Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is a rich, hearty, and comforting one-pot meal featuring flavorful Italian sausage, soft potato gnocchi, and a luscious creamy broth enhanced with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for family-friendly dinners or cozy nights, this soup offers layers of savory flavor and a silky finish that satisfies every craving.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Meats
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, preferably with natural casings)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach
Broth & Dairy
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Starches
- 1 package (about 16 ounces) potato gnocchi
Oils & Spices
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside, leaving drippings in the pot.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the sausage for extra flavor.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 10 minutes to develop a rich base and reduce the liquid slightly.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Stir in potato gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually 2 to 3 minutes, until they float to the surface, indicating they are done.
- Add Cream, Sausage, and Spinach: Return the browned sausage to the pot, pour in the heavy cream, and stir gently. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Finish with Parmesan: Remove soup from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated, enriching the soup with a savory depth.
Notes
- Use quality Italian sausage for the best flavor.
- Cook gnocchi just until they float to avoid a mushy texture.
- Add greens like spinach last to keep their vibrant color and fresh taste.
- Simmer gently after adding cream to prevent curdling and maintain a silky texture.
- Adjust seasoning gradually, tasting before final salt and spice additions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Italian sausage soup, gnocchi soup, creamy soup, comfort food, one pot soup, easy dinner, family-friendly soup