This creamy Italian sausage gnocchi soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! Packed with flavorful sausage, soft gnocchi, and fresh veggies, it’s hearty and comforting.
Honestly, it’s one of those meals that makes you feel good from the first spoonful. I love serving it with crusty bread—perfect for soaking up every little drop of goodness! 🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: The heart of this soup! I use mild sausage for a balanced flavor, but if you love spice, go for hot Italian sausage. You can substitute with turkey or chicken sausage if you’re looking for a lighter option.
Gnocchi: This potato dumpling adds great texture. If you can’t find gnocchi, you can use small pasta shapes like shells or orzo. It won’t be quite the same, but it’ll still be tasty!
Heavy Cream: For creaminess, heavy cream is ideal, but half-and-half works too. If you want to make it lighter, use whole milk, just know it might lose some creaminess.
Spinach: Fresh baby spinach is perfect for adding color and nutrition. If it’s not available, you can use kale or frozen spinach. Just ensure you cook frozen spinach before adding it to the soup.
How Do I Achieve a Rich and Creamy Texture?
Getting that perfect creamy texture requires a couple of key steps. First, using heavy cream adds depth, but the real trick is in how you mix it in. Here’s how:
- After cooking the gnocchi, turn the heat to low, then stir in the cream slowly. This helps blend it without curdling.
- Make sure to stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the soup. This adds an extra layer of creaminess and flavor!
Keep the soup on low heat once you add the cream to avoid boiling, which can separate the cream. This way, you keep that luscious texture while enjoying every mouthful!
Delicious Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 3 cups (720 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 package (about 16 oz / 450g) potato gnocchi
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook, totaling about 30 minutes from start to finish! It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have all evening to cook.
Step-By-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Then, use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside, leaving the flavorful fat behind.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
Add the finely chopped onion and diced carrots to the pot. Sauté these for about 4-5 minutes until they’re softened. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen! Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant.
3. Combine and Simmer:
Pour in the chicken broth and return the browned sausage to the pot. Season everything with the dried Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt, and some freshly ground black pepper. Bring this to a gentle simmer.
4. Add the Gnocchi:
Stir in the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes. The gnocchi are ready when they float to the surface, signaling they’re cooked!
5. Make It Creamy:
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach leaves. Cook it for another 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup is warmed through. Your kitchen will smell divine at this point!
6. Add Parmesan:
Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and nicely blended into the soup. Taste it and feel free to adjust the seasoning with a little more salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve It Up:
Serve the soup hot and garnish each bowl with extra Parmesan cheese and some chopped fresh parsley. Pair it with crusty bread for a delightful meal!
Enjoy every warm and creamy spoonful of this delicious soup! 😊
Can I Use Another Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can swap out the Italian sausage for turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based sausage if you’re looking for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the soup, but hold off on adding the cream and spinach until you’re ready to serve. You can store the soup in the fridge for up to 3 days and then reheat it gently, adding the cream and spinach just before serving to keep everything fresh.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of extra cream if needed to bring back the creamy texture.
Can I Use Frozen Gnocchi?
Yes! No need to thaw frozen gnocchi; just add them directly to the soup when instructed. They should be cooked until they float to the surface, similar to fresh gnocchi!
