Imagine a cold evening, the kind where all you crave is a bowl of something warm, comforting, and unbelievably delicious. But who has hours to spend slaving away in the kitchen? Not you! That’s where this Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup-Easy! comes in. It’s ready in under an hour, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Gathering Your Soup’s Superstars
Here is what you need to make this incredible soup:
For the Sausage & Base:
- Italian Sausage: 1 pound, removed from casing (sweet or spicy, your choice!)
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and diced
- Celery: 2 stalks, diced
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Chicken Broth: 6 cups (low sodium is best!)
- Canned Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can, undrained
- Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a little kick!)
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste
For the Creamy Gnocchi Goodness:
- Gnocchi: 1 (16 ounce) package, shelf-stable or refrigerated
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup
- Fresh Spinach: 5 ounces, roughly chopped
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated, plus more for serving
Step-by-Step to Soup Perfection
Let’s get cooking! Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. I promise!
Sautéing the Sausage & Veggies:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Building the Broth:
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes (undrained), Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it simmers, the better the flavor will be!
Adding the Gnocchi & Cream:
- Stir in the gnocchi and cook according to the package directions, usually about 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
Serving & Enjoying:
- Ladle the Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup into bowls.
- Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (optional).
- Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, comforting goodness!
The Secret to Super Flavor
Want to take your Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup to the next level? Here are a few of my favorite tips:
- Brown the Sausage Right: Don’t just cook the sausage, really brown it! This creates those delicious little crispy bits that add so much flavor to the soup.
- Don’t Skip the Mirepoix: The combination of onion, carrots, and celery (called a mirepoix) is the foundation of so many great soups. It adds depth and sweetness.
- Simmering is Key: Resist the urge to rush the simmering step. This is when the flavors really come together and create that signature soup taste.
- Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh basil or parsley on hand, add a tablespoon or two, chopped, along with the spinach. It’ll brighten up the flavor.
- Spice It Up: For an extra kick, add a pinch more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Choosing the Right Sausage
The type of Italian sausage you use will greatly impact the flavor of your soup. Here’s a breakdown:
- Sweet Italian Sausage: Provides a mild, slightly sweet flavor. A great option for those who prefer a more subtle taste.
- Hot Italian Sausage: Adds a spicy kick to the soup. If you love heat, this is the way to go!
- Mild Italian Sausage: A good middle ground, offering a bit more flavor than sweet sausage but without the intense heat of hot sausage.
- Bulk Sausage vs. Sausage in Casings: I prefer using sausage removed from the casings, as it crumbles more easily and cooks more evenly. However, you can also remove the casings yourself.
Gnocchi 101: Choosing the Best Type
Gnocchi comes in a few different forms. Here’s what you need to know:
- Shelf-Stable Gnocchi: This is the most common type and usually found near the pasta. It’s convenient and works great in this soup.
- Refrigerated Gnocchi: Often found in the refrigerated section, near the fresh pasta and cheeses. It tends to be a bit softer and more delicate than shelf-stable gnocchi.
- Frozen Gnocchi: I don’t typically recommend using frozen gnocchi in soup, as it can sometimes become mushy.
No matter which type you choose, follow the package directions for cooking. Usually, it’s as simple as adding them to the simmering soup until they float.
Making it Vegetarian (or Vegan!)
Want to enjoy this comforting soup without the sausage? No problem! Here are a few substitutions:
- Vegetarian: Substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles. There are many delicious options available at most grocery stores.
- Vegan: Use plant-based sausage crumbles and substitute the heavy cream with canned coconut milk (full-fat for the best creaminess) or cashew cream. Ensure the vegetable broth you use is vegan.
Variations to Spice Things Up
This recipe is a great base for experimentation! Here are some fun variations to try:
- Add More Veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, or kale would all be delicious additions.
- Different Cheese: Try using mozzarella or provolone instead of Parmesan.
- Tomato Paste: Add a tablespoon of tomato paste along with the garlic for a richer, more concentrated tomato flavor.
- Wine: Deglaze the pot with a splash of dry white wine after cooking the vegetables for added depth of flavor.
What to Serve With Your Soup
This Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is a meal in itself, but it’s even better with a few simple sides:
- Crusty Bread: For dipping into the delicious broth.
- Garlic Bread: Always a crowd-pleaser!
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
Love Soup? Check Out These Recipes!
If you enjoyed this soup recipe, you’ll definitely want to check out some of my other favorites! These recipes are all designed to be easy, delicious, and family-friendly.
- Craving something creamy and cheesy? Try this SAUSAGE TORTELLINI SOUP!
- For a hearty and satisfying meal, you can’t go wrong with CROCKPOT LASAGNA SOUP.
- Another great variation is SAUSAGE TORTELLINI SOUP.
- Or how about this amazing CROCKPOT LASAGNA SOUP?
- Don’t forget CROCKPOT LASAGNA SOUP! It’s a family favorite.
- And last, but certainly not least, try this CREAMY SAUSAGE TORTELLINI SOUP for something extra special.
Storing & Reheating Leftovers
Lucky you if there are leftovers! This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container.
To reheat, simply warm it up in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it in the microwave. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out.
Final Thoughts & Enjoy!
There you have it – a super easy, incredibly delicious Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup that’s perfect for any night of the week. I know you’re going to love it! Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you, and don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions. Happy cooking!
What kind of sausage should I use for the soup?
You can use sweet, hot, or mild Italian sausage. The recipe recommends removing the sausage from its casing for easier crumbling and even cooking.
Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! For a vegetarian version, substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles. For a vegan version, use plant-based sausage crumbles and substitute the heavy cream with canned coconut milk or cashew cream. Also, ensure the broth you use is vegan.
What type of gnocchi is best for this soup?
Shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi are both good options. Frozen gnocchi is not recommended as it can become mushy. Follow the package directions for cooking, generally cooking them in the simmering soup until they float.
How do I store and reheat leftover soup?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it up in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out.
Easy Gnocchi Sausage Soup
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Ladle
- Bowls for serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casing sweet, mild, or hot
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth low sodium
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes (undrained), Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Stir in the gnocchi and cook according to the package directions, usually about 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Ladle the Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup into bowls.
- Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (optional).
- Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, comforting goodness!
