The perfect balance of hearty and creamy with its savory sausage, tender potatoes, and vibrant kale, all swimming in a creamy, rich broth. A classic Italian favorite, our version is gluten-free and is the perfect dinner for those hectic weeknights when your craving a comforting dinner but have no space in your schedule to prepare it.
On the menu at our house today is a soup that is too good not to share with y’all: our Gluten-Free Zuppa Toscana. It’s the perfect balance of hearty and creamy with its savory sausage, tender potatoes, and vibrant kale, all swimming in a creamy, rich broth. A classic Italian favorite, our version is gluten-free and is the perfect dinner for those hectic weeknights when you’re craving a comforting dinner but have no space in your schedule to prepare it.
One of the best parts of our Gluten-Free Zuppa Toscana is its convenience. As a wife, mom of four, and entrepreneur, I know all too well how precious every minute is. Like most of our recipes, Gluten-Free Zuppa Toscana is a make-ahead freezer meal, which means you get minutes added back to your day without sacrificing flavor or nutrition in your family dinner. Just a few minutes of prep results in a ready-to-go meal waiting in your freezer for whenever you need it. Just drop it in the slow cooker (or Instant Pot) and dinner is ready with zero effort from you.
Today, we prep alongside you. We’ll guide you through each step, from chopping the potatoes to preparing the sausage to storing everything until the day you need it. Let’s get to it!
Why You’ll Love this Gluten-Free Zuppa Toscana Recipe
Versatile: Hearty enough to be the main course, yet has the potential to be a starter, too.
Comforting: A rich, creamy broth keeps your family full and satisfied.
Family Favorite: Even little ones and the pickiest of eaters love the creamy, savory taste.
Nutritious and Balanced: A good mix of protein, veggies, and carbohydrates, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Gluten-Free Zuppa Toscana Freezer Meal Recipe
The perfect balance of hearty and creamy with its savory sausage, tender potatoes, and vibrant kale, all swimming in a creamy, rich broth. A classic Italian favorite, our version is gluten-free and is the perfect dinner for those hectic weeknights when your craving a comforting dinner but have no space in your schedule to prepare it.
Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
Add all ingredients, except Day of Cooking ingredients, to freezer bag.
Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months.
Slow Cooker | Cooking Directions
Thaw freezer bag in fridge for 12-24 hours before cooking.
Dump contents of freezer bag, plus 4 cups chicken broth, into a slow cooker.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours. During the last 30 minutes, stir in kale and 1 cup full-fat coconut milk.
Stir to ensure everything is well-combined. Serve hot.
Instant Pot | Cooking Directions
Dump contents of freezer bag, plus 4 cups chicken broth, into Instant Pot.
Set to High Pressure for 5 minutes, followed by a quick release.
Once the pressure has been released and the lid is safely removed, stir in the kale and 1 cup of full-fat coconut milk. Select the “Sauté” function and let the soup simmer for about 5 minutes, or until kale is wilted and soup is heated through.
Stir to ensure everything is well-combined. Serve hot.
Ground Turkey or Chicken Sausage: Exchange the ground Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version of this soup.
Heavy Cream: If you don’t enjoy the flavor of coconut, use heavy cream in place of the full-fat coconut milk. Be sure to add it at the end so it doesn’t curdle.
Spinach: If you’re not a fan of kale or don’t have any on hand, use chopped spinach instead of kale.
Additions:
Carrots: Add one cup of chopped carrots for extra sweetness and a boost of color.
Bacon: Adding a half cup of cooked and crumbled bacon brings a smoky flavor and a crispness to the texture.
Parmesan Cheese: For additional richness and an umami flavor, add a half cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
How to Reheat and Store Gluten-Free Zuppa Toscana Freezer Meal Recipe
Best Way To Store Leftover Easy Gluten-Free Zuppa Toscana
This Easy Gluten-Free Zuppa Toscana is best stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Before storing, make sure to allow your leftover Toscana to cool to room temperature, to reduce moisture within the container.
How Long Will Gluten-Free Zuppa Toscana Freezer Meal Recipe Last In the Fridge?
When properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Gluten-Free Zuppa Toscana will stay fresh in the fridge for three to five days. Before storing, make sure to allow recipe to cool to maintain prime freshness.
Can I Freeze Easy Gluten-Free Zuppa Toscana?
Our method of cooking is to freeze raw and cook from frozen because it yields optimal flavor and texture. Our recommendation is to consume leftovers within the three to five day timeframe. If you need to freeze leftovers, you can safely, but the second round of this soup will not be as delicious as the first.
How To Reheat Healthy Zuppa Toscana Freezer Meal?
This recipe would be best reheated in on the stovetop. Place desired amount of leftover Zuppa in a saucepan over medium heat. Store occasionally until evenly heated through. Another reheating method would be in the microwave. Be aware not to overheat as this will change the flavor and texture of your soup. Heat in short bursts of 30-45 seconds and stir between each interval, until desired temperature is reached.
Best Gluten-Free Zuppa Toscana FAQs
Why is broth not gluten-free?
Some broths are not gluten-free because they contain wheat flour or yeast extract. If you are purchasing broth at the store, we recommend reading all labels and choosing a broth that is certified gluten-free. Another option is to make your own broth at home so you have complete control over the ingredients used.
Is Zuppa Toscana naturally gluten-free?
Zuppa Toscana is gluten-free provided it is made using gluten-free sausage and gluten-free broth. Our recipe is gluten-free, so it is safe for those who need or want to avoid gluten.
How can I make Zuppa Toscana dairy-free without using coconut milk?
If you’re dairy-free but are not wanting to use coconut milk, try using cashew or almond milk. Another option is to make a cashew cream.
How do I keep the potatoes from getting mushy in my Zuppa Toscana?
It is key to not overcook your Zuppa Toscana so that the potatoes do not get mushy. Using waxy potatoes like Yukon Golds is also a good idea, as they have a firmer texture and stand up well to low and slow cooking methods.
Can I use pre-cooked sausage in my Zuppa Toscana?
Pre-cooked sausage is a good option for Zuppa Toscana because it saves you time and omits a step of preparation.
What is paired with Zuppa Toscana in Italy?
In Italy, Zuppa Toscana is typically eaten by itself. The traditional version of this soup is made differently than we make it in the United States, with cannellini beans being a main ingredient.
What is the difference between minestrone and Zuppa Toscana?
Zuppa Toscana has a thicker consistency due to its cream-based broth, whereas minestrone is more of a vegetable soup with a watery broth. Both are hearty in different ways; Zuppa Toscana is hearty due to the sausage and potatoes (and cannellini beans, if you’re preparing it the traditional way), and minestrone is hearty because of the chunky vegetables and beans in the soup.
As a full time working mom of four, I know how hard it is to find time (or energy) to cook. That’s why I’ve spent over a decade perfecting freezer meal recipes to make sure they’re not only quick to prepare but packed with flavors the whole family will love!
