If you’re looking for a soup that’s hearty, comforting, and bursting with flavor, then this creamy Italian sausage gnocchi soup is exactly what you need. Imagine the rich, savory taste of Italian sausage combined with pillowy gnocchi, all simmered in a creamy, flavorful broth. It’s the kind of soup that’s perfect for chilly nights when you want something that feels like a warm hug. This recipe is quick to make and will definitely become one of your go-to dishes for cozy evenings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
You’ll love this soup because it’s a one-pot meal that’s packed with comforting flavors and textures. The Italian sausage adds a savory depth, the gnocchi brings that pillowy, satisfying bite, and the creamy broth ties everything together perfectly. It’s like a pasta dish in soup form, making it incredibly filling and comforting. Plus, it’s so easy to make—you’ll have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes! This soup is perfect for family dinners or meal prep, and I promise it’ll be a hit with everyone.
Ingredients
(Note: A full list of ingredients is provided below)
- Italian sausage (spicy or mild, depending on your preference)
- Gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Spinach (fresh or frozen)
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Start by heating a bit of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks, and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked through—about 6-8 minutes. Once the sausage is done, transfer it to a plate and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed, then toss in the chopped onion. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step really builds the flavor base for the soup.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Cream
Next, add the chicken broth to the pot and bring everything to a simmer. Scrape the bottom of the pot with your spoon to release any tasty bits left from cooking the sausage and onion. Once the broth is simmering, add the heavy cream and stir everything together. Bring the soup back to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Add the Gnocchi and Sausage
Now, it’s time to add the gnocchi and the cooked sausage back into the pot. Stir to combine and let everything simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi is cooked through and has floated to the top. If you’re using fresh gnocchi, this step will be quick, but if you’re using frozen gnocchi, it may take a few extra minutes.
Step 5: Add the Spinach and Parmesan
Once the gnocchi is ready, stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt down into the soup. Sprinkle in some freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and stir until it’s melted into the broth. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls, top with extra Parmesan if you like, and enjoy the creamy goodness. It’s perfect with a slice of crusty bread on the side to soak up all that delicious broth.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- For Extra Flavor: Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the onions for a little extra kick.
- Use Fresh Gnocchi: While frozen gnocchi works just fine, fresh gnocchi gives the soup an even more tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Make It Creamier: If you love extra creamy soup, feel free to add a bit more heavy cream or even a dollop of cream cheese to thicken it up and make it even richer.
- Season to Taste: Don’t forget to taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Sometimes, a squeeze of lemon or a splash of balsamic vinegar can add an extra layer of flavor.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Vegetarian Version: If you want to make this soup vegetarian, simply swap the Italian sausage for some plant-based sausage or mushrooms for that meaty texture.
- Spicy: For a spicy version, use spicy Italian sausage and add some red pepper flakes to the soup base for an extra bit of heat.
- Low-Carb: If you’re looking to make this soup lower-carb, try substituting the gnocchi with cauliflower gnocchi, which works surprisingly well in this dish.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad for some freshness. A mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette would balance out the richness of the soup. You could also serve it with a slice of garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette for dipping into that creamy broth. A glass of white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, would complement the soup beautifully.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring it back to the desired consistency. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
4 FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes! If you prefer chicken sausage or turkey sausage, feel free to use that instead. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to taste, as different sausages may have varying levels of flavor.
2. Can I freeze this soup?
While this soup freezes well, the cream might separate a bit once thawed. If you plan to freeze it, consider adding the cream fresh after reheating. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup up to the point of adding the gnocchi and spinach. Store it in the fridge and then finish it off when you’re ready to serve. The flavors actually get even better if it sits for a few hours or overnight.
4. What can I use instead of gnocchi?
If you don’t have gnocchi, you can substitute it with small pasta like ditalini, small shells, or even tortellini. Just make sure to cook the pasta separately and add it into the soup at the end.
Conclusion
This creamy Italian sausage gnocchi soup is one of those recipes that will quickly become a family favorite. It’s comforting, flavorful, and so easy to make. With a rich broth, tender gnocchi, and savory sausage, this soup has everything you need for a cozy meal. Plus, it’s perfect for leftovers, so you can enjoy it the next day too! Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend, this soup is sure to hit the spot every time. Enjoy!
Print
Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A hearty, comforting soup made with savory Italian sausage, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a creamy broth. Perfect for chilly nights and family dinners!
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or mild, depending on your preference)
- 1 lb gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups spinach (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and break it apart as it cooks. Brown until fully cooked through (6-8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream and bring the soup back to a simmer.
- Add the Gnocchi and Sausage: Add the gnocchi and cooked sausage. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the gnocchi is cooked through.
- Add Spinach and Parmesan: Stir in fresh spinach and allow it to wilt. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, top with extra Parmesan if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add more heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese.
- If you prefer a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions.
- You can make the soup ahead of time and refrigerate it; just add the spinach and cream before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg