There’s something soul-soothing about a warm bowl of soup on a chilly evening, and this Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is a real standout in my kitchen. As the chilly winds pick up and the first signs of fall emerge, I find myself craving something hearty yet comforting. This soup checks all the boxes—creamy, flavorful, and so easy to whip up, even after a long day.
One evening, while experimenting with a few ingredients I had on hand, I stumbled upon this delightful combination. The rich Italian sausage paired with tender mini gnocchi and vibrant spinach creates a symphony of flavors that warms my heart. And best of all? It comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings with friends.
So, if you’re looking to elevate your soup game and say goodbye to fast food without sacrificing flavor, grab your apron and let’s dive into this luscious, crowd-pleasing bowl of joy!
Why You'll Love This Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
- This Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is a breeze to make, requiring just 45 minutes from start to finish.
- The flavor is simply unmatched, with rich Italian sausage and tender gnocchi creating a delightful combination that your taste buds will adore.
- Its versatility allows for easy customization, so feel free to toss in your favorite veggies or spices.
- Plus, its inviting presentation topped with parmesan cheese makes it a visually stunning dish perfect for impressing guests or warming up family dinners.
Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Ingredients
For the Base
• Olive oil – adds a lovely depth of flavor as you sauté your ingredients.
• Bulk Italian sausage – provides a hearty and spiced foundation for this creamy delight.
• Medium yellow onion – brings sweetness and aroma to the soup.
• Garlic – infuses the soup with its vibrant, savory essence.
For the Flavor
• Tomato paste – thickens the soup and enhances the rich tomato flavor.
• Italian seasoning – a blend of herbs that captures the essence of Italian cuisine.
• Low-sodium chicken broth – keeps the soup hearty without excessive salt.
• Crushed fire-roasted tomatoes – adds a smoky touch and rich color to the soup.
For the Creaminess
• Mini gnocchi – these little pillows of potato bring a unique texture that makes the soup satisfying.
• Baby spinach – offers a pop of color and nutrients, elevating the soup’s goodness.
• Kosher salt – seasons the soup while allowing the other flavors to shine.
• Freshly ground black pepper – adds a finishing kick without overpowering.
• Heavy cream – makes the soup luxuriously creamy, ensuring each spoonful is indulgent.
For Serving
• Parmesan cheese – sprinkle generously on top for a salty, nutty flavor.
• Crushed red pepper flakes – a sprinkle of this adds just the right amount of heat to complement the creamy Italian sausage gnocchi soup.
How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
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Heat Oil: Pour 1 teaspoon of olive oil into a large pot over medium heat. Warm it up until it shimmers invitingly, creating a perfect base for your soup.
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Brown Sausage: Add 1 pound of bulk Italian sausage. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it’s beautifully browned and aromatic, about 5-7 minutes.
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Sauté Aromatics: Stir in a diced medium yellow onion and minced 4 cloves of garlic. Cook until the onion turns translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
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Incorporate Tomato Paste: Mix in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Stir well until everything is evenly coated in the rich color of the tomato paste.
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Add Broth & Tomatoes: Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth along with 28 ounces of crushed fire-roasted tomatoes. Give it a good stir and bring this delightful mixture to a simmer.
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Cook Gnocchi: Once simmering, add 16 ounces of mini gnocchi. Let them cook in the broth for 3-5 minutes until they float and become tender.
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Mix in Spinach & Cream: Stir in 3 cups of baby spinach, 1.5 teaspoons of kosher salt, 0.5 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, and 1/3 cup of heavy cream. Mix until the spinach wilts and everything is creamy and integrated.
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Serve & Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls while hot, and finish with a generous sprinkling of parmesan cheese and a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of warmth.
Optional: Add fresh basil for a burst of flavor and color on top.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
Fridge: Store any leftover Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to restore its creamy consistency.
Freezer: If you want to freeze this delicious soup, portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat from the fridge or after thawing, warm it gently on medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick. Stir until heated through.
Storing Gnocchi: If you have uncooked gnocchi leftover, store them in a cool, dry place for up to 2 days. Cook them fresh to enjoy the best texture in your soup.
What to Serve with Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup?
A warm, inviting meal truly shines when paired with the right accompaniments. Here are some delightful ideas to enhance your dining experience.
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Garlic Bread: This classic side is perfect for dunking into your creamy soup, soaking up every delicious drop. Its crunchy exterior and buttery, garlicky flavor make it irresistible.
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Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with tangy dressing and crunchy croutons creates a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup. Plus, the hint of parmesan ties in beautifully!
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Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies, lightly seasoned and roasted, adds a colorful touch to your meal, enhancing the overall flavor profile. The caramelized sweetness from roasting complements the soup’s savory notes.
