This Hearty Sausage Gnocchi Soup is perfect for chilly days! It’s loaded with tasty sausage, tender gnocchi, and fresh veggies all simmered in a flavorful broth.
It’s so comforting! I could eat this for dinner every night. Plus, it’s super easy to make, so I can whip it up even after a long day—talk about a warm hug in a bowl!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: I love using Italian sausage for the flavor it brings. You can use mild or spicy depending on your heat preference. If you want a lighter option, try ground turkey or chicken sausage.
Gnocchi: Traditional potato gnocchi is great here! However, you could substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free gnocchi if necessary. Frozen gnocchi also works well; just add it straight to the soup from the freezer.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk. You could also use coconut milk for a dairy-free option, giving the soup a unique flavor twist.
Fresh Spinach: Spinach adds great color and nutrition. If you can’t find fresh spinach, frozen spinach can be used, just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding.
Chicken Broth: Homemade broth gives the best flavor, but store-bought is fine too. You might consider vegetable broth for a vegetarian option—just replace the sausage with hearty vegetables.
How Can I Get the Perfect Flavor in My Soup?
Flavor is key in this hearty soup! Here are some simple tips to ensure your soup tastes amazing:
- Sauté the Aromatics: Make sure you sauté the onions and garlic until they’re nice and fragrant. This step builds a flavor base for the broth.
- Choose Fresh Vegetables: Fresh ingredients make a huge difference, so when possible, opt for fresh zucchini and spinach.
- Season Gradually: Add seasoning like salt and pepper gradually while cooking. This way, you can adjust to taste without overpowering the dish.
- Simmering: Let the soup simmer gently after adding the broth and tomatoes. This melds the flavors beautifully.
- Fresh Herbs: Don’t skip the garnish! Fresh basil added just before serving brightens up the soup.
With these tips, your soup will be rich, comforting, and packed with flavor! Enjoy your cooking!
Hearty Sausage Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed and crumbled
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Hearty Sausage Gnocchi Soup will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 20-25 minutes to cook. Altogether, you’re looking at about 40 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s done, remove the sausage from the pot, and set it aside while leaving the drippings in the pot.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Using the same pot, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it’s fragrant but not burned.
3. Add the Broth and Tomatoes:
Pour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes with all their juice. Stir in the cooked sausage, along with the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Introducing the Gnocchi and Zucchini:
Next, add the potato gnocchi and sliced zucchini into the pot. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi starts to float—that’s your sign they are cooked! The zucchini should also be tender at this point.
5. Stir in Cream and Veggies:
Reduce the heat and gently stir in the heavy cream, chopped spinach, and sliced red bell pepper. Let it cook until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through, which will take about 2-3 minutes. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as you like.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is ready, ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish each bowl with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. That’s it—dive in and enjoy your comforting, hearty soup!
This Hearty Sausage Gnocchi Soup is perfect for cozy nights in and serves as a delicious, filling meal for family and friends. Enjoy every spoonful!
Can I Use Frozen Gnocchi in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi! Just add it directly to the soup without thawing; it may take a minute or two longer to cook, but it should be just as delicious!
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over low heat. Keep in mind that the gnocchi might absorb some of the broth; you can add a little extra chicken broth or water to thin it out as needed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, consider freezing the soup without the cream and adding it just before serving to maintain the best texture.
What Can I Substitute for the Italian Sausage?
If you’re looking for a different protein, try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian-friendly version. The flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be tasty!
