This Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is a rich and comforting dish, packed with tender potato gnocchi, flavorful Italian sausage, and a velvety broth infused with garlic, herbs, and cream. It’s the perfect cozy meal for chilly nights and can be made in under 30 minutes for an easy, satisfying dinner.
Personal Story & Background:
Growing up, soups were a staple in my household, especially during the colder months. This gnocchi soup quickly became a favorite after I first tried it at a small Italian café. I loved how the pillowy gnocchi soaked up the rich, creamy broth while the sausage added a bold, savory kick. Over the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe to balance flavors perfectly, creating a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether served for a quick weeknight meal or as part of a cozy weekend dinner, this soup is always a hit!
Ingredient Notes:
- Italian Sausage – Adds robust, savory flavor. Use mild or spicy, depending on preference.
- Gnocchi – Soft potato dumplings that make the soup hearty and satisfying.
- Garlic & Onion – Essential aromatics that enhance the soup’s depth.
- Chicken Broth – Forms the base of the soup and complements the creamy texture.
- Heavy Cream – Creates a rich, velvety broth.
- Spinach or Kale – Adds color, nutrients, and a slight earthiness.
- Parmesan Cheese – Enhances the overall flavor with a salty, umami kick.
- Italian Seasoning & Red Pepper Flakes – Provides warmth and spice.
Substitutions:
- Use turkey or plant-based sausage for a lighter option.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Substitute kale for spinach for a heartier green.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
Add the gnocchi to the broth and let them cook according to the package instructions (usually about 3-5 minutes, until they float to the top).
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Greens
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and spinach. Let the soup simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted.
Step 6: Finish with Parmesan
Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot!
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Don’t overcook the gnocchi – Once they float, they’re done! Overcooking can make them mushy.
- Balance the broth – If the soup is too thick, add extra broth to reach your preferred consistency.
- Use fresh Parmesan – Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds superior flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with crusty garlic bread for dipping.
- Pair with a simple side salad for a balanced meal.
- Add extra red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze without the cream for up to 2 months. Add cream when reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the soup up to the point of adding the gnocchi and cream. Store it in the fridge and finish cooking when ready to serve.
What’s the best type of gnocchi to use?
Shelf-stable, refrigerated, or homemade gnocchi all work well. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the broth will be thinner. A mix of milk and a little cornstarch can help thicken it.
Conclusion:
Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is a soul-warming dish that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this soup is sure to be a favorite. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
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Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 7 servings (adjusted from 4) 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is a rich and comforting dish, packed with tender potato gnocchi, flavorful Italian sausage, and a velvety broth infused with garlic, herbs, and cream. It’s the perfect cozy meal for chilly nights and can be made in under 30 minutes for an easy, satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Brown the Sausage:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles until browned.
- Drain excess grease if needed.
-
Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot.
- Sauté until the onion is soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
-
Add Broth and Simmer:
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
-
Cook the Gnocchi:
- Add the gnocchi to the broth and let them cook according to the package instructions (about 3-5 minutes, until they float to the top).
-
Stir in Cream and Greens:
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and spinach.
- Let the soup simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted.
-
Finish with Parmesan:
- Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot!
Notes
- Make Ahead: Prepare the soup up to the point of adding the gnocchi and cream. Store in the fridge and finish cooking when ready to serve.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze without the cream for up to 2 months. Add cream when reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
- Substitutions:
- Use turkey or plant-based sausage for a lighter option.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Substitute kale for spinach for a heartier green.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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