Discover the Best Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe Today!

When the chilly winds start to blow and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup to warm the soul. This hearty, flavor-packed soup is the ultimate comfort food, blending the richness of Italian sausage, the tenderness of gnocchi, and the creaminess of a decadent broth. Whether you’re craving a cozy night in or looking to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), removed from casings
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, stemmed and chopped
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 6 cups chicken broth (or bone broth)
• 1 bunch lacinato kale, stemmed and chopped
• 1 (1-lb) package shelf-stable gnocchi
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Grated or shaved Parmesan cheese, for serving

Cooking Equipment Needed for Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup

To make this delicious Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. A large pot or Dutch oven is a must for simmering the soup, and a sharp chef’s knife will make quick work of chopping the vegetables. A sturdy wooden spoon or spatula will help you stir and scrape the bottom of the pot, ensuring every bit of flavor is incorporated. And don’t forget a ladle for serving up those hearty portions!

How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup

Ready to dive into the comforting world of Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup? Let’s get started!

First, heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until it’s mostly browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes.

Next, stir in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Then, add the minced garlic and chopped rosemary, and cook for 1 minute more, until the garlic is fragrant.

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the sausage and vegetables, and then stir to incorporate it. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup begins to thicken.

Now, it’s time to add the lacinato kale and the gnocchi. Cook for just a couple of minutes, just until the kale is wilted and the gnocchi is tender.

Finally, stir in the heavy cream and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of grated or shaved Parmesan cheese.

Variations on Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup

While the classic version of Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is already a flavor explosion, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your taste. For a healthier option, you can use ground turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork. Swap out the kale for spinach or other hearty greens. And if you’re not a fan of gnocchi, you can substitute other small pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini.

If you’re looking to amp up the spice, try using a spicy Italian sausage or adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. For a heartier meal, serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or garlic-parmesan toast for dipping.

Nutritional Information for Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup

This Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is a comforting and satisfying dish, but it’s also surprisingly nutritious. The Italian sausage provides a boost of protein, while the vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The heavy cream contributes to the rich, velvety texture, but you can lighten it up by using half-and-half or even unsweetened almond milk.

To make the dish even healthier, you can increase the vegetable content by adding extra carrots, celery, or kale. Pair the soup with a fresh green salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup

Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is a true one-pot wonder, but it can also be a delightful part of a larger meal. Serve it alongside a crisp, green salad for a light and refreshing contrast. Crusty Italian bread or garlic-parmesan breadsticks are also a perfect pairing, perfect for dipping into the rich, creamy broth.

For a cozy, wine-paired dinner, consider a medium-bodied red wine, such as a Chianti or Malbec, to complement the savory flavors of the soup. And don’t forget to top each bowl with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a truly indulgent experience.

FAQs about Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup

Can I make Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can definitely make Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup in a slow cooker! Start by browning the sausage in a skillet to enhance the flavor, then transfer it to the slow cooker along with the sautéed onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and any herbs you’re using. Add the broth and other ingredients, except for the gnocchi and heavy cream. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the gnocchi and heavy cream, allowing the soup to finish cooking and the gnocchi to become tender.

What can I serve with Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup to make it a complete meal?

To make Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of crusty bread, such as Italian or sourdough, for dipping. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette can also complement the richness of the soup. Additionally, garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables would enhance the meal’s overall flavor and nutrition, providing a balanced dining experience.

How can I adjust the creaminess of the soup if I want a lighter version?

If you prefer a lighter version of Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute it with half-and-half or whole milk. For an even lighter option, consider using unsweetened almond milk or oat milk, keeping in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture. Additionally, you can add more broth to maintain the soup’s volume while reducing the creaminess, ensuring it remains flavorful and satisfying without being too rich.

What are some tips for making the gnocchi from scratch for this soup?

Making gnocchi from scratch is a rewarding process! Start with about 2 cups of cooked and mashed potatoes, ideally starchy varieties like Russets. Mix the potatoes with 1 to 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour, an egg, and a pinch of salt until a dough forms. Be careful not to overwork the dough. Roll it out into ropes, then cut into bite-sized pieces. To add texture, you can lightly press each piece with a fork. Allow the gnocchi to rest for about 30 minutes before cooking them in boiling salted water. They are ready when they float to the surface, which usually takes 2-3 minutes. Adding homemade gnocchi will elevate your soup and make it even more special!

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Creamy Garlic Shrimp
• Creamy Garlic Sauce Steak
• Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta

Dive into the comforting flavors of Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup and let it warm your soul on a chilly day. With its rich broth, tender gnocchi, and savory sausage, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and personalize it to your taste. Enjoy!

For more snack ideas and kitchen inspiration, follow me on Pinterest.

Print