Creamy Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of soup that feels both hearty and indulgent, and that’s exactly why the Creamy Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup Recipe has earned a permanent spot in my weekly dinner rotation. It’s one of those meals that wraps you up in cozy flavors—rich Italian sausage, tender gnocchi, and a decadent creamy broth all come together in this soup that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether it’s a chilly weeknight or you just want a bowl full of something special, this recipe hits the mark every time.

What makes this Creamy Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup Recipe truly shine is its balance of textures and flavors without being overly complicated. It’s a dish I love sharing with friends because it feels a little luxurious but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Plus, the way the sun-dried tomatoes add a little tangy kick brightens up the richness in such a satisfying way, you’ll find yourself craving it again. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to keep it in your cozy meal lineup!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

This Creamy Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup Recipe is built on ingredients that bring both flavor and texture. Picking quality Italian sausage and fresh gnocchi makes a huge difference, and the mix of aromatics and greens adds freshness to balance the creaminess perfectly.

• Ground Italian Sausage: Provides that bold, savory base flavor and richness essential for this soup’s heartiness.
• Carrots & Celery: Classic aromatics that add subtle sweetness and depth to the broth.
• Yellow Onion: Builds flavor complexity when sautéed with the sausage and veggies.
• Garlic: Gives wonderful aromatic punch that wakes up the entire dish.
• Sun Dried Tomatoes: Adds a tangy, slightly sweet contrast that lifts the creamy elements.
• Herbs De Provence or Italian Seasoning: A simple herb blend that brings classic Italian flavors without any fuss.
• Chicken Broth: The light, savory liquid base that carries the soup’s flavor forward.
• Potato Gnocchi: Tender little pillows that soak up the creamy broth, adding comforting texture.
• Fresh Baby Spinach: Brings vibrant color and a mild freshness, balancing richness.
• Heavy Cream or Half and Half: Creates that silky, luscious soup body—half and half works well for a lighter touch.
• Fresh Parmesan: Adds umami and melts smoothly to enrich the broth.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings to perfect the soup’s taste to your liking.

Make It Your Way

I really enjoy adjusting this Creamy Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup Recipe depending on what I have in the fridge or what my family’s craving. Don’t hesitate to toss in extra veggies or swap out the sausage for a milder option if you prefer. The beauty of this soup is how flexible it is without losing that comforting vibe.

• Variation: I sometimes add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to boost the veggie content—and it always works wonderfully.
• For a Lighter Version: Use half and half instead of heavy cream, and consider turkey sausage for less fat.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the sausage if you like some heat.
• Vegetarian Swap: Replace sausage with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of chicken for a meatless twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Soften the Veggies

Start by heating your Dutch oven over medium heat, then add the ground Italian sausage along with diced onion, carrots, and celery. Stir frequently so the sausage breaks up nicely and cooks evenly, and keep going until the sausage is browned and the veggies are tender—usually around 8-10 minutes. This step builds the flavor foundation, so don’t rush it. Also, be sure to drain excess grease if it’s too fatty but leave enough for flavor.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Next, toss in the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes (drained if packed in oil). Stir everything for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic’s aroma fills your kitchen and the tomatoes start to soften. This step gets the flavors waking up and melds beautifully with the sausage mixture.

Step 3: Simmer Gnocchi in Broth with Herbs and Spinach

Sprinkle in the Herbs de Provence or Italian seasoning, then pour in the chicken broth. Add the potato gnocchi and bring everything to a boil. Let it cook for about 2 minutes until the gnocchi start to float and become tender. Right after, stir in the chopped fresh spinach — it’ll wilt quickly and add a lovely pop of green.

Step 4: Stir in Cream and Parmesan, Then Simmer

Turn the heat down to low and mix in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts completely and the soup becomes thick and creamy. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally—this slow simmer lets the flavors deepen and the soup thicken to the perfect consistency.

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve

Taste your soup and add salt and pepper as needed. I like to add a little more freshly cracked black pepper to balance the creaminess. Serve hot and enjoy that warm comforting hug in a bowl!

How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this soup with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil—it adds a fresh note that contrasts the rich broth beautifully. Sometimes I add a little drizzle of good olive oil or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit more depth and warmth.

Side Dishes

A side of crusty bread or garlic toast is perfect for soaking up all that creamy goodness. Sometimes I also pair it with a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to keep things light and fresh alongside the soup’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I’ve served this soup in mini bread bowls—it’s fun and makes an impressive presentation without any extra fuss. Another idea is layering it with a sprinkle of cheese and broiling just a minute for a golden crusty top before serving. It’s a great way to dress up the soup when you want to make it feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and usually they last about 3 days with no problem. The flavors actually deepen overnight, which is such a treat. Just be aware the soup thickens as it cools, so you’ll want to loosen it up a bit when reheating.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this particular Creamy Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup Recipe because the cream and gnocchi textures can separate and get grainy or mushy after freezing thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days stored in the fridge.

Reheating

When reheating, I warm the soup slowly on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s thickened too much, I add a splash of chicken broth or milk to bring it back to that perfect creamy consistency. Avoid boiling the soup when reheating to prevent the cream from separating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup Recipe has become one of those meals I reach for whenever I want something easy yet really satisfying. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or just treating yourself on a cozy night in. I hope you’ll love it just as much as I do—it’s got balance, comfort, and a little touch of elegance all in one pot. Give it a try and I’m pretty sure it’ll be your new favorite go-to soup too!

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