Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup — Weeknight Comfort for Busy Families

This rich and creamy soup mixes spicy Italian sausage, pillowy gnocchi, and tender spinach in a warm broth that feels like a hug in a bowl. The texture is silky from the cream and gnocchi, with savory bites of browned sausage and a bright pop from the greens. It’s special because it delivers big flavor with simple steps and everyday ingredients perfect for busy nights.

Top reasons to make this: it’s fast, family-friendly, and uses pantry staples with an easy one-pot cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in about 25–30 minutes for busy weeknights.
• Made with simple ingredients you likely already have.
• Comforting and filling kids and adults tend to love it.
• Easy to scale for leftovers or meal prep; pair it with this Broccoli Cheddar Lasagna Soup for a soup night mashup.

Ingredients of Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup

• 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups spinach, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions of Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup

1. Brown the sausage in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat if there’s too much.
2. Sauté the chopped onion in the same pot until soft, about 4–5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
5. Add the gnocchi and bring the soup to a simmer. Cook according to package directions (usually 2–3 minutes) until gnocchi float and are tender.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and chopped spinach; simmer 1–2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips for Success

• Cook the sausage well to build flavor those browned bits add depth to the broth.
• Use full-fat cream for the best silky texture.
• Add spinach at the end so it stays bright and not overcooked.
• Taste and adjust salt after adding cream; dairy can mute seasoning.

Substitutions & Variations of Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup

To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free:

• Vegan: Use plant-based sausage, coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and ensure gnocchi are vegan (or use chickpea pasta).
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free gnocchi and check that the sausage (or substitute) has no gluten-containing fillers.

Variations:

• Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra umami.
• Swap spinach for kale or arugula for a peppery bite.
• Stir in a spoonful of pesto or red pepper flakes for a flavor twist.
• Add white beans for extra protein and fiber.

Storage Instructions of Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to avoid breaking the cream.
Freezer: Gnocchi and cream don’t always freeze well. If you plan to freeze, omit the cream and gnocchi; freeze the sausage-broth base for up to 2 months. Thaw, reheat, then add cream and fresh gnocchi when serving.
Make-Ahead: Brown the sausage and chop the vegetables a day ahead. Store separately and finish the soup when you’re ready to eat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup

Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Yes turkey sausage works fine. The flavor will be milder, so taste and add extra seasoning if needed.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use a dairy-free cream substitute like canned coconut milk or blended cashews for creaminess.

How do I keep the gnocchi from getting mushy when reheating?
Reheat gently and briefly. If reheating on the stove, add a splash of broth to loosen the soup and warm over low heat. Avoid boiling.

Final Toughts

If you need a fast, cozy dinner, this Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is a go-to. It brings bright greens, rich cream, and hearty gnocchi together in a one-pot meal that feels special without the fuss. Try the recipe, then come back to share a comment and give it a star rating your feedback helps others find easy comfort food.

Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup

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This rich and creamy soup mixes spicy Italian sausage, pillowy gnocchi, and tender spinach in a warm broth that feels like a hug in a bowl. Ready in about 25–30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy families.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

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• 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups spinach, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese, for serving

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Instructions

1. Brown the sausage in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat if there’s too much.
2. Sauté the chopped onion in the same pot until soft, about 4–5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
5. Add the gnocchi and bring the soup to a simmer. Cook according to package directions (usually 2–3 minutes) until gnocchi float and are tender.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and chopped spinach; simmer 1–2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For best results, use full-fat cream for a silky texture. Add the spinach at the end to keep it bright.

• Author: soukaina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: None