Go Back
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, crumbled) - 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi (store-bought or homemade) - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 medium carrots, sliced - 3 celery stalks, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish This dish shines with its simple yet hearty ingredients. The Italian sausage adds rich flavor. You can choose mild for a gentle taste or spicy for a kick. The gnocchi gives the soup a delightful texture. It feels soft and comforting in every bite. I use onion, carrots, and celery for a blend of sweetness and earthiness. These veggies form the aromatic base of the soup. Garlic adds depth and warmth. The Italian herbs bring a classic taste that makes this soup feel like home. For the broth, I prefer chicken broth for its richness. Diced tomatoes add a bit of acidity. The balance of flavors makes each spoonful satisfying. To finish, I sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. Fresh basil adds a pop of color and freshness. With these ingredients, you create a dish that warms the heart and fills the belly. {{ingredient_image_1}} Browning the sausage Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add one pound of crumbled Italian sausage. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes. Break the sausage apart with a wooden spoon. You want it browned and cooked through. Sautéing the vegetables Next, add one medium diced onion, three sliced carrots, and three diced celery stalks to the pot. Sauté these veggies for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften a bit. This step adds flavor to your soup. Adding garlic and broth Now, stir in two minced garlic cloves. Cook for one more minute until you smell the garlic. Then, add four cups of chicken broth and one can of diced tomatoes, undrained. The tomatoes bring a nice richness to the soup. Incorporating tomatoes and seasonings Sprinkle in one teaspoon of dried Italian herbs and half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like heat. Bring your mixture to a boil. This step makes all the flavors come alive. Cooking the gnocchi Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Add one package of gnocchi. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 2 to 3 minutes until they float. Floating means they’re ready! Adding spinach and seasoning to taste Finally, stir in two cups of fresh spinach. Cook for another one to two minutes until it wilts. Season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. The soup is now ready to serve! Enjoy it hot, topped with grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves. To avoid overcooking gnocchi, cook it just until it floats. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. If you cook it too long, it can become mushy. Always check the package instructions for the best results. Choosing the right sausage flavor is key. Mild sausage gives a nice, subtle taste. Spicy sausage adds a kick if you like heat. You can mix both for depth. Try different brands to find your favorite. A great side for this soup is crusty bread. It soaks up the broth well and adds texture. You can also add a simple green salad for freshness. For a gourmet look, serve the soup in nice bowls. Drizzle olive oil on top and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese. Fresh basil leaves make the dish pop with color. Combining additional herbs can elevate the taste. Fresh thyme or rosemary can add a lovely touch. You can also stir in a handful of parsley right before serving. Adjusting spice levels is easy. If you like it hot, add more red pepper flakes. If you prefer milder flavors, skip the spice or use less. Taste as you go for the best results. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh herbs and vegetables to enhance the flavor of your soup. Fresh spinach and basil will give a vibrant taste compared to dried alternatives. Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste. For a milder soup, omit them entirely, or add more for an extra kick. Make It Creamy: If you prefer a creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream just before serving for added richness. Store Leftovers Properly: If you have leftovers, store the soup without the gnocchi. This will prevent the gnocchi from becoming mushy. Reheat and add freshly cooked gnocchi when ready to serve. {{image_2}} You can make this soup meatless. Swap out the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage. You can also use lentils for protein. For a lighter soup, try using a mix of mushrooms. They add great flavor and texture. Instead of chicken broth, use vegetable broth. It brings a nice depth to the soup. Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning. You may need more herbs to build flavor. Feel free to mix in other vegetables. Zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans work well. Each veggie adds its own taste and texture. You can also try leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard. Adding unique spices can change the game. Try smoked paprika for a warm flavor. You can also add a splash of soy sauce for umami. Experimenting with flavors makes cooking fun! If you're gluten-free, you have options. Look for gluten-free gnocchi made from rice or potato. They cook up nicely in the soup. For a low-carb version, skip the gnocchi. You can use cauliflower instead. Just chop it into small pieces and cook it in the soup. This keeps the dish hearty without the carbs. How long does the soup last in the fridge? This soup stays good for about three to four days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. What are the recommended storage containers? I suggest using glass containers or BPA-free plastic ones. They seal well and help keep flavors intact. What are the best practices for freezing gnocchi soup? To freeze this soup, let it cool first. Then, pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space for expansion. What are the thawing and reheating tips? Thaw the soup in the fridge overnight. For a quick option, use the microwave. What’s the difference between stovetop and microwave reheating? Stovetop is best for even heating. Just warm it slowly over medium heat. How can I maintain texture and flavor? Stir the soup while heating. If it seems thick, add a splash of broth or water. This keeps the soup creamy and tasty. This soup is quick to make. The prep time is about 15 minutes. The cook time takes around 15 minutes, so the total time is 30 minutes. You can have a warm, hearty meal on the table fast! Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Just add them to the soup directly from the freezer. They will take a little longer to cook. Follow the package instructions for timing. Frozen gnocchi can enhance the soup's texture too. Absolutely! Making this soup ahead of time is smart. It allows flavors to blend well. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat before serving. For longer storage, freeze it in airtight containers. Soup is a comforting dish that combines tasty ingredients like Italian sausage and gnocchi. We discussed the steps to create this meal, from browning the sausage to adding fresh spinach. Remember to explore variations, like vegetarian options or different spices. Use our tips to perfect your soup and enjoy crusty bread on the side. With proper storage, your soup stays fresh for longer. Now, it’s time to make this delicious soup a part of your kitchen routine. Happy cooking!

Hearty Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup

A comforting and hearty soup featuring Italian sausage, gnocchi, and fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, crumbled)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium carrots, sliced
  • 3 stalks celery, diced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for serving grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon (about 5-7 minutes).
  • Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
  • Stir in the minced garlic, cook for another minute until fragrant, then add the chicken broth and canned tomatoes with their juices.
  • Sprinkle in the dried Italian herbs and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and add the gnocchi. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 2-3 minutes until the gnocchi float to the top.
  • Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Serve hot with crusty bread and garnish with olive oil and extra Parmesan.
Keyword comfort food, gnocchi, Italian sausage, soup