Go Back
- 1 lb Italian sausage (options: mild or spicy) - 3 cups chicken broth (options: homemade or store-bought) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 pound gnocchi (options: store-bought or homemade) - 1 medium onion, diced finely - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, finely chopped When making creamy Italian sausage gnocchi soup, the right ingredients matter. Start with the sausage. You can choose mild or spicy, depending on your taste. The chicken broth adds flavor. You can use homemade broth or grab a carton from the store. For creaminess, heavy cream is key. Gnocchi gives this soup its heartiness. You can buy it or make it yourself if you prefer. Next, we have vegetables. A finely diced onion brings sweetness. Minced garlic adds a punch. Fresh spinach gives color and nutrition. Italian seasoning blends herbs perfectly. Don't forget salt and pepper; they boost flavor. For garnishing, grated Parmesan cheese is a must. It melts slightly and adds richness. Fresh parsley brightens the dish with color and freshness. This mix of ingredients makes a soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. - Add 1 pound of Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. - Next, add 1 medium diced onion to the pot. Stir and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion turns soft and translucent. - Then, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute to release its wonderful aroma. - Carefully pour in 3 cups of chicken broth. Turn up the heat to bring it to a gentle boil. - Once boiling, reduce the heat and add 1 pound of gnocchi. Cook them according to the package instructions, usually around 2-3 minutes, or until they float. - Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes. - Add 2 cups of roughly chopped fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts, which takes about 1-2 minutes. - Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. - Serve the soup hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and finely chopped parsley. - Brown the sausage well. This adds a deeper flavor. - Stir occasionally to keep ingredients from sticking. - Garnish each bowl with Parmesan and parsley. This adds a nice touch. - Pair the soup with garlic bread for a complete meal. - Don’t overcook the spinach. It should remain vibrant and green. - Always season to taste before serving. This enhances the soup's flavor. Pro Tips Choose Your Sausage Wisely: Select between mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your heat preference. The sausage's flavor will significantly impact the overall taste of the soup. Homemade vs. Store-Bought Gnocchi: While store-bought gnocchi is convenient, making your own can elevate the dish. Fresh gnocchi has a lighter texture that complements the creamy soup beautifully. Adjust the Creaminess: For a lighter soup, substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or broth. This will maintain flavor while reducing richness. Fresh Spinach is Key: Use fresh spinach instead of frozen for better texture and vibrant color. Add it at the end to preserve its nutrients and brightness. {{image_4}} You can easily make this soup lighter. Try using chicken or turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage. This swap reduces fat while keeping flavor. If you want a lighter cream base, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. You’ll get a creamy texture without the heaviness. Looking to spice things up? Add crushed red pepper for extra heat. It gives a nice kick to the savory soup. You can also mix in other vegetables like carrots or mushrooms. They add texture and flavor, making the soup even more enjoyable. If you have dietary restrictions, you can still enjoy this soup. Look for gluten-free gnocchi options that fit your needs. For those avoiding dairy, consider using coconut milk or a plant-based cream. These alternatives maintain the creaminess without the dairy. You can store your leftover soup in an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Before sealing, let it cool to prevent condensation. This helps keep the soup's texture nice and creamy. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the soup in portions. Use freezer-safe containers for best results. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. This way, it stays safe and tasty. Reheating on the stovetop works best for this soup. It helps maintain its rich texture. Just add a splash of broth to refresh the soup while warming it up. This tip ensures each bowl tastes as good as when you first made it. Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate this soup. Just reheat before serving. This makes it a great option for busy days. This soup pairs well with crusty bread, salad, or garlic bread. These sides add flavor and texture to your meal. You can add crushed red pepper or use spicy Italian sausage. This will give your soup a nice kick and enhance the flavor. Yes, frozen gnocchi work well in this soup. You can cook them directly from frozen, making it even easier to prepare. Yes, the mild sausage and creamy texture appeal to children. It’s a comforting dish that kids love, making it a family favorite. In this blog post, we covered the key ingredients, easy steps, and tips for making Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup. You learned how to create a rich, comforting meal with simple swaps for personal tastes. Remember to adjust flavors as you cook and avoid overcooking the spinach. This soup not only fills you up but also warms your soul. Share it with friends and family, making it a perfect meal for gatherings. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with this easy recipe!

Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup

A rich and comforting soup featuring Italian sausage, gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a creamy broth.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Italian sausage
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced finely
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 lb gnocchi
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for serving grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the Italian sausage, using a wooden spoon to break it apart into crumble-sized pieces. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through.
  • Add the diced onion to the pot, stirring to combine, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and softens. Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to release its aromatic fragrance.
  • Carefully pour in the chicken broth, raising the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat down to a simmer. Add the gnocchi to the pot and cook as per the package instructions or until they begin to float, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
  • Stir in the heavy cream along with the Italian seasoning, allowing the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to blend all the flavors together.
  • Incorporate the chopped spinach into the soup, cooking just until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes, ensuring it retains its vibrant green color.
  • Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking.
  • When ready to serve, ladle the soup into warm bowls. Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

Notes

Serve the soup in rustic or bowl-style dishes for an inviting look. Pair with crusty garlic bread for dipping.
Keyword creamy, gnocchi, Italian sausage, soup