Picture this: a chilly evening, a warm kitchen, and the rich, savory aroma of a simmering pot on the stove. This Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a bowl of pure, delicious comfort. It brings together the hearty, flavorful kick of Italian sausage, the tender, pillowy texture of gnocchi, and a smooth, savory cream broth that ties it all together into one unforgettable meal.
This one-pot wonder is a go-to for a reason. It’s incredibly easy to make, yet tastes like something you’d order at a five-star restaurant. You’ll find it surprisingly quick to come together, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying and wholesome. The simple ingredients create a complex and layered flavor profile that will have your family asking for seconds—and for the recipe!
Whether you’re a long-time fan of Italian sausage soup or you’re just discovering the magic of gnocchi in soup, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new staple in your home. Get ready for a delicious dinner that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Why This Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is a Must-Make
This recipe is a powerhouse of flavor and convenience. Here’s why it’s destined for your regular rotation:
- Ultimate Comfort Food: The creamy base and tender gnocchi make this an incredibly soothing and satisfying dish.
- A Complete One-Pot Meal: Everything from the sausage to the gnocchi cooks in a single pot, which means less mess and a much easier cleanup.
- Quick & Easy: This gnocchi soup comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner solution.
- Rich and Flavorful: The Italian sausage adds incredible depth and a hint of spice, while the broth is perfectly balanced and rich.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This soup holds up wonderfully in the refrigerator, and the flavors only get better the next day.
Ingredients
- 1 lb mild or hot Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- Salt to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Broth & Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and stir to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in the dried oregano, basil, and black pepper.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Add the potato gnocchi and cook according to the package directions, typically 2-3 minutes, until the gnocchi float to the surface.
- Finish with Cream and Greens: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted. Taste the creamy soup and season with salt as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping.
Tips for the Best-Tasting Soup
- Sausage is Key: Use high-quality Italian sausage. For a little heat, use hot Italian sausage. For a more subtle flavor, go with mild.
- Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Gnocchi cook very quickly! Watch them closely and remove the pot from the heat as soon as they float to the surface to keep them from becoming too soft.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: While dried herbs work, a final sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds a wonderful, bright flavor.
- Control the Consistency: If your soup is too thick, simply add a little more chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This soup is a complete meal, but it pairs perfectly with a few simple sides or can be easily customized.
- Garlic Bread: A warm, crusty slice of garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment for dipping.
- Side Salad: A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette is a great way to balance the richness of the creamy gnocchi soup.
- Add Extra Vegetables: Feel free to add chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a can of diced tomatoes along with the broth for extra texture and flavor.
- Make it Lighter: You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even a splash of milk, though the soup won’t be as rich.
- Try Different Proteins: You can substitute the Italian sausage with ground chicken, turkey, or even meatballs for a delicious alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What if I can’t find Italian sausage? You can use regular ground pork or chicken and season it with a blend of fennel, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano to create a similar flavor profile.
- Can I freeze this soup? This soup freezes well! However, the gnocchi may change texture slightly. For best results, freeze the soup before adding the gnocchi and spinach. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the soup, bring it to a simmer, then add the gnocchi and spinach.
- How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The gnocchi will absorb some of the liquid, so you may need to add a splash of broth when reheating.
- What kind of gnocchi should I use? Look for the shelf-stable potato gnocchi found in the pasta aisle of most grocery stores. You can also use frozen gnocchi, just follow the package directions.
- Can I make this vegetarian? Yes! Simply swap the Italian sausage for plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
This Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is a simple yet elegant meal that will warm you from the inside out. It’s the perfect way to bring a little bit of comfort and Italian flair to your kitchen.
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Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot, cook sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in gnocchi and cook until they float to the top, about 3–4 minutes.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and spinach. Cook until spinach wilts.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.