When the temperature drops, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm, creamy bowl of soup. This Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is the perfect cold-weather dinner, packed with savory Italian sausage, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich Parmesan broth.
Whether you’re searching for a lazy cooking soup recipe, a gluten-free soup, or a comforting meal for fall, this creamy sausage soup is the ultimate one-pot dish that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
- Rich & Creamy – Made with heavy cream and Parmesan for a silky, decadent broth.
- Hearty & Satisfying – Loaded with Italian sausage, gnocchi, and veggies for a full meal.
- One-Pot Wonder – Easy to make in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
- Customizable – Swap the sausage for turkey, chicken, or meatballs.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Even better the next day!
Ingredients for Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
For the Soup:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (or fire-roasted for extra flavor)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 (16 oz) package gnocchi (or ditalini pasta for a twist)
- 2 cups baby spinach or kale
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make this easy, creamy soup, you’ll need:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
- Grater (for fresh Parmesan)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Creamy Sausage Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it browns.
- Once cooked, remove excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- Add diced onions and cook until soft, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
Step 3: Build the Broth
- Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes.
- Bring to a gentle simmer for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Step 4: Add the Gnocchi & Spinach
- Stir in gnocchi (or pasta) and cook for 3-5 minutes until tender.
- Add spinach/kale and stir until wilted.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
- Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
- Simmer for 2 minutes, then season with salt and black pepper.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
- Ladle soup into bowls and top with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan.
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping!
Expert Tips for the Best Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
- For a lighter version – Use turkey sausage and half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Make it gluten-free – Use gluten-free gnocchi or ditalini pasta.
- Want extra thickness? – Stir in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water.
- For a richer taste – Add a splash of white wine before simmering.
- Love spice? – Use hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes.
Fun Variations of Creamy Italian Sausage Soup
- Ditalini Pasta Soup – Swap gnocchi for small pasta like ditalini for a more traditional touch.
- Italian Meatball Soup – Use mini meatballs instead of sausage for a heartier twist.
- Turkey Vegetable Soup – Substitute turkey sausage and add extra veggies like zucchini or carrots.
- Spicy Tomato Basil Soup – Add roasted tomatoes and fresh basil for a deeper flavor.
- Dairy-Free Version – Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
How to Store & Reheat Creamy Sausage Soup
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Let cool, then freeze for up to 3 months (without gnocchi for best texture).
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream.
Serving Ideas and Presentation Tips
- Pair with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal.
- Top with crunchy croutons for added texture.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze for extra depth of flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Creamy Soups
- Boiling the cream – Can cause it to curdle; always stir in at the end.
- Overcooking the gnocchi – It can become too soft; cook just until tender.
- Skipping the Parmesan – It adds umami and richness to the broth.
Pairing Ideas: What to Serve with Italian Sausage Soup
- Warm garlic bread – Perfect for soaking up the broth.
- Caesar or arugula salad – A fresh, crisp contrast.
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus – A healthy veggie side.
FAQ Section
1. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the sausage first, then add all ingredients except cream, spinach, and gnocchi to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, then stir in the cream, spinach, and gnocchi 30 minutes before serving.
2. Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Absolutely! Shelf-stable, frozen, or fresh gnocchi all work.
3. How do I make this soup vegetarian?
Use vegetable broth, omit the sausage, and add mushrooms or chickpeas for protein.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
This Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is the perfect cold-weather dinner that’s rich, comforting, and easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a lazy cooking recipe, a gluten-free soup, or a hearty food for fall, this dish is a must-try!
Try this delicious soup recipe today and share your results! Tag us on social media and subscribe for more cozy meal ideas!
PrintCreamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup : Cozy Dinner
When the temperature drops, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm, creamy bowl of soup.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 30
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (or fire-roasted for extra flavor)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 (16 oz) package gnocchi (or ditalini pasta for a twist)
- 2 cups baby spinach or kale
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it browns.
- Once cooked, remove excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- Add diced onions and cook until soft, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
Step 3: Build the Broth
- Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes.
- Bring to a gentle simmer for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Step 4: Add the Gnocchi & Spinach
- Stir in gnocchi (or pasta) and cook for 3-5 minutes until tender.
- Add spinach/kale and stir until wilted.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
- Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
- Simmer for 2 minutes, then season with salt and black pepper.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
- Ladle soup into bowls and top with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan.
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping!
Notes
- For a lighter version – Use turkey sausage and half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Make it gluten-free – Use gluten-free gnocchi or ditalini pasta.
- Want extra thickness? – Stir in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
Keywords: Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup