Name: The Coziest Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy); 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 16 oz potato gnocchi; 2 cups fresh spinach or kale; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt & pepper to taste

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There’s just something about a big bowl of Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. This soup is rich, hearty, and packed with all the good stuff—fluffy potato gnocchi, savory Italian sausage, and a velvety broth that makes every spoonful pure comfort food bliss. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving up a batch for guests, this one always gets rave reviews!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly easy – One pot and minimal effort, but it tastes like you spent all day on it!
Super creamy – The broth is luxurious and full of flavor, thanks to a little heavy cream and parmesan.
Filling & satisfying – The gnocchi and sausage make this a meal all on its own.
Crowd-pleaser – Even picky eaters love this one!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice!)
Onion & garlic for that delicious aromatic base
Chicken broth to create a flavorful soup foundation
Heavy cream for that rich, creamy texture
Potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade!)
Spinach or kale for a little added nutrition
Parmesan cheese to tie everything together

Full list of ingredients with measurements is below!

Directions

Sauté the Sausage

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Break it up as it cooks, then remove any excess grease if needed.

Sauté the Aromatics

Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot and cook for a couple of minutes until soft and fragrant. This step builds the base flavor of the soup!

Simmer the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

Add the Gnocchi

Toss in the potato gnocchi and let them cook in the broth until they float to the top—this means they’re perfectly tender and ready to eat!

Stir in the Cream & Greens

Lower the heat and add the heavy cream along with the spinach (or kale). Let everything simmer for a couple more minutes until the greens are wilted.

Finish with Parmesan

Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese for a final touch of richness. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use spicy Italian sausage if you like a little kick—it adds so much depth of flavor.
Don’t overcook the gnocchi—they cook quickly and should be added towards the end.
Sub half-and-half for heavy cream if you want a slightly lighter soup.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Make it dairy-free by using coconut milk instead of heavy cream and omitting the parmesan.
Swap out the protein – Try ground turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
Veggie-packed version – Add chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This soup is a meal on its own, but if you want to take things to the next level, serve it with:

Crusty Italian bread or garlic knots for dipping
A simple side salad with balsamic vinaigrette
A glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream to bring back the creamy consistency.
Freeze? Unfortunately, gnocchi doesn’t freeze well in soup as it can become mushy when thawed. If making ahead, freeze the broth and add fresh gnocchi when reheating.

FAQs

Can I use homemade gnocchi?
Absolutely! Just be sure to add it towards the end so it stays tender.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or even whole milk, though the soup won’t be quite as rich.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the sausage first, then add everything except the cream, spinach, and parmesan to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, stir in the final ingredients, and serve.

How do I thicken the soup?
If you want an even thicker consistency, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it in before adding the cream.

Conclusion

This Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is the definition of comfort food—rich, hearty, and full of cozy flavors. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re just craving something delicious, this soup is always a winner. Try it out and let me know what you think!

The Coziest Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup

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This Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is a rich, hearty, and ultra-comforting dish packed with fluffy potato gnocchi, savory Italian sausage, and a velvety broth. Perfect for chilly nights or when you need a warm, satisfying meal in one bowl!

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Instructions

Sauté the Sausage – In a large pot, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Sauté the Aromatics – Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
Simmer the Broth – Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Let cook for about 10 minutes.
Add the Gnocchi – Stir in the gnocchi and let them cook until they float to the top (about 3-4 minutes).
Stir in Cream & Greens – Lower heat and add the heavy cream and spinach (or kale). Simmer until greens are wilted (2-3 minutes).
Finish with Parmesan – Stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve warm!