Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup – Rich, Comforting, 35-Minute Meal!
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Easy Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food in 35 Minutes
Creamy Italian sausage gnocchi soup is thick, rich and the very definition of comfort food. Pillowy gnocchi cosy up with crispy bits of Italian sausage to create a soup that will warm up your belly and soul. A creamy, rich broth infused with Italian flavours? Fluffy gnocchi AND crumbled Italian sausage browned until slightly crispy? Count me in, please! As you might have already noticed, I love all things Italian and I always come up with new reasons to cook yet another Italian-inspired meal. This time, it was a pack of gnocchi that inspired this creamy Italian sausage soup. I love gnocchi, and I typically buy multiple packs at once. I’m also a bit of a soup addict, so this creamy Italian sausage gnocchi soup was bound to happen. It basically sums up my culinary philosophy, after all. For another delicious gnocchi dish, try our Gnocchi with Brown Butter and Sage.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- The Ultimate Comfort Food: Rich, creamy, and packed with hearty, satisfying ingredients.
- Ready in Just 35 Minutes: A deeply flavourful soup that comes together quickly on the stovetop.
- Loaded with Flavour: Crispy Italian sausage, aromatic vegetables, and a perfectly seasoned creamy broth.
- Pillowy Gnocchi and Fresh Spinach: The gnocchi adds a wonderful texture, and the spinach brings a pop of colour and freshness.
- Crowd-Pleasing and Family-Friendly: A guaranteed hit for any night of the week.
Your Simple Ingredients for the Perfect Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 400 g (1 lb) Italian sausage, casings removed and cut into chunks
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 2 celery sticks, diced
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red chilli flakes
- 75 ml (⅓ cup) dry white wine
- 1 litre (4 cups) chicken stock
- 150 ml (¾ cup) double cream
- 500 g gnocchi (fresh or frozen)
- A handful baby spinach
- 30 g (¼ cup) freshly grated Parmesan
Pro Tip: The Secret to the Best Flavour
Don’t rush browning the sausage! Cooking it over medium-high heat until it’s nicely browned and slightly crispy creates a deep, savoury flavour base for the entire soup. Those browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot are pure gold – they’ll be deglazed with the wine and stock, adding incredible richness.
How to Make Perfect Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
Phase 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté the Vegetables
Brown the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage chunks and cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until it’s nicely browned and slightly crispy.
Add Aromatics: Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery to the pot. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red chilli flakes. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Phase 2: Build the Broth
Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the dry white wine and cook for a minute, stirring often, until the alcohol has almost completely evaporated. This step adds wonderful depth.
Add Stock and Simmer: Add the chicken stock to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
Phase 3: Add Cream, Gnocchi, and Spinach
Add Cream and Gnocchi: Stir in the double cream, then add the gnocchi. Cook for 2-3 minutes (or according to the package instructions) until the gnocchi is tender and has floated to the top.
Add Spinach and Parmesan: Stir in the handful of baby spinach and the grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another minute or two, just until the spinach has wilted into the soup.
Phase 4: Serve and Enjoy
Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan if desired, and serve immediately with crusty bread.
Pro Tips & Easy Variations for Your Soup
- Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Follow the package instructions carefully. Overcooked gnocchi can become mushy. They are done when they float to the surface.
- Make it in the Instant Pot: Use the sauté function to brown the sausage and veggies. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, then quick release. Stir in the cream, spinach, and Parmesan. The residual heat will wilt the spinach.
- Make it Vegan: Use plant-based Italian sausages, a plant-based cream alternative, and vegan Parmesan. You can also use a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavour.
- Use Single Cream (Half and Half): You can substitute the double cream with single cream or half-and-half to cut down on calories, but the soup won’t be quite as rich and creamy.
- Cumberland Sausage Substitute: If you can’t find Italian sausage, good quality Cumberland sausage makes an excellent substitute.
- Storage: Leftover soup tastes great reheated. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The soup may thicken as it sits; you can add a splash of stock or milk when reheating.
Serving Suggestions for the Ultimate Cozy Meal
This soup is a complete meal in itself, but it’s even better with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette would also be a lovely accompaniment to cut through the richness.
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving) Calories: 639, Fat: 36g, Carbohydrates: 48g, Protein: 27g, Fiber: 3g, Sodium: 933mg. A rich, hearty, and satisfying meal.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of stock or milk if the soup has thickened too much.
- Freeze: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Your Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Questions Answered
- What kind of Italian sausage should I use?
- Use good quality Italian sausage, either mild or spicy depending on your preference. If you can’t find Italian sausage, Cumberland sausage is a great substitute.
- Can I use fresh or frozen gnocchi?
- Both work beautifully! Fresh gnocchi cooks in just 2-3 minutes, while frozen may take a minute or two longer. Just follow the package instructions.
- Can I make this soup ahead of time?
- Yes, it’s great for making ahead. The flavours will continue to meld. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little extra stock if needed.
- Can I use half-and-half instead of double cream?
- Yes, you can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version. The soup will be less rich and creamy but still delicious.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
- It can be! Make sure to use gluten-free gnocchi and check that your Italian sausage and chicken stock are gluten-free.
More Incredible Italian-Inspired Soup Recipes to Try
If you love this creamy, comforting soup, you’ll adore our other delicious Italian-inspired soup creations. Our Hearty Lentil Soup is another family favorite, and our Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is a classic.
The Story Behind This Cozy Italian-Inspired Creation
Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is a beautiful celebration of everything that makes Italian-inspired cooking so beloved. It’s a dish born from a love of gnocchi and a passion for hearty, soul-warming soups. The combination of crispy, savoury sausage, pillowy soft gnocchi, and a rich, creamy broth infused with aromatic vegetables and herbs is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug, perfect for chilly evenings or any time you need a little culinary comfort. This wonderfully satisfying and flavourful recipe is inspired by the version shared on Skinny Spatula by Alice.
Pin This Cozy Soup Recipe For Your Next Comfort Food Night!
This creamy Italian sausage gnocchi soup will become a new favorite. Save this image to your “Soup Recipes” or “Comfort Food” Pinterest board so you always have this rich, delicious recipe ready. Did you make this incredible, creamy soup? We’d love to see your creation – tag us in your photos!
Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
Equipment
- Heavy-Bottomed Pot or Dutch Oven For cooking the soup.
- Wooden Spoon For stirring.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 400 g Italian sausage, casings removed and cut into chunks
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 2 sticks celery, diced
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.25 tsp red chilli flakes
- 75 ml dry white wine
- 1 litre chicken stock (4 cups)
- 150 ml double cream (¾ cup)
- 500 g gnocchi (fresh or frozen)
- 1 handful baby spinach
- 30 g freshly grated Parmesan (¼ cup)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add sausage chunks and cook for 4-5 minutes, crumbling with a spoon, until browned.
- Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and red chilli flakes; cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in white wine and cook for 1 minute, stirring often, until almost evaporated. Add chicken stock, bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in double cream, then add gnocchi. Cook for 2-3 minutes or according to package instructions until gnocchi is tender.
- Stir in baby spinach and grated Parmesan. Cook until spinach wilts, about 1-2 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
