This Instant Pot Keto Tuscan Soup is the ultimate comforting dish for chilly evenings. The combination of rich Italian sausage, creamy broth, and the bold flavors of garlic, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes makes every spoonful indulgent yet wholesome. The best part? It comes together in just 20 minutes with the ease of an Instant Pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle or just looking for a flavorful, hearty soup, this recipe is a must-try. With just a few ingredients, it delivers restaurant-quality flavors right in your own kitchen. Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of decadence!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions:
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add olive oil. Once hot, add Italian sausage and break it apart while browning.
- Add chopped onions and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scrape any browned bits from the bottom, and add sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 5 minutes.
- Quick-release the pressure and open the lid carefully.
- Stir in heavy cream, baby spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Let sit for a few minutes until spinach wilts.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Origins and Inspiration
Tuscan soup, also known as Zuppa Toscana, is a traditional Italian soup that originated in Tuscany. It typically features a hearty blend of sausage, kale, garlic, and potatoes in a creamy broth. This keto-friendly version removes the high-carb ingredients while keeping the signature flavors intact. Instead of potatoes, we use nutrient-rich spinach, and the addition of sun-dried tomatoes enhances the deep, slightly tangy taste. The Instant Pot method ensures a quick, easy, and fuss-free cooking process, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why This Soup is Perfect for Keto Dieters
This Keto Tuscan Soup is low in carbs and high in healthy fats and protein, making it an excellent meal choice for those following a ketogenic diet. Each serving is packed with:
- Healthy fats from heavy cream and olive oil to support ketosis
- Protein from Italian sausage to keep you full and satisfied
- Nutrients from spinach and sun-dried tomatoes for a balanced meal
- Low carb content by skipping the traditional potatoes
Unlike traditional creamy soups that use flour as a thickener, this gluten-free recipe achieves a thick, rich texture naturally from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredient Breakdown & Substitutions
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in flavor and texture. Here’s a breakdown with some potential swaps to customize the recipe:
- Italian Sausage: Choose mild or spicy based on your preference. You can also use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based sausage for a different take.
- Spinach: Adds color and nutrients. If you prefer a heartier green, kale or Swiss chard are excellent alternatives.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These provide a burst of umami and tanginess. If you don’t have them, try fire-roasted tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a different twist.
- Heavy Cream: Creates the luxurious, creamy texture. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut milk for a slightly sweeter taste.
- Chicken Broth: Enhances the depth of flavor. You can swap it with bone broth for added protein and collagen.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a mild kick, but you can omit them if you prefer a milder soup.
Cooking Tips for the Best Keto Tuscan Soup
- Brown the sausage well: This step adds depth to the broth by creating caramelization on the bottom of the Instant Pot, which enhances the overall flavor.
- Deglaze the pot: Use a splash of broth to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to avoid a “burn” notice on the Instant Pot.
- Add cream at the end: Heavy cream should be added after pressure cooking to prevent curdling. Let it sit for a few minutes to blend with the flavors.
- Use fresh Parmesan: Grate your own Parmesan cheese for the best creamy consistency—it melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
How to Store and Reheat
This soup stores well and can be enjoyed for meal prep:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even tastier!
- Freezing: While the soup can be frozen for up to 3 months, note that the texture of the heavy cream may slightly change. To prevent separation, freeze the soup without cream and add it after reheating.
- Reheating: Warm the soup over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second increments, stirring between each to maintain a creamy consistency.
What to Serve with Keto Tuscan Soup
Since this soup is rich and filling, it pairs well with light and low-carb sides:
- Keto garlic bread made with almond flour
- A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Parmesan crisps for an extra crunchy element
- Cauliflower rice if you want to bulk up the meal
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: Made in just 20 minutes using the Instant Pot
Low Carb & Keto-Friendly: Perfect for maintaining ketosis
Creamy & Flavorful: Packed with garlic, sausage, and cheesy goodness
Meal Prep Friendly: Stores and reheats well for easy leftovers
How This Recipe Compares to Traditional Zuppa Toscana
Traditional Zuppa Toscana is a beloved Italian-American soup made famous by restaurants like Olive Garden. The classic version contains potatoes, kale, and sometimes white beans, but this keto-friendly adaptation removes the high-carb ingredients while keeping the creamy, savory, and slightly spicy flavors intact. Instead of potatoes, this recipe relies on baby spinach for added nutrients and texture without the extra carbohydrates.
