Make this low-carb, keto friendly sausage kale soup recipe at home in the Instant Pot or on the stove. It’s a quick and easy treat for cool fall nights.
Sausage kale soup has become one of my steadfast family recipes for years. If you’ve ever been to Olive Garden, then you know all about soup, salad, and bread sticks.
This soup is basically a low-carb Zuppa Toscana and it is FULL of flavor.

Updated from 3/2018. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn money on purchases made.
My favorite was Zuppa Toscana, which is basically a sausage kale soup and over the years, I’ve been making a sort of copycat recipe at home.
The best part? My whole family will eat it!
I never thought my kids would love kale, but they do! Soup is a great way to get your greens. They also love this tomato tortellini soup loaded with spinach.
If you are cutting carbs or strictly following a Keto Diet , this soup will totally satisfy you!
This is also a fabulous choice for low-carb days on the FASTer Way to Fat Loss plan. It’s so versatile!
Note: if you are following Weight Watchers you can use chicken sausage in place of the Italian sausage and milk subbed for the heavy cream for lower points. I’ve included it both ways in the recipe below.
Copycat Zuppa Toscana Low Carb Style
I realized my sausage kale soup recipe was almost nearly carb-free. Typically made with kale and potatoes, it was a simple swap out for cauliflower and still delicious. In fact, my oldest never liked the potatoes anyway, so it’s an upgrade for him!
You can make this soup on the stove in a large pot, but most recently I’ve been using the Instant Pot and I love it.
Make it ahead and use for lunches all week long. Check out my post on the best food storage containers for meal planning to make prep super easy.

Easy Sausage Kale Soup Recipe
You’ll want to sautee the sausage, stir occasionally, and drain off any grease. For some reason, the sausage I buy doesn’t leave a lot of grease so it just depends on what it looks like when cooked.
I love cooking right in the the soup pot, y’all. Makes clean up SO much easier.

After the meat is cooked, switch off the Instant Pot while you add the other ingredients. I start with the broth and move on down the list ending with kale on top.
I use chicken broth, but you could certainly use vegetable broth if you prefer it.


I’ve tried this recipe with both fresh and frozen cauliflower and I prefer adding it frozen.
This helps it hold up longer and doesn’t get quite as mushy. Plus, no chopping!

Of all the green vegetables, one my kids have never complained about is kale. We love making “green” chips in the oven and this soup is another winner.
Will they eat mac’n’cheese? Of course not. Don’t ask kids to make sense.

Once all your goodies are in the pot, close the lid, set the vent to seal and pressure cook on high for 5 minutes.
Or if you’re cooking on the stove, bring to a boil and then reduce heat to medium.
In the Instant Pot I let it naturally release for a while after the timer beeps and then vent out whatever pressure is left.
All told, I recommend allowing about 40 minutes from start to finish (including the meat cooking time).

I love it when meals are easy and delicious. Eating low carb really isn’t too hard for me once I have a few tools in my belt and get out of sugar’s grip. And it’s always easier when my family is just as excited about a healthy meal! Total mom win.
Want something tasty to go with it? Check out these gluten free veggie muffins. Best part? You don’t even have to make them.
And if you’re looking for even more low carb keto soups, check out my girl Linda’s post with all the yummy options.
She also has an amazing sheet pan seasoned sausage and brussels sprouts recipe that I can’t wait to try.
And for a hearty and not so keto friendly option, check out my corn chowder soup family recipe!

Low Carb Sausage Kale Soup Instant Pot Recipe
This delicious low carb sausage kale soup will be familiar if you love Zuppa Toscana from Olive Garden. Only we swapped the potatoes for cauliflower making it keto friendly and just as good!
Ingredients
- 1 lb Mild Italian Sausage, ground (for weight watchers use chicken sausage)
- 48 oz Chicken Broth
- 1/2 C Heavy Cream, (for weight watchers use milk)
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 2 bags Frozen Cauliflower
- 4 C Kale
Instructions
- Set Instant Pot to Saute and cook sausage. Turn off when cooked and drain grease if any.
- Add all other ingredients and close Instant Pot.
- Set vent to sealed.
- Turn Instant Pot to Pressure cook on high for 5 minutes.
- Natural release for 10 minutes and then vent until all pressure is released.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 411Total Fat: 30gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 71mgSodium: 1733mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 6gSugar: 8gProtein: 22g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on products used. Please verify with your ingredients.
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Carrie
Tuesday 12th of May 2020
I just made this for lunch today and it was fantastic! Did you ever do a nutrition label for this?
Andrea Updyke
Saturday 23rd of May 2020
Hi Carrie, I just updated the info! So glad you enjoyed it!
Kelly
Sunday 26th of January 2020
If cooking in the stove, how long would you say it needs to simmer after bringing to a boil?
Andrea Updyke
Monday 27th of January 2020
I would say a good 10-15 minutes should do it!
LH
Wednesday 8th of January 2020
Is there a way to make this in the crock pot?
Andrea Updyke
Thursday 9th of January 2020
Sure! I would just brown the meat first and set it on low.
Lisa
Monday 18th of November 2019
How many carbs did you calculate? One app said 9 which seemed high to me.
Andrea Updyke
Monday 18th of November 2019
Hi Lisa, so using the ingredients above with 6 servings, I'm getting 7net carbs. My guess is most of those are coming from the whipping cream. Your mileage may vary depending on the ingredients you use. Hope this helps!
Kim J
Sunday 27th of October 2019
Made this and hubby and I took a bowl to work throughout the week. We both loved it. Unfortunately we ran out on Friday. Any tips for this Instant Pot newbie on cooking times if I double the recipe in my 6 qt? TIA
Andrea Updyke
Monday 28th of October 2019
I haven't tried to double this in the Instant Pot, but I've heard that as long as it all fits the time shouldn't need to change. Let me know if you try it!