Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is a rich, comforting soup made with Italian sausage, tender gnocchi, vegetables, and a creamy broth for cozy weeknight meals. Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup combines savory browned sausage, aromatic onions and garlic, hearty potatoes or gnocchi, and a velvety cream base to deliver a fast, satisfying bowl of comfort.
Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup brings restaurant-style richness to your home kitchen without fuss, and it reheats beautifully for lunches and leftovers. Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is perfect when you want a hearty one-pot dinner that warms the whole family.
Table of Contents
Why it works
- The sausage adds deep savory flavor and fat for richness.
- Potato gnocchi soak up the broth so each bite is pillowy and comforting.
- A short simmer melds flavors without breaking the cream – keeping it smooth and luscious.
- If you like a different one-pot comfort recipe, try this crock-pot favorite: Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup for another hearty option.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (32 ounces)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan for serving
Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or heavy soup pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Step 1 – Brown the sausage
Heat pot: Place the pot over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
Cook sausage: Add the Italian sausage and brown, breaking it up with a spoon, about 6-8 minutes until no longer pink.
Step 2 – Sauté aromatics
Add vegetables: Stir in the diced onion and cook 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3 – Build the broth
Pour in broth: Add the 4 cups chicken broth and Italian seasoning. Stir, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
Simmer: Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook 8-10 minutes to meld flavors.
Step 4 – Cook the gnocchi
Add gnocchi: Stir in the 1 pound potato gnocchi and simmer until the gnocchi are tender and float, about 3-5 minutes.
Adjust seasoning: Taste and season with salt and black pepper.
Step 5 – Finish with cream and greens
Add cream: Reduce heat to low and stir in the 1 cup heavy cream. Warm gently – do not boil – for 2-3 minutes.
Add spinach: Stir in the 2 cups baby spinach until wilted.
Step 6 – Serve
Plate: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan if desired.
Enjoy: Serve immediately with crusty bread.
Tips
- Use mild or spicy sausage depending on your heat preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream – keep in mind texture will be slightly thinner.
- Leftover soup thickens in the fridge – thin with a splash of broth when reheating.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a simple green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Pair with garlic bread or a grilled cheese for extra comfort.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like heat.
- For an alternate weeknight pasta idea, check this creamy pasta recipe: Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta.
- Try topping bowls with extra Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon to brighten the flavors of the Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup.
Storage
- Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Nutrition (approximate per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 32g
- Carbohydrate: 18g
- Protein: 18g
Safety
- Cook sausage to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Do not boil after adding cream – high heat can cause curdling.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes – add a minute or two to the cooking time if frozen.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Substitute plant-based sausage and vegetable broth, and adjust seasoning.
Can this be made ahead?
You can prepare the soup up to the point of adding gnocchi and spinach, then refrigerate and finish later.
Conclusion
For an easy, cozy dinner that comes together quickly, this recipe is a winner. For another take or inspiration, see this recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup.
Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy soup pot over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
- Add the Italian sausage and brown it, breaking it up with a spoon for about 6-8 minutes until no longer pink.
- Stir in the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth and Italian seasoning, stirring and scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for 8-10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Stir in the potato gnocchi and simmer until they are tender and float, about 3-5 minutes.
- Taste and season with salt and black pepper.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, warming gently for 2-3 minutes without boiling.
- Stir in the baby spinach until wilted.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan if desired.
- Serve immediately with crusty bread.