One key difference is that this keto Tuscan soup is thicker and richer because of the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. The sun-dried tomatoes also add a unique depth of flavor, which makes it even more indulgent while keeping it low-carb.
Nutritional Benefits of Keto Tuscan Soup
This soup is not just delicious but also nutritionally balanced, making it ideal for those on a low-carb or ketogenic diet. Here’s what makes it a healthy choice:
High in Healthy Fats: The olive oil, heavy cream, and sausage provide essential fats to keep you full and maintain ketosis.
Rich in Protein: Italian sausage ensures that each serving has a satisfying amount of protein to fuel your body.
Low in Carbs: Unlike traditional soups that use potatoes or pasta, this version has only 6-8g net carbs per serving.
Loaded with Nutrients: Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic provide vitamins A, C, and K, plus antioxidants that support immune health.
This soup is also naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for people with gluten sensitivities.
Flavor Profile: Why This Soup Stands Out
This Instant Pot Keto Tuscan Soup has a bold, creamy, and garlicky flavor profile that feels comforting yet indulgent. Here’s what you can expect with each bite:
- Savory & Spicy: The Italian sausage adds depth, with a slight heat from red pepper flakes.
- Creamy & Rich: The heavy cream and Parmesan blend perfectly to create a silky, luxurious texture.
- Herbaceous & Aromatic: Garlic, Italian seasoning, and sun-dried tomatoes give this soup its signature Tuscan flair.
- Light yet Satisfying: Despite being rich and creamy, this soup doesn’t feel overly heavy, thanks to the balance of spinach and broth.
How to Customize This Recipe
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are some easy modifications based on dietary needs and ingredient availability:
Make It Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk and Parmesan for nutritional yeast.
Add More Protein: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken or extra sausage for a heartier meal.
Boost the Vegetables: Replace spinach with kale, Swiss chard, or zucchini noodles for extra fiber.
Lower the Calories: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and turkey sausage instead of pork sausage.
Tips for the Perfect Instant Pot Keto Tuscan Soup
To ensure that your Keto Tuscan Soup turns out flavorful and creamy every time, keep these tips in mind:
Use High-Quality Sausage – A good Italian sausage (mild or spicy) adds rich depth to the broth. Avoid overly processed sausages with fillers.
Sauté the Aromatics First – Cooking the garlic and onions before pressure cooking enhances the flavor significantly.
Don’t Skip the Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully and makes the soup extra creamy. Pre-shredded cheeses may not blend as well.
Deglaze the Pot Properly – Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the Instant Pot before pressure cooking. This prevents the “burn” warning and adds extra flavor.
Let the Flavors Marinate – This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop in the refrigerator.
Storage and Meal Prep
This soup is a fantastic meal prep option because it stores and reheats well.
In the Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
In the Freezer: Freeze the soup for up to 3 months. However, if freezing, leave out the heavy cream and add it after reheating to prevent curdling.
To Reheat: Warm gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling, as this can affect the creamy consistency.
Best Side Dishes for Keto Tuscan Soup
While this soup is delicious on its own, you can pair it with low-carb side dishes for a complete meal:
Keto Garlic Bread – Almond flour-based garlic bread for a crispy, cheesy side
Simple Green Salad – A light arugula or romaine salad with olive oil and lemon dressing
Parmesan Crisps – Crunchy, salty, and perfect for dipping into the creamy soup
Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles) – If you miss pasta, try serving this soup with some lightly sautéed zoodles
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Keto Tuscan Soup is a quick, easy, and comforting meal that satisfies your craving for something rich and creamy while keeping it low-carb and keto-friendly. Whether you’re following a keto diet or just looking for a delicious soup packed with flavor, this recipe is a must-try.
Its versatility, creamy texture, and bold flavors make it a favorite for meal prep, family dinners, and cozy nights in. Plus, with only 20 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a nutritious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Conclusion:
This Instant Pot Keto Tuscan Soup is more than just a comforting meal—it’s a nutrient-rich, flavorful, and keto-friendly dish that is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a cozy dinner. With its creamy texture, hearty sausage, and aromatic garlic-infused broth, it delivers all the satisfying flavors of traditional Zuppa Toscana without the excess carbs.
What makes this recipe stand out is its versatility and ease of preparation. Thanks to the Instant Pot, you can have a rich and comforting soup on the table in just 20 minutes. Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle or simply looking for a delicious and filling homemade soup, this recipe is a must-try.
Pair it with your favorite low-carb sides, adjust the ingredients to suit your taste, and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish right at home. Give this Keto Tuscan Soup a try today—you won’t be disappointed!