When the weather turns chilly, nothing beats a steaming bowl of Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup. 🥣 Rich, hearty, and soul-warming, this is one of those Best Cozy Recipes you’ll crave all winter long. With tender potato gnocchi, flavorful sausage, and a creamy garlic broth, it’s comfort in every spoonful.
This soup tastes like something straight from a rustic Italian kitchen — yet it’s budget-friendly, made in under 30 minutes, and perfect for easy weeknight soup recipes. Whether it’s for a quick dinner or a big family night, this one always hits the spot!
- ✔️ Ready in 30 minutes – perfect for cold nights
- ✔️ Creamy, garlicky, and perfectly seasoned
- ✔️ Affordable ingredients and family-friendly
- ✔️ Freezer-friendly for make-ahead meals
- ✔️ Great for Soups and Chilis night or cozy gatherings
If you love cozy Italian flavors, pair this with our Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup or try a pasta-inspired favorite like Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage. They make an unbeatable duo for Cold Night Recipes!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this silky, hearty Creamy Garlic Gnocchi Soup. Each ingredient adds texture and flavor for that classic Tuscan-style warmth.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Italian sausage (mild or spicy) | 1 lb (450 g) |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp (15 ml) |
| Onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 4 |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups (960 ml) |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup (240 ml) |
| Potato gnocchi | 16 oz (450 g) |
| Fresh spinach | 2 cups (60 g) |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | 1/2 cup (50 g) |
| Crushed red pepper flakes (optional) | 1/4 tsp (1 g) |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
Choosing the Best Ingredients
Sausage: Go with high-quality Italian sausage for deep, savory flavor. Spicy adds a kick, mild keeps it family-friendly.
Gnocchi: Store-bought works perfectly! If you’re up for it, homemade gnocchi adds an authentic touch. Check our Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi for texture inspiration.
Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth so you can season to taste — the sausage brings plenty of saltiness on its own.
Cream: Heavy cream makes it rich and velvety. You can lighten it with half-and-half for an Affordable Soup Recipe option.
Pro Tips & Swaps
- Lighter version: Use turkey sausage and coconut milk instead of cream.
- Vegetarian twist: Replace sausage with white beans or lentils for protein.
- Extra creamy: Stir in 2 oz (60 g) cream cheese at the end.
- Low-carb: Swap gnocchi for cauliflower florets or diced zucchini.
Serve it alongside crusty bread or Garlic Butter Bread Rolls for the ultimate Soup and Bread Recipe pairing. 🥖
How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
- Brown the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté aromatics: Add diced onion and cook 3 minutes. Stir in garlic until fragrant.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Cook gnocchi: Add gnocchi directly into the broth and simmer until tender (about 5 minutes).
- Make it creamy: Stir in heavy cream, spinach, and Parmesan. Simmer another 3–4 minutes until spinach wilts.
- Season & serve: Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Serve hot with extra cheese on top!
Pro Tips for Texture & Flavor
- Sauté onions until golden for richer flavor depth.
- Don’t overcook gnocchi — it should stay plump and soft.
- Add spinach last to keep its vibrant color.
- For thicker soup, simmer uncovered for 2–3 extra minutes.
Looking for something equally comforting but baked? Try Cheesy Ranch Potatoes with Smoked Sausage — it’s like a casserole version of this soup! 🧀
Serving Ideas & Toppings
- Garlic croutons or toasted baguette slices
- Extra grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- A drizzle of olive oil or chili flakes for spice
- Serve with a side salad or Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon & Honey for a full meal
Troubleshooting
- Too thin: Simmer uncovered longer or add a spoonful of flour slurry.
- Too thick: Add extra broth or cream.
- Over-salty: Add a splash of milk or squeeze of lemon juice.
- Sausage greasy: Drain or blot with paper towel before adding cream.
- Leftovers separate: Stir while reheating — the cream re-emulsifies easily.
Storage & Reheating
Store in airtight containers up to 4 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally — avoid boiling once the cream is added. Add a splash of broth if needed to loosen the texture.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Cook everything except the gnocchi and spinach. Add them fresh when reheating for best texture.
Can I use kale instead of spinach?
Absolutely — kale gives a hearty texture perfect for Gnocchi Stew Recipes.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, just cool fully before freezing. Reheat slowly for best results.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut milk instead of cream and skip the Parmesan. It still tastes rich and delicious!
What bread goes best with it?
Try our Garlic Butter Bread Rolls or Texas Roadhouse Rolls — soft, buttery, and perfect for dipping!
Conclusion
This Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly nights — rich, hearty, and irresistibly creamy. 🌿 Pair it with Garlic Butter Bread Rolls for a restaurant-quality dinner that’s cozy, affordable, and ready in under 30 minutes. What are you waiting for? Grab a bowl and get comfy tonight!
Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (450 g, mild or spicy)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml)
- 1 medium onion diced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (960 ml)
- 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
- 16 oz potato gnocchi (450 g)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (60 g)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (50 g)
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown sausage until cooked through; drain excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add gnocchi and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream, spinach, and Parmesan. Simmer 3–4 minutes more.
- Season to taste and serve hot with bread or rolls.
