Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
If you’re looking for a comforting, restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to make at home, this Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is the answer. Packed with juicy Italian sausage, pillowy soft gnocchi, tender vegetables, and a luxuriously creamy broth, this soup feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s perfect for cozy weeknights, meal prep, or impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Let’s dive into how to make this deliciously rich and satisfying Italian soup that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
This soup is the perfect balance of hearty and creamy — comforting yet not too heavy. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
- 🥣 One-pot meal: Everything cooks in one pot for easy cleanup.
- 🍲 Ready in 30 minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
- 🧄 Incredible flavor: The combination of spicy or mild Italian sausage, garlic, herbs, and cream gives it that irresistible Italian comfort food vibe.
- 🥬 Packed with veggies: Spinach, carrots, onions, and garlic make it wholesome and flavorful.
- 🍽️ Crowd-pleaser: Even picky eaters can’t resist the creamy broth and soft gnocchi.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make a batch of Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup. Most ingredients are pantry staples or easy to find at any grocery store.
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage – You can use mild, sweet, or spicy depending on your preference.
- 1 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing.
- 1 small onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic gives the soup that authentic Italian flavor.
- 2 medium carrots, diced – For color and texture.
- 4 cups chicken broth – Use low-sodium for better control over saltiness.
- 1 cup heavy cream – Makes the soup rich and creamy.
- 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi – Fresh or shelf-stable works fine.
- 2 cups fresh spinach – For a pop of color and nutrition.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning – A mix of basil, oregano, and thyme adds classic flavor.
- Salt and black pepper – To taste.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) – For extra creaminess and a touch of umami.
Optional Add-ins:
- Crushed red pepper flakes – For a little kick.
- Sun-dried tomatoes – Adds a tangy flavor twist.
- Mushrooms or zucchini – If you want to bulk it up with more veggies.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Remove any excess grease if necessary.
Pro tip: Browning the sausage well adds deep, savory flavor to your soup base.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion and carrots to the pot and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
This step builds the foundation of flavor — don’t rush it!
Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth and Italian seasoning, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot (that’s pure flavor!).
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Add the Gnocchi
Stir in the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, typically about 3–4 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they float to the top of the soup.
Gnocchi are little potato dumplings that soak up the creamy broth — soft, chewy, and satisfying in every bite.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Once the gnocchi are cooked, stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. Simmer for 2–3 more minutes, just until the spinach wilts and the soup thickens slightly.
Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
If you’d like a thicker texture, let it simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes or stir in a tablespoon of grated Parmesan.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup into bowls and top with Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper.
Serve it with crusty garlic bread, a side salad, or simply enjoy it on its own for a cozy, filling meal.
Tips for the Best Creamy Gnocchi Soup
Here are some helpful tips to make sure your soup turns out perfectly every time:
- Use quality sausage: Italian sausage is the star of this dish. Choose a flavorful, high-quality brand — or use homemade if you have it!
- Don’t overcook the gnocchi: Once they float, they’re done. Overcooking will make them mushy.
- Adjust the creaminess: Prefer it lighter? Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.
- Add greens: Spinach is classic, but kale or Swiss chard work great too.
- Make it spicy: Use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
What to Serve With Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
This soup is rich and filling on its own, but pairing it with a few sides makes it a full Italian-inspired dinner.
- 🥖 Garlic bread or focaccia – Perfect for soaking up the creamy broth.
- 🥗 Caesar salad or arugula salad – Adds freshness and crunch.
- 🧀 Parmesan crisps – A salty, crispy side that complements the creamy texture.
- 🍷 A glass of white wine – Like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay for an elegant touch.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (which you probably will!), here’s how to store and reheat them properly:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: This soup can be frozen, but note that gnocchi may soften after thawing. Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating: Warm over low heat on the stovetop. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy consistency.
Variations of Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
One of the best parts about this recipe is how easily you can customize it. Here are a few delicious variations to try:
1. Spicy Gnocchi Soup
Use hot Italian sausage and toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a fiery twist. Perfect for spice lovers!
2. Tomato-Based Version
For a creamier tomato flavor, add 1 cup of crushed tomatoes before simmering the broth. It turns into a delicious creamy tomato gnocchi soup.
3. Lightened-Up Version
Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or evaporated milk for a lighter but still creamy texture.
4. Vegetarian Option
Skip the sausage and add mushrooms, white beans, or chopped zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
5. Extra Cheesy Twist
Stir in ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese right before serving for that melty, gooey goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes! Frozen gnocchi works perfectly — no need to thaw it first. Just cook it directly in the soup until it floats to the surface.
2. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage?
Absolutely. If you prefer leaner meat, use ground turkey or chicken and season it with Italian herbs, fennel seeds, and garlic for extra flavor.
3. How can I make the soup thicker?
You can thicken the soup by simmering it longer uncovered or adding a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water before adding the cream.
4. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the sausage first, then add all ingredients (except cream and spinach) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Stir in cream and spinach 10 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
Nutrition values are approximate and will vary based on ingredients used.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comfort food — rich, satisfying, and bursting with Italian flavor. It’s an easy one-pot recipe that feels indulgent yet simple enough for any home cook. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal prepping for the week, this soup will become a favorite in your recipe collection.
So grab a bowl, sprinkle some Parmesan on top, and enjoy a warm spoonful of pure comfort.
