I m excited to share this Creamy Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup Recipe with you – it s one of those cozy meals that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. What makes it really special is the blend of hearty Italian sausage, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, creamy broth that just melts together perfectly. This soup is not only delicious but also quick to come together, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something comforting without too much fuss.

Whenever I make this Creamy Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup Recipe, it reminds me why simple ingredients can create such incredible flavor. It s a great way to feed a crowd or have leftovers that taste just as good the next day. Plus, the mild spinach and sun-dried tomatoes add a nice pop of color and freshness that keeps it from feeling too heavy. You re going to want this soup in your regular rotation!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Comforting: Creamy, warm, and satisfying – it s like a hug on a chilly day.
Easy Weeknight Meal: Ready in under an hour with simple steps and ingredients.
Versatile: You can easily swap veggies or adjust creaminess to suit your taste.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers, everyone loves it.

A white bowl filled with a thick, creamy soup that has a yellow color base. The soup contains several light pink shrimp, green spinach leaves, and small pieces of light brown sausage mixed throughout. The top center is sprinkled with grated white cheese. The bowl sits on a wooden surface next to two toasted bread slices. To the right, a metal grater with a block of cheese is partly visible. The whole scene is on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Creamy Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup Recipe is in how these ingredients come together – each one plays a role in layering flavor, texture, and color. I always suggest grabbing quality sausage and fresh gnocchi if you can; it really makes a difference.

Ground Italian Sausage: Look for good-quality sausage with herbs and spices for maximum flavor.
Carrots: Adds a subtle sweetness and a bit of crunch when diced.
Celery: Brings freshness and a slight earthiness to balance the richness.
Yellow Onion: The base aromatic that adds depth when sautéed with the sausage.
Garlic Cloves: I love using plenty of garlic to give the soup a fragrant kick.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds a tangy, slightly sweet richness – just make sure to drain the oil well.
Herbs De Provence or Italian Seasoning: This mix ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Chicken Broth: Acts as the flavorful liquid base – homemade or store-bought work fine.
Potato Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up the soup s creaminess perfectly.
Baby Spinach: Adds a nutritious, vibrant green touch; frozen works if fresh isn’t available.
Heavy Cream or Half and Half: For that luscious, creamy texture that everyone loves.
Fresh Parmesan: Grated cheese melts into the soup, boosting the savory flavor.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, because seasoning is key!

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I often tweak this soup depending on what s in my fridge or my mood – it s one of those recipes that invites creativity. Feel free to make it your own and tailor it to your family s tastes.

Add More Veggies: I love throwing in sliced mushrooms or chopped zucchini to make it even heartier and boost nutrition.
Make It Lighter: Substitute half and half for heavy cream – it s still creamy but less rich.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or some spicy Italian sausage if you like a bit of heat.
Vegetarian Version: Swap Italian sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.

How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté the Veggies

Start by heating a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage, breaking it apart with your spoon, along with diced onions, carrots, and celery. Stir frequently to ensure everything cooks evenly. You want the sausage nicely browned and the vegetables softened – it ll take about 8-10 minutes. This base sets the flavor tone, so be patient and don t rush the browning process.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Next, toss in the minced garlic and the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. I always drain the oil from the tomatoes to keep the soup from getting greasy, but don t rinse them – that flavor-packed oil is just concentrated sunshine! Stir for another minute or two until the garlic releases its fragrance and the tomatoes heat through. This step really takes the soup from good to amazing.

Step 3: Season and Add Broth with Gnocchi

Sprinkle in your herbs de Provence or Italian seasoning, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil, then add the potato gnocchi. Let the soup boil for about 2 minutes – just enough to cook the gnocchi until they re tender and soft but not mushy. The gnocchi are the star of this soup, so watch carefully and don t overcook.

Step 4: Wilt the Spinach

Reduce the heat slightly and stir in the fresh baby spinach until it s just wilted. If you re using frozen spinach, add it a bit earlier and give it extra time to defrost and incorporate. This adds a fresh green pop and balances the richness.

Step 5: Add Cream and Parmesan

Now lower the heat to a gentle simmer and stir in the heavy cream along with the fresh Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy and luscious. This is the moment when the flavors come together beautifully. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, so it thickens up and the flavors deepen.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Finally, taste your soup and season it with salt and pepper as needed. Serve it hot and watch everyone dig right in – this Creamy Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup Recipe is always a winner at my table!

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Use Quality Sausage: I ve found that sausage with good seasoning really shines through, so pick one you love or make your own.
Don t Overcook the Gnocchi: Keep an eye on them; they only need a couple minutes in boiling broth before they’re perfect.
Drain Sun-Dried Tomatoes Well: This prevents the soup from getting greasy while still giving you that rich tomato flavor.
Adjust Creaminess at the End: If the soup thickens too much while simmering, add a little more broth or cream to reach your perfect consistency.

How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup Recipe

A white bowl is filled with a thick creamy soup that has a pale yellow color, mixed with small pieces of light brown sausage, orange carrot slices, white gnocchi-like pasta, and dark green leafy vegetables. The soup looks smooth and rich, with ingredients evenly spread throughout. The bowl sits on a wooden cutting board with two slices of toasted bread beside it, showing a golden brown crust and light toasty surface. The background shows a white marbled surface with a metal cheese grater and a block of light yellow cheese. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Garnishes

I m a big fan of sprinkling extra freshly grated Parmesan on top, maybe a little cracked black pepper, and sometimes a touch of chopped fresh parsley or basil for a vibrant finish. The herbs brighten the bowl and make it look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Simple sides like crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad complement this Creamy Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup Recipe beautifully. The bread is perfect for soaking up all that luscious broth, and a crisp salad balances the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes serve this soup in individual mini cocottes or large coffee mugs for a rustic, homey vibe. Adding a drizzle of chili oil or a swirl of extra cream on top makes it feel a little fancy without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep well for about 3 days. I like to reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the soup as it warms back up.

Freezing

From my experience, this soup doesn’t freeze well because the cream and gnocchi change texture after thawing. I usually avoid freezing it, preferring to enjoy fresh or refrigerated leftovers within a few days.

Reheating

When reheating, warm it slowly on the stovetop, stirring frequently. Adding a little broth or milk helps bring back the soup s creamy texture and prevents it from becoming too thick or grainy.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked sausage for this soup?

Yes! If you have pre-cooked Italian sausage, you can chop or crumble it and add it in when you add the broth. Just reduce the initial cooking time since the sausage doesn’t need to brown again.
What s the best type of gnocchi to use?

I prefer shelf-stable potato gnocchi for convenience, but fresh gnocchi works wonderfully too. Just adjust cooking times slightly – fresh gnocchi usually cooks faster.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely. Use a plant-based Italian sausage or omit the sausage altogether and add extra veggies. Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth, and it s still deliciously creamy and satisfying.
How thick will the soup be when done?

The soup will be creamy but still pourable – it thickens as it simmers but should remain saucy enough to ladle easily. If it gets too thick, just stir in a bit of broth or milk to loosen it.
Can I substitute cream with a lighter option?

You sure can! Half and half is a great lighter alternative that keeps the soup luscious without being too heavy. Just note that it won t be as thick as using heavy cream.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup Recipe holds a cozy place in my recipe collection – it s easy, comforting, and always brings smiles around the table. I love how everything comes together so effortlessly, and I honestly can t recommend it enough for your next batch of hearty soup. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite go-to meal that feels like a little celebration every time you make it.