This creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is a cozy bowl of goodness! Packed with savory sausage, tender gnocchi, and fresh veggies, it’s perfect for chilly days.
Honestly, every spoonful feels like a warm hug. I love how quick it is to make—just simmer, stir, and enjoy! Your taste buds will thank you for this one!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: I love using mild Italian sausage for its nice balance of flavor, but spicy sausage adds a kick if you prefer more heat. For a lighter option, try turkey or chicken sausage.
Potato Gnocchi: This recipe calls for potato gnocchi, which is super soft and fluffy. If you can’t find gnocchi, you could use small pasta like shells or ditalini instead, but cooking times will vary.
Heavy Cream: To make it lighter, use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream substitute like coconut cream. This can change the flavor slightly, though, so keep that in mind!
Spinach: Fresh spinach creates a lovely color and texture in the soup. If you don’t have fresh spinach, frozen spinach works too, just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding.
How Can I Make Sure My Soup Is Creamy and Rich?
The key to a rich and creamy soup is how you add the cream and cheese. Adding them at the end ensures they won’t curdle or separate. Here’s what to do:
- After cooking the gnocchi, reduce the heat before stirring in the cream. This helps maintain its creamy texture.
- Add the cheese gradually, stirring until it melts smoothly into the soup. This adds richness without lumpiness.
- Always taste for seasoning after adding the cream and cheese, as they can mellow the flavors!
With these tips, you’ll have a comforting bowl of creamy goodness every time.
How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy and delicious soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 25 minutes to cook, so you’ll have it ready in about 35 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels comforting and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside, leaving the cooking fat in the pot.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Add the Bell Pepper:
Stir in the diced red bell pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until it starts to soften.
4. Combine the Ingredients:
Add the drained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if you like it spicy). Season with salt and black pepper, stir well, and then bring it to a boil.
5. Simmer to Enhance Flavors:
Once it’s boiling, return the browned sausage to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.
6. Cook the Gnocchi:
Add the gnocchi to the soup and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the top and are tender.
7. Add Cream and Spinach:
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Then add the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts, which should take about 2 minutes.
8. Mix in Parmesan Cheese:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is completely melted and incorporated into the soup. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot in bowls and, if desired, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper. Enjoy your creamy, comforting Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can substitute Italian sausage with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just make sure to cook it until browned for the best flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to freshen it up.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup up to step 7 (before adding the cream and spinach) in advance. Just refrigerate it and add the cream and spinach when you’re ready to serve, as they’re best added fresh for optimal texture.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind it won’t be as rich. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream or almond milk can also work, though they will affect the flavor slightly.
