Comforting Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Comfort wraps around you like a warm embrace with this creamy Italian sausage gnocchi soup that promises pure culinary magic.

Hearty ingredients dance together in a symphony of rich flavors and textures.

Robust sausage mingles with pillowy gnocchi, creating a meal that feels like a hug from nonna herself.

Aromatic herbs and spices whisper stories of rustic Italian kitchens, inviting you to savor each spoonful.

Velvety broth carries tender chunks of meat and soft potato dumplings in a delightful culinary journey.

Weeknight dinners just got an incredible upgrade with this soul-satisfying recipe.

Grab a bowl and let deliciousness whisk you away to the rolling hills of tuscany.

What Makes Gnocchi Soup So Creamy and Rich

• Quick Comfort Food Escape: Whip up this soul-warming soup that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal in under 30 minutes.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Bomb: Kids and adults will love the hearty combination of tender gnocchi, savory sausage, and creamy broth that satisfies every taste bud.
• One-Pot Wonder Simplicity: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor make this recipe a weeknight dinner champion, requiring just a single pot and basic cooking skills.
• Customizable Culinary Canvas: Easily swap spinach for kale, adjust spice levels, or add extra vegetables to personalize this adaptable soup to your preferences.

Sausage Gnocchi Soup Ingredients

• Italian Sausage: Hearty meat that provides rich flavor and protein, choose mild or spicy based on preference, fresh ground sausage works best.
• Chicken Broth: Essential liquid base for soup, low-sodium options recommended for better control of salt content.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor builders that add depth and complexity, fresh ingredients preferred for maximum taste.
• Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes: Herbs and spices that enhance overall soup profile, adjust spice level to personal taste.

• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that add texture and heartiness, store-bought versions save time and effort.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, velvety soup texture, full-fat version recommended for richness.
• Spinach: Fresh green that adds nutrition and color, baby spinach wilts quickly and smoothly.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp cheese that provides salty, nutty finish, freshly grated provides best melting quality.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Final seasoning to balance and elevate overall flavor profile, adjust to individual preference.

Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Creamy Simmering Guide

Step 1: Sizzle the Sausage

Brown the Italian sausage in a large pot over medium heat.

Break the meat into small, delectable crumbles until it develops a rich golden color.

Remove any excess grease to keep the soup light and appetizing.

Step 2: Wake Up the Aromatics

Toss chopped onions and minced garlic into the pot.

Let them dance and sizzle until the onions turn translucent and release their mouth-watering fragrance, typically taking about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Pour and Elevate the Broth

Splash in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes to infuse the liquid with layers of robust flavor.

Step 4: Introduce the Gnocchi

Carefully drop the pillowy gnocchi into the simmering broth.

Allow them to cook until they bob playfully to the surface, usually taking 3-5 minutes.

These little potato dumplings will absorb the surrounding flavors beautifully.

Step 5: Embrace Creaminess and Greens

Lower the heat and swirl in the heavy cream.

Fold in fresh spinach leaves, watching them gracefully wilt into the soup.

Let everything meld together for 2-3 minutes, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Shower the soup with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Season with a pinch of salt and a twist of black pepper.

Give everything a final gentle stir and ladle into warm bowls.

Your comforting Italian-inspired soup is ready to be devoured!

Sausage Gnocchi Soup Creamy Cooking Hints

• Use a wooden spoon to break sausage into small, even crumbles for consistent flavor and texture throughout the soup.
• Temper heavy cream by adding a small amount of hot broth before stirring into the soup to prevent curdling and ensure smooth consistency.
• Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for different nutritional profiles and robust flavors that complement the hearty sausage.
• Replace traditional gnocchi with gluten-free potato gnocchi or cauliflower gnocchi to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste.
• Make soup ahead and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to maintain creamy texture and prevent separating.

Sausage Gnocchi Soup Storage Guide

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping the flavors locked in and ready for a quick meal.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months for later enjoyment.
• Warm the soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and maintain the creamy texture.
• Reheat individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating and preserve the soup's delicious consistency.

