Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup

This Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup offers the ultimate comfort in a bowl. It brings together hearty Italian sausage, tender gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a rich, flavorful broth that will warm you from the inside out. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is incredibly easy to make, yet tastes like it simmered all day. Get ready to discover your new favorite cozy meal!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup

You’ll fall in love with this Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup for so many reasons. It’s a fantastic recipe for any home cook, especially beginners!

• Hearty and Satisfying: This soup is packed with rich flavors and textures, making it a fulfilling meal all on its own. It truly satisfies those comfort food cravings.
• Quick and Easy Recipe: Despite its gourmet taste, this soup comes together in about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious dinner fast.
• Packed with Italian Flavors: Savory Italian sausage, aromatic herbs, and a hint of wine create a truly authentic and irresistible taste profile. Every spoonful is a delight.
• Uses Simple Pantry Ingredients: You likely have many of these staple ingredients already, making this a budget-friendly and accessible dish. No complex or hard-to-find items here.
• Perfect for Cozy Meals: When the weather turns chilly, a warm bowl of this creamy soup is exactly what you need. It’s ideal for family dinners or a comforting night in.
• Kid-Friendly and Adaptable: The mild flavors are usually a hit with kids, and you can easily adjust ingredients to suit everyone’s preferences, from spice levels to extra veggies.

Ingredients

Making a delicious Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup starts with quality ingredients. Here is everything you need:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 400 g (1 lb) Italian sausage, casings removed and cut into chunks
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 2 celery sticks, diced
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
• 75 ml (⅓ cup) dry white wine
• 1 litre (4 cups) chicken stock
• 150 ml (¾ cup) double cream
• 500 g gnocchi
• A handful baby spinach
• 30 g (¼ cup) freshly grated Parmesan

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this gnocchi soup recipe to fit your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Italian Sausage: Choose between sweet Italian sausage for a milder flavor or spicy Italian sausage for a kick. For further insights into the various types of Italian sausage, including regional variations and flavor profiles, you can explore resources like Wikipedia’s overview of sausages in Italian cuisine. In the UK, you can use high-quality pork sausages and add extra Italian seasoning or fennel seeds.
• Gnocchi: Both fresh (refrigerated) and shelf-stable (vacuum-sealed) potato gnocchi work perfectly. Frozen gnocchi can also be used; just follow package directions for cooking time.
• Cream: Double cream (known as heavy cream in the US) provides the richest texture. For a lighter soup, use single cream or half-and-half, but be careful not to boil it vigorously.
• Wine: Dry white wine adds depth. If you prefer not to use alcohol, simply substitute with an equal amount of chicken stock, or a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice for acidity.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add more greens like chopped kale, Swiss chard, or even zucchini to your creamy gnocchi with sausage. Stir them in at the same time as the spinach.
• Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best. Pecorino Romano or even a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese also make excellent alternatives in this Italian sausage gnocchi dish.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this fantastic Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup.

• A large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot ensures even cooking and retains heat well.
• A cutting board and sharp knife are essential for preparing your vegetables.
• Measuring cups and spoons accurately portion all ingredients.
• A wooden spoon or spatula is perfect for stirring and crumbling the sausage.

Instructions

Prepare your next batch of Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup by following these simple, step-by-step instructions. You will have a comforting meal on the table in no time!

1. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, which has had its casings removed and is broken into chunks. Fry the sausage for 4-5 minutes, stirring often and crumbling it well with your spoon as it cooks, until it is nicely browned and cooked through.
2. Add the finely diced onion, carrot, and celery to the pot with the sausage. Continue to cook these vegetables for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften. This step builds a foundational layer of flavor for your Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red chili flakes. Cook for just one more minute, stirring continuously, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make it bitter.
4. Pour in the dry white wine. Stir well and cook for about a minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with your spoon. This process, called deglazing, adds incredible depth of flavor as the alcohol evaporates.
5. Add the chicken stock to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
6. Stir in the double cream until fully incorporated. Then, carefully add the gnocchi to the simmering soup. Cook the gnocchi for 2-3 minutes, or according to the package instructions, until they are tender and float to the surface. Avoid overcooking the gnocchi, as they can become mushy.
7. Finally, stir in the baby spinach until it wilts into the soup, which typically takes less than a minute. As a nutritional powerhouse, spinach offers various health benefits, including supporting brain, eye, and blood health. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts and combines. Taste the soup and season generously with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve your delicious Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Making the best Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is easy with these helpful tips.

