I never planned on spilling tomato broth across my apron but that night it was worth every drip because I had just stirred up a bowl of Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup that stole my heart. I was pulling out math homework from the table in our tiny kitchen when the aroma of garlic and Italian style sausage teased me. I turned around and saw the tiny dumplings bobbing in a sea of rich broth. I tasted a spoonful as the rest of the family drifted in from school and work. Their eyes lit up before they even sat down.
I whisked in heavy cream while the pot simmered on a medium flame on my old stove. The gnocchi soaked up those flavors like sponges as the sausage released its savory juices. It was a cooking method so simple you could call it fuss free but the payoff felt restaurant level. And the best part was that I used pantry staples I already had so I saved time on shopping. You get a silky soup with tender gnocchi and savory sausage all in one pot and that meant you could pull together dinner even on a night when you felt swamped.
You took a seat and I ladled steaming bowls of Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup across the table. Then I watched you scoop up that first bite and grin wide like you just found treasure. Right then I knew this recipe would become one of our family rituals on busy weeknights.
Why you will fall for this soup
- It is creamy and hearty with tender gnocchi and savory sausage for protein
- You can simmer everything in a single pot on the stove for easy cleanup
- It is Italian style comfort that warms you from the inside out
- You likely have the main ingredient items in your pantry or freezer already
- Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a fast and filling meal
Pantry and fridge must haves
Here is what I pull from my cabinets and fridge before I even heat a pan. You will want these ready so you can slide into cooking quickly.
- Italian style sausage I like mild or spicy you pick what you love it adds most of the flavor and protein
- Store bought or homemade gnocchi those little potato dumplings soak up the broth and give you tender bites
- Canned diced tomatoes they add acid and color without extra chopping
- Chicken or vegetable broth that makes the base of the soup rich and flavorful
- Heavy cream or half and half that gives you the silky texture you crave
- Fresh garlic and onion I try to dice them into small pieces so they melt into the soup
- Italian seasonings such as basil oregano and parsley they fill the kitchen with warm herb notes
Steps to prep Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and brown sausage I break it into small pieces this renders fat and builds flavor right away
- Add diced onion and garlic once sausage is about halfway cooked you stir in veggies to soften them and pick up sausage juices
- Stir in canned tomatoes and broth pour them in you scrape the bottom of the pot to release all the tasty browned bits
- Bring mixture to a simmer then drop in gnocchi you keep the heat moderate so the dumplings cook through without falling apart
- Lower heat and stir in heavy cream I do this slowly so the soup stays smooth and does not split
- Season gently with salt pepper and dried herbs taste as you go you can always add more but you cant take it away
- Let the soup rest off heat for a few minutes this lets the sauce thicken and the flavors meld together nicely
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or Parmesan it makes each spoonful look and taste extra special
Shortcuts I always use
- I swap store bought gnocchi for homemade to save time and skip extra steps
- Instead of fresh garlic I sometimes use jarred minced garlic when I am in a real hurry
- Frozen chopped onions and peppers can stand in for fresh veggies they thaw fast in the hot broth
- Pre grated cheese saves you a step and melts right into soup without extra stirring
- I keep cooked sausage in my freezer so I can skip browning fresh meat on the go
That first bowl grin
One evening my daughter rushed in from basketball practice starving and tired. I scooped a big portion of soup into her favorite blue bowl and watched her blow on it before taking her first spoonful. She shut her eyes and nodded before saying it was the best thing she had eaten all day. My heart swelled because I knew she felt cared for just by sharing this bowl. Then my son scooped a second helping and he had sauce on his chin before I could remind him to eat neatly. The laughs and sticky smiles made that dinner feel like a small party in our kitchen.
Fun ways to serve
- Top with crunchy croutons or garlic bread cubes for a playful texture contrast
- Add a drizzle of pesto it brings herbal brightness to each creamy spoonful
- Serve with warm focaccia or a baguette to mop up every drop of broth
- Layer in a bread bowl for a showstopper presentation that is sure to impress
Storing and reheating your leftovers
I pack any extra soup into airtight containers and store in the fridge for up to three days. For longer stash you can freeze portions in freezer safe bags for up to two months. Just lay them flat when freezing so they stack neat and thaw faster.
When you are ready to eat again you let the soup thaw overnight in the fridge if it was frozen. Warm it on the stove over low heat stirring gently to bring it back to life. You may want to add a splash of broth or water if it thickened too much. Heat until it is just bubbling then ladle into bowls. If your gnocchi got too soft freeze them separately next time and stir fresh ones into the reheated soup for extra bite.
Wrapping up and your questions answered
I hope this guide to Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup helps you find joy in a simple one pot Italian style dinner you can whip up on any hectic night. The rich broth pillowy gnocchi and savory sausage make a meal that feels special while still staying easy to pull together. Try those shortcuts and serving ideas to make the recipe your own and you will soon see it sliding into your regular menu rotation. Now lets cover a few common questions you might have.
- Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage you certainly can turkey sausage works fine and gives a leaner protein swap
- Is it okay to add spinach or kale yes you can stir in fresh spinach or chopped kale near the end it wilts quickly
- Can I skip the cream you can use milk or a dairy free cream alternative though it wont be as rich
- How do I keep the gnocchi from getting mushy cook them just until they float then lower heat so they dont overcook
- What if I only have tomato paste not diced tomatoes whisk two tablespoons of paste into the broth and add a cup of water to mimic diced tomato texture
Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup
Equipment
- 1 Large pot or Dutch oven
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Ladle
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter version, substitute half with milk.
- 1 lb store-bought gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- grated Parmesan cheese for serving optional
- fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the sausage is cooked, add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the dried oregano and thyme, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once simmering, add the gnocchi to the pot. Cook according to package instructions, typically about 2-3 minutes, until they rise to the surface.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. Allow the soup to warm through for 2-3 minutes, making sure the spinach wilts.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary, then ladle the soup into bowls. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
