If you love the flavors of pizza but want to keep things low carb, this Pizza Soup is the perfect way to indulge in those familiar tastes without the crust or carbs. Loaded with savory pepperoni, rich tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese, this soup combines everything you love about pizza in a warm and satisfying bowl. Plus, with the addition of zucchini and mushrooms, you get extra veggies for a healthier spin.
The Flavors of Pizza in Soup Form
This recipe captures all the classic pizza flavors—garlicky tomato sauce, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese—but in a comforting soup that’s both hearty and satisfying. Using sugar-free pizza sauce like Rao’s or even a homemade keto pizza sauce helps keep the carb count low while still delivering that rich, savory taste.
Key Ingredients for Pizza Soup
- Pepperoni: Provides the classic pizza flavor and richness.
- Zucchini: Adds bulk and texture without the carbs, making it a great low-carb alternative to noodles or bread.
- Sugar-free pizza sauce: A key ingredient to keep the soup low-carb while still providing that tomato base you expect from pizza.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly on top, just like the cheesy topping on a pizza.
Tips for the Perfect Pizza Soup
- Customize your toppings: This soup is highly adaptable. Feel free to add in your favorite pizza toppings like sausage, bell peppers, or olives to make it your own.
- Simmer for extra flavor: The longer you simmer the soup, the more the flavors meld together. While it only needs about 10 minutes, feel free to let it simmer longer for an even richer taste.
- Add fresh herbs: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley to add a pop of freshness that complements the rich, savory flavors of the soup.
Instant Pot Instructions
If you want to save time, this recipe works perfectly in an Instant Pot. After sautéing the onions, garlic, and pepperoni, simply add the pizza sauce and chicken broth, then cook on soup mode for 6 minutes. After a quick pressure release, add the zucchini, and the heat from the soup will cook it in just a few minutes. Top with cheese and enjoy!
How to Store and Reheat
This Pizza Soup stores well and is perfect for meal prep. Once cooled, transfer the soup to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to four days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to three months—just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed.
Pizza Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 cup mushrooms chopped
- ½ cup onion sliced
- 4 ounces pepperoni sliced in strips
- 3 cloves garlic chopped
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2/3 cup sugar-free Pizza sauce like Rao’s
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups zucchini sliced
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese shredded
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a 3qt (or larger saucepan), heat avocado oil on medium heat.
- Saute onions for several minutes, add garlic, then mushrooms, then pepperoni and Italian seasoning. Stirfry until everything is heated and fragrant.
- Add pizza sauce and chicken broth.
- Boil soup on medium-low for 10+ minutes (you can cook it as long as you’d like. The longer you cook soups, the more flavorful they become).
- Add zucchini and bring to a low boil for 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and serve. Top with mozzarella cheese.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh basil if you have it!
Instant Pot Instructions:
- If you’re using an instant pot, heat the oil on saute mode and saute the onions for 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic, cook for 30 seconds. Next, add the mushrooms, pepperoni, and Italian seasoning. Stir fry for a minute or two until everything is fragrant.
- Add the pizza sauce and chicken broth. Close the lid and make sure the sealing valve is closed.
- Cook on soup mode for 6 minutes. Do a quick pressure release. Total time to get to pressure and release pressure is about 20 minutes.
- Carefully open the Instant Pot and add the sliced zucchini. Since the soup is hot, it should cook the zucchini in several minutes. Once the zucchini is soft, it is ready to serve. Top with cheese or your favorite pizza toppings.
Nutrition
Trina Krug is a Holistic Nutritionist, Integrative Health Coach and host of the Carbless Conversations Podcast. With a Master’s Degree in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, her single mission in life is to facilitate self-healing in herself and those around her through awareness, lifestyle shifts and low-carb eating. As a current Doctor of Science student, she continues her studies in functional nutrition.