This Hearty Sausage Gnocchi Soup is warm and filling, perfect for chilly days! With tasty sausage, fluffy gnocchi, and fresh veggies, it’s a hug in a bowl.
I love how quick this soup comes together—just toss everything in and let it simmer. Plus, it makes your kitchen smell amazing! You might want to share, but good luck with that! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: I like using a mix of mild and spicy Italian sausage for extra flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey or chicken sausage works well too, keeping the dish lighter without losing much taste!
Gnocchi: Potato gnocchi is the star here, making the soup hearty and satisfying. If you can’t find fresh gnocchi, you can use shelf-stable gnocchi or even substitute with small pasta like mini shells or fusilli.
Vegetables: Zucchini and bell pepper add great texture and flavor. Feel free to swap in other veggies you may have on hand, like carrots or green beans. They’ll blend right in!
Heavy Cream: This gives the soup a creamy texture. You can substitute it with half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a lighter version if you prefer. Just remember that non-dairy creams can sometimes be thinner.
How Do I Caramelize Onions and Get the Best Flavor?
Getting those perfect onions adds depth to your soup! Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a medium-high heat and a touch of olive oil in your pot.
- When the oil is hot, add the diced onions and stir occasionally.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they’re soft and translucent, then kick up the flavor by adding minced garlic for the last 30 seconds.
- This method builds a wonderful base for your soup—don’t rush it!
How Do I Ensure My Gnocchi Is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking gnocchi might seem tricky, but it’s simple! Follow these steps:
- Once your soup is boiling, drop in the gnocchi and stir gently.
- Cook until they float to the top, usually about 2-3 minutes—this means they’re ready!
- Avoid overcooking, as they can get mushy. Keep an eye on them!
This soup is a delicious way to warm up any day. Enjoy your cooking! 🌟
Hearty Sausage Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14 oz) package potato gnocchi
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh rosemary or sage leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time and another 20-25 minutes of cooking time, so you can have it on the table in under an hour! Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add in the Italian sausage. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Keep an eye on it, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned and fully cooked. Once done, remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot (to soak up all those delicious flavors!), add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until you smell its wonderful aroma.
3. Add More Veggies:
Now, it’s time to sprinkle in the diced red bell pepper and sliced zucchini. Cook these for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re slightly tender. Your kitchen should smell fabulous by now!
4. Build Your Soup Base:
Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the dried Italian seasoning. Bring everything to a boil. This is where the magic starts happening!
5. Cook the Gnocchi:
Add the gnocchi and the previously cooked sausage back into the pot. Cook according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes until the gnocchi float to the top. This means they are perfectly tender!
6. Cream it Up!
Lower the heat and gently stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach leaves. Let it cook for an additional 2 minutes until the spinach has wilted and everything is well-combined and heated through. Yum!
7. Season and Serve:
Finally, taste the soup and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like it spicy!). Give it one last stir.
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each with a sprinkle of fresh rosemary or sage leaves. Enjoy this delicious, creamy soup that will warm you from the inside out!
Have a wonderful meal! 😊
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option, or even swap to a vegetarian sausage or lentils for a meat-free version. Just ensure it’s seasoned so your soup stays flavorful!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if it seems thickened.
Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based cream, such as coconut cream or cashew cream, to keep it dairy-free while still enjoying a rich texture.
What Can I Serve With This Soup?
This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple green salad. You could also serve it over a bed of greens for a nutritious meal!
