This cozy soup is packed with fluffy gnocchi, juicy sausage, and fresh veggies. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl—perfect for chilly days!
I love how quick it is to whip up! Just brown the sausage, toss in the gnocchi and veggies, and let it simmer. It’s comfort food without any fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: I love the flavor of Italian sausage in this soup. You can use either mild or spicy, depending on your taste. For a lighter option, try turkey or chicken sausage. If you’re vegetarian, crumbled tempeh or lentils can work well as substitutes.
Gnocchi: Store-bought gnocchi is super convenient, but you can also make your own if you’re feeling adventurous! If gnocchi isn’t available, try using small pasta shapes like orecchiette or small shells instead.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you could swap heavy cream for half-and-half or even a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream. Just keep in mind that it might change the flavor a bit.
Spinach: Fresh baby spinach adds a nice touch, but you can also use kale or Swiss chard. If you’re using frozen spinach, just make sure to thaw it and squeeze out the excess water before adding it to the soup.
How Do You Brown Sausage Properly?
Getting the sausage golden brown adds depth to the flavor of your soup. First, heat your pot over medium heat and add the sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. If it’s lean, drizzle a bit of olive oil to help it brown.
- Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Don’t rush this step! Letting it cook allows the flavors to develop.
Hearty Sausage Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This yummy soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and roughly 20 minutes to cook, for a total of about 30 minutes. Perfect for a hearty weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat. Use a spoon to break it into small pieces as it cooks. If your sausage is very lean, add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pot to help it cook evenly. Cook until the sausage is fully browned, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the finely chopped onion to the pot and sauté until it becomes softened, about 3 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook this mixture for about 1 minute, until the garlic becomes fragrant.
3. Create the Soup Base:
Pour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir everything together well and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes, which helps deepen the flavors.
4. Add the Cream and Gnocchi:
Stir in the heavy cream and add the gnocchi. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi float to the top and are tender, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Incorporate the Spinach:
Add the fresh baby spinach leaves to the pot and cook for just about 1 minute, or until the spinach is wilted. Season the soup generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6. Finish with Cheese:
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
7. Serve Warm:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy this warm and comforting Hearty Sausage Gnocchi Soup!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can substitute Italian sausage with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even a vegetarian option like crumbled tempeh or lentils. Just adjust the cooking times slightly if needed, especially for leaner meats.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up if it thickens too much.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time! It’s often even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the fridge, and when ready to serve, reheat on the stove. You might want to add a little extra broth as it thickens when stored.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. For a dairy-free version, coconut milk or almond milk works well, though it might slightly alter the flavor. Just be sure to check for any additional adjustments needed for texture.
