Name: Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 400 g (1 lb) Italian sausage, casings removed and cut into chunks; 1 medium onion, finely diced; 1 medium carrot, diced; 2 celery sticks, diced; 2 large garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon red chilli flakes; 75 ml (⅓ cup) dry white wine; 1 litre (4 cups) chicken stock; 150 ml (¾ cup) double cream; 500 g gnocchi; A handful baby spinach; 30 g (¼ cup) freshly grated Parmesan

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 29 reviews

If you’re craving something cozy, rich, and downright comforting, I’m about to share my go-to Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe that has won over family and friends (and honestly, me too). This soup isn’t just your average bowl of goodness — it’s packed with hearty Italian sausage, pillowy gnocchi, and a luscious creamy broth that hugs you from the inside out. Keep reading because once you try this, it’ll become your winter favorite (or any-season comfort food) just like it did for me.

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Why This Recipe Works

Flavor Balance: The sausage adds savory depth, while the cream softens and rounds it out perfectly.
Texture Harmony: Gnocchi’s pillowy softness pairs beautifully with tender veggies and spinach for a comforting bite every time.
Quick & Satisfying: Ready in just about 35 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknights when you want something homemade without a fuss.
Versatile and Inviting: It welcomes tweaks, so you can make it your own, whether adding heat or extra greens.

Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup, Italian sausage soup, gnocchi soup recipe, creamy sausage and gnocchi soup, hearty Italian soup - A bowl filled with a creamy yellow soup containing round gnocchi pieces that are slightly shiny and smooth. Mixed within the soup are browned meat pieces with a crumbly texture and small bits of orange carrots scattered throughout. There are dark green spinach leaves adding color contrast. The soup looks thick and warm, with some grated cheese sprinkled on top and around the bowl edges. The bowl is white and set on a white marbled surface, with a striped cloth nearby and a block of cheese partially visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe come together effortlessly to create a rich, satisfying bowl. Each plays a distinct role, and I like to use fresh, high-quality components — it really makes a difference. Here’s a quick rundown of why these ingredients shine together:

Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup, Italian sausage soup, gnocchi soup recipe, creamy sausage and gnocchi soup, hearty Italian soup - Flat lay of a few chunks of Italian sausage, a medium diced onion, a medium diced carrot, two diced celery sticks, two large garlic cloves, a small bowl of Italian seasoning, a small dish of red chili flakes, a glass with a splash of white wine, a ladle of creamy chicken stock, a pile of gnocchi, a handful of fresh baby spinach leaves, and a small mound of freshly grated Parmesan cheese placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Olive oil: A great base for sautéing that adds subtle fruitiness and helps brown the sausage nicely.
Italian sausage: Choose good-quality sausage with robust seasoning to pack that savory punch.
Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth when softened.
Carrot: Provides a slight earthy sweetness and texture.
Celery: Offers a refreshing aromatic crunch that balances the creaminess.
Garlic: Essential for warmth and that unmistakable Italian flair.
Italian seasoning: Shorthand for classic herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme — it infuses the soup with cozy flavors.
Red chilli flakes: A little kick to keep things interesting; you can easily dial it up or down.
Dry white wine: Adds brightness and acidity, helping cut through the richness.
Chicken stock: The flavorful base of the soup; homemade or low-sodium store-bought work great.
Double cream: This is the silky element that makes the soup indulgent and smooth.
Gnocchi: My favorite comfort carb here, with its soft and pillowy texture soaking up the broth beautifully.
Baby spinach: Adds a fresh pop of color and a healthy touch without overpowering the flavors.
Parmesan: The finishing touch for that nutty, salty richness you’ll want to sprinkle generously.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the great things about this Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe is how flexible it is. I often change things up depending on what I have on hand or what mood I’m in. Feel free to tailor it so it suits your cravings perfectly.

Make it spicy: When I want a bit more heat, I toss in an extra pinch of red chilli flakes or even a dash of hot paprika — it wakes up the flavors beautifully.
Vegetarian version: Swap sausage for mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives; use vegetable stock and a touch of smoked paprika for that umami depth.
Greens upgrade: Sometimes I add kale or swiss chard instead of spinach for a heartier green component.
Cheese swap: If parmesan isn’t your thing, pecorino romano or even a sprinkle of mozzarella can bring delightful variations.

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

Step 1: Brown the sausage to build flavor

Heat that olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat — you want it shimmering but not smoking. Add your sausage chunks, breaking them up with your spoon as they cook. I usually let it sizzle for about 4-5 minutes until the edges get nicely browned. This is key because those caramelized bits add serious depth and a meaty richness that makes the soup sing. Don’t rush it — take your time to get that good color without burning.

