This warm and comforting Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is like a big hug in a bowl! With tasty sausage, fluffy gnocchi, and fresh veggies, it hits the spot every time.
Making this soup is a breeze! I love how the gnocchi floats so perfectly. And let’s be real, I’m always tempted to have a second bowl—who can resist that? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: You can use either mild or spicy sausage depending on your heat preference. If you want a lighter option, try turkey or chicken sausage. I’ve found these options keep the flavor without too much grease!
Chicken Broth: Using homemade broth is great if you have it on hand! Otherwise, low-sodium store-bought broth works well. For a twist, vegetable broth can be a nice substitute for a vegetarian version.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter choice, you can substitute half-and-half or even coconut cream if you’re dairy-free. I often mix in some cream cheese for an extra creamy texture that’s still lower in fat!
Gnocchi: Fresh or shelf-stable gnocchi both work. If you can’t find gnocchi, small pasta shapes like orzo or even dumplings can do the trick.
How Do I Cook the Sausage Perfectly?
Getting the sausage right sets the tone for your soup. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a medium heat to prevent burning. This helps release those great flavors.
- Use a wooden spoon to crumble the sausage evenly as it cooks. This ensures even browning.
Cook until it’s browned all over, about 5–7 minutes. This adds a nice depth to your soup!
What’s the Best Way to Wilt the Spinach?
Wilting spinach is easy, but you can enhance its flavor by:
- Lowering the heat before adding it to avoid overcooking.
- Letting it sit in the hot soup for a couple of minutes, stirring gently. This keeps the bright color and nutrients!
This way, you’ll have perfectly tender spinach in your delicious soup!
Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 (16-ounce) package gnocchi
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook. So in total, you’ll need about 45 minutes to have a delicious, cozy soup ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the Italian sausage. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Keep stirring until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. When it’s done, take the sausage out using a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the tasty fat in the pot.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the chopped onion and diced carrots to the same pot. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they start to soften. Then stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for an additional minute until it smells amazing!
3. Add Broth and Tomatoes:
Pour in the chicken broth and add the drained diced tomatoes. Sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if you want some heat!), and season with salt and pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors come together nicely.
4. Incorporate Gnocchi and Sausage:
Now, put the cooked sausage back into the pot and stir in the gnocchi. Cook the mixture until the gnocchi floats to the top, which normally takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
5. Add Cream and Spinach:
Reduce the heat a bit, then stir in the heavy cream and add the fresh spinach. Give it a couple of minutes to let the spinach wilt nicely.
6. Final Touches:
Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the soup, creating a creamy texture. Take a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish up your delicious soup hot, topping it with extra Parmesan and maybe a sprinkle of black pepper. Cozy up and enjoy every warm and savory bite!
This comforting soup is perfect for chilly days and is sure to become a family favorite!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option, or even a vegetarian sausage if you’d like a meat-free version. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary to ensure everything is heated through!
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup in advance! Make it and let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You may want to add a splash of broth or cream to refresh the texture.
What Can I Serve with This Soup?
This Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside garlic bread or cheese-stuffed breadsticks!
