Go Back
- 1 lb Italian sausage - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 3 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 pound gnocchi - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving - Fresh parsley for garnish The main ingredients bring life to this creamy Italian sausage gnocchi soup. Each one adds its own unique taste and texture. The Italian sausage is the star of the show. You can choose either mild or spicy, depending on your taste. The sausage gives the soup a hearty base. Olive oil is essential for cooking the sausage and veggies. It helps to develop rich flavors. Onions and garlic add depth to the soup. They make the aromas dance in your kitchen. Chicken broth is the heart of this dish. It provides a savory base that brings everything together. Heavy cream makes the soup thick and velvety. It turns a simple broth into a luxurious meal. Gnocchi adds a delightful chewiness. It soaks up the soup's flavors, making each bite enjoyable. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition. It wilts down nicely, giving a pop of green. Italian seasoning brings a taste of Italy. It blends the flavors together beautifully. Finally, salt and pepper enhance every ingredient. Grated Parmesan and chopped parsley add the finishing touch. They make the soup look as good as it tastes. This combination of ingredients creates a warm, comforting dish. You'll love how simple yet rich this soup is! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 pound of Italian sausage. Use a spoon to break it up. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Next, add 1 medium diced onion to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion turns translucent. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 more minute. The garlic will smell great, adding depth to your soup. Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. This step is important as it builds the base flavor. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Now, add 1 pound of gnocchi. Follow the package instructions or cook until the gnocchi float to the top, which takes about 2-3 minutes. After the gnocchi are cooked, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will make your soup creamy and rich. Finally, add 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach. Cook just until the spinach wilts, about 1-2 minutes. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, and top each bowl with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a lovely touch. To get that rich and creamy soup, control your heat. If it’s too high, the cream can curdle. Keep it low and let the soup gently simmer. Use heavy cream for the best texture. It adds a thick, velvety feel. Half-and-half will not work as well. Timing is key for perfect gnocchi and spinach. Cook the gnocchi until they float, about 2-3 minutes. For the spinach, add it last. Cook just until it wilts, around 1-2 minutes. This keeps the greens bright and fresh. How do you know when the soup is ready? Look for a warm, inviting aroma. The soup should be hot but not boiling. Serve your soup in rustic bowls. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds flavor and color. Fresh parsley on top makes it look pretty. Pair it with crusty garlic bread for a tasty dip. This adds more texture and flavor to your meal. Pro Tips Choose Your Sausage Wisely: Select a sausage that matches your taste preference, whether mild or spicy, to customize the soup's flavor profile. Perfectly Cooked Gnocchi: For the best texture, add the gnocchi to the soup only when it’s bubbling, ensuring they cook perfectly without becoming mushy. Fresh Spinach Addition: Add the spinach towards the end of cooking to maintain its vibrant color and nutritional value, enhancing both flavor and presentation. Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley not only adds flavor but also elevates the visual appeal of your dish. {{image_2}} You can easily switch the Italian sausage for turkey sausage. Turkey sausage gives you a leaner option. It still offers great flavor without the extra fat. Just follow the same steps as in the original recipe. For greens, fresh spinach is a star player. But you can use kale or Swiss chard too. These alternatives add a different texture and taste to the soup. Both will still keep it healthy and delicious. Want to boost the flavor? Try adding extra spices. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add heat. You can also add fresh herbs like basil or thyme for depth. These small changes can really enhance your soup. Incorporating more vegetables can also be fun. Try carrots or bell peppers. They add color and nutrition. Simply chop and sauté them with the onion and garlic. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free gnocchi. You can find it in many stores. It works just as well in the soup. If you need a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream for coconut milk. This keeps the soup creamy while staying dairy-free. Just adjust the seasoning to match the new flavor profile. To keep your creamy Italian sausage gnocchi soup fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place the soup in the fridge as soon as it cools down. This method helps it stay tasty and safe to eat. You can store the soup for up to 3 days. You can reheat your soup in two ways: using the microwave or the stovetop. If you use the microwave, heat it in short bursts. Stir it often to avoid hot spots. On the stovetop, warm the soup in a pot over low heat. Make sure to stir it gently. This helps keep the creaminess intact. To freeze the soup, let it cool completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Label the bags with the date. Your soup can stay frozen for about 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, move it to the fridge overnight to thaw. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Stir well to bring back that creamy texture. Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. To do this, cook the soup but stop before adding the spinach and cream. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, reheat the soup and then add the cream and spinach. This keeps the spinach fresh and bright. Gnocchi soup pairs well with several sides. Here are a few ideas: - Crusty garlic bread for dipping - A fresh green salad with vinaigrette - Roasted vegetables for extra color and flavor These sides will round out your meal nicely. You’ll know the gnocchi is done when it floats to the top of the soup. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. If you want to be extra sure, taste one. It should be soft and chewy, not hard or doughy. Perfect gnocchi makes the soup even better! This blog post covered the delicious creamy gnocchi soup, from ingredients to serving tips. You learned how to cook sausage, prepare the broth, and make it creamy. I shared tips for perfect texture and how to store leftovers. Remember, you can switch ingredients for your taste or diet needs. This soup is easy to make and can warm any day. Try it out, and enjoy each comforting bite!

Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup

A hearty and creamy soup featuring Italian sausage, gnocchi, and fresh spinach.
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 (mild or spicy, your choice), casings removed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 lb gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for serving Grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and add the gnocchi. Cook according to package instructions or until they float to the top, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the chopped spinach and cook just until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
  • Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
  • Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve the soup in rustic bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley for a pop of color. Consider including crusty garlic bread on the side for dipping!
Keyword creamy, gnocchi, Italian sausage, soup