Step 2: Sauté the veggies for aroma and sweetness

Next, toss in the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Stir to combine and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and the veggies start to release their natural sweetness. This mirepoix base creates layers of flavor in your soup — it’s like the backbone supporting everything else. Then add your minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red chili flakes. Let them cook together for another minute until the kitchen smells amazing and the spices bloom.

Step 3: Deglaze and simmer for flavor concentration

Pour in the dry white wine, stirring as you scrape the bottom of the pot to lift up all those browned bits. Give it about a minute to cook off the alcohol — you’ll notice the smell change to something rich and inviting, that’s your cue. Then add the chicken stock, crank the heat up to bring it to a boil, and reduce the heat to low for a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for about 10 minutes; this step lets all the flavors meld beautifully and intensifies the broth.

Step 4: Add cream, gnocchi, and finish with greens

Now stir in the double cream—it instantly transforms the broth into something silky and decadent. Add your gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 2-3 minutes. You’ll see the gnocchi puff up a bit as they cook, which is always so satisfying to watch. Finally, stir in the baby spinach and freshly grated Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to your liking (taste it — don’t be shy!). Serve it piping hot for that perfect creamy hug in a bowl.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Don’t skip browning: That caramelization on the sausage is vital — it packs flavor that makes the soup taste homemade and rich.
Wine wisely: Use a dry white you’d enjoy drinking since it improves the broth’s flavor without overpowering it.
Timing the gnocchi: Add gnocchi last and keep an eye on cooking times so they don’t get mushy in the creamy soup.
Season gradually: Salt as you go but always taste before serving to avoid oversalting, especially since Parmesan adds saltiness too.

How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup, Italian sausage soup, gnocchi soup recipe, creamy sausage and gnocchi soup, hearty Italian soup - The image shows a white bowl filled with a creamy soup featuring three main layers: a thick yellow-orange broth base, small pieces of cooked sausage scattered throughout, and soft gnocchi floating on top. Bright green spinach leaves and small bits of orange carrot are mixed into the soup, adding color contrast. The soup is sprinkled with shredded cheese and some black pepper. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with a piece of grated cheese and a cheese grater blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually top this soup with a little extra freshly grated Parmesan for that final salty kick. Sometimes, I sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves to add a burst of fresh green flavor and a pretty pop of color. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or even a few crunchy garlic croutons on top amps it up to restaurant-level cozy.

Side Dishes

To keep things simple and balanced, I like serving this soup alongside a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. For extra indulgence, garlic bread or warm focaccia is fantastic for sopping up every last creamy drop.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, for a cozy dinner party, I served this Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe in mini bread bowls — talk about cozy and impressive! Another time, I layered the soup with a sprinkle of crispy pancetta on top for added texture. You can also jazz it up by serving it with a side of roasted garlic and herb butter for guests to spread on bread, turning your soup night into a total experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, but I recommend stirring the soup well before reheating because the cream and gnocchi tend to settle. Avoid leaving it out too long to keep everything fresh and delicious.

Freezing

Freezing this soup can be a bit tricky because the cream and gnocchi don’t always thaw with the same texture. I’ve tried freezing a small batch and noticed the gnocchi gets a bit softer, so if you plan to freeze, consider leaving out the spinach and Parmesan and adding fresh after reheating for best results.

Reheating

Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or curdling of the cream. If it feels too thick after reheating, splash in a bit of chicken stock or water to loosen it up. Add fresh spinach and Parmesan right before serving to revive those fresh flavors.

FAQs

Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage?

Absolutely! Turkey or chicken sausage can be a leaner alternative and still deliver great flavor. Just make sure to choose one that’s well-seasoned so you don’t lose the signature savory taste that the Italian sausage brings.
What type of gnocchi works best in this soup?

I prefer store-bought potato gnocchi because they cook quickly and absorb the soup’s flavors well. Fresh gnocchi work fine too, but keep an eye on cooking times since they may cook faster and get mushy if overdone.
Is it okay to substitute heavy cream for double cream?

Yes, heavy cream works well and gives a similar richness. Double cream is a bit thicker, but the difference won’t be drastic. Just use whichever you have handy.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?

You can! Swap the double cream for coconut cream or cashew cream, and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for the cheesy flavor. Just keep in mind it’ll change the texture and flavor slightly, but still delicious.
How do I prevent the gnocchi from getting mushy?

Add the gnocchi last and cook just until they float or soften according to the package instructions. Overcooking is the main culprit, so keep a close eye and taste as you go.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe has a special place in my heart — it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and that incredible savory creaminess make it a crowd-pleaser every time I make it. I hope you’ll love it just as much as I do—grab that stove, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a bowl of comfort that’s every bit as delicious as it sounds.