This cozy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With tasty sausage, fluffy gnocchi, and fresh veggies, it’s perfect for chilly nights.
Honestly, the flavors just dance together! I love how easy it is to whip up—especially when you’re craving something comforting. Grab a spoon, and let’s dig in!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This is the star of the show! You can choose mild or spicy depending on your preference. If you’re avoiding pork, turkey or chicken sausage works beautifully, too!
Chicken Broth: A good broth is crucial for flavor. You can use vegetable broth for a lighter version or homemade broth for richer taste. Just remember, low-sodium options let you control the salt better!
Heavy Cream: This adds a luscious texture. For a lighter option, you could use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative, though it may slightly change the flavor.
Gnocchi: Potato gnocchi offers a delightful chewiness. If you can’t find gnocchi, you might try other types of pasta like small shells or mini ravioli, but cooking times may vary.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is perfect for adding brightness. You could substitute it with kale or Swiss chard, but you’ll need to cook them a little longer until they’re tender.
How Do I Make the Sausage Brown Perfectly?
Getting that lovely brown on the sausage is important for flavor. Here’s how you do it:
- Start with a preheated pan, which helps seal moisture inside the sausage.
- Break it into smaller pieces as it cooks to get more surface area browned.
- Be patient! Give it about 5-7 minutes, letting it sizzle without stirring too much.
Every little bit of browned sausage adds depth to your soup!
Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 15 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, for a total of about 35 minutes. In no time at all, you’ll have a warm, comforting bowl of goodness to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Sausage:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. This adds a lovely flavor to the soup!
2. Add Onions and Garlic:
Next, toss in the chopped onion and let it cook for about 3 minutes until it’s softened. Then, add the minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds until you can smell that delicious aroma in the air.
3. Pour in the Broth and Tomatoes:
Now, pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes along with their juice. Stir in the dried Italian seasoning, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. This is where the flavors start to blend beautifully!
4. Let It Simmer:
Allow the soup to simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This lets all of those wonderful flavors meld together. You can stir it occasionally while you wait.
5. Add the Gnocchi:
Add the gnocchi to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they float to the surface and are nice and tender.
6. Stir in Cream and Spinach:
Reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the heavy cream and chopped spinach. Cook just until the spinach wilts, which should take about 2 minutes. It’s looking creamy and delicious already!
7. Finish with Cheese:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, then taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese on top. It’s perfect for cozy nights or when you just need a comforting meal. Enjoy every spoonful!
This Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is rich, creamy, and so satisfying. The perfect dish to warm your heart and soul! Bon appétit!
Can I Use Frozen Gnocchi in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use frozen gnocchi; just add them directly to the soup without thawing. They may need an extra minute or two to cook, so keep an eye on them until they float to the top.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you plan to freeze, note that the gnocchi may become a bit softer upon reheating, but it’ll still taste great!
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option, or use coconut milk for a dairy-free version, though it will alter the flavor slightly. Just make sure to simmer it gently so it doesn’t curdle.
What Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to toss in other veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor! Just chop them small and sauté them with the onions to ensure they cook evenly.