• Browning Sausage: For maximum flavor, make sure to brown your Italian sausage well. The caramelized bits add incredible depth. Don’t rush this step.
• Don’t Overcrowd: If cooking a larger batch of sausage, brown it in two separate batches. Overcrowding the pot prevents proper browning and can steam the meat instead.
• Gnocchi Don’t Overcook: Gnocchi cook quickly. Only add them when you are ready to serve and cook just until they are tender and float. Overcooked gnocchi become gummy.
• Seasoning Layers: Add salt and pepper gradually throughout the cooking process. Taste and adjust before serving to ensure perfect seasoning in your sausage gnocchi soup.
• Adjust Spice Level: Customize the red chili flakes to your preference. Add more for extra heat, or omit them entirely for a milder Italian sausage gnocchi dish.
• Instant Pot Method: For an even quicker meal, brown the sausage and sauté vegetables using the “Sauté” function. Add remaining ingredients (except cream, spinach, Parmesan, and gnocchi) and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Release pressure, then stir in cream, gnocchi, spinach, and cheese, simmering until gnocchi are tender.
• Troubleshooting Thin Soup: If your soup is too thin, create a slurry with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir it into the simmering soup and cook until thickened.
• Prevent Curdling: When adding cream, ensure the soup is not at a rolling boil. Simmer gently to incorporate the cream smoothly and prevent it from curdling.

Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations

This delightful Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is wonderfully versatile.

• Serving: Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, basil, or extra grated Parmesan cheese. A drizzle of good quality olive oil can also enhance the flavors.
• Pairings: Serve your sausage gnocchi soup with a crusty baguette or garlic bread for dipping. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette makes a perfect fresh accompaniment.
• Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The gnocchi might absorb more liquid, so you may need to add a splash of stock or cream when reheating.
• Freezing: This soup freezes surprisingly well, though the gnocchi might become slightly softer upon reheating. Freeze portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Variations

Customizing your Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is fun and easy.

• Dairy-Free/Vegan: Use plant-based Italian sausage, dairy-free cream (like cashew or oat cream), and nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan for cheesy flavor.
• Add More Veggies: Boost nutrition by adding chopped kale, spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Stir in sturdy vegetables with the mirepoix, and tender greens at the end.
• Protein Swaps: Substitute Italian sausage with ground chicken, ground turkey, or even vegetarian sausages for a different flavor profile in your creamy gnocchi with sausage.
• Cheese Options: Experiment with other cheeses like fresh mozzarella balls stirred in at the end, or a sharper Pecorino Romano for a bolder taste.
• Tomato Base: For a richer, tomato-infused flavor, stir in a 400g (14.5 oz) can of crushed tomatoes with the chicken stock. This adds a lovely tang to the creamy Italian sausage gnocchi.

Nutrition Information

Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate. It can vary based on specific ingredients, brands, and cooking methods used for your Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup. This information is intended for general guidance only.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions about making this comforting Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup.

• What kind of Italian sausage should I use? Use either sweet or spicy Italian sausage based on your preference for heat.
• Can I use frozen gnocchi in this soup? Yes, frozen gnocchi works well; just follow the package cooking instructions, usually adding it directly to the simmering soup.
• Is double cream the same as heavy cream? Yes, double cream (UK) is equivalent to heavy cream (US) and has a high fat content perfect for richness.
• Can I make this soup dairy-free or vegan? Absolutely! Use plant-based sausage, dairy-free cream alternatives, and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• How long does this soup last in the fridge? Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Can I freeze leftover gnocchi soup? Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. The gnocchi texture might soften slightly after thawing and reheating.
• What dry white wine is best for cooking? Choose a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay. Avoid sweet wines as they alter the soup’s flavor.

Conclusion

This Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup truly delivers on comfort and flavor, making it a perfect addition to your weeknight meal rotation. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, yet tastes like a gourmet dish, combining hearty sausage with tender gnocchi in a rich, creamy broth. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned chef, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Don’t wait to try this incredibly satisfying and delicious Italian sausage gnocchi dish! We encourage you to whip up a batch tonight and share your experience in the comments below!

Amelia Johnson

Amelia Johnson is a 28-year-old chef from New Orleans, Louisiana, known for her innovative take on traditional American cuisine. Growing up in a family that celebrated food, she developed a passion for cooking early on, experimenting with recipes from her grandmother. After graduating from culinary school, Amelia honed her skills in top restaurants, where her talent quickly gained acclaim for its creative dishes. With a focus on seasonal ingredients and bold flavors, she inspires others through cooking workshops, sharing her love for food and the rich diversity of American cuisine.