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Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits, perhaps with a cheesy touch, offer a delightful texture and flavor that pairs wonderfully with hot soup. They’re perfect for a cozy, comforting dinner.
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White Wine: A chilled glass of crisp pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc elevates your meal, balancing the creaminess of the soup with its refreshing acidity.
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Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, a light chocolate mousse is an excellent way to round off the meal. Its rich yet airy texture provides a sweet contrast to the hearty soup.
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Herb-Infused Olive Oil: Drizzle this fragrant oil over your soup just before serving for an extra burst of flavor. The herbal notes will beautifully enhance the Italian spices already at play.
This selection caters to various textures and flavors, perfectly complementing your Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup!
Make Ahead Options
Preparing this Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup in advance is a fantastic way to save time during busy weeknights! You can cook the entire soup, then let it cool before refrigerating it for up to 3 days. To maintain its wonderfully creamy texture, it’s best to add the heavy cream just before serving; simply reheat the soup on the stove, stir in the cream, and enjoy! Alternatively, you can pre-cook the sausage, onions, and garlic, and store them in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. This way, when you’re ready to enjoy this comforting dish, all you have to do is combine the remaining ingredients, and you’ll have a delicious, homemade meal without the fuss!
Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Variations
Dive into the world of flavors and customize this comforting soup to make it your own!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a luscious, dairy-free version that still keeps the soup nice and creamy.
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Spicy Twist: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or minced jalapeños while cooking for an added kick that warms the soul.
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Veggie Boost: Toss in chopped zucchini or bell peppers for an explosion of color and crunch that melds beautifully with the soup’s creamy base.
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Herbaceous Delight: Fresh basil or parsley stirred in just before serving adds a fragrant freshness that brightens the overall flavor profile.
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Protein Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of Italian sausage to create a lighter soup without sacrificing flavor or texture.
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Gnocchi Alternatives: Try using tortellini or even homemade dumplings for a delightful twist that keeps the dish exciting and new.
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Umami Rich: Incorporate a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to deepen the savory notes, balancing out the creaminess.
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Pasta Options: Replace mini gnocchi with small shells or orzo for a similar hearty texture that captures all the delicious flavors in each bite.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup, ensure that you properly brown the sausage to develop deep flavors before adding the other ingredients.
- Avoid adding too much salt initially since the parmesan cheese and chicken broth already contribute saltiness; adjust to taste at the end if needed.
- To enhance the texture, gently stir the gnocchi to avoid clumping as they cook in the soup.
- Lastly, remember to keep the heat on medium-low when adding the cream to prevent it from curdling and maintain a smooth consistency throughout the soup.
Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe FAQs
What type of Italian sausage should I use?
Absolutely! For the richest flavor, I recommend using bulk Italian sausage rather than pre-cased links. You can go for sweet or spicy, depending on your personal preference. Just make sure to remove the casing before browning it in the pot!
How long can I store leftover soup in the fridge?
Leftover Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to reheat it gently on the stove to keep that creamy consistency intact!
Can I freeze Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup?
Certainly! To freeze this delightful soup, portion it into freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave a bit of room at the top as the liquid may expand. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating over medium-low heat.
Why is my soup too thick after reheating?
Very! If you find your soup has thickened too much after refrigerating or freezing, simply stir in a splash of chicken broth or water while reheating. This will help restore that delightful creamy texture without losing flavor!
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, absolutely! Substitute the mini gnocchi with gluten-free gnocchi available at many grocery stores. Just check the packaging to ensure it fits your dietary needs. Enjoy your soup without worry!
Can my pet share this soup with me?
While it might be tempting to share a spoonful with your furry friend, it’s best to skip it. The sausage, seasonings, and cream can be harmful to pets. Instead, consider saving some plain, boiled potatoes or chicken from the dish for a tasty treat for them!
Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil into a large pot over medium heat. Warm it up until it shimmers invitingly.
- Add 1 pound of bulk Italian sausage. Cook until it's beautifully browned and aromatic, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in a diced medium yellow onion and minced 4 cloves of garlic. Cook until the onion turns translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Mix in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Stir well until everything is evenly coated.
- Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth along with 28 ounces of crushed fire-roasted tomatoes. Stir and bring to a simmer.
- Once simmering, add 16 ounces of mini gnocchi. Let them cook for 3-5 minutes until they float and become tender.
- Stir in 3 cups of baby spinach, 1.5 teaspoons of kosher salt, 0.5 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, and 1/3 cup of heavy cream. Mix well.
- Ladle the soup into bowls while hot, and finish with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes.
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