If you are craving a bowl of comfort that wraps you in warmth and rich flavors, this Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender potato gnocchi swimming in a creamy, savory broth, dotted with hearty crumbles of sausage and bursts of fresh spinach. It’s a dish that feels both indulgent and nourishing, perfect for cozy evenings or when you want to impress your family with something effortlessly delicious. Every spoonful brings a perfect balance of creamy texture, robust spices, and tasty veggies that make this soup a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keep your shopping list simple but effective with ingredients that bring amazing depth, texture, and color to this soup. Each element plays a starring role, from the crisp veggies that add freshness to the rich sausage and creamy broth that make this dish truly memorable.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Essential for browning the sausage and adding a subtle fruity flavor.
- 1 lb. ground sausage: Adds a savory and spicy foundation; choose your favorite variety.
- ½ cup dry white wine: Helps deglaze the pot and deepen the soup’s flavor.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Creates a rich base when sautéing the vegetables.
- 1 yellow onion (diced): Provides sweetness and aromatic complexity.
- ¾ cup carrots (diced): Adds color and a subtle natural sweetness.
- 2 ribs celery (diced): Brings earthiness and a nice crunch.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Boosts flavor with its warm, pungent kick.
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce: Enhances umami and depth without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce: Gives a gentle heat that livens up the soup.
- 1/3 cup flour: Thickens the broth just perfectly.
- 5 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that holds everything together.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds velvety smoothness and richness.
- 16 oz. potato gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up all the delicious flavors.
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (grated): Adds a salty, nutty finish and melts beautifully in the soup.
- 3 cups packed baby spinach: Brightens the dish with freshness and vibrant green color.
- ¾ teaspoon each of basil, parsley, oregano, mustard powder: These herbs and spices round out the flavor profile with aromatic and slightly tangy notes.
How to Make Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Get Prepped and Ready
Before you dive in, take a moment to prepare all your ingredients. Measure, dice, and mince as needed to make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. Trust me, having everything ready will make you feel like a kitchen pro from the start.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage to Perfection
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add your ground sausage and break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Keep stirring occasionally until the meat is fully browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Once ready, remove it from the pot and set aside. This step builds the savory heart of the soup.
Step 3: Add Flavor with Wine and Deglaze
Pour in the dry white wine and lower the heat to medium. Use a silicone spatula to scrape all those tasty browned bits stuck on the bottom and sides of the pot. These bits are flavor gold and will add incredible depth. Let the wine bubble gently and reduce by half; this takes roughly 4 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
Next, add in the butter along with diced onions, celery, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté everything until softened and fragrant, about 5-6 minutes. Stir in soy sauce, hot sauce, and your dried herbs and spices, letting the mixture cook for an additional 2 minutes. This layer of flavors is what makes this soup sing.
Step 5: Thicken the Broth
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetable mixture and stir well, cooking for 1-2 minutes. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and starts to thicken your soup base, giving it that wonderfully creamy texture you’re after.
Step 6: Add Broth and Cream
Slowly pour in the chicken broth a little at a time, stirring continuously to keep things smooth. Then, add the heavy cream the same way. Bring this beautiful mixture to a boil before reducing the heat and letting it simmer, so the flavors meld perfectly.
Step 7: Finish with Sausage and Gnocchi
Return the cooked sausage to the pot and add your potato gnocchi. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes, or according to the gnocchi package instructions, until the gnocchi float and soften. This makes the soup hearty and filling without being heavy.
Step 8: Cheese and Spinach Finale
Turn the heat down to low and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously so it melts smoothly into the broth. Then add the baby spinach and cook until it’s just wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and prepare to enjoy one of the most comforting bowls of soup you’ll ever taste.
How to Serve Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a little more grated Parmesan on top just before serving. A drizzle of good olive oil or a few red pepper flakes can also add an exciting flair if you like a bit more heat or richness.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a warm garlic baguette for dipping. A light side salad with vinaigrette can balance the richness and add a refreshing contrast, making the whole meal well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the soup in individual mini cauldrons or rustic bowls to enhance the cozy vibe. Garnishing with crisp fried sage leaves or a swirl of pesto adds an impressive gourmet touch without extra fuss. For parties, offering toppings bar with cheese, herbs, and crushed red pepper lets guests personalize their bowls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it covered in an airtight container to preserve the flavors and prevent the gnocchi from absorbing too much liquid, which could make them mushy.
Freezing
Because gnocchi can change texture when frozen, it’s best to store the soup and gnocchi separately if you plan to freeze. Freeze the soup base alone for up to 2 months, then add fresh gnocchi when reheating for the best taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Add fresh spinach or a handful of grated cheese right before serving if you like.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage works well as a leaner alternative and will still impart plenty of flavor. Just adjust cooking times slightly if the sausage is precooked or very lean.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Keep in mind that the texture will be slightly less rich, but the soup will still be delicious.
Is it okay to use store-bought gnocchi?
Yes, store-bought potato gnocchi works perfectly and makes this soup quick and effortless. Just follow package cooking instructions to ensure the gnocchi are cooked tender but not mushy.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, leave out the sausage or replace it with a plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’ll still have a flavorful, satisfying soup.
How spicy is this soup?
This Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe has a gentle kick from the hot sauce. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce or omit the hot sauce altogether. For those who love extra heat, feel free to add more or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making and sharing a homemade Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe that’s creamy, filling, and packed with flavor. Whether it’s for a chilly night or a casual family dinner, this recipe brings comfort and joy in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover your own love for this classic soup!
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Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This hearty Sausage Gnocchi Soup combines savory ground sausage, tender potato gnocchi, and fresh baby spinach in a creamy, flavorful broth enriched with white wine, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy meal, it’s rich, comforting, and packed with layers of flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb. ground sausage (mild or spicy Italian sausage recommended)
- ½ cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- ¾ cup carrots, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 16 oz. potato gnocchi (found in pasta aisle)
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 cups packed baby spinach
- ¾ teaspoon each: dried basil, dried parsley, dried oregano, mustard powder
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Measure and prepare all ingredients before beginning to ensure smooth cooking and efficient timing.
- Cook Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add ground sausage and crumble it with a spoon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked through about 7-10 minutes. Remove sausage from pot and set aside.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the dry white wine, keeping heat at medium. Use a silicone spatula to scrape the browned bits from the bottom and sides of the pot; this enhances flavor. Let the wine bubble gently and reduce by half, approximately 4 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add butter, diced onions, celery, carrots, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook stirring occasionally until the vegetables are softened, about 5-6 minutes. Stir in soy sauce, hot sauce, and the dried herb seasonings; cook for an additional 2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Make Roux: Sprinkle flour over the vegetable mixture and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste and thicken the soup base.
- Add Broth and Cream: Gradually add chicken broth in small splashes, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Follow by adding heavy cream in the same manner. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Add Sausage and Gnocchi: Return cooked sausage to the pot along with the potato gnocchi. Simmer gently for about 5 minutes or as per gnocchi package instructions until gnocchi are tender and cooked through.
- Finish Soup: Lower heat to low. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese continuously to melt evenly into the soup. Add baby spinach and cook until wilted, approximately 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your flavor preference.
- Dry white wine enhances depth but can be omitted or replaced with extra broth if desired.
- Adjust hot sauce amount for preferred spice level.
- Gnocchi cooking times may vary by brand; check package instructions.
- For a lower fat version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though soup will be less rich.
- To make this soup gluten free, use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener and gluten-free gnocchi.
