Irresistible Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup : A Comforting and Hearty One-Pot Meal

When you crave a warm, soul-soothing meal that feels cozy, comforting, and incredibly satisfying, this creamy Italian sausage gnocchi soup is exactly what you need. Loaded with pillowy gnocchi, savory Italian chicken sausage, tender vegetables, and a velvety broth, this soup delivers everything you want in a comforting bowl. Whether you’re looking for quick hearty soups, something delicious to make with potato gnocchi, or a cozy dinner for cold nights, this recipe is an instant favorite.

With simple ingredients, a one-pot method, and major creamy goodness, this dish easily rivals restaurant-quality bowls of Zuppa Toscana with gnocchi—yet it’s much faster to make at home. If you love comforting soups and stews like Slow Cooker Chicken Stew or Creamy Wild Rice & Mushroom Soup, this recipe will fit perfectly into your rotation.

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Why You’ll Love Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup

There are so many reasons this soup becomes a family favorite from the very first spoonful:

• It’s rich and creamy but not heavy, thanks to its perfect balance of broth, cream, and tender gnocchi.
• It uses Italian chicken sausage, which adds bold, savory flavor without long cooking times.
• The gnocchi cooks directly in the broth, soaking up flavor and creating that irresistible, silky texture.
• It’s a complete one-pot meal—no need for extra sides unless you want them.
• It’s incredibly fast, making it ideal for quick weeknight dinners.
• It reheats beautifully, which is rare for creamy soups.

If you love loaded, comforting soups, you might also enjoy Hearty Black Eyed Pea Soup for another cozy dinner option.

Who This Recipe Is For

This creamy gnocchi soup is perfect for:

• Anyone craving hearty soups and stews dinners
• Home cooks looking for soups made with gnocchi
• Fans of creamy comfort meals with minimal prep
• People searching for ground sausage recipes soup without using pork
• Parents needing quick, filling meals for busy weeknights
• Cooks who enjoy easy one-pot dishes
• Food lovers who adore Olive Garden–style Zuppa Toscana with gnocchi

If you love creamy, flavorful meals, check out Creamy Mushroom Pasta for your next cozy dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here are the exact ingredients for the best Italian sausage and gnocchi soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian chicken sausage (casings removed or ground)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 pound potato gnocchi
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

This combination ensures a perfectly balanced soup that’s creamy, savory, and bursting with flavor.

Ingredient Notes and Variations

• Italian Chicken Sausage: A flavorful, non-pork alternative that still gives classic Italian sausage flavor.
• Gnocchi: Use refrigerated, shelf-stable, or homemade potato gnocchi. Cauliflower gnocchi works too.
• Spinach: Replace with kale for a heartier green, similar to classic Tuscan soups.
• Cream: Swap with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative for lighter soups.
• Parmesan: Freshly grated melts best and enhances creaminess.

If you’re inspired to explore more comforting bowls, try Lentil Tortilla Soup for a nutritious variation.

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Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board & chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle for serving

Step-by-Step Preparation: How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot. Add the Italian chicken sausage and cook, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 more minute.

Step 3: Add Seasonings

Mix in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you want a slight kick.

Step 4: Add Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and water. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Add the Gnocchi

Once boiling, add the gnocchi. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 4–5 minutes, until the gnocchi floats and becomes tender.

Step 6: Add Spinach and Cream

Stir in the chopped spinach and let it wilt. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until incorporated.

Step 7: Add Parmesan

Add parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 8: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra parmesan or crushed red pepper.

For an easy side dish pairing, try Garlic Herb Roasted Vegetables for a wholesome finish.

Pro Tips for the Best Gnocchi Soup

• Don’t overcook the gnocchi; it continues absorbing broth even after cooking.
• Use fresh spinach for the best texture and flavor.
• Add more broth if the soup becomes too thick.
• Brown the sausage well to build deep flavor.
• Grate parmesan fresh for the smoothest creaminess.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Adding cream too early (can curdle when boiled).
• Overcooking the gnocchi—they turn mushy quickly.
• Not seasoning the broth enough—taste as you go!
• Using pre-shredded parmesan, which doesn’t melt smoothly.

What to Serve With Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup

This hearty soup pairs beautifully with:

• Crispy bread like Garlic Parmesan Focaccia
• Fresh salads like Cucumber Dill Salad
• Roasted veggies like Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans

Creative Presentation Ideas

• Serve in rustic bowls topped with parmesan curls.
• Add a swirl of cream on top for a restaurant finish.
• Garnish with fresh basil or spinach chiffonade.

Flavor Variations and Add-Ins

• Add mushrooms for earthy depth.
• Use kale instead of spinach for Tuscan vibes.
• Try sun-dried tomatoes for tangy richness.
• Make it spicy with extra red pepper flakes.

If you enjoy creamy, flavor-packed meals, try Creamy Marry Me Chickpeas for a plant-forward option.

How to Store and Reheat

• Refrigerate for 3–4 days in an airtight container.
• Freeze without gnocchi (freezing gnocchi can make them mushy).
• Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding extra broth if thickened.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Cook the base (sausage + veggies + broth).
• Add gnocchi and cream right before serving.
• Prep vegetables in advance for faster cooking.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use turkey sausage instead of chicken sausage?
Yes! It works perfectly and keeps the no-pork rule intact.

Can I use cauliflower gnocchi?
Yes—just simmer a little longer until tender.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Swap cream with coconut cream and parmesan with a dairy-free alternative.

Can I thicken the soup?
Let it simmer uncovered or add more parmesan.

Final Thoughts: Why This Soup Is a Keeper

This creamy Italian sausage gnocchi soup recipe is comforting, hearty, and incredibly flavorful. With tender gnocchi, savory chicken sausage, and a velvety broth, it’s everything a satisfying soup should be. Whether you’re craving loaded gnocchi soup or need a quick family dinner, this recipe delivers every single time.

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