Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup: A Cozy Bowl of Comfort

Introduction to Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup

When the temperatures drop and you’re craving something warm, rich, and satisfying, this Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is the perfect cold weather dinner. Packed with juicy Italian sausage, pillowy soft gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and a luscious Parmesan-infused broth, this soup is pure comfort in a bowl.

Perfect for busy nights, this soup is also great for lazy cooking, as it comes together in under an hour with minimal effort. If you’re a fan of soup with pasta, hearty stews, or even Italian meatball soup, this dish is a must-try!

Let’s dive into this creamy, flavorful recipe that’s perfect for food for fall and beyond!

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup

• Rich & Creamy – A luscious Parmesan-infused broth makes this soup extra indulgent.
• Easy & Quick – A one-pot meal ready in under 45 minutes, perfect for lazy cooking.
• Warm & Hearty – Ideal for cold nights when you need something filling and comforting.
• Gluten-Free Option – Easily adaptable for those needing GF soups.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day!

If you love Ditalini soup or turkey vegetable soup, this gnocchi-filled version is a must-try!

Ingredients for Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup

For the Soup Base:

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Creamy Finish:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 lb gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups baby spinach or kale, chopped

For Garnishing:

• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• Red pepper flakes (for spice lovers)

If you’re looking for a GF soup, simply use gluten-free gnocchi or swap it with ditalini pasta for a more classic soup with pasta experience.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board and knife
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle

Now that you’re set, let’s start making this Italian meatball soup alternative with gnocchi!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Sausage & Aromatics

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
2. If needed, add olive oil, then stir in the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for another 5 minutes until the veggies soften.

Step 2: Simmer the Soup Base

1. Pour in the chicken broth, then add Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 3: Add the Gnocchi & Creamy Ingredients

1. Stir in the gnocchi and let it cook for about 3 minutes, or until it floats to the top.
2. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well.
3. Add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted.

Step 4: Finish with Spinach & Serve

1. Toss in the chopped spinach or kale and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Garnish & Enjoy!

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and red pepper flakes if desired.
2. Serve warm with crusty bread for a complete meal!

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Tips for the Best Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup

• Use Spicy Sausage for Extra Flavor – If you love bold flavors, spicy Italian sausage adds a nice kick.
• Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi – They cook quickly and will become too soft if left in the pot too long.
• Swap the Gnocchi – Use ditalini or orzo if you prefer a soup with pasta instead of gnocchi.
• Make it Lighter – Substitute half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lower-fat version.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Adding Too Much Salt Early On – Since Parmesan is salty, wait until the end to adjust seasoning.
• Overcooking the Spinach – Add it just before serving to keep it vibrant and fresh.
• Using Pre-Shredded Parmesan – Freshly grated Parmesan melts better into the broth.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

• Serve in rustic soup bowls with a side of crusty garlic bread.
• Pair with a light Caesar salad for a balanced meal.
• Garnish with extra cracked black pepper and Parmesan for a restaurant-quality finish.
• Serve alongside Italian meatball soup for a cozy soup night spread.

Storage and Leftovers

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze without the gnocchi and cream for up to 3 months. Add fresh gnocchi and cream when reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Variations

• Turkey Vegetable Soup Version: Swap the sausage for ground turkey and add more vegetables for a lighter twist.
• Ditalini Soup Version: Replace the gnocchi with ditalini pasta for a more traditional Italian-style soup.
• Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi and swap the cream for coconut milk.
• Extra Hearty: Stir in white beans or chickpeas for more protein and texture.

Food Pairings for Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup

• Crusty Bread: Ideal for dipping into the creamy broth.
• Roasted Vegetables: Try balsamic-glazed Brussels sprouts or roasted asparagus.
• Cheesy Garlic Bread: A rich, indulgent side that complements the creamy soup.
• Chopped Italian Salad: A fresh contrast to the richness of the soup.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make This Soup in a Slow Cooker?

Yes! Brown the sausage first, then add everything except the cream and gnocchi to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, then stir in the gnocchi and cream 15 minutes before serving.

Can I Use Pre-Cooked Gnocchi?

Yes! Store-bought gnocchi works great and cooks in just a few minutes.

How Can I Make This Soup Thicker?

For a thicker broth, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the soup before adding the gnocchi.

Can I Make This Without Dairy?

Yes! Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Conclusion

This Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is everything you need in a cold weather dinner—warm, creamy, and packed with comforting flavors. Whether you’re looking for lazy cooking, a hearty GF soup, or a delicious bowl of food for fall, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Try it today and share your results! For more soup with pasta and cozy meal ideas, subscribe to our blog.

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