Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is the kind of recipe I wish I’d tried sooner. You know those days when it’s freezing outside or you’re just too tired to fuss with dinner but you still want something comforting? This soup gets it.
It’s like a big warm blanket for your taste buds. Plus, if you’ve been craving more comfort food ideas, check out this crowd-pleaser for cheese lovers while you’re here. And seriously, if you’ve never thought to add gnocchi to soup before, prepare to have your mind changed.
What do you need to make the soup?
You honestly don’t need a fancy setup. Most of what you need for creamy Italian sausage gnocchi soup is probably sitting in your fridge, or at least lurking at the back of your pantry.
Get yourself a pack of Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your schedule), a cozy little bag of gnocchi, some basic veggies (I’m talking onion, garlic, carrots, and spinach), heavy cream, and chicken broth. Oh, and don’t skip the parmesan unless you’re actually allergic to happiness.
I always tell my friends— even the confused ones who think gnocchi is some kind of cheese— to go for pre-made potato gnocchi if you’re short on time. It saves you from more dishes and clean-up later (trust me, I live for fewer dishes). And hey, don’t worry if you only have kale instead of spinach. This is a chill recipe. Swap as needed, the soup will forgive you.
Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
How do you make Italian sausage gnocchi soup?
Okay, here’s how I roll on a normal Tuesday: I grab my soup pot and fry off the sausage first. Let’s be real— it smells awesome. Get it nice and brown. Toss in the onions and carrots. Once they soften up, let that garlic join the party (just a minute, or it’ll burn).
Now, pour in that chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Dump in the gnocchi and watch them get all fluffy and weird— it’s kinda satisfying. After a few minutes, they float, so you’ll know they’re done. Reduce the heat and slowly stir in your heavy cream. Drop in big handfuls of spinach and keep stirring ’til it’s just wilted. Top it with parmesan and— no joke— taste it. Add a shake of salt and pepper if you feel wild. Done.
This isn’t a “need-a-diploma” kind of soup. If you can brown sausage and stir a pot, you’re set. My cousin tried this last week and literally texted, “I feel like a five-star chef.”
“I made this soup for my picky kids. Both ate seconds. Total win!” – Julie, neighbor-slash-supermom
Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
Make it vegan
Vegan friends, don’t click away— seriously! You can have almost the same dreamy soup (and yes, I’ve tried this, no shade). Swap the Italian sausage for your favorite vegan version or make your own with lentils and spices. Use a rich veggie broth instead of chicken. Coconut cream, cashew cream, or even oat cream work for the creamy base. As for gnocchi, some brands make eggless versions— check the label!
Trickiest part here? Getting that savory “oomph” that sausage brings. I like a tiny pinch of smoked paprika and a splash of soy sauce. It’s a little hacky— but it does the job.
Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
Substitutions and variations
Not everyone has a perfect pantry (definitely not me), so creamy Italian sausage gnocchi soup is super flexible. Instead of sausage, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or for a lighter taste, even just more veggies and a bright broth. Want it thicker? Add just a little more cream or toss in a spoonful of cream cheese.
If you don’t love spinach, try chopped kale— it adds a heartier texture. Sometimes I add a can of white beans for extra protein. Or, if you’re feeling spicy, stir in some red chili flakes right at the end. Sometimes the best soups are the experiments.
This soup almost never comes out the same twice for me and that’s exactly why I like it. My aunt once threw in sun-dried tomatoes and swore it was “the only way to do it now.” I believe her.
Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
What to serve with this gnocchi soup
Alright, real talk— this soup is totally a meal on its own, but extras never hurt. Here are a few things I love to serve with creamy Italian sausage gnocchi soup.
- Crusty bread for dunking. (Goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway.)
- Simple side salad with sharp vinaigrette for something fresh.
- Roasted veggies if the oven’s on already.
- A glass of red wine, if you’re feeling fancy, or just deserve it.
This soup is a hero for potlucks, too. Every time I take it somewhere, at least one person corners me for the recipe. I guess the magic is in how easy it is, and the fact that it tastes way fancier than it actually is.
Honestly, creamy Italian sausage gnocchi soup has a permanent spot in my “what to cook when you need comfort” list. If you’re hooked and want more ideas or a different spin, check out this fabulous version over at Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup – Skinny Spatula for extra inspiration.
And if you have leftovers, just pop ‘em in the fridge. This soup actually gets better the next day (wild, right?). Happy cooking— and don’t be afraid to play around with your own twists and tweaks. That’s where the best recipes start.
Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
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Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and delicious soup featuring Italian sausage and gnocchi, perfect for cold days or quick dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 bag of potato gnocchi
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cups spinach (or kale)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat until fully cooked.
- Add the diced onions and carrots, and sauté until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the gnocchi and cook until they float, about 3-5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream.
- Add the spinach and continue stirring until wilted.
- Top with grated parmesan and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Notes
Try swapping Italian sausage with ground turkey for a lighter option. This soup is versatile; feel free to add extra veggies or beans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg