This Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is cozy and full of flavor! It combines tasty sausage, soft gnocchi, and veggies in a rich broth that warms you up on chilly days.
Honestly, there’s something magical about gnocchi floating in soup. It feels like a hug in a bowl! I love serving it with a sprinkle of cheese on top—yum!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: You can use either mild or spicy sausage based on your preference. For a healthier twist, try turkey or chicken sausage. If you’re vegetarian, a meat-free sausage alternatives work well too!
Chicken Broth: This gives great flavor, but veggie broth is a nice alternative for a meatless soup. If you’re low on broth, just use water, but the flavor might be less rich.
Heavy Cream: This adds creaminess, but you can substitute half-and-half or even coconut milk for a lighter option. For a dairy-free alternative, use cashew cream!
Gnocchi: I stick with potato gnocchi for their soft, pillowy texture. However, you could use pasta like small shells or bow ties if gnocchi isn’t available.
Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts nicely in the soup, but feel free to use kale or Swiss chard if you have them on hand. Just chop them into smaller pieces for easier eating!
How Do I Get My Gnocchi Perfectly Cooked in the Soup?
Cooking gnocchi directly in the soup is easy! Just follow these tips:
- Wait until the soup is simmering before adding the gnocchi; this helps them cook evenly.
- Gnocchi is done when they float to the top—this usually takes around 3-4 minutes.
- Don’t overcook them, as they’ll get mushy if left too long in the broth.
For a little extra flavor, consider using Italian seasoning when simmering the soup; this enhances the overall taste!
Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 20-25 minutes to cook, making it a total of around 35-40 minutes. You’ll have a hearty, flavorful soup ready quickly!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. If there’s a lot of fat, you can drain some off.
2. Sautéing the Veggies:
Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it smells great and fragrant.
3. Building the Soup Base:
Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (if you’re using them). Now, stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes. This helps all the lovely flavors blend together!
4. Cooking the Gnocchi:
Add the gnocchi into the pot and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-4 minutes. You’ll know they are done when they float to the top of the soup!
5. Finishing Touches:
Stir in the heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow it to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and everything is nice and warm. Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if needed!
6. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve your delicious soup hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese on top if you like. It’s the perfect comforting meal for any day!
This creamy, hearty soup with tender gnocchi, savory sausage, and fresh spinach makes a perfect comforting meal!
Can I Use Frozen Gnocchi for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use frozen gnocchi directly in the soup without thawing them first. Just add them during the same step as the fresh gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, which usually takes a bit longer (about 4-5 minutes).
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free alternative, try using coconut milk or cashew cream for a similar creamy texture.
Can I Prepare This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients in advance! However, it’s best to add the gnocchi just before serving to prevent them from getting too soft. You can store the soup base (without gnocchi) in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for about a month. Just reheat on the stove before adding the gnocchi.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. You may want to add a splash more broth or cream to freshen it up if it thickens while sitting!
