A Carrabba’s copycat recipe, this sausage and lentil soup cooks in the Instant Pot for a quick and easy meal!

Instant Pot Italian sausage and lentil coup is a deliciously hearty soup, full of flavor and nutrients.

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I love trying to recreate restaurant soups at home. Not only are they much less expensive when cooked at home, but they’re also often a bit healthier.

Plus, I love that I can make soups in the Instant Pot, so they tend to be a quick and easy meal to throw together with minimal effort.

For instance, this Instant Pot zuppa toscana and Instant Pot pasta e fagioli were both inspired by Olive Garden specialties.

Likewise, my Instant Pot chicken and wild rice soup was inspired by the Panera verison.

While we have countless soup recipes we enjoy making, I’m always expanding my repertoire.

This Italian sausage and lentil soup is inspired by the Carrabba’s version, and it is a deliciously hearty soup you’re sure to enjoy!

You’ll also love the fact that you don’t have to soak the lentils!

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How to Make Sausage and Lentil Soup in the Instant Pot

You’ll be glad to know the process is actually very simple!

First off, you’ll add some ground Italian sausage to the insert pot. Using the Saute setting, brown the sausage and break it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon.

Next, add in the onion, garlic, diced celery ribs, carrots, and zucchini. Pour on the tomatoes and broth.

Now it’s time for the Italian seasoning and oregano. Add those in and give everything a good stir. The nice thing is, the Italian sausage brings a lot of flavor to the soup, so you don’t need a whole lot of seasonings here.

Last, close the lid and set the vent to the sealed position. Cook for 15 minutes at high pressure, then allow a 10-minute natural release.

After the pressure has released and the valve has dropped, carefully open the lid and stir everything. Add in some salt and pepper to taste, and you’re all set!

This Instant Pot Italian sausage and lentil soup is tasty topped with a sprinkling of parmesan cheese, or with some crusty bread.

Be sure to check out my other favorite Instant Pot Italian Sausage recipes!

Notes and Adaptations:

• I prefer mild Italian sausage, but you can use hot Italian sausage if you prefer a bit more spice. You can also add some red pepper flakes to increase the heat if desired.
• I used brown lentils in this recipe, but you could also use green. I’d recommend not using red lentils, as they can get mushy during pressure cooking.
• You can freeze leftovers–just thaw and reheat, adding a little water if necessary.

More Sausage Soup Recipes for the Instant Pot:

• Instant Pot Rustic Italian Sausage and Bean Soup
• Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana
• Instant Pot Corn, Sausage, and Potato Chowder

Continue to Content

Yield: 8 Servings

Instant Pot Sausage Lentil Soup

Print

Instant Pot Italian sausage and lentil soup is similar to Carrabba's version--it's hearty, full of flavor, and comes together quickly!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Additional Time 25 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground mild Italian sausage
• 1/2 large onion, diced (approx. 1 cup)
• 1 Tbsp minced garlic
• 3 celery ribs, sliced (approx. 3/4 cup)
• 2 large carrots, sliced (approx. 3/4 cup)
• 1 small zucchini, diced (approx. 3/4 cup)
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 28-oz can diced tomatoes
• 1 1/2 cups dried brown lentils
• 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tsp oregano
• salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for serving

Instructions

1. In the insert pot of the Instant Pot, add the Italian sausage. Use the Saute setting to brown the sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks.
2. Drain excess grease and return sausage to the insert pot.
3. Add onion, garlic, celery, carrots, zucchini, chicken broth, tomatoes, lentils, Italian seasoning, and oregano. Stir to combine well.
4. Close the lid and set the vent to the sealed position. Select a cook time of 15 minutes at high pressure.
5. Once the cook time is complete, allow at least a 10 minute natural release, followed by a quick release of remaining pressure.
6. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

• I prefer mild Italian sausage, but you can use hot Italian sausage if you prefer a bit more spice. You can also add some red pepper flakes to increase the heat if desired.
• I used brown lentils in this recipe, but you could also probably use green. I'd recommend not using red lentils, as they can get mushy during pressure cooking.
• You can freeze leftovers--just thaw and reheat, adding a little water if necessary.

Recommended Products

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• 
  Instant Pot DUO60 6 Qt 7-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker and Warmer

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 284Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 37mgSodium: 1298mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 6gSugar: 7gProtein: 17g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and is not guaranteed for accuracy.

Want more delicious recipe ideas?

Check out even more mealtime inspiration on my Pinterest boards!

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"Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience in such a friendly and delightful way!!! So far, I'm very impressed with the results...thanks again for your guidance into this new realm of cooking!" -Margaret

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