Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup: 6 Heartwarming Steps

Name: Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup: 6 Heartwarming Steps
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound Italian sausage; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi; 2 cups spinach; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

By:

Christina R. Jones

October 23, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

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Oh my goodness, have you ever tried creamy Italian sausage gnocchi soup? Let me tell you, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl! This soup is the ultimate comfort food, brimming with rich flavors that just make your taste buds dance. Picture this: savory Italian sausage sautéed to perfection, mingling with tender gnocchi, all enveloped in a luscious creamy broth. Honestly, it’s hard to believe something so delicious can come together so quickly!

This soup has become a staple in my home, especially on chilly evenings when everyone’s craving something hearty and satisfying. I love how versatile it is; you can toss in whatever greens you have on hand, and it still tastes incredible! Plus, it only takes about 30 minutes to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Trust me, once you try my creamy Italian sausage gnocchi soup, you’ll want to keep it in your dinner rotation forever. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!

creamy italian sausage gnocchi soup - detail 1

Ingredients List

To make the most delicious creamy Italian sausage gnocchi soup, you’ll need the following ingredients, each one playing a vital role in bringing together that comforting flavor:

1 pound Italian sausage: I prefer the mild variety, but feel free to use spicy if you want a little kick! Just make sure to remove the casing before cooking.
1 medium onion, diced: This adds a lovely sweetness and depth to the soup. Dicing it small ensures it cooks evenly and blends well with the other flavors.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is a must! It brings a wonderful aromatic quality that will have your kitchen smelling divine.
4 cups chicken broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over the saltiness. This is the base of your soup, so choose a good quality one that you love.
1 cup heavy cream: This is what makes the soup super creamy and rich. Don’t skimp on this; it truly elevates the dish!
1 package (16 oz) gnocchi: You can find these in the pasta aisle. They cook quickly and add a delightful pillowy texture to the soup.
2 cups spinach: Fresh spinach adds a splash of color and nutrition. You can also substitute with kale or Swiss chard if you prefer.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs ties all the flavors together, giving your soup that authentic Italian flair.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning! Always taste as you go to get the perfect balance of flavors.

How to Prepare Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup

Now that you’ve gathered all those delicious ingredients, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to whip up your creamy Italian sausage gnocchi soup in no time.

Step 1: Cook the Italian Sausage

First up, grab a large pot and heat it over medium heat. Add the pound of Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. You want it to brown nicely, so let it sizzle away for about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s no longer pink and has developed a lovely golden color. This browning step is crucial because it adds a ton of flavor to your soup! Once it’s cooked through, drain any excess fat if necessary, and set the sausage aside for now.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook them over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and soft—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. You’ll start to smell that amazing aroma wafting through your kitchen! Be careful not to burn the garlic; if it starts to brown too much, just lower the heat a bit.

Step 3: Add Broth and Bring to a Boil

Now, it’s time to pour in those 4 cups of chicken broth. Use a whisk to scrape up any delicious brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pot—this adds even more flavor to your soup! Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat. Once it’s bubbling happily, you can reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi

Next, it’s time to add the star of the show—your gnocchi! Toss in the entire package (16 oz) and give it a gentle stir. Cook the gnocchi for about 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface of the broth. That’s your sign they’re tender and ready to go. If you want to be extra sure, just taste one to check for that delightful pillowy texture!

Step 5: Incorporate Cream and Spinach

Once your gnocchi are cooked, reduce the heat to low. Now comes the magic—pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir it gently into the soup. This is what makes it rich and creamy! Then, add in your fresh spinach, stirring until it wilts down and brightens the soup. This step is key because it not only enhances the flavor but also boosts the nutrition of your dish.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Finally, it’s time to season your masterpiece! Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste, remembering to start with a little and add more as needed. Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning until it’s just right. Once everything is well mixed and heated through, ladle it into bowls and serve hot. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every creamy, comforting bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This creamy Italian sausage gnocchi soup comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
Hearty Flavors: The combination of savory Italian sausage, rich cream, and tender gnocchi creates a bowl of comfort that warms you from the inside out.
Nutritional Value: Packed with protein from the sausage and nutrients from fresh spinach, this soup is a delicious way to sneak in some veggies!
Versatile: Feel free to add or swap in your favorite vegetables, making it a customizable dish that suits your palate.
Leftover Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, so you can enjoy the comforting flavors all over again!

Tips for Success

To ensure your creamy Italian sausage gnocchi soup turns out perfect every time, here are some handy tips that I’ve learned along the way:

Ingredient Substitutions: If you’re looking for a lighter version, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also swap the Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a healthier option!
Fresh vs. Dried Herbs: While fresh spinach is fantastic, you can use frozen spinach if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the soup.
Don’t Rush the Browning: When cooking the sausage, let it brown nicely. This adds a depth of flavor that you don’t want to miss out on!
Adjust Seasoning: Always taste and adjust your seasonings at the end. Depending on the broth you use, you might need less salt than you think.
Cool and Store: If you have leftovers, let the soup cool before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps maintain the creamy texture when reheating!

Nutritional Information

Before we dive into the deliciousness, it’s important to note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. However, here’s a general breakdown of the typical nutritional values for one bowl of creamy Italian sausage gnocchi soup:

Calories: 450
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 800mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 20g

This soup packs a hearty punch while providing a good balance of protein and nutrients, making it not just a comforting meal, but a nourishing one too!

FAQ Section

Got questions about creamy Italian sausage gnocchi soup? No worries! Here are some of the most common inquiries I get about this delicious recipe:

Can I make this soup ahead of time? Absolutely! This soup is perfect for meal prep. Just make it up to the point of adding the cream and spinach. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, just reheat it gently on the stove and add the cream and spinach to finish!
What can I substitute for gnocchi? If you can’t find gnocchi or want to switch things up, you can use small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as they may vary.
Can I use a different type of sausage? Definitely! Feel free to experiment with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option. Each will bring its own unique flavor!
How do I store leftovers? Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It should keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, be sure to leave out the cream until you’re ready to reheat, as it can change texture when frozen.
What’s the best way to reheat the soup? The best way to reheat creamy Italian sausage gnocchi soup is on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently. This helps maintain that lovely creamy texture. If it’s too thick after refrigerating, you can add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your creamy Italian sausage gnocchi soup properly is key to enjoying those delicious flavors later! Allow the soup to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, so you can savor those comforting bites all week long.

If you’re thinking about freezing it, that’s an option too! Just remember to leave out the cream before freezing, as it can change texture. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop over low heat. Stir in the cream and fresh spinach at the end for that rich, creamy finish. If it seems a bit thick after reheating, don’t hesitate to add a splash of chicken broth or water to get it back to that luscious consistency!