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Instant Pot Keto Tuscan Soup

It was one of those chilly evenings when all you want to do is curl up with a warm bowl of comfort. I wanted something creamy, hearty, and satisfying—without straying from my keto goals. That’s when this Instant Pot Keto Tuscan Soup came to life. Packed with rich flavors, healthy fats, and wholesome ingredients, this recipe has quickly become a staple in my meal rotation. Let me walk you through how to make this creamy, dreamy soup that’s perfect for your keto lifestyle.

Why You’ll Love This Soup 🍲

If you’re a fan of quick, fuss-free meals that taste like they’ve been simmering for hours, this recipe will be your new best friend. Made in the Instant Pot, it’s ready in under 30 minutes but delivers layers of flavor you’d expect from a long-simmered soup. Plus, it’s loaded with keto-friendly ingredients like Italian sausage, heavy cream, spinach, and cauliflower, so you can indulge without worrying about carbs.

A Recipe Born from Simplicity 🏡

This soup was inspired by the classic Tuscan flavors of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and hearty greens. I’ve swapped out traditional high-carb potatoes for cauliflower to keep it keto-friendly, and trust me—it’s every bit as satisfying! Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a last-minute dinner idea, this soup is versatile and foolproof.

The Magic of the Instant Pot ✨

Before diving into the recipe, let’s talk about why the Instant Pot is a game-changer for busy cooks. It combines the functions of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, and sauté pan, making it perfect for soups like this one. The sauté function lets you brown the sausage and onions to deepen the flavor, while the pressure cooking feature ensures everything cooks evenly and quickly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Keto Tuscan Soup

1. Gather Your Ingredients 🍽️

First, let’s talk about the stars of this soup. Each ingredient plays a role in building the rich, creamy, and savory profile.

  • Italian Sausage: Use ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy) for robust flavor.
  • Onion and Garlic: Aromatic staples that provide a fragrant base.
  • Cauliflower: The perfect low-carb substitute for potatoes.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For a tangy, umami punch.
  • Spinach or Kale: Adds vibrant color and nutrients.
  • Chicken Broth: Forms the savory backbone of the soup.
  • Heavy Cream: The key to that luscious, creamy texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Enhances the soup with nutty, salty richness.

Each of these ingredients is keto-friendly and contributes to the overall flavor and texture.

2. Sauté for Maximum Flavor

Using the sauté function on your Instant Pot, brown the Italian sausage until fully cooked. This step is crucial because browning the sausage adds depth to the soup. As the sausage cooks, it releases flavorful oils that will infuse the soup base.

Pro Tip: Break the sausage into small crumbles as it cooks to ensure even browning.

Once the sausage is done, transfer it to a plate and set it aside. Add diced onions to the pot and sauté until they’re soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Toss in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.

3. Deglaze the Pot 🍷

Here’s where the magic happens. Add a splash of chicken broth to the pot and scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. These caramelized bits are flavor gold, so don’t skip this step!

4. Build the Soup Base

Now it’s time to add the rest of the ingredients. Toss in cauliflower florets, sun-dried tomatoes, and the remaining chicken broth. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

5. Pressure Cook to Perfection

Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to Manual (High Pressure) for 5 minutes. Yes, you read that right—just 5 minutes! The pressure cooking process allows the cauliflower to become tender while infusing the broth with all those wonderful flavors.

6. Add Creamy Goodness

Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release to safely release the steam. Open the lid, and take a moment to inhale the incredible aroma. Stir in the heavy cream and cooked sausage, then switch the Instant Pot to the sauté function again.

Let the soup simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. Toss in fresh spinach (or kale) and let it wilt into the soup.

Pro Tip: Add the spinach just before serving to keep it bright and tender.

7. Garnish and Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle with a touch of olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Tips for Success 🌟

1. Use Quality Sausage

The flavor of this soup hinges on the sausage, so opt for a high-quality brand with no added sugar or fillers.

2. Don’t Skip the Deglazing

Those browned bits stuck to the pot are essential for flavor—don’t let them go to waste!

3. Customize Your Greens

If you’re not a fan of spinach, kale or Swiss chard are excellent alternatives.

Storage and Meal Prep 🥣

This soup stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep. Simply let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers.

  • Refrigerator: Store for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat the soup gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating.


Delicious Variations to Try 🥄

  • Mushroom Lover’s Twist: Add sliced mushrooms for an earthy touch.
  • Cream Cheese Boost: Stir in 2 ounces of cream cheese for an ultra-creamy texture.
  • Herb Explosion: Add fresh basil or thyme for a fragrant finish.

Pairing Suggestions 🍷

This Keto Tuscan Soup pairs beautifully with light, keto-friendly sides like:

  • Garlic Butter Zucchini Noodles: Perfect for soaking up the creamy broth.
  • Parmesan Crisps: Crunchy, cheesy, and low-carb.
  • Keto Fathead Breadsticks: For a truly indulgent meal.

Pin This Recipe for Later 📌

Loved this recipe? Don’t forget to pin it for easy access! Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or planning a cozy family dinner, this Instant Pot Keto Tuscan Soup is sure to please.

Instant Pot Keto Tuscan Soup

Recipe by Sunny & Marty
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Calories

320

kcal

Ingredients

  • Italian Sausage: Use ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy) for robust flavor.

  • Onion and Garlic: Aromatic staples that provide a fragrant base.

  • Cauliflower: The perfect low-carb substitute for potatoes.

  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For a tangy, umami punch.

  • Spinach or Kale: Adds vibrant color and nutrients.

  • Chicken Broth: Forms the savory backbone of the soup.

  • Heavy Cream: The key to that luscious, creamy texture.

  • Parmesan Cheese: Enhances the soup with nutty, salty richness.

Nutrition Facts at a Glance 📊

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Fat: 25g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Net Carbs: 4g

Notes

  • Adjusting Spice Level: If you love a little heat, use spicy Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a milder version, stick with mild sausage and skip the spice.
  • Cauliflower Substitutes: If you’re not a fan of cauliflower, you can use zucchini chunks or diced turnips as low-carb substitutes. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may cook faster.
  • Greens Variations: While spinach is a classic choice, kale or Swiss chard also work wonderfully. For a peppery kick, try baby arugula.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Look for sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for extra flavor, and drain them before adding. If using dry-packed tomatoes, rehydrate them in warm water first.
  • Cream Consistency: Heavy cream is key for a creamy texture. For a dairy-free option, use unsweetened coconut cream, though it will slightly alter the flavor.
  • Make It Cheesier: Stir in an extra ½ cup of grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella for a richer, cheesier soup.

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