Instant Pot Pesto Zuppa Toscana (Printable)

Hearty Italian soup with sausage, potatoes, kale, and pesto for quick flavor in the Instant Pot.

# Components:

→ Meats

01 - 1 pound Italian sausage, mild or spicy, casings removed

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
05 - 4 cups chopped kale, stems removed
06 - 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, optional

→ Liquids & Dairy

07 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
08 - 1 cup heavy cream
09 - 1/4 cup basil pesto, plus extra for serving

→ Seasonings

10 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt, adjust as needed
11 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional

→ Garnishes

13 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

# Method:

01 - Activate the Instant Pot on Sauté mode. Introduce Italian sausage and break up using a wooden spoon, cooking until thoroughly browned, approximately 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Incorporate diced onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic.
03 - Stir in sliced potatoes, chopped kale, and sun-dried tomatoes if using. Pour in chicken broth and mix well. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
04 - Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to Pressure Cook (Manual) on High for 5 minutes.
05 - Allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes before carefully performing a quick release for any residual pressure.
06 - Stir in heavy cream and basil pesto. Switch to Sauté mode and simmer for 2–3 minutes until soup is heated through without bringing to a boil.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan and additional pesto if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick and family friendly dinner anyone can make after work
  • Hearty and filling with sausage, potatoes, and lots of greens
  • Gluten free and adaptable for most diets
  • Incredible flavor thanks to pesto and sun dried tomatoes
  • Perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day
02 -
  • Rich in protein and fiber keeps you satisfied for hours
  • Naturally gluten free and easy to adapt for allergies
  • Even better reheated as leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day
03 -
  • Brown the sausage deeply for max flavor do not rush this
  • Slice potatoes thin and even for the perfect tender bite every time
  • Always finish the soup with a swirl of pesto and a shower of cheese those last touches transform the bowl

Return