There’s something truly magical about a warm, comforting bowl of soup that feels like a hug from the inside. Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup delivers on all fronts with its rich, velvety broth, pillowy gnocchi, and savory sausage bites in every spoonful. It’s the kind of meal that soothes the soul on chilly evenings and fills your kitchen with aromas that draw everyone to the table.
This soup combines the hearty texture of Italian gnocchi with the robust flavor of seasoned sausage, mellowed with creamy broth and fresh spinach for a well-rounded dish. Whether you’re craving something indulgent for dinner or looking to impress guests with a cozy homemade creation, this recipe is your answer.
Ingredients for this Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if sausage is lean)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 lb potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or fresh)
- 3 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
In a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until fully browned, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon. If there’s excess grease, drain it off. If your sausage is very lean, add a tablespoon of olive oil to assist with browning.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion and chopped carrots to the pot. Cook for 5-6 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Let it cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
Add the gnocchi to the simmering soup and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or according to package instructions, until they float and become tender.
Step 5: Stir in the Cream and Spinach
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Add the chopped spinach and let it wilt for 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen gnocchi in this soup?
Yes, frozen gnocchi works perfectly. Just drop them into the soup while it simmers and cook until they float and are tender.
Can I substitute the sausage with another protein?
Absolutely. Ground chicken, turkey, or even crumbled tofu can be used as alternatives, though sausage adds the most flavor.
How can I make this soup dairy-free?
Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a thick oat-based cream. Also, skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.
What vegetables can I add to the soup?
Feel free to add chopped kale, zucchini, or mushrooms. They blend well with the other ingredients and boost the nutritional value.
Is this soup spicy?
It can be! Using spicy sausage or adding crushed red pepper flakes will increase the heat. Use mild sausage and skip the pepper flakes for a milder version.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, but consider adding the gnocchi just before serving to avoid them becoming too soft. The base of the soup reheats beautifully.
The Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
Description
This cozy Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup is the perfect easy dinner recipe to warm up any night. With tender gnocchi, flavorful sausage, and a creamy broth packed with herbs, garlic, carrots, and spinach, this one-pot comfort food hits all the right notes. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner ideas, a comforting lunch, or hearty food ideas for a family gathering, this recipe brings satisfying results with minimal effort. The velvety texture and bold flavors make it ideal for those craving creamy soup recipes, and it works great for both weeknight meals and weekend indulgence.
Ingredients
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
1 tbsp olive oil (if sausage is lean)
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 carrots, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 lb potato gnocchi
3 cups baby spinach, chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, brown the sausage. Drain any excess grease.
- Add onion and carrots. Sauté for 5-6 minutes. Stir in garlic, seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in gnocchi. Cook until they float, about 3-4 minutes.
- Lower heat and add cream and spinach. Let spinach wilt.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with Parmesan if desired.