Hearty & Easy Sausage Gnocchi Soup: Your Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup to chase away the chill, and this Easy Sausage Gnocchi Soup is an absolute game-changer. It combines your favorite savory protein – whether it’s classic ground beef, flavorful pork sausage, or even tender shredded chicken – with a harmonious blend of rich spices, wholesome vegetables, and irresistibly pillowy gnocchi. This recipe is designed to be incredibly simple and quick, making it a perfect family-friendly meal for any night of the week. You’ll be amazed at how effortlessly this hearty soup comes together, delivering a homemade taste that feels like it simmered all day.
Soup season is officially here, and for many of us, that means a craving for hearty, soul-warming meals. There’s something uniquely comforting about gnocchi – those soft, tender potato dumplings that absorb the flavors of a rich broth beautifully. This Easy Sausage Gnocchi Soup is precisely one of those irresistible, cozy soup recipes that you’ll find yourself returning to again and again throughout the colder months. It’s a substantial meal in itself, promising to satisfy even the hungriest appetites.
I personally enjoy incorporating gnocchi into convenient one-pot meals, like this delightful Browned Butter Gnocchi with Broccoli, where it becomes the star of the dish. Alternatively, it serves as an exquisite side, perfectly complementing tender, slow-cooked meats such as in this Slow Cooker Balsamic Short Ribs recipe. Its versatility is truly one of its greatest assets.
For my rendition of this gnocchi soup, I opted for ground pork sausage, which infuses the broth with a wonderful depth of flavor. However, the beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can easily substitute it with any ground meat you prefer – ground turkey, lean ground beef, or even shredded chicken would work wonderfully. Beyond the protein, this soup is incredibly customizable to whatever vegetables you have on hand in your pantry. Feel free to get creative! For me, the allure of pillowy gnocchi in a flavorful broth is undeniable; it truly works so nicely in a soup format, providing a delightful texture and heartiness.
If you’re a fellow gnocchi enthusiast, you absolutely must explore some of my other favorite gnocchi recipes. Don’t miss this Copycat Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup Recipe for a taste of a beloved classic, or try the incredibly simple yet satisfying One Pot French Onion Gnocchi. And of course, the ever-popular Brown Butter Gnocchi is always a winner.
Essential Recipe Ingredients for Your Hearty Gnocchi Soup
Crafting this delicious gnocchi soup requires a selection of fresh and pantry-staple ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors. Below is a comprehensive overview of the simple yet impactful components we’ll be using. For precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the detailed recipe card further down.
- Potato Gnocchi: The star of our soup! I typically reach for potato gnocchi due to its classic texture and ability to soak up the rich broth. However, feel free to experiment with semolina gnocchi or even ricotta gnocchi if you’re looking for a slightly different consistency. A pro tip: I highly recommend cooking your gnocchi in a separate skillet with a touch of olive oil before adding it to the soup. This extra step helps them develop a beautifully crispy edge, preventing them from becoming too soft or soggy in the broth. This ensures a delightful bite with every spoonful.
- Ground Sausage: For this particular recipe, I’ve used a mild or sweet Italian ground sausage, which provides a lovely savory base without being overpowering. If you prefer a bit of a kick, spicy Italian sausage is an excellent alternative. For those who want to explore different proteins, ground turkey or lean ground beef work wonderfully, offering a leaner profile while still contributing to the heartiness. You can even omit meat entirely for a vegetarian version or use pre-cooked shredded chicken for an even quicker preparation.
- Aromatic Vegetables: The foundation of any great soup lies in its aromatics. This recipe calls for a classic mirepoix of diced onion, carrots, and celery, which are sautéed to create a sweet and savory flavor base. Diced tomatoes add a touch of acidity and a vibrant color. Beyond these staples, don’t hesitate to incorporate other vegetables you enjoy or have on hand. Green beans, sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or even small florets of broccoli would make fantastic additions, boosting both flavor and nutritional value.
- Signature Spices: The spices are what elevate this soup from simple to spectacular. We’re using dried basil, oregano, and thyme for their classic Italian-inspired notes, creating a fragrant and warm profile. A pinch of red pepper flakes is optional but highly recommended if you appreciate a subtle warmth that enhances the other flavors. Whether you use dried or fresh herbs depends on availability; just remember that fresh herbs are generally more potent, so you might need to adjust the quantities slightly.
- Leafy Greens: Fresh spinach is a brilliant addition to this soup, wilting perfectly into the hot broth and adding a fresh, slightly earthy flavor along with a boost of nutrients. If spinach isn’t your preference, feel free to substitute with other hearty greens like Swiss chard or kale. Just be sure to chop tougher greens like kale into smaller pieces and add them a bit earlier to ensure they tenderize properly.
- Broth and Water: A combination of vegetable broth (or chicken/beef broth) and water forms the liquid base of our soup. Using broth adds depth and richness, while water helps to balance the flavors.
Crafting Your Delicious Sausage Gnocchi Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making this hearty sausage gnocchi soup is a straightforward process that yields incredibly satisfying results. Follow these simple steps to bring a comforting and flavorful meal to your table in no time.
Step 1. Prepare the Gnocchi for Perfect Texture: This is a crucial step for achieving the best texture in your soup. Depending on whether your gnocchi is fresh, frozen, or dried, cook it according to the package directions. For an elevated experience and to prevent mushy gnocchi, I highly recommend getting them crispy! Heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the gnocchi and sauté for approximately 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. This crispy exterior will hold up wonderfully in the soup. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. If you prefer softer gnocchi, you can boil them directly in the simmering soup broth for the time indicated on the package during Step 4.
Step 2. Brown the Sausage to Build a Flavorful Base: In a large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add your chosen ground sausage (or ground beef, turkey, etc.) to the hot pot. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook, stirring frequently, until it is thoroughly browned and no pink remains, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess fat from the pot. This step is essential for rendering the fat and building a robust flavor foundation for your soup. Remove the browned sausage from the pot and set it aside with the gnocchi.
Step 3. Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables: With the pot still over medium heat (you may add a tiny bit more oil if needed, but usually the residual oil is enough), add the minced garlic, diced onion, chopped carrots, and celery. Sauté these vegetables, stirring occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the carrots and celery start to soften. This process helps to release their aromatic flavors, which will infuse into the broth.
Step 4. Simmer the Soup to Perfection: Return the browned sausage to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Stir in the vegetable broth (or chicken/beef broth), water, and canned diced tomatoes (undrained, to include their flavorful juices). Add the dried basil, oregano, thyme, and the optional crushed red pepper flakes. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes. This simmering time allows all the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the vegetables become tender. Finally, stir in the fresh baby spinach and continue to cook for just a minute or two, until the spinach has fully wilted into the soup.
Step 5. Assemble and Serve with Delightful Toppings: When you’re ready to serve, distribute the crispy gnocchi evenly among individual soup bowls. Ladle the hot, fragrant soup over the gnocchi. For an extra layer of flavor and texture, sprinkle each serving with grated Parmesan cheese and a generous garnish of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil. Serve your Easy Sausage Gnocchi Soup immediately, ideally alongside a slice of warm, crusty bread perfect for dipping into the rich broth. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Easy Gnocchi Soup
Achieving a restaurant-quality gnocchi soup at home is easier than you think with these helpful tips and tricks. These suggestions will ensure your soup is perfectly textured, bursting with flavor, and convenient for future enjoyment.
- Mastering Crispy Gnocchi: This is my number one secret for superior gnocchi soup! While you can certainly boil gnocchi directly in the soup, I find that pan-frying them separately in a skillet with olive oil until they’re golden and slightly crispy on the outside makes a huge difference. This crispy outer layer not only adds a wonderful textural contrast to the soft interior but also prevents the gnocchi from becoming overly mushy or absorbing too much liquid from the soup. If you prefer this delightful crispiness, always cook the gnocchi separately and add it to individual bowls just before serving. This method is also key for storing leftovers; keep the cooked gnocchi separate from the soup to maintain its texture, adding it only when you’re ready to reheat and enjoy.
- Slow Cooker Adaptation: This versatile recipe lends itself beautifully to a slow cooker for a hands-off approach. If using ground meat like sausage or beef, you’ll first need to brown it in a skillet as described in the recipe, then drain any excess fat. Once the meat is browned, simply combine it with all the other soup ingredients (except the gnocchi and spinach) in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the fresh spinach until wilted. As with the stovetop method, add the pre-cooked, crispy gnocchi to each serving bowl right before dishing out the soup to maintain their ideal texture.
- Choosing and Preparing Gnocchi: Gnocchi is widely available in various forms: dried, frozen, or fresh. Each type works well, so choose what’s most convenient for you. I personally lean towards the fresh varieties for their slightly softer, more tender bite, but all options will create a delicious soup. For a gluten-free or vegetable-forward option, look for cauliflower gnocchi, which is becoming increasingly popular and can often be found at stores like Trader Joe’s. Regardless of the type, always follow the package directions for initial cooking before you decide whether to pan-fry them for crispiness or boil directly in the soup.
- Building Flavor Depth: Don’t rush the sautéing of your aromatics (onion, garlic, carrots, celery). Allowing them to cook slowly until tender and slightly caramelized will release their full flavor potential, creating a richer base for your soup.
- Seasoning as You Go: Taste your soup at different stages of cooking. Add salt and pepper gradually, especially after the broth and tomatoes have simmered, as their flavors intensify. This ensures a perfectly seasoned final product.
Customize Your Easy Italian Gnocchi Soup: Endless Variations!
One of the best aspects of this Easy Sausage Gnocchi Soup recipe is its incredible flexibility. It serves as a fantastic base for customization, allowing you to tailor it to your personal preferences, dietary needs, or whatever ingredients you happen to have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this soup uniquely yours!
- Elevate Your Vegetables: Beyond the core onion, garlic, celery, and carrots, there are so many ways to boost the vegetable content and flavor profile of this soup. Consider adding vibrant red bell pepper for sweetness and color, sliced mushrooms for an earthy umami depth, tender green beans, or even diced zucchini which adds a fresh element. Peas are another quick and easy addition, best stirred in during the last few minutes of simmering. Each of these options will pair wonderfully with the rich broth and gnocchi.
- Cheese, Please!: Cheese is always a welcome addition to a comforting Italian-inspired soup. A sprinkle of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese or creamy mozzarella cheese on top of each serving adds a luxurious finish. For an even deeper, more complex flavor, try simmering a Parmesan rind (the hard end piece of a Parmesan block) directly in the soup along with the broth and vegetables. Remove it before serving – it will infuse the entire pot with an incredible, savory richness.
- Boost with Beans: To make this soup even more filling and add a healthy dose of fiber and plant-based protein, incorporate your favorite beans. Cannellini beans (white kidney beans) or chickpeas are excellent choices that complement the Italian flavors beautifully. Rinse and drain a can of either, then stir them into the soup during the last 10 minutes of simmering to allow them to warm through.
- Greens Galore: While fresh spinach wilts quickly and adds a lovely touch, there are other greens that work equally well. Heartier options like kale or Swiss chard can be used, but remember to de-stem and chop them finely. Add these tougher greens earlier in the simmering process (about 5-7 minutes before the end) to ensure they have enough time to soften to your desired tenderness.
- Protein Powerhouse Variations: The mild Italian sausage provides a fantastic flavor, but you have a multitude of choices for your protein. For a spicier kick, use hot Italian sausage. Ground turkey or lean ground beef are excellent for a lighter alternative. Chicken sausage is another flavorful option. If you prefer a vegetarian soup, simply omit the meat entirely and perhaps add more beans or hearty vegetables. For an even quicker meal, use pre-cooked shredded chicken, adding it to the soup at the very end to just heat through.
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Easy Gnocchi Soup
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Ingredients
- 16 ounces potato gnocchi
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 pound ground sausage or beef {or protein of your choice}
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth {you can also use beef, or chicken broth}
- 1 cup water
- 1-15 oz. cans diced tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper {optional}
- 1 to 2 cups of spinach {or greens of your choice}
Instructions
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Depending on if your gnocchi is fresh, frozen or dried cook the gnocchi according to the package. If you want crispy gnocchi use a skillet and saute it with olive oil for about 3-5 minues. If you don’t need it crispy you can boil the gnocchi directly in the soup for the time indicated on the bag. Set aside.
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Heat 2 tablespoon olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add ground sausage or beef to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5 minutes, drain excess fat and set aside.
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Add remaining 2 tablespoons oil to the pot and stir in garlic, onion, carrots and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3-4minutes.
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Stir in vegetable broth, water diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, thyme, crushed red pepper, ground beef and and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 12-15 minutes. Add the spinach and let wilt.
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In soup bowls add the crispy gnocchi. Ladle the soup into the bowls and top with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like parsley and basil.
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Serve immediately with crusty bread.
Notes
- I try to keep the gnocchi separate and just add it to the each bowl when I serve the soup especially if you think you will have leftovers. It helps the gnocchi from becoming really soft and mushy.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 33g,
Protein: 17g,
Fat: 25g,
Saturated Fat: 7g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 13g,
Trans Fat: 1g,
Cholesterol: 54mg,
Sodium: 967mg,
Potassium: 376mg,
Fiber: 3g,
Sugar: 3g,
Vitamin A: 4307IU,
Vitamin C: 4mg,
Calcium: 73mg,
Iron: 5mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.