There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. I first discovered this recipe during one of those long, hectic weeks when my kids were all over the place—one demanding pancakes for dinner (again!) and the other perfecting the art of dipping everything into ketchup. This soup was my little kitchen sanctuary: quick enough to whip up after work, yet rich and satisfying enough to bring everyone to the table. The blend of spicy sausage with pillowy gnocchi in a creamy broth is a combination that always feels special, without any fuss.
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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
This soup is one of those recipes that checks so many boxes. First, it’s a one-pot wonder that cuts down on cleanup—a lifesaver when you’re juggling family and work. Second, the creamy broth paired with Italian sausage and gnocchi creates a hearty, deeply satisfying flavor profile that’s hard to beat. I also love how adaptable it is; over the years, I’ve swapped out greens or added a touch of spice to suit whatever mood strikes me. Most importantly, it’s a recipe that brings my family together, reminding me of those afternoons in my mum’s kitchen back in England, where food was always about connection.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients—freshness makes a noticeable difference here. I always opt for good-quality Italian sausage with a balance of herbs and spices, and fresh gnocchi if I can find it at my local market. When it comes to the vegetables, crisp celery and tender spinach add texture and color, while a splash of cream brings everything together. If you’re looking for a lighter twist, you can substitute half-and-half or even coconut milk.
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 package (about 16 ounces) potato gnocchi
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for extra heat
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: Approximately 400 per serving
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
Dive Into Comfort with Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
Learn how to make delicious Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients—freshness makes a noticeable difference here. I always opt for good-quality Italian sausage with a balance of herbs and spices, and fresh gnocchi if I can find it at my local market. When it comes to the vegetables, crisp celery and tender spinach add texture and color, while a splash of cream brings everything together. If you’re looking for a lighter twist, you can substitute half-and-half or even coconut milk.
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 package (about 16 ounces) potato gnocchi
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for extra heat
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Add the chopped onion and celery to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Stir in the garlic and dried Italian seasoning, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer and add the sausage back in.
- Add the gnocchi to the pot and cook according to package instructions, usually 2-3 minutes, until they float to the surface.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Steps to Create Your Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Add the chopped onion and celery to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Stir in the garlic and dried Italian seasoning, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer and add the sausage back in.
- Add the gnocchi to the pot and cook according to package instructions, usually 2-3 minutes, until they float to the surface.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Tips for Making the Best Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
Getting this soup just right is about balancing flavors and textures, something I learned early on during my days working in professional kitchens. The quality of your sausage and broth sets the foundation, but don’t underestimate the power of fresh aromatics and timing when adding your greens and gnocchi.
- Choose Italian sausage with good fat content for a richer broth—lean sausage can dry out the soup.
- Brown the sausage well to develop deep flavor; don’t rush this step.
- Use fresh gnocchi whenever possible; frozen gnocchi can get mushy if overcooked.
- Add spinach right at the end to keep it vibrant and avoid overcooking.
- Simmer the soup gently after adding cream to prevent curdling—low and slow is key.
- Feel free to swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different twist.
With these tips, you’ll create a restaurant-quality dish every time. Learn more: related recipe Learn more: Crispy and Nutritious: Dive into Healthy Sweet Potato Hash Browns
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This soup is a wonderful centerpiece for casual dinners or even weekend lunches. I often serve it with a crisp green salad to balance the richness, and a slice of warm, crusty bread that’s perfect for soaking up every last bit of the creamy broth.
- Pair with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon
- Serve alongside a fresh arugula salad with shaved Parmesan and lemon vinaigrette
- Add garlic bread or focaccia for a heartier meal
- For a seasonal twist, swap spinach for roasted butternut squash in the fall
Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back Sunday, this soup always brings a little comfort and joy to our table.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Proper storage helps you enjoy your Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup just as much the next day. I usually make a big batch so I can sneak in some extra servings during the week.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- When reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to refresh the soup’s creaminess
- Reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or curdling
- For longer storage, freeze the soup without the gnocchi, then add fresh gnocchi when reheating
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients for Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup?
The main ingredients for Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup include the items listed in our ingredients section above. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture.
How long does it take to make Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup?
The total time to make Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup includes both preparation and cooking time. Check the recipe card above for exact timing details.
Can I make Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup ahead of time?
Yes, Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup can often be prepared in advance. Store it properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within the recommended timeframe.
What can I serve with Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup?
Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup pairs well with various sides and accompaniments. Consider the serving suggestions mentioned in the recipe for the best dining experience.
Is Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup suitable for special diets?
Depending on the ingredients used, Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup may be adapted for various dietary needs. Check the ingredients list and consider substitutions as needed for your dietary requirements.
Final Thoughts
Making Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup always feels like a little celebration of simple, comforting food. I hope it brings as much warmth and joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear about your experience—let’s keep sharing these cooking stories together!
