long way in making the cooking process smooth and efficient. This stage is straightforward but essential for ensuring all your ingredients cook evenly and contribute their best flavors to the Zuppa Toscana.

First, tackle the potatoes. Russet potatoes are an excellent choice for this soup because of their starchy texture, which helps to thicken the broth slightly as they cook. While you can peel them if you prefer, leaving the skin on adds a rustic charm and extra fiber. Wash the potatoes thoroughly, then cut them into roughly 1-inch chunks. Aim for uniform sizes so that they all cook at the same rate under pressure. Set these aside in a bowl.

Next, move on to the onion. A diced white onion forms a critical part of the aromatic base for our soup. Dice the onion into small, even pieces. Small dice ensure the onion softens quickly and integrates seamlessly into the soup without large, crunchy bits. Keep the diced onion separate from the potatoes, as they will be added at different stages of the cooking process. With your potatoes and onions prepped, you’re ready to start building the incredible flavors of your homemade Zuppa Toscana.

Brown: Building the Flavor Base

This step is crucial for developing the foundational flavors of your Zuppa Toscana. Start by setting your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function, typically on the “More” or “High” setting. Allow it to heat up for a few minutes until the display indicates “Hot.” Add a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil to the pot. Once the oil shimmers, it’s time to add your Italian sausage. If your sausage comes in casings, now is the time to remove them before adding the meat to the pot. This allows the sausage to crumble easily and brown effectively.

Add the crumbled sausage to the hot pot, along with the garlic powder and onion powder. These spices will infuse into the sausage as it cooks, creating a richer, more complex flavor. Using a metal spatula or wooden spoon, break up the sausage into fine crumbles as it browns. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. You want the sausage to be thoroughly browned, with no pink remaining. This typically takes about 3-5 minutes. Browning the sausage not only cooks it but also develops a deep, savory crust that adds immense depth of flavor to the finished soup. Once browned, the pot will be filled with fragrant, savory goodness, ready for the next layer of ingredients.

Cook: Instant Pot Perfection

With your sausage beautifully browned and fragrant, it’s time to build the heart of the soup. First, add the minced garlic, diced onion, and dried oregano to the pot with the sausage. Continue to sauté, stirring frequently, for another 2-3 minutes. You’ll notice the onions starting to soften and turn translucent, and the garlic will become incredibly aromatic. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can impart a bitter taste to your soup.

Next, carefully add the cubed russet potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to combine all the delicious flavors from the bottom of the pot. At this stage, it’s also important to season the broth with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, but you can’t take it away!

Now, secure the lid on your Instant Pot, making sure the sealing valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the cooking time for 5 minutes. The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure, and then the 5-minute cooking cycle will begin. Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure by carefully turning the sealing valve to the “Venting” position. Stand clear of the steam as it releases rapidly. Once all the pressure has been released and the float valve drops, you can safely open the Instant Pot lid.

The final steps involve incorporating the delicate ingredients. Add the fresh kale to the hot soup and stir it gently. The residual heat from the soup will cause the kale to wilt beautifully in just 1-2 minutes, transforming from crisp to tender-soft. Finally, pour in the heavy cream and stir it in thoroughly until the soup achieves its signature creamy consistency. Give the soup a taste, and adjust the salt and pepper seasoning as needed. You are now ready to serve your incredibly delicious and fast Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana!

The Recipe: Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana

Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Recipe – Fast and Easy!

This is a highly-rated copycat recipe for the famous Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana, masterfully adapted for the Instant Pot for a quick and flavorful meal.

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: copycat, Instant Pot, Zuppa Toscana

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 585 kcal

Author: Dad

Equipment

Instant Pot or Electric Pressure Cooker
Knife
Cutting Board
Metal Spatula

Ingredients

1 lb Mild Italian sausage (Casing removed)
4 Russet potatoes (Peel on and cubed)
1 White onion (Diced)
½ lb Kale (Washed, stems removed, chopped)
3 Tbsp Minced garlic
1 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
2 Tsp Dried oregano
1 Tbsp Garlic powder
1 Tbsp Onion powder
6 Cups Chicken broth
1 Cup Heavy cream
Salt (To taste)
Black pepper (To taste)