Smart Additions to Italian Gnocchi Soup

Pairing Perfect Companions: Wine and Cheese Matches

• Robust Red Wine Boost: Complement the rich, hearty sausage with a medium-bodied Chianti or Sangiovese, which cuts through the creamy texture and enhances the Italian flavor profile.
• Parmesan Cheese Crunch: Sprinkle additional aged Parmigiano-Reggiano on top to add sharp, nutty depth that amplifies the soup's savory undertones and provides delightful textural contrast.
• Crusty Bread Companion: Serve with a rustic Italian ciabatta or sourdough to soak up the creamy broth, adding a satisfying crunch and helping to balance the soup's intense flavors.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Top with chopped fresh basil or parsley to introduce a bright, clean note that lifts the heavy, rich soup and provides a refreshing counterpoint.

Gnocchi Soup With Sausage Swaps

• Vegetarian Gnocchi Delight: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or roasted mushrooms for a meat-free version. Add extra herbs like thyme and rosemary to boost flavor.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Swap traditional wheat gnocchi with gluten-free potato gnocchi or cauliflower gnocchi. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Keto Alternative: Substitute gnocchi with roasted cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles. Use heavy cream and add extra cheese to maintain creamy consistency while reducing carbohydrates.
• Dairy-Free Wellness Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese. Select dairy-free sausage alternatives to create a lactose-free soup that's still rich and satisfying.

FAQs

• What are gnocchi and how do they differ from pasta?

Gnocchi are soft, pillowy dumplings made from potatoes, flour, and sometimes eggs. Unlike traditional pasta, they have a denser, more dumpling-like texture and are typically smaller and rounder.

• Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this soup can be prepared ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to restore the creamy consistency.

• Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! While Italian sausage provides the best flavor, you can substitute with mild or spicy ground sausage, ground turkey, or even plant-based sausage alternatives to suit your taste.

• How can I make this soup healthier?

Opt for lean Italian sausage, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, add extra vegetables like kale or zucchini, and choose low-sodium chicken broth to reduce calories and fat content.

Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty “creamy italian sausage gnocchi soup” brings robust flavors from Italian culinary traditions, blending tender gnocchi with rich, spicy sausage in a luxurious broth. Comfort meets sophistication in this soul-warming dish you’ll savor down to the last comforting spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 package (16 ounces/454 grams) potato gnocchi

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped

Liquid and Seasoning Components:

• 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Transform the Italian sausage into golden, crumbly morsels by sizzling it in a spacious pot over moderate heat, ensuring thorough browning and releasing its robust flavors.
2. Elevate the aromatic profile by introducing finely diced onions and crushed garlic, allowing them to dance and soften, creating a fragrant foundation for the soup.
3. Cascade chicken broth into the pot, generating a gentle simmer while incorporating Italian seasoning and a whisper of red pepper flakes to kindle a subtle warmth.
4. Gently introduce pillowy gnocchi into the bubbling liquid, allowing them to drift and dance until they buoyantly emerge to the surface, signaling their perfect tenderness.
5. Cascade heavy cream into the mixture, creating a luxurious, velvety texture while welcoming fresh spinach leaves to wilt gracefully into the soup’s embrace.
6. Conclude the culinary symphony by folding freshly grated Parmesan cheese throughout, lending a salty, nutty complexity and seasoning judiciously with salt and black pepper to harmonize the dish’s intricate flavor profile.
7. Ladle the steaming, creamy concoction into waiting bowls, presenting a comforting Italian-inspired masterpiece ready to delight eager palates.

Notes

• Opt for lean Italian sausage to reduce overall fat content while maintaining rich flavor profiles.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk alternatives for lighter version without compromising creaminess.
• Explore gluten-free gnocchi options made from potato or alternative grains for celiac-friendly adaptation.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like kale, zucchini, or bell peppers during sautéing stage.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg