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This super simple Instant Pot Pesto Zuppa Toscana is the perfect cold-weather dinnerโฆgreat for nights when Iโm craving Italian, but want something warming too. Spicy Italian chicken sausage simmered in a creamy basil pesto broth with potatoes, kale, a little lemon, and even a little bacon. Finish each bowl off with a sprinkle of cheese and serve with crusty bread. Itโs hearty, full of greens, and so delicious. Great for just about any night of the week. And the leftovers the next day make for the best lunch!
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This Italian soup is a recipe Iโve been wanting to create for a while now. Iโm not sure what took me so long to test this out, but Iโm so happy I finally did, because wow, this is hands down a new family favorite.
Technically this is soup, but itโs definitely hearty enough to serve for dinner on these cold November nights (itโs been snowing here since yesterdayโฆand I could not be happier about it). But the best part? This is SO EASY.
I worked with my Instant Pot to create this creamy soup in just about 30 minutes. Iโm sure you guys have noticed, but Iโve been loving my Instant Pot this fall. Iโve found it so useful during this insanely busy time with the launch of HBH Super Simple and all things holiday 2019. Itโs really been a lifesaver and Iโve already remade this soup three times since returning home from Chicago last week.
The backstoryโฆ
As with a lot of recipes, this idea came from my brother. This time though? It was my oldest brother, Creighton.
He was telling me about one of his favorite soups that he used to get at the Olive Garden โ Zuppa Toscana. Iโd never heard of it, so of course, I did a little Googling and discovered that the recipe actually sounds quite delicious. A lot of times Creighton can throw some rather interesting recipes at me, but this soup was one I knew I needed to put my own spin on. It took me a while to finally create the recipe, but here it is, and I think youโll find itโs delicious.
And yes, itโs inspired by the Zuppa Toscana from Olive Gardenโฆnext upโฆtheir breadsticks.
The Detailsโฆ
As you might guess, this recipe is pretty straightforward and simple.
Start with your Instant Pot on sautรฉ and cook off the bacon. Then add in spicy Italian sausage (I always prefer to use chicken sausage, but pork sausage is great too). Next add in some onions, garlic, celery, and all the usuals.
The key to a good Zuppa Toscana is the spicy sausage and the potatoes. Once you add in the potatoes, stir in some basil pesto. This may not be traditional but it really adds so much to this hearty soup. Iโve found that both the addition of pesto and fresh lemon really lighten things up and truly enhance the Italian flavors.
At this point, simply seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressureโฆjust eight minutes. Then release the steam using the quick release.
Once the base has finished cooking, simply stir in some cream, parmesan, and kale.
And thatโs it, just 30 minutes later youโll have a creamy bowl of classic Italian soup. AND, youโll have only used ONE pot and likely made very little mess. Oh, and be sure to have extra parmesan, fresh thyme, and crusty bread for serving. They really do complete the soup.
See, Super Simple yet so much flavor. This will be great for serving guests over the holidays, or just your family on a cold night. The leftovers reheat well and are delicious the following day for lunch or dinner. I havenโt had a chance to serve this to Creighton just yet, but I know that once he arrives on Friday heโll be begging me for it. So yes, I will be making this yet again. No complaining here thoughโฆlove this soup!
Looking for other warming HBH soups? Check out the soup section on HBHโs recipe page.
If you make this Instant Pot Pesto Zuppa Toscana, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, donโt forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Instant Pot Pesto Zuppa Toscana.
Ingredientsย
- 4 slices thick cut bacon, chopped
- 3/4 pound ground spicy Italian chicken sausage
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 4 small yukon gold or russet potatoes peeled and chopped
- 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1/3 cup basil pesto, homemade or store-bought
- juice of 1 lemon
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 1 bunch Tuscan or curly kale, roughly chopped
- 3/4 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan or asiago cheese
- fresh thyme, for serving, (optional)
Instructionsย
Instant Pot
- 1. Set Instant Pot to sautรฉ. Add the bacon and cook until crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove the bacon. If there's excess bacon grease, drain off all but 1 tablespoon.ย Add the chicken sausage and onions, and brown all over, about 5 to 8 minutes.ย Add the garlic, celery, and potatoes, and cook 2 minutes. Turn the Instant Pot off.2. To the instant pot, add the broth, pesto, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.3. Once done cooking, use the natural or quick release function. Set the Instant Pot to sautรฉ. Stir in the kale, cream, and parmesan. Cook until the kale is wilted, about 10 minutes. Turn the Instant Pot off. Stir in the reserved bacon.4. Serve the soup topped with additional parmesan and fresh thyme, if desired.
Stove-Top
- 1. Cook the bacon in a large soup pot set over medium heat until crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove the bacon. If there's excess bacon grease, drain off all but 1 tablespoon.ย Add the chicken sausage and onions, and brown all over, about 5 to 8 minutes.ย Add the garlic, celery, and potatoes, and cook 2 minutes. Add the broth, pesto, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender. 2. Stir in the kale, cream, and parmesan. Cook until the kale is wilted, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat. Stir in the reserved bacon. 3. Serve the soup topped with additional parmesan and fresh thyme, if desired.
Slow Cooker
- 1. Cook the bacon in a large soup pot set over medium heat until crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove the bacon. If there's excess bacon grease, drain off all but 1 tablespoon.ย Add the chicken sausage and onions, and brown all over, about 5 to 8 minutes.ย Transfer the chicken sausage to the bowl of your crockpot. 2. To the crockpot, add the the garlic, celery, potatoes, broth, pesto, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5. 2. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the kale, cream, and parmesan. Turn the heat to high and cook until the kale is wilted. Stir in the reserved bacon. 4. Serve the soup topped with additional parmesan and fresh thyme, if desired.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
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Wow, it turned out great! Even better than Olive Gardenโs thank you!! Canโt wait to make for my mother shes gonna love it!
Hey Brian,
Thanks a bunch for making this recipe and your feedback, so glad it was a hit!
Have the best Sunday!
Great flavor. Fast easy filling.
Hey Sally,
Wonderful! So glad to hear this recipe turned out well for you, thanks for choosing to making it!
My whole family loves this soup! It’s always on rotation in our house.
Thank you so much Emily! I appreciate the kind comment! ๐ xT
The recipe looks amazing! Would ground chicken work as well? Thanks so much!
Hey Charlotte,
Thanks so much! Yes, that would also work nicely for you! I hope you love this recipe!
WoW! So good, any season I think. I decided to put less liquid for my dinner for 2 and tomorrow Iโll add the rest of the broth for the soup. And,, because I did not have the chicken sausages, Iโve put instead 1 pound of chicken ยซย haut de cuisseย ยป Sorry for my bad English, I live in Quebec.
Hey Danielle,
Thanks a bunch for making this recipe and your comment! So glad it was enjoyed!
Have the best weekend!
Really, really good!!!
Hi Nancy,
Awesome! Thanks so much for making this recipe and your feedback, so glad to hear it was enjoyed!