Creamy Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Creamy Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. I stumbled upon this recipe on a lazy Sunday afternoon and immediately fell in love with how rich and comforting it tastes—all while being so simple to whip up. The mix of Italian sausage, tender gnocchi, and that silky cream base makes it a wholesome bowl of deliciousness you’ll want to make again and again.

What really makes this Creamy Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup Recipe stand out is its perfect balance of heartiness and subtle gourmet flavors, thanks to sun-dried tomatoes and fresh Parmesan. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or something to impress guests in a casual setting, this soup works like a charm. Plus, I love how flexible it is—you can easily tweak it to suit your mood or what’s in your pantry.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

This Creamy Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup Recipe is all about layering flavors and textures that play off each other beautifully. Each ingredient brings something special to the table—from the sweetness of the carrots and onions to the rich savoriness of the sausage and cheese. And don’t forget, prepping your ingredients ahead will make the whole cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

• Ground Italian Sausage: The star of the soup, adding spice and savory depth that gives the whole dish its signature flavor.
• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and a tender bite that balances the richness of the cream.
• Celery: Contributes a fresh, crisp background note that makes every spoonful lively.
• Yellow Onion: Brings a mild sweetness when cooked down, essential for a great base flavor.
• Garlic: A must for that warm, aromatic kick that wakes up the whole pot.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Imparts a tangy, slightly chewy texture and enhances overall complexity; just be sure to drain excess oil!
• Herbs De Provence or Italian Seasoning: This blend gives the soup its subtle herbal notes, rounding out the savory flavors perfectly.
• Chicken Broth: The broth is the vehicle for flavor, and using a good quality one makes all the difference.
• Shelf Stable Potato Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy, and quick-cooking, it adds wonderful comfort and soaks in the soup’s essence.
• Fresh Baby Spinach: Adds freshness and a pop of color, plus a boost of nutrients. Frozen works too when you’re in a rush!
• Heavy Cream or Half and Half: For creaminess—heavy cream gives richness, but half and half works great if you want it lighter.
• Fresh Parmesan: Melts into the soup adding salty, nutty complexity that makes the broth sing.
• Salt and Pepper: To season and balance everything—never skip this final step for the best taste.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love customizing this Creamy Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup Recipe depending on the season or what’s in our fridge. It’s so forgiving and open to swaps—you can easily add more veggies or change up the cheese. It’s your kitchen playground!

• Variation: I sometimes add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers for an earthier, veggie-packed twist. It gives the soup a nice texture contrast and stretches it further.
• Greener Spin: Swap the heavy cream for half and half or even a lighter milk to make it a bit less rich while keeping the creamy feel.
• Herb Switch-Up: If you’re not a fan of Herbs De Provence, fresh basil or oregano works wonderfully too for a more Mediterranean vibe.
• Spice Level: For a little heat, I sprinkle in some red pepper flakes alongside the sausage—just enough to warm things up without overwhelming the flavors.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté the Veggies

Start by heating your Dutch oven or a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the ground Italian sausage along with the diced onions, carrots, and celery. I find stirring frequently is key here—this helps the sausage brown evenly and prevents the veggies from sticking or burning. Cook everything together until the sausage is nicely browned and the vegetables have softened, about 8-10 minutes. This base layer is where much of the flavor develops, so try not to rush it!

Step 2: Add Garlic, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Herbs

Next, stir in the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes—be sure to drain the tomatoes well to avoid extra oiliness. You’ll want to cook this combination just for about a minute or so until the garlic releases that irresistible aroma. Then sprinkle your herbs de Provence or Italian seasoning on top to infuse the broth with fresh herb flavor. Trust me, this step makes a huge difference and fills your kitchen with amazing smells.

Step 3: Add Broth and Gnocchi, Cook Until Tender

Pour in the chicken broth and add the gnocchi. Bring everything to a boil, then cook for about 2 minutes to let the gnocchi puff up and soften. This part is quick, so keep an eye on it—the gnocchi cooks fast. Once done, stir in the fresh chopped spinach (or frozen if that’s what you have), and watch it wilt down beautifully, adding a fresh pop of color and subtle earthiness.

Step 4: Stir in Cream and Parmesan, Simmer to Finish

Reduce the heat to low, then pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir consistently until the cheese melts completely, creating that luscious creamy base. Let the soup simmer gently for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You’ll notice the soup thickening nicely, turning into a dreamy, satisfying meal.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Before serving, taste your soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. This final seasoning step allows you to tailor the soup perfectly to your taste buds. Serve it up hot, maybe with a crusty piece of bread on the side, and enjoy the comforting flavors you created!

How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Garnishes

For garnishes, I love topping this soup with a sprinkle of extra freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil—it brightens each spoonful and adds a lovely herbal freshness. Sometimes I add a quick grind of black pepper or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for a touch of elegance.

Side Dishes

A warm, crusty baguette or some garlic bread is a classic pairing that lets you soak up every last drop of soup. For a lighter side, a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette contrasts nicely with the creamy texture of the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the soup in charming soup crocks or mini Dutch ovens for an elevated touch. Adding a small parmesan crisp on top or a swirl of pesto also makes a beautiful presentation that guests really appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the soup cools, I transfer leftovers into airtight containers and store them in the fridge where they keep well for up to three days. Because of the cream and gnocchi, this soup holds up nicely and tastes nearly as good the next day, especially after a good reheat.

Freezing

To be honest, I don’t usually freeze this soup since the cream base and gnocchi can change texture when thawed. If you want to freeze it, try freezing before adding the cream and Parmesan, then stir those in fresh when reheating.

Reheating

I reheat my Creamy Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup Recipe gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently. If it has thickened too much after cooling, I add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it back to that perfect creamy consistency.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup Recipe has become one of my go-to meals whenever I crave something comforting yet flavorful. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s straightforward, forgiving, and rewards you with a bowl full of cozy goodness. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll be one you come back to on those days you want a little extra warmth and love from the kitchen.

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