This post was originally published on November 20, 2023 and has been updated with new photos and helpful tips to make the recipe even better.
What makes this Zupa Toscana different from all the others you'll find online? The Instant Pot.
Creamy potatoes, Italian sausage, and fresh kale come together in a garlicky, lightly creamy broth in a fraction of the time, making it a hearty, satisfying soup that's perfect whether I'm cooking in the RV or at home.
This is my favorite soup to eat while cozied up next to an outdoor campfire or curled up on the sofa with a good book.
Why Make Zuppa Toscana in a Pressure Cooker?
Multi-functional pressure cookers have become a staple in many RV kitchens. I personally have the Ninja Foodi 10-1 and love it, but there are many other brands like the Instant Pot that will definitely work as well. This versatile appliance allows you to cook delicious and nutritious meals quickly and easily. Making Zuppa Toscana in an Instant Pot streamlines the process, reducing cooking time and simplifying cleanup.
I LOVE my Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Pressure Cooker Combo. It's seriously one of my favorite kitchen tools, especially for RV living. When you're cooking in a small space, having one appliance that can do it all-pressure cook, air fry, steam, bake, broil, and more-is a total game changer. It saves space, cuts down on clutter, and allows me to create just about anything without hauling out a bunch of gear.
Let's Gather Up The Ingredients
Organizing all of your ingredients ahead of time not only streamlines the cooking process but also ensures you have everything required to complete the dish successfully. You can find the exact ingredient amounts in the recipe card below.
This recipe serves 4-6 people and requires minimal preparation.
- Bacon- diced. I prefer to use thick-cut bacon for this recipe, but any bacon you have on hand will provide the same smoky flavor.
- Italian sausage links- casings removed
- Fresh garlic- minced
- Onion- white or yellow onion, diced
- Chicken broth- I usually make my own by using water and Knorr Granulated Chicken Flavor Bouillon
- Russet potatoes- diced
- Fresh kale- stems removed and leaves chopped
- Heavy whipping cream
- Salt and black pepper- to taste
- Red pepper flakes- for a touch of spice (optional)
- Parmesan cheese- for garnish
Now Let's Get Cooking
Slice the bacon.
Peel and dice potatoes. Soak them in cool water until you are ready to use. This will keep them from turning brown and pull out some of the starch.
Dice the onion and garlic.
Set Ninja Foodi to saute/sear mode. Sauté bacon until browned. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate and set aside. Reserve the bacon grease for sautéeing the vegetables.
Sauté the crumbled sausage for 5-6 minutes or until browned.
Now add the onions. Sauté the onions over medium heat until translucent. Add garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Drain the potatoes and then add them to the Ninja Foodi along with the chicken broth; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
You can make the chicken broth by adding 8 teaspoons of Knorr Granulated Chicken Flavor Bouillon, mixed with 8 cups of water.
Select manual setting; adjust pressure to high, and set time for 5 minutes. When finished cooking, quick-release pressure according to the manufacturer's directions.
Stir in kale until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in heavy cream until heated through, about 1 minute; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Garnish with reserved crumbled bacon and parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Tips and Variations:
- For a spicier soup, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- If you don't have kale, you can substitute spinach.
- You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream if you want to lighten it up a bit.
- You can use spicy sausage or mild sausage in this recipe.
- Turkey sausage could be used instead of pork.
- Make it vegetarian by omitting the sausage altogether, adding a can of cannellini beans, and replacing the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Tips for success: Always use a wooden spoon when cooking in your Ninja Foodi so that you don't scratch the inner liner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Yes, you can freeze leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Mild Italian sausage is the traditional choice for Zuppa Toscana, but you can also use sweet or spicy Italian sausage.
Yes, you can use any type of potato in this soup. Russet potatoes are the traditional choice, but you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes.
How to serve
This one-pot Italian sausage and potato soup is really a meal all on its own, but you could always serve it with a simple side salad, and of course, a loaf of crusty bread is a MUST for serving with this delicious soup.
This one-pot Zuppa Toscana recipe is sure to become a favorite in your RV kitchen. It's a delicious, hearty, and easy-to-make meal that's perfect for a cozy evening.
So, gather your ingredients, fire up your pressure cooker, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Italy in your RV kitchen!
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One Pot Zuppa Toscana | Made in the Instant Pot
Equipment
- 1 Pressure Cooker I use the Ninja Foodi
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian Sausage, casings removed
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 teaspoons Knorr Granulated Chicken Flavor Bouillon, mixed with 8 cups of water or 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 russett potatoes, cut into 1 inch peices
- 3 teaspoons salt, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 cups chopped kale
- 3 slices thick cut bacon
- freshly grated parmesan, for topping
Instructions
- Set Ninja Foodi to saute/sear mode. Saute bacon until browned. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a plate and set aside. Reserve the bacon grease for sauteeing the vegetables.
- Saute the crumbled sausage for 5-6 minutes or until browned.
- Now add the onions. Saute the onions over medium heat until translucent. Add garlic and saute for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in potatoes and chicken broth; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Select manual setting; adjust pressure to high, and set time for 5 minutes. When finished cooking, quick-release pressure according to manufacturer's directions.
- Stir in kale until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in heavy cream until heated through, about 1 minute; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Garnish with reserved crumbled bacon and parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
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chahinez says
Definitely a must try during the winter!
Elisa says
Love this One Pot Zuppa Toscana recipe, it is so comforting and delicious!!! I will definitely make it soon for these cold nights. Thanks you for sharing 🙂
Nancy says
This soup is for the soul. Very cozy and flavourful. My family loved it and asked for seconds
Ashley says
I've never had this soup before but now I'm so in love! Thank you for sharing!
Sara Welch says
Enjoyed this for dinner last night and it was a hit around the table! Easy, hearty and delicious; my kind of comfort food, indeed!
Tayler says
I made this zuppa toscana for dinner last night and it was delicious! Exactly what I needed to warm up!
Hanna Long says
My son loved the recipe. We served it with with a slice of sourdough bread! YUM
Anna says
I loved the creamy goodness of this soup! I had some leftovers and tried reheating them the other day, and I was just amazed that it had the same cozy flavor! I'm so glad I tried this recipe! I might pair it with some crusty bread next time.
Mary says
When you said this soup was a meal on its own, you weren't joking! I made this on our recent hunting trip and it filled our bellies and warmed us up. I will make this again for sure!
Jane says
Love this! The blend of sausage and kale was so flavorful and the creamy broth was so warming and satisfying. It's definitely earned a spot in my regular meal plan. Thanks for this recipe!
Gail says
I have made this soup many times. It is a fantastic recipe that's perfect for a cozy evening with the family.
Jeremy says
I was craving for something heart and comforting when I found this recipe. I absolutely loved the flavors! Perfect to cozy up during cold nights!
Lea says
Tried this last weekend during our hiking to the mountains with friends! We have to stop half-way so we can cook and have our lunch. My friends were so happy I shared this recipe to them. It's very easy to prepare but the the creamy goodness made it feel like a restaurant meal.
Anna says
Tried the spicier version of zuppa toscana with red pepper flakes. It adds a kick without overpowering the other flavors. It is now one of my favorite for chilly nights.
Gaelle says
What a comforting and yummy soup this is! I love the comforting feel whenever I eat soups like this. Really warming and satisfying, definitely a go to recipe for cold nights 🙂
Mary Beth says
We are definitely in the middle of soup season and this zuppa toscana really added some much-needed variety and flavor to our meal. Hubby was getting tired of the two soups I kept making over and over! WE loved it, will be making again, thanks!