Here's an easy Instant Pot Sausage Kale soup. Create a hearty, comforting low carb soup in your Instant Pot. This soup is easy, delicious, freezes well, and actually tastes even better the next day.

What Is Zuppa Toscana

This delicious keto kale soup that just happens to have Italian Sausage, Kale, Cauliflower, and other goodness in it, and is a soup that I've been making for years and years. Why it's taken me so long to post this recipe is anyone's guess, but we're here now so let's enjoy it.

Low Carb Zuppa Toscana that you can make and enjoy at home! This means no pants necessary. Which means comfort and joy, if you ask me.

Italian Sausage Soup is a classic soup originating from Italy. The term Zuppa Toscana is just a broad term meaning "Tuscan Soup." This is because the sausage kale soup originated in Tuscany. Olive Garden, sadly, didn't just make this soup up, although their version has definitely made the soup really popular.

Zuppa Toscana is traditionally made with:

cannellini beans
kale
zucchini
potatoes
celery
carrots
onion
tomato
olive oil
chili powder
Italian bacon

However, Olive Garden has a version that has made this Tuscan soup somewhat famous, and it's made a bit differently using sausage, chicken broth, potatoes, kale, and various spices.

This is a low carb/keto recipe. No potatoes, but still lots and lots of taste. And crazy easy. This keto sausage soup is easy, delicious, freezes well, and actually tastes even better the next day.

What Kind Of Soup Can You Have On A Keto Diet?

Low Carb Soups are great for those on a ketogenic diet. Not only are they filling and warming, but if you choose fattier meats and low carb vegetables, you can have a soup with very balanced keto macros. Moreover, given how well soups reheat, they're great for meal planning.

I recently created a post with 15 low carb soups for your Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker, so I hope you check those out as well.

And if you're looking for even more great Instant Pot soup recipes, check out these 38+ Best Instant Pot Soup Recipes!

Is Italian Sausage Good For The Keto Diet?

Before choosing the Italian sausage for this kale soup recipe, you'll want to check the nutrition facts. Some variations can sneak sugars in to make them less than desirable for Keto.

However, if there is no added sugars, Italian sausage is generally low in carbs and high in fat. This makes it perfect for a keto soup.

Ingredients You'll Need

1 cup Onion- Provides a sweet, savory base for the soup. As the onions cook, they release natural sugars that balance the spiciness of the sausage and deepen the overall flavor.
6 cloves Garlic- Adds aromatic warmth and enhances the soup’s savory profile. Garlic complements the sausage perfectly and infuses the broth with rich, comforting flavor.
1 pound Bulk Hot or Mild Italian Sausage- The main source of protein and flavor. The sausage adds richness, spice, and depth to the broth. Using hot sausage brings a pleasant heat, while mild sausage creates a more balanced, savory soup.
12 oz Frozen Cauliflower- Acts as a low-carb alternative to potatoes, giving the soup body and creaminess without heaviness.
12 oz Frozen Kale- Adds color, texture, and nutrients. Kale brings a mild, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the sausage and balances the richness of the broth.
3 cups Water- Forms the soup’s liquid base, helping to distribute all the flavors evenly.
1/2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream- Adds luxurious creaminess and rounds out the flavors with a silky finish.
1/2 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese- Adds a nutty, salty flavor that enhances the broth’s depth.

How to Make Instant Pot Sausage Kale Soup

Step 1. Turn the Instant Pot to Saute.

Step 2. Chop Onions and Garlic.

Step 3. Add in sausage and break up into crumbles using a wooden spoon. Add in the onions and garlic and mix well.

Step 4. Add in frozen cauliflower and frozen Kale and 3 cups of water. Close the lid on the pressure cooker.

Step 5. Cook on High pressure for 3 minutes, and allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes. Slowly release all remaining pressure.

Step 6. Open the Pot and Stir. Slowly add the whipping cream and stir until the soup is creamy. Mash the cauliflower for a thicker soup if desired.

Step 7. Pour into bowls, grate Parmesan cheese on top of the kale and sausage soup, and devour!

Tips and Tricks

Making Instant Pot Sausage Kale Soup is a quick and satisfying way to enjoy a rich, creamy, and comforting meal with minimal effort. To get the best flavor and texture from your ingredients, here are some helpful tips and tricks to make your soup turn out perfectly every time:

If you're squeamish about fat in your soups, you may want to either refrigerate and skim the fat off the soup, or use fully cooked and drained Italian Sausage in your soup. I tend to see fat as a good thing for Keto, but YMMV.
Use frozen cauliflower if possible for this recipe as the unfrozen, riced cauliflower will cook to mush. Alternatively, you can do what I show in the video, which is to cut larger florets.
This soup freezes very well, but it reheats even better. The flavors meld overnight, and the fat forms a layer on top if you choose to remove it.
You can do this with any sort of fresh meat sausage you prefer.
You can also use spinach for this soup rather than Kale. A 4 minute cook time will be ideal for spinach. Although it will wilt quite completely at 4 minutes, it will also flavor the soup really well. You can set some fresh spinach aside and stir it into the hot broth after the soup has cooked if you would like to see some fresh leaves in your soup.

Variations

Here are some flavorful and creative ways to customize your Instant Pot Sausage Kale Soup, so you can enjoy it in different styles. Try anything from creamy and indulgent to light and veggie-packed while keeping it just as satisfying:

Vegetarian Version- Replace the sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or white beans (like cannellini or navy beans). Use vegetable broth instead of water for depth.
Chicken- Swap Italian sausage for chicken or turkey sausage to lighten up the dish while keeping that savory, herby flavor.
Zuppa Toscana Style- Inspired by the classic Olive Garden soup, add diced potatoes instead of cauliflower and finish with a pinch of crushed red pepper and extra cream for a restaurant-style twist.
Dairy-Free Option- Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a rich, creamy texture without dairy. Skip the parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.

What To Eat With Sausage Kale Soup

Instant Pot Sausage Kale Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s satisfying on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides that complement its creamy, savory goodness. Whether you want to keep things light or add something indulgent to round out the meal, here are some great ideas for what to eat with it:

Crusty Bread or Baguette- Perfect for dipping into the rich, creamy broth and soaking up every last bit of flavor.
Garlic Bread- Adds a buttery, garlicky crunch that pairs beautifully with the soup’s spicy sausage and creamy texture.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich- A gooey, melty sandwich is a comforting and satisfying side that turns your soup into a full meal.

How Long Does It Last?

Instant Pot Sausage Kale Soup stores and reheats beautifully, making it a perfect meal prep option. Once cooled completely, transfer the soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, giving you an even richer taste the next day.

To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the cream and cheese from separating. If the soup thickens after chilling, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it to your desired consistency.

Can I Freeze Italian Sausage Soup?

You bet you can! This soup freezes very well and even tastes better the next day since all the flavors have had a chance to really meld together.

Here's how I freeze it.

Let soup cool.
Separate into freezer-safe containers or souper cubes.
Add the date to the container.

I prefer to store in individual portions so that they defrost easier or are easier to pop in your Instant Pot to warm. It also makes for a quick lunch without reheating all of your leftovers.

Want More Low Carb Soups?

This Low Carb Italian Kale Soup is so delicious you'll be glad it makes plenty for leftovers. If you love it as much as I do share it with your friends on Facebook and Pin to make again soon.