Description
Sausage Gnocchi Soup is a rich and hearty comfort food dish combining savory Italian sausage, soft pillowy gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and fragrant herbs in a creamy broth. Perfect for cozy nights, this quick and easy soup warms your soul with layers of flavor and a satisfying texture, ideal for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
Broth and Dairy
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Other Ingredients
- 1 pound gnocchi
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (basil, parsley, thyme) optional for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in chicken or vegetable broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the simmering broth and cook until they float to the surface, usually 2-3 minutes, indicating they are done.
- Combine and Finish: Return the browned sausage to the pot. Stir in fresh spinach or kale and cook until wilted. Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until warmed through and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs to taste.
Notes
- Choose high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor and texture.
- Cook gnocchi just until they float to avoid a mushy texture.
- Sauté vegetables well to build a rich, layered broth.
- Add fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme to brighten flavors.
- Adjust cream amount to control the soup’s richness.
- Make substitutions for dietary needs: vegetarian swap with mushrooms or plant-based sausage, gluten-free gnocchi options available.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: sausage gnocchi soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, Italian soup, creamy soup, quick dinner