The Coziest Italian Sausage And Gnocchi Soup Recipe Ever

Crafting a soul-warming italian sausage and gnocchi soup brings pure comfort on chilly evenings.

Robust flavors dance through each spoonful, promising a hearty meal that hugs you from the inside.

Tender gnocchi nestle alongside savory sausage in a rich, aromatic broth that whispers of home-cooked traditions.

Rustic ingredients combine effortlessly, creating a symphony of taste that feels both familiar and exciting.

Fragrant herbs and tender vegetables add depth to this classic Italian-inspired dish.

Minimal preparation meets maximum satisfaction in this delightful recipe that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Comforting Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup

• Savor Quick Comfort: This hearty soup delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy home cooks craving a satisfying meal.
• Customize Your Bowl: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping sausage types, adding different vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to match your taste preferences.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with tender gnocchi, protein-rich sausage, and nutritious spinach, this soup appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a breeze.
• One-Pot Wonder: Streamline your cooking process with a single pot that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy soup, minimizing cleanup and maximizing deliciousness.

Ingredients Used in Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup

• Italian Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds richness and depth to the soup's taste.

• Chicken Broth: A light and savory liquid that creates the foundation of the soup.
• Canned Tomatoes: Adds a tangy and slightly acidic flavor to the broth.

• Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that provide a comforting texture to the soup.

• Onion, Carrots, Garlic: These vegetables create a flavor base and add natural sweetness to the soup.
• Spinach: A fresh green that wilts into the soup, adding nutrition and color.

• Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that brings classic Italian flavor to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the overall taste of the soup.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a subtle fruity flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creates a smooth, creamy texture.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb used as a garnish.

• Lemon: Provides a optional fresh, citrusy brightness to the soup.

How to Make Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Fire up a large soup pot with olive oil over medium-high heat. Crumble the sausage into the pot, breaking it into delicious bite-sized pieces.

Cook until the meat develops a beautiful golden-brown color and releases its savory aroma. Once perfectly browned, scoop out the sausage and set it aside.

Step 2: Awaken the Vegetables

Drizzle the remaining olive oil into the same pot. Lower the heat to medium and introduce the onions and carrots.

Let them dance and soften, releasing their sweet flavors for about 5 minutes. Toss in the garlic and let it sizzle for another minute, filling the kitchen with an irresistible fragrance.

Step 3: Create the Liquid Gold

• Chicken broth
• Canned tomatoes
• Italian seasoning
• Cooked sausage

Splash in the heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle bubble.

Reduce the heat and let it simmer, allowing the flavors to mingle and develop depth for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Welcome the Gnocchi

Skim off any excess fat floating on the surface.

Gently drop the gnocchi into the simmering soup. Watch as they bob and float to the top, signaling they’re perfectly cooked in about 3 minutes.

Step 5: Final Flourish

Pull the pot off the heat. Stir in fresh spinach, watching it wilt into the soup.

Season with salt and black pepper to tantalize your taste buds. Ladle the soup into waiting bowls.

For an extra touch of brightness, sprinkle fresh parsley on top and squeeze a bit of lemon if you’re feeling adventurous.

Tips to Perfect Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup

• Break down sausage into small, even pieces for better flavor distribution and texture throughout the soup.
• Add carrots and onions first, then garlic to prevent burning and maintain a sweet, caramelized base.
• Add heavy cream near the end of cooking to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, rich consistency.
• Wait until gnocchi float to the surface, indicating they're perfectly cooked and ready to eat.
• Stir in spinach just before serving to retain its vibrant color and nutrients, creating a fresh and bright final touch.

Variations That Refresh Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup

• Spicy Chorizo Kick: Replace Italian sausage with spicy chorizo for a bolder, heat-packed flavor profile that tingles taste buds.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth and add fresh oregano, thyme, and rosemary for an herbal Mediterranean essence.
• Vegetarian Mushroom Blend: Substitute sausage with mixed wild mushrooms and use vegetable broth, creating a rich, earthy alternative packed with umami depth.
• Roasted Vegetable Upgrade: Roast carrots, onions, and garlic before adding to the soup, intensifying natural sweetness and developing deeper caramelized notes.

Suggested Pairings With Sausage and Gnocchi Soup

• Perfectly Matched Wine Selection: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, savory flavors of the Italian sausage and cuts through the creamy broth.
• Cheese Pairing Power: Sprinkle some freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano on top to add a salty, nutty dimension that enhances the soup's depth and provides a delightful textural contrast.
• Crusty Bread Companion: Serve with a rustic Italian ciabatta or sourdough bread, toasted and rubbed with garlic, to soak up the delicious broth and add a satisfying crunch to each comforting spoonful.

Storing Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup Properly

• Transfer cooled soup into airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the soup away from raw ingredients to prevent cross-contamination.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing gnocchi directly in the soup as they can become mushy.
• Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and reaching 165°F internal temperature.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients that make this soup hearty?

The key ingredients are Italian sausage, gnocchi, chicken broth, heavy cream, and fresh spinach. These components create a rich, comforting soup with layers of flavor and texture.

• Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this soup reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Just be careful when reheating to not overcook the gnocchi, which can become mushy.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

You can substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or crumbled tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The core flavors will remain similar.

Comforting Italian Sausage And Gnocchi Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup delivers authentic Mediterranean comfort in one delightful bowl. Savory sausage, pillowy gnocchi, and rich broth combine for a soul-warming meal that transports you straight to an Italian kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)

Vegetables:

• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups fresh spinach

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 4 cups (32 fluid ounces / 946 milliliters) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 (15-ounce / 443 milliliters) can chopped tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Starch:

• 1 pound gnocchi

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges

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Instructions

1. Brown the Italian sausage in a large pot with olive oil over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles until fully cooked and golden. Transfer the sausage to a separate plate.
2. In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and sauté diced onions and carrots until they become tender and slightly translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 60 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence.
4. Incorporate tomato paste and stir for one minute to deepen the flavor profile.
5. Pour in chicken broth, canned tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and return the cooked sausage to the pot. Allow the mixture to simmer gently.
6. Introduce heavy cream to create a rich, velvety texture. Maintain a low simmer for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
7. Carefully add gnocchi to the simmering soup, cooking until they float to the surface, which typically takes about 3 minutes.
8. Remove the pot from heat and fold in fresh spinach, letting it wilt naturally from the residual warmth.
9. Season with salt and black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
10. Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley and a bright lemon squeeze for added zest.

Notes

• Select high-quality Italian sausage with robust flavors for deeper taste complexity in the soup.
• Remove sausage casings before cooking to ensure even browning and better meat integration.
• Use store-bought or homemade gnocchi depending on time and preference, ensuring consistent potato dumplings.
• Opt for fresh spinach instead of frozen to maintain crisp texture and vibrant green color.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for lighter version, reducing overall calorie content.
• Add red pepper flakes for extra heat and personalized spice level to suit individual palates.
• Consider gluten-free gnocchi options for those with wheat sensitivities without compromising soup’s rich flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 740 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg