Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
If you love comforting, hearty soups that taste like they’ve simmered all day, this Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is the perfect recipe. It’s rich, velvety, and bursting with Italian flavors — the kind of dish that warms your heart and fills your home with irresistible aromas. Tender potato gnocchi, savory sausage, and a silky cream broth come together in a perfect balance of texture and taste.
Ingredients
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1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
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1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 large carrot, diced
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth
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1 cup water (optional, to adjust thickness)
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1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional for a tomato-cream base)
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 package (16 oz / 450 g) potato gnocchi
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2 cups fresh spinach leaves
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1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Brown the sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and crumbly. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once done, drain excess fat if necessary, leaving a small amount for flavor.
2. Sauté the vegetables:
Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
3. Add broth and seasonings:
Pour in the chicken broth (and optional water or diced tomatoes). Stir in the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10–15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
4. Cook the gnocchi:
Add the gnocchi to the simmering soup and cook according to package instructions—usually about 3–4 minutes—until they float to the surface. That’s when you know they’re perfectly done!
5. Add cream and spinach:
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and spinach leaves. Let the soup simmer for another 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the broth becomes creamy and rich.
6. Finish with Parmesan:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—more salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like extra heat.
Serving Suggestions
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve it with a slice of warm crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up every drop of the creamy broth.
This Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is the perfect cozy meal for cool evenings, offering the richness of a Tuscan-style soup with minimal effort. Each spoonful delivers tender gnocchi, savory sausage, and a creamy broth that’s pure comfort in a bowl.
