Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe: Your Ultimate Cozy Comfort Food

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When chilly evenings settle in and you crave something that feels like a warm hug from the inside, nothing hits the spot quite like a bowl of creamy Italian sausage gnocchi soup. This recipe is not just food; it’s an experience that you can create right in your kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Whether you’re a busy professional, a home cook looking for a family favorite, or simply someone who loves a hearty, flavorful meal, this soup promises to deliver on all fronts — taste, comfort, and convenience.

You’re about to discover how this one-pot wonder blends savory sausage, tender gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a creamy tomato broth into a bowl of sheer delight. And the best part? It comes together in just about 35 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.

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What Makes This Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup So Special?

You might wonder, what sets this soup apart from other Italian-inspired dishes? The answer lies in the harmony of its ingredients and the ease of its preparation.

• Robust Flavor Profile: The heartiness of Italian sausage — whether you prefer it spicy or mild — brings a savory depth that perfectly balances the sweetness and smokiness of fire-roasted tomatoes.
• Pillowy Mini Gnocchi: These tiny potato dumplings soak up the broth’s flavor and add a satisfying bite that makes the soup feel indulgent without being heavy.
• Freshness of Spinach: Tossing in vibrant baby spinach just before serving not only adds a burst of color but also a nutritional punch, packing vitamins without overpowering the soup’s richness.
• Creamy Tomato Broth: A splash of heavy cream rounds out the acidity of the tomatoes, making every spoonful smooth and luscious.

This is more than just soup — it’s a balanced meal in a bowl. Plus, it’s all made in one pot, which means less mess and more time for you to relax and enjoy.

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Ingredients You’ll Need for Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup

Before you start, gather your ingredients. Here’s a neat table for your convenience:

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Olive oil or avocado oil	1 teaspoon	For sautéing
Italian sausage (hot or mild)	1 pound	Casings removed if using links
Yellow onion	1 medium, diced	Fresh and sweet
Garlic	4 cloves, minced	Adds aromatic depth
Tomato paste	2 tablespoons	Intensifies tomato flavor
Italian seasoning	2 teaspoons	Herb blend (basil, oregano, thyme)
Low-sodium chicken broth	4 cups	Controls salt level
Crushed fire-roasted tomatoes	28 ounces	Smoky sweetness
Mini gnocchi	16 ounces	Soft and pillowy dumplings
Baby spinach	3 generous cups	Fresh and vibrant
Kosher salt	1½ teaspoons (or to taste)	Season to your liking
Black pepper	½ teaspoon (or to taste)	Freshly ground for best flavor
Heavy cream	⅓ cup	For creamy texture
Parmesan cheese	For serving	Freshly grated
Crushed red pepper flakes	Optional	Adds a spicy kick

Having these ready will streamline the cooking process and make your experience even more enjoyable.  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

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How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat your olive or avocado oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. You want the sausage to brown evenly and cook through — this typically takes around 6 to 8 minutes. The browning develops a rich, meaty base for your soup, so don’t rush this step.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Next, stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook them gently for about 5 minutes until the onion turns soft and translucent. This process unlocks their sweetness and layers more flavor into your soup.

Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Italian Seasoning

Now, add the tomato paste and Italian seasoning. Stir continuously for 2 minutes. This might seem like a small step, but it’s crucial — it intensifies the tomato flavor and melds the herbs into the base.

Step 4: Pour in Broth and Tomatoes

Pour in the chicken broth and the crushed fire-roasted tomatoes, stirring well to combine all the ingredients. Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly and let it simmer to blend the flavors, about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi

Remove the lid and stir in the mini gnocchi. Let them cook for 2 minutes. Gnocchi cook quickly, and you want them tender but not mushy, so watch them closely.

Step 6: Add Spinach and Seasonings

Lower the heat to medium-low, add the baby spinach along with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until the spinach wilts, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. The spinach adds freshness and a pop of green, making the soup visually inviting.

Step 7: Stir in Heavy Cream and Finish

Finally, pour in the heavy cream and let the soup simmer gently for a few minutes, allowing it to thicken just slightly. This step gives your soup that silky texture and creamy finish you’re aiming for.

Step 8: Serve

Dish out the soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. If you like a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to taste.

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Tips to Perfect Your Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup

You want this soup to be memorable every time you make it, so here are some pro tips to ensure perfection:

• Sausage selection matters: Opt for quality Italian sausage. If you like a spicy kick, go for hot; if not, mild works beautifully.
• Don’t skip fire-roasted tomatoes: Their smoky flavor adds an unmatched depth that regular tomatoes can’t replicate.
• Mind the gnocchi: Cook them just until tender — overcooking turns them mushy and less appetizing.
• Adjust cream to preference: Want it lighter? Use less cream or substitute with half-and-half.
• Spice it up wisely: Crushed red pepper flakes add nice heat, but add gradually so you can control the spice level.

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Delicious Variations and Serving Suggestions

Feel free to customize this recipe to fit your taste and dietary needs. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Add extra veggies: Sauté mushrooms or bell peppers with the onions for more texture and flavor.
• Swap greens: Use kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for a heartier green.
• Make it dairy-free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream for a creamy but vegan-friendly option.
• Serve with sides: Crusty garlic bread or soft focaccia complements this soup perfectly.
• Turn it into a pasta dish: If you prefer pasta over gnocchi, try small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo.

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Nutritional Breakdown: What You’re Eating

This recipe makes approximately 6 servings. Here’s a rough estimate of what’s in each bowl:

• Calories: Between 375 and 425, depending on the sausage and cream used.
• Protein: Rich in protein from the sausage and cheese.
• Fat: Moderate, mainly from the sausage and cream.
• Carbohydrates: Mostly from the gnocchi and tomatoes.
• Vitamins: Good amounts of vitamins A, C, and K from the spinach.

By choosing low-sodium broth and controlling the salt, you can keep this dish heart-healthy while still indulgent.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare this soup a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop and consider adding a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much. You can also freeze the soup for up to 2 months — just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Is store-bought gnocchi okay to use?

Yes, store-bought gnocchi works perfectly and saves time. Fresh gnocchi cooks very quickly, so just add them towards the end of the cooking process.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Replace the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives or sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian.

What’s a good substitute for heavy cream?

If you want to avoid dairy or lighten the soup, try coconut cream, cashew cream, or even plain Greek yogurt (added off the heat to prevent curdling). These options still add creaminess without compromising texture.

How spicy is this soup?

The spiciness depends largely on the sausage you choose and the amount of crushed red pepper flakes you add. You have full control here — go mild or ramp up the heat as you prefer.

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Conclusion: Bring Comfort to Your Table with This Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup

You’ve now got a delicious recipe that checks all the boxes for a comforting, hearty meal that’s simple to make yet packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this creamy Italian sausage gnocchi soup is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

So why wait? Gather your ingredients, warm up your pot, and dive into this cozy bowl of comfort tonight. Don’t forget to share your experience — maybe even your own variations — in the comments below or with your loved ones. After all, great food is meant to be shared.

Ready to make your kitchen smell amazing and your dinner table happy? Start cooking your creamy Italian sausage gnocchi soup now!

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