As I stood in my kitchen one chilly evening, the aroma of sizzling Italian sausage filled the air, instantly transporting me to a rustic trattoria in Italy. That’s when I realized I could create a comforting bowl of Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup right at home. With its pillowy gnocchi and rich, savory flavors, this soup captures the essence of Italian comfort food but can be ready in just 30 minutes! It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, its creamy texture will warm you from the inside out, making it an inviting option for casual gatherings or cozy family dinners. Are you ready to discover how to whip up this delightful soup with just a handful of ingredients? Let’s dive in! Why is this soup a must-try? Quick and Easy: Whip up this Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights! Hearty and Satisfying: The tender gnocchi and rich sausage create a filling meal that everyone will love. Customizable Options: Whether you prefer spicy Italian sausage or a lighter chicken version, feel free to experiment! For more delicious ideas, check out my Cheesy Sausage Egg dish. Comfort in a Bowl: Each spoonful wraps you in warm, creamy goodness that feels like a hug on chilly evenings. Crowd-Pleaser: Serve it at gatherings and watch it disappear—everyone will be asking for seconds! Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Ingredients • The perfect blend of flavors awaits! For the Soup Base Italian Sausage – Use mild for family-friendliness or hot for a spicy kick. Olive Oil – Essential for sautéing the sausage and vegetables, boosting flavor. Onion – Provides sweetness and depth; a must for a flavorful soup base. Carrot – Adds natural sweetness and texture; a nutritious touch. Celery – Offers aromatic depth and crunch; enhances the overall flavor. Garlic – Adds a pungent aroma that elevates the dish; fresh is best! For Seasoning and Flavor Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs that enrich the soup’s character. Red Chili Flakes – For a splash of warmth and spice; adjust to taste. White Wine – Enhances flavor depth and helps deglaze the pot; skip if preferred. Chicken Stock – The rich base for your soup; can swap with vegetable broth. For Creaminess and Body Double Cream – Adds luxurious creaminess; perfect for a hearty soup. Gnocchi – The star of the show, providing heartiness; fresh or frozen works. Baby Spinach – Adds freshness and color; wilts beautifully in the soup. Parmesan Cheese – Contributes salty richness; a sprinkle on top is irresistible! This Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup will have your kitchen filled with tempting aromas and your family asking for more! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Step 1: Sauté the Sausage In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add 1 pound of Italian sausage to the pot. Cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it is nicely browned but not fully cooked through. This process releases wonderful flavors that will infuse your Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup. Step 2: Add Aromatics Next, stir in 1 chopped onion, 1 diced carrot, and 1 diced celery stalk into the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent. This step builds the aromatic base of your soup, allowing the sweet flavors to meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of your hearty soup. Step 3: Enhance with Garlic and Spices Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red chili flakes to the mix. Cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes fragrant. This step is crucial for deepening the flavor profile of your Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup, filling your kitchen with enticing aromas. Step 4: Deglaze with Wine Pour in ½ cup of white wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any browned bits. Allow it to simmer for about 1 minute until the wine reduces almost completely. This deglazing process adds depth and richness to your soup, setting the stage for the luscious broth that follows. Step 5: Build the Soup Base Add 4 cups of chicken stock to the pot and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This simmering time melds all the flavors together and infuses your Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup with enhanced taste and aroma. Step 6: Add Cream for Richness Stir in 1 cup of double cream gradually until fully incorporated into the soup. This step will create a decadent and creamy texture, turning your soup into a comforting bowl of warmth that is perfect for chilly evenings. Step 7: Cook the Gnocchi Mix in 1 pound of gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, typically around 2-3 minutes. Gnocchi should float to the surface when done, indicating they are perfectly cooked and ready to absorb the creamy broth of your delicious soup. Step 8: Finish with Greens and Cheese Finally, fold in 2 cups of baby spinach and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the spinach wilts, which takes about 1 minute. This final touch not only adds color and nutrition to your Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup but also a rich, savory finish that brings all the ingredients together beautifully. Step 9: Serve Hot Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately, accompanied by warm crusty bread or a light side salad. The inviting aroma and heartiness of this Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup will make it a hit at your table, providing a delicious meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. What to Serve with Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Warm and inviting, this soup craves a few perfect companions to complete your meal experience. Crusty Italian Bread: The perfect vehicle for mopping up the creamy broth, this bread adds a chewy texture that enhances the meal. Garlic Bread: Golden, buttery, and infused with garlic flavor, this treat pairs beautifully, adding a bit of crunch and a whole lot of flavor. Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette provides a delightful contrast to the richness of the soup. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned with Italian herbs, roasted veggies offer a lovely caramelized sweetness that complements the savory elements in the soup. Parmesan Crisps: These crunchy bites add an extra salty note, echoing the cheese in the soup and providing a satisfying crunch. Red Wine: A glass of Chianti or a light Pinot Noir will elevate your dining experience, as their acidity cuts through the creaminess of the soup beautifully. For a complete dining experience, consider these delightful pairings that elevate your Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup into a hearty feast! Make Ahead Options These Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup ingredients are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop vegetables (onion, carrot, celery) and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Additionally, you can pre-cook the sausage and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours, which will save precious time on busy nights. When you’re ready to serve, simply heat the sausage and vegetables in a pot, add the stock, cream, and gnocchi, and cook until the gnocchi are tender. This way, you can enjoy a warm, comforting soup that tastes just as delicious as if it were made fresh! Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Variations Feel free to tailor this comforting soup to your taste and preferences with these simple twists! Pasta Swap: Replace gnocchi with tortellini or any small pasta you have on hand for a delightful change. Veggie Boost: Toss in bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and a pop of color. They’ll bring a refreshing crunch! Meatless Version: Substitute the sausage with lentils or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian soup that’s just as satisfying. Dairy-Free Delight: Use coconut milk instead of double cream and nutritional yeast for a creamy texture without dairy. Extra Spice: Add more red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a bolder kick; it will surely warm you up! Herb Infusion: Swap Italian seasoning with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a lush and fragrant twist that elevates the dish. Skip the Wine: Use more chicken stock or vegetable broth if you want to omit the wine; the flavor will still be robust! Creamy Vegan Option: Opt for cashew cream blended with vegetable stock for a creamy, plant-based alternative to traditional cream. With these variations, your Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup can become a new favorite each time you make it! For more scrumptious ideas, check out my delicious Cajun Sausage Pasta or wholesome Cowboy Soup Hearty recipes! Expert Tips for Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Don’t Overcook Gnocchi: Ensure you cook the gnocchi for just 2-3 minutes in the broth. Overcooked gnocchi can become mushy, losing their delightful texture. Perfect Cream Incorporation: Add double cream during the last 5 minutes on low heat to avoid separation. This keeps your Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup luxuriously smooth. Brown the Sausage Well: Allow the sausage to brown without constant stirring. This caramelization brings out rich flavors essential for a hearty soup. Add Spinach Last: To maintain its vibrant color and freshness, fold in the baby spinach just before serving. It wilts quickly, enhancing the soup’s appeal. Experiment with Spices: Adjust the red chili flakes to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder soup, feel free to omit them altogether for a family-friendly option. Storage Tips for Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the soup thickens. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup base without cream and gnocchi. It can last up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and add fresh gnocchi upon reheating for the best texture. Reheating: When reheating, avoid boiling the soup to prevent curdling. Stir gently over low heat until warmed through. Enjoy the comforting flavors of your Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup! Serving Suggestions: Top with extra Parmesan cheese after reheating and serve with crusty bread for a satisfying meal. Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe FAQs What type of Italian sausage should I use? Absolutely! You can choose between mild or hot Italian sausage depending on your preference. Mild sausage is perfect for family-friendly meals, while hot sausage packs a flavorful punch for spice lovers. If you’re looking for a lighter option, feel free to swap traditional sausage for chicken or turkey sausage without compromising taste. How should I store leftovers of the soup? To keep your Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup fresh, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It will stay good for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth to restore its creamy consistency if it thickens. Can I freeze this soup? Of course! For long-term storage, freeze the soup base without cream and gnocchi. This way, it can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge, and then add fresh gnocchi for the best texture. Gently heat it on the stove over low heat for even warming. What should I do if my gnocchi turn mushy? Very! The key to perfect gnocchi is to cook them just until they float in the broth, typically about 2-3 minutes. If they do become mushy, it may be because they were cooked too long. For next time, keep an eye on them and remove them from the heat as soon as they rise to the surface. Can I make this soup vegetarian-friendly? Definitely! To make a vegetarian version of your Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup, simply substitute the Italian sausage with your favorite plant-based sausage or omit it altogether and enhance the flavors with additional vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a richer base! Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Ready in 30 Minutes Enjoy this comforting Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup, perfect for busy weeknights, ready in just 30 minutes! Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 bowlsCourse: DinnerCuisine: ItalianCalories: 600 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Soup Base1 pound Italian Sausage mild or hot2 tablespoons Olive Oil for sautéing1 medium Onion chopped1 medium Carrot diced1 stalk Celery diced3 cloves Garlic mincedFor Seasoning and Flavor2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning1 pinch Red Chili Flakes to taste0.5 cup White Wine optional4 cups Chicken Stock or vegetable brothFor Creaminess and Body1 cup Double Cream1 pound Gnocchi fresh or frozen2 cups Baby Spinach0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese grated Equipment large heavy-bottomed pot Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi SoupIn a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of Italian sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned.Stir in 1 chopped onion, 1 diced carrot, and 1 diced celery stalk. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red chili flakes. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.Pour in ½ cup of white wine, scraping the bottom to lift browned bits. Simmer for 1 minute until reduced.Add 4 cups of chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.Gradually stir in 1 cup of double cream until fully incorporated.Mix in 1 pound of gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, about 2-3 minutes.Fold in 2 cups of baby spinach and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until the spinach wilts.Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, with crusty bread or a light side salad. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2.5mg NotesStore in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently and add a splash of broth if the soup thickens. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
