Description
A rich and comforting Italian-inspired soup featuring savory sausage, pillowy gnocchi, fresh greens, and a luxuriously creamy broth. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect cozy meal for chilly evenings or busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot, casings removed)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a pinch each of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half/evaporated milk for lighter version)
- 2 cups baby spinach or chopped kale
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced (optional)
- 16 oz potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste (start with 1/2 tsp salt)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, add Italian sausage. Break up with a wooden spoon and cook until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Spoon off excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
- Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring often, until veggies are softened and onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle in garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in potato gnocchi. Simmer until gnocchi float and become tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Add spinach or kale; stir until wilted and vibrant green.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in Parmesan until melted and soup is silky.
- Ladle into bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs. Serve hot.
Notes
For gluten-free, use gluten-free potato gnocchi and check sausage ingredients. For dairy-free, swap cream for coconut milk and use vegan Parmesan. Don’t overcook gnocchi—they cook fast and can get mushy. Let soup sit for 5 minutes off heat before serving for best flavor. Add extra broth if soup thickens too much. Customize with your favorite greens or veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 2 cups per serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 20
Keywords: gnocchi soup, Italian sausage soup, creamy soup, comfort food, easy dinner, one-pot meal, fall recipes, winter soup, quick soup, weeknight dinner