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Wash and cut the potatoes into roughly 1-inch chunks, keeping sizes as even as possible for uniform cooking. Set them aside. Dice the white onion and set it aside in a separate container from the potatoes. Wash the kale, remove tough stems, and chop into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté Sausage: Turn your Instant Pot on to the Sauté (More/High) setting. Add the extra virgin olive oil. Once the Instant Pot displays “Hot,” add the mild Italian sausage (with casings removed), garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook, stirring frequently and breaking up the sausage with a spatula, until it is thoroughly browned. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, diced onion, and dried oregano. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for another 2-3 minutes, or until the onions begin to soften and turn translucent.
Pressure Cook: Add the cubed potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring the sealing valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the timer for 5 minutes.
Quick Release: Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release by carefully turning the sealing valve to the “Venting” position. Allow all the steam to escape and the float valve to drop before opening the lid.
Finish and Serve: Stir in the washed and chopped kale. Let it wilt in the hot soup for about 1-2 minutes. Finally, add the heavy cream, stirring continuously for another 1-2 minutes until thoroughly combined and heated through. Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper seasoning as needed. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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Nutrition Information

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Tips for Success & Delicious Variations

To ensure your Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana turns out perfectly every time, and to give you ideas for customizing it, consider these helpful tips and variations:

Pro Tips for the Best Zuppa Toscana:

Don’t Skip Browning the Sausage: This step is vital for developing rich, savory flavors. Ensure a good sear on the sausage crumbles.
Even Potato Chunks: Cutting your potatoes into uniform pieces ensures they cook evenly under pressure. No one wants mushy bits next to undercooked ones!
Deglaze the Pot: After browning the sausage, if there are any stuck bits at the bottom of the Instant Pot, add a splash of chicken broth and scrape them up with a wooden spoon before pressure cooking. This prevents a “burn” notice and adds flavor.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving. The sodium content of chicken broth and sausage can vary, so you’ll want to adjust salt and pepper to your personal preference at the very end.
Fresh Kale is Best: While frozen kale can be used in a pinch, fresh kale offers the best texture and vibrant color.

Creative Variations to Try:

Make it Spicy: For those who love a bit of heat, swap the mild Italian sausage for a spicy variety, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the aromatics.
Add Bacon: Crispy crumbled bacon (cooked separately and stirred in at the end) can add another layer of smoky, salty flavor that complements the sausage beautifully.
Vegetarian Zuppa Toscana: You can adapt this recipe by using plant-based sausage crumbles, vegetable broth, and ensuring all other ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.
Different Greens: While kale is traditional, spinach or Swiss chard can also be used. Add them at the very end, just like kale, and let them wilt.
Garlic Bread Croutons: Instead of serving with plain bread, toast some garlic bread and cut it into cubes for a delightful crouton topping.

Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips

Once your Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana is ready, serving it is a delight. Ladle generous portions into bowls, perhaps with an extra drizzle of good quality olive oil or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish. This hearty soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple accompaniments.

Consider serving your Zuppa Toscana with a crusty loaf of Italian bread or warm breadsticks for dipping into the rich broth. A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette would also complement the richness of the soup beautifully, offering a refreshing contrast. For a truly authentic experience, you might even offer a side of garlic knots or a simple green salad.

Storage: Leftover Zuppa Toscana stores exceptionally well, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, Zuppa Toscana can also be frozen. However, keep in mind that dairy-based soups sometimes separate or become grainy after freezing and thawing. If you plan to freeze, you might consider adding the heavy cream only to the portions you intend to eat fresh, and then add cream to the thawed soup when reheating.

Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If reheating from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight first, or reheat gently from frozen, stirring frequently. You may need to add a splash of extra chicken broth or cream to restore its original consistency.

Looking for more delicious and easy Instant Pot Recipes?

If you’ve enjoyed the convenience and flavor of making Zuppa Toscana in your pressure cooker, you’re in for a treat! The Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen appliance that can whip up a vast array of incredible dishes with minimal effort. Dad loves exploring new ways to use his Instant Pot to create quick, flavorful, and family-friendly meals.

Why not broaden your culinary horizons and try another one of Dad’s fantastic Instant Pot creations? You might be surprised at how simple it is to bring global flavors right to your dinner table. For an exciting change of pace, we highly recommend this next recipe, which promises another delicious and efficient cooking experience.

Give Dad’s Instant Pot Pancit Bihon recipe a try! It’s another fantastic example of how the Instant Pot can make international cuisine approachable and quick.

Did you know Dad is on YouTube?

For even more culinary inspiration, step-by-step cooking demonstrations, and all sorts of engaging food-related content, be sure to visit Dad’s YouTube channel! You’ll find a treasure trove of cooking videos, tips, and tricks to help you become a more confident and adventurous home cook. It’s a great place to see these recipes come to life and get personalized insights directly from Dad himself.