There’s something magical about a cozy night in, the aroma of a bubbling pot steeping in comforting flavors, and the thrill of serving up a meal that warms the very soul. This Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup does just that—a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into a deliciously rich and creamy dish that feels like a big hug in a bowl. I stumbled upon this recipe during my attempt to ‘whip up something different on a cold night,’ and ever since, it’s become a staple in my kitchen. It reminds me of gathering around the table with loved ones, sharing laughs, and creating memories that linger long after the last spoonful.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Let’s break down why this soup will earn a special spot in your dinner rotation. Picture this: you’re hankering for something hearty and satisfying, but you also want a dish that doesn’t require hours of slaving over the stove. This Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is the ideal blend of comforting and uncomplicated. With its rich, velvety texture complemented by the perfectly tender gnocchi and vibrant baby spinach, it’s a dish that delivers depth and flavor without demanding too much time. Plus, the balance of savory Italian sausage with the creamy base makes every spoonful a lovely symphony of taste that could turn any weeknight into an occasion.
Oh, and did I mention how you can tailor it to fit your family’s preferences? Want to add a kick of heat? Toss in some crushed red pepper flakes! Prefer a vegetarian spin? Swap out the sausage for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based protein. It’s a versatile recipe that beckons creation and personal touch.
Gather these ingredients
Before diving into the cooking adventure, let’s gather the stars of the show:
Italian sausage: First up, we’ve got one pound of Italian sausage. The beauty of this ingredient is that it’s infused with herbs and spices, adding a robust flavor profile to your soup. You can go for sweet or spicy—your choice!
Onion: You’ll need one diced onion to add sweetness and a savory foundation to the dish. Onions form the base of many of my favorite recipes; they add depth and complexity that’s hard to replicate.
Garlic: Three cloves of minced garlic are essential for that aromatic allure. Seriously, there’s nothing quite like the smell of sautéed garlic filling your kitchen—it’s like a warm welcome for anyone stepping into the home!
Chicken broth: Four cups of chicken broth serve as the soul of our soup. If you’re looking to keep it lighter, feel free to use low-sodium broth or even vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
Gnocchi: You’ll want one package (16 oz) of gnocchi. This little Italian dumpling is a delightful twist compared to traditional pasta and gives the soup that comforting, chewy texture.
Heavy cream: One cup of heavy cream is where the creamy indulgence comes from! It makes your soup luxurious. If you’re looking for lighter options, half-and-half works, though it won’t be quite as rich.
Baby spinach: Two cups of baby spinach not only adds a pop of color but also brings nutritional value. Each handful provides a dose of vitamins while balancing out the richness from the cream.
Italian seasoning: Just a teaspoon gives our soup that classic Italian flair. It’s a blend of herbs; feel free to use fresh herbs if you have them on hand!
Salt and pepper: Always have a pinch of salt and a crack of pepper to season to your heart’s desire.
Parmesan cheese: For serving, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan takes it over the top. Honestly, it’s like the cherry on top of your sundae.
How this recipe comes together
Now let’s transform all those beautiful ingredients into a soul-warming soup you’ll adore:
Brown the sausage: Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the one pound of Italian sausage and cook it until it’s beautifully browned. The key here is to break it apart as it cooks—get those delicious caramelized bits! Once browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
Sauté the onion and garlic: In the same pot, toss in the diced onion. Cook until it’s soft and translucent—about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and allow it to sauté for another minute until fragrant. This is the building block of flavor, so don’t rush it.
Simmer the broth: Pour in four cups of chicken broth and bring everything to a simmer. Listen to that joyful bubbling!
Add the gnocchi: Toss in the package of gnocchi and let it cook, according to the package instructions, until they float to the top—a sure sign they’re ready. Typically, you’re looking at around 3-5 minutes.
Creamy finish: Lower the heat a bit, then stir in one cup of heavy cream, the cooked sausage, and two cups of baby spinach. Add in a teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes—this is where the magic happens as the spinach wilts and everything melds together.
Serve it up: Ladle the soup into bowls, and don’t hold back on topping it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot, and watch how hearts are warmed!
Best way to enjoy it
To truly elevate your soup experience, consider pairing it with some crusty sourdough bread or a light salad on the side. The bread is perfect for dunking, soaking up all that creamy goodness. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top can add that gourmet touch.
Moreover, a glass of full-bodied red wine complements this dish like peanut butter and jelly—don’t skip it!
Keeping leftovers fresh
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (though I doubt there will be any!), storing this soup is simple. Place it in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge for up to three days. When it comes to reheating, do it low and slow on the stove. You’ll want to be gentle to avoid breaking the cream. If it seems too thick, just add a splash of broth or water to bring it back to the right consistency.
Thinking of freezing it? You can certainly freeze the soup, but keep in mind that the cream may separate upon thawing—it’s best to freeze just the broth and sausage before adding the cream and spinach later.
Pro chef tips
Here are a few insider hacks to level up your soup-making game:
Toast the spices: Before adding the broth, toss in your seasoning for just a minute. This is a game-changer—all those spices bloom, giving your soup an aromatic depth.
Add some heat: If you love a little spice, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions, or even a splash of hot sauce at the end to kick things up a notch!
Experiment with greens: Feel free to swap the spinach for kale or Swiss chard. Just remember that sturdier greens might need a little extra cooking time.
Your questions answered
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the Italian sausage for sautéed mushrooms or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead.What can I pair it with?
The soup is beautifully complemented by some crusty bread and a light salad.How long does it take to prepare?
You can whip up this dish in about 30 minutes—perfect for a weeknight dinner!Can I add additional vegetables?
Definitely! Carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers are lovely additions. Just sauté them with the onions.How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, or freeze for longer storage.
In closing, this Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a chance to gather around the table, enjoy good conversation, and feel nourished from the inside out. As you experiment with this dish, don’t hesitate to make it your own. Share your culinary adventures, and let’s keep the conversation going! Happy cooking!
Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
Description
This Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is a rich and hearty dish perfect for cold nights, combining comforting ingredients into a delightful meal.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Steps
Brown the sausage
Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, remove from the pot and set aside.Sauté the onion and garlic
In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.Simmer the broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.Add the gnocchi
Toss in the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until they float to the top (about 3-5 minutes).Creamy finish
Lower heat and stir in the heavy cream, cooked sausage, baby spinach, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.Serve
Ladle soup into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 17g27%
- Saturated Fat 10g50%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 75mg25%
- Sodium 900mg38%
- Potassium 600mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 20g40%
- Vitamin A 1500 IU
- Vitamin C 15 mg
- Calcium 200 mg
- Iron 2 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 1.5 IU
- Vitamin K 80 mcg
- Thiamin 0.3 mg
- Riboflavin 0.4 mg
- Niacin 2 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.3 mg
- Folate 40 mcg
- Vitamin B12 1 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg
- Phosphorus 300 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 40 mg
- Zinc 3 mg
- Selenium 20 mcg
- Copper 0.2 mg
- Manganese 0.5 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
