This cozy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! It’s made with soft, chewy gnocchi, spicy sausage, and fresh veggies, all swimming in a tasty broth.
Whenever I make this soup, my kitchen smells amazing, and I can hardly wait to dig in. It’s perfect for chilly days or when you need a little comfort!
What I love most is how quick it is to prepare. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy, which leaves more time for my favorite thing—eating! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: Use your favorite type, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken sausage works wonderfully. The flavor will be milder, but you can season it with a little extra red pepper flakes for heat.
Broth: Chicken broth is perfect here for a rich flavor. If you’re vegetarian or want to cut down on meat, vegetable broth can be a nice substitution. Just check that it has plenty of flavor!
Gnocchi: Fresh gnocchi is my favorite choice because of its soft texture. If unavailable, you can use frozen gnocchi or even pasta. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Heavy Cream: This makes the soup creamy, but if you’re looking for a lighter version, half and half or coconut milk can work too. Just keep in mind that coconut will add a hint of sweetness.
How Do I Make the Gnocchi Perfectly Tender?
Cooking gnocchi right ensures they’re fluffy and not gummy. Remember, they cook fast! Follow these steps:
- Add gnocchi to the simmering broth—don’t stir too much to prevent them from breaking.
- Once they float to the top, that’s your sign they’re done, usually in about 2-3 minutes.
- Immediately remove the pot from heat after they float; overcooking can make them chewy.
Keep an eye on those little pillows—their texture is key to a delightful soup!
Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi (fresh or refrigerated)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs, for garnish (optional)
- Crusty bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup will take about 30 minutes total, with 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet comforting for those cozy weekends. You’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. The smell will be amazing!
2. Sauté the Veggies:
Add the diced onion and carrots to the pot. Sauté them until they’re softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it’s fragrant.
3. Build the Soup Base:
Pour in the chicken broth, water, and the drained diced tomatoes. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors come together.
4. Cook the Gnocchi:
Add the gnocchi to the pot. They typically take about 2-3 minutes to cook and will float to the surface when they’re done! Keep an eye on them; that’s how you know they’re tender!
5. Add the Spinach:
Stir in the fresh spinach and cook just until it wilts, which will take about 1-2 minutes. You want that vibrant green to pop!
6. Make It Creamy:
Lower the heat and gently pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Heat through, but avoid boiling now that the cream is in.
7. Final Touch:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and well mixed. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if you’d like. Serve the soup hot with some crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can use chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just keep in mind that the flavor will vary, so season accordingly if you’d like more kick!
Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. For extra flavor, use full-fat coconut milk as it adds creaminess without dairy.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to help loosen it up if needed.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
You can! Prepare everything except for the gnocchi and spinach ahead of time. Just store the soup base in the fridge and add the gnocchi and spinach when you’re ready to serve, as they cook quickly and taste fresher that way!
