Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup: A Comforting Bowl of Bliss

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Picture this: a cold evening, a cozy kitchen, and the aroma of hearty, creamy Italian sausage gnocchi soup simmering on the stovetop. This soup isn’t just food—it’s a warm hug in a bowl, full of comforting flavors, soft pillowy gnocchi, and savory Italian sausage. It’s perfect for family dinners, entertaining guests, or simply indulging yourself with a rich and flavorful dish that feels like pure comfort.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make creamy Italian sausage gnocchi soup step-by-step. From gathering the freshest ingredients to adding your finishing touches, this article will ensure your soup turns out absolutely irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup

  • Rich and creamy: The double cream and Parmesan create a velvety texture that coats every bite.
  • Hearty and satisfying: Italian sausage and gnocchi make this soup filling enough to be a complete meal.
  • Packed with flavor: Aromatic garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of red chili flakes make every spoonful exciting.
  • Simple to make: This one-pot recipe comes together quickly, with minimal prep and easy-to-follow steps.
  • Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this soup is always a hit.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious soup:

CategoryIngredientAmount
Base IngredientsOlive oil1 tablespoon
Italian sausage (casings removed)400 g (1 lb)
Onion, finely diced1 medium
Carrot, diced1 medium
Celery sticks, diced2
Garlic cloves, minced2 large
SeasoningsItalian seasoning1 teaspoon
Red chili flakes¼ teaspoon
LiquidsDry white wine75 ml (⅓ cup)
Chicken stock1 litre (4 cups)
Double cream150 ml (¾ cup)
Add-insGnocchi500 g
Baby spinachA handful
Freshly grated Parmesan30 g (¼ cup)

Step-by-Step Recipe for Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

  • Before you start cooking, gather and measure all your ingredients. Dice the onion, carrot, and celery. Mince the garlic and remove the casings from the sausage if needed.

2. Sauté the Sausage

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
  • Add the Italian sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes, breaking it apart with your spoon as it browns. Cook until the sausage is slightly crispy on the edges.

3. Add the Vegetables

  • Stir in the onion, carrot, and celery, cooking for 2–3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
  • Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, and red chili flakes, and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Deglaze with White Wine

  • Pour in 75 ml (⅓ cup) of dry white wine and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine simmer for 1–2 minutes until most of the alcohol evaporates.

5. Simmer the Soup Base

  • Add 1 litre (4 cups) of chicken stock to the pot. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil.
  • Lower the heat to a simmer and let the soup cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

6. Add the Cream and Gnocchi

  • Stir in 150 ml (¾ cup) of double cream to make the soup rich and velvety.
  • Add the gnocchi and cook for 2–3 minutes, or as specified on the package instructions. Gnocchi cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it!

7. Add Spinach and Parmesan

  • Stir in a handful of baby spinach and let it wilt in the heat of the soup.
  • Add 30 g (¼ cup) of freshly grated Parmesan and stir until it melts into the soup.
  • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

8. Serve and Enjoy

  • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra grated Parmesan or a pinch of red chili flakes for added heat. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, creamy flavors of this comforting dish.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup

  • Choose high-quality sausage: Opt for a flavorful Italian sausage, either mild or spicy, depending on your preference.
  • Don’t overcook the gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks quickly, so be careful not to leave it in the soup for too long, or it may become mushy.
  • Use fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds more flavor than pre-packaged options.
  • Deglaze the pot properly: Scrape up all the browned bits when adding the white wine—they add depth to the soup’s flavor.
  • Adjust consistency: If the soup feels too thick, you can add more chicken stock to thin it out.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (based on 6 servings):

NutrientAmount Per Serving
Calories~420
Protein~20g
Carbohydrates~30g
Fat~25g
Saturated Fat~10g
Sodium~800mg

Creative Variations

1. Make It Spicy

  • Use spicy Italian sausage and increase the amount of red chili flakes for a soup with extra heat.

2. Gluten-Free Option

  • Replace regular gnocchi with gluten-free gnocchi or use diced potatoes for a gluten-free alternative.

3. Dairy-Free Version

  • Swap the double cream for coconut milk and skip the Parmesan for a dairy-free variation.

4. Add Extra Veggies

  • Include chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or kale for added nutrition and texture.

5. Vegetarian Option

  • Use plant-based sausage and vegetable stock to make this soup vegetarian-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the soup base ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Add the gnocchi, spinach, and cream just before serving to ensure the best texture.

2. Can I freeze this soup?

While the soup base freezes well, gnocchi and cream can change texture after freezing. If you plan to freeze, omit the gnocchi and cream, then add them fresh when reheating.

3. What can I substitute for double cream?

You can use heavy cream or half-and-half as a substitute for double cream.

4. Can I use pre-cooked gnocchi?

Yes, store-bought pre-cooked gnocchi works perfectly. Just add it during the final minutes of cooking to heat it through.

5. What type of white wine should I use?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay works best for this recipe. If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of chicken stock.

6. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken stock if it thickens too much.

Final Thoughts: Warm Up with a Bowl of Comfort

Creamy Italian sausage gnocchi soup is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting experience in every bite. With its rich, velvety texture and bold, savory flavors, this soup is perfect for chilly nights, casual gatherings, or even a simple weeknight dinner.

So why wait? Gather your ingredients, grab a heavy-bottomed pot, and treat yourself to a bowl of this soul-warming soup.

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Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup: A Comforting Bowl of Bliss


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  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6

Description

Warm up with this rich and comforting creamy Italian sausage gnocchi soup. Packed with savory Italian sausage, tender gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a velvety cream broth, it’s the ultimate one-pot meal perfect for cozy evenings or family gatherings.


Ingredients

For the Soup Base:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound (400 g) Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 2 celery sticks, diced
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)

Liquids:

  • 1/3 cup (75 ml) dry white wine
  • 4 cups (1 liter) chicken stock
  • 3/4 cup (150 ml) double cream (or heavy cream)

Add-ins:

  • 1 pound (500 g) gnocchi
  • 1 handful of baby spinach
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) freshly grated Parmesan

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Sausage
    • Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
    • Add Italian sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon, until browned and slightly crispy.
  2. Cook the Vegetables
    • Stir in the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the vegetables soften.
    • Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red chili flakes. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Deglaze with White Wine
    • Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
  4. Simmer the Soup
    • Add the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. Add Cream and Gnocchi
    • Stir in the double cream for a rich and velvety texture.
    • Add the gnocchi and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until the gnocchi floats to the surface.
  6. Finish with Spinach and Parmesan
    • Stir in the baby spinach and let it wilt in the heat of the soup.
    • Add freshly grated Parmesan and stir until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Serve and Garnish
    • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan or a pinch of red chili flakes for added heat. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use quality sausage: A flavorful Italian sausage, either mild or spicy, enhances the soup’s depth.
  • Don’t overcook gnocchi: Add it near the end of cooking to keep it tender and avoid mushiness.
  • Deglazing tip: Scraping the pot after adding wine adds depth to the flavor by incorporating browned bits into the broth.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: One-Pot Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

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