This Hearty Sausage Gnocchi Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! It’s filled with tasty sausage, soft gnocchi, and fresh veggies, making it the perfect comfort food for chilly days.
I’ll be honest, I can finish off a whole pot by myself! 🥣 This soup is super easy to whip up, and it warms you from the inside out. Pair it with crusty bread, and you’re in for a treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: I love using Italian sausage for its rich flavor. You can choose between mild or spicy based on your taste. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey or chicken sausage works great too!
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds a nice depth to the soup, but feel free to use any vegetable oil you have on hand. Butter can also give added richness, especially if you’re in the mood for something indulgent.
Gnocchi: The star of this soup! If you can’t find potato gnocchi, you can use other types of gnocchi, such as ricotta gnocchi. Pasta can also be a substitute, just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is my go-to for this recipe because it wilts beautifully. If you have kale or Swiss chard, those are good substitutes as well. Frozen spinach would work too; just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding.
How Do I Sauté the Perfect Onion and Garlic?
Getting those flavors right is key! Sautéing onions and garlic can easily make or break your soup. Here’s how to do it well:
- Start with a medium heat to avoid burning. Olive oil needs a little time to warm up, so don’t rush it.
- Add the chopped onions first. Stir occasionally for about 3-4 minutes until they turn translucent.
- Next, add minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring continuously until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown!
These steps help release the natural sweetness of the onion and the aromatic flavor of garlic, creating a solid base for your soup.
Hearty Sausage Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients You Will Need:
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 400g) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 package (about 16 oz / 450g) potato gnocchi
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and roughly 20 minutes to cook, making a total of 35 minutes before you can dive in. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the Italian sausage. Use a spoon to break it apart and cook until it’s browned and cooked through – this should take about 5-7 minutes. The key is to get a nice color on the sausage for great flavor!
2. Add Onion and Garlic:
If there’s a lot of fat in the pot, you can drain some off, but leave about 1 tablespoon for flavor. Next, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it’s softened, which will take about 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for an additional 30 seconds until it smells really good!
3. Build the Soup Base:
Pour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes, juices included. Sprinkle in the dried oregano and basil, and give everything a good stir. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste! Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes – this helps the flavors come together.
4. Cook the Gnocchi:
Now it’s time for the gnocchi! Add them directly to the simmering soup, and cook according to the package instructions. Usually, this will take around 2-3 minutes, and you’ll know they’re done when they float to the top. So satisfying to watch!
5. Add Spinach and Finish:
Once the gnocchi is cooked, stir in the freshly chopped spinach and let it cook for an additional 2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and vibrant. This adds a lovely color and nutrition to your soup.
6. Stir in Parmesan:
Take the soup off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and well combined. This adds a creamy richness that you’re going to love!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Give the soup one last taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls, top with extra Parmesan cheese if you like, and serve it hot with some crusty bread on the side. Enjoy every spoonful!
This robust and comforting soup combines tender gnocchi and flavorful sausage with nutritious spinach in a delicious tomato-based broth, making it the perfect meal for any occasion!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner option that still adds flavor to the soup. You can season it with Italian spices for that classic taste or simply use it as a substitute for the sausage without changing much else in the recipe.
Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead of Canned?
Definitely! If you have fresh tomatoes, you can use about 2-3 medium-sized tomatoes. Just make sure to chop them up and remove the seeds for a smoother texture. You might want to add a bit of tomato paste to intensify the flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or microwave, stirring frequently to ensure even heating. You may want to add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much as it sits.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
