This Hearty Sausage Gnocchi Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With tender sausage, fluffy gnocchi, and fresh veggies, it’s full of flavors that bring comfort on chilly days.
On a cozy night, nothing beats this soup. I love plopping down on the couch with a big bowl and a sprinkle of cheese on top—it’s like a little party for my taste buds! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: Use mild or spicy based on your preference. If you’re after a lighter option, turkey sausage works well too. It keeps the flavors while reducing fat.
Chicken Broth: Homemade chicken broth is fantastic if you have it, but store-bought does the trick. For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead.
Potato Gnocchi: These little dumplings add a unique touch! If you can’t find gnocchi, try using small pasta like mini shells or orzo. The taste will be different, but it’s still tasty!
Spinach: Fresh spinach is best for this recipe. You could swap it for kale or Swiss chard, but remember they take longer to wilt down.
How Do I Cook the Sausage Perfectly?
Cooking the sausage right enhances the flavor of your soup. Here’s how:
- Start by heating the olive oil in your pot over medium heat.
- Crumble the sausage as you add it to the pot. Break it up with a spoon to ensure even cooking.
- Cook for about 6-8 minutes, until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink.
This step locks in the rich flavors of the meat, making your soup scrumptious!
What’s the Best Way to Incorporate Spinach?
Adding spinach is simple, but timing is key!
- Stir the fresh spinach into the soup just before serving. This keeps its bright green color and fresh taste.
- Cook for about 2 minutes until wilted. Don’t overdo it; you want it tender but not mushy!
This way, you keep the nutrients and get that nice pop of color in your bowl!
Hearty Sausage Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz / 400g) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 package (16 oz / 450g) potato gnocchi
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 25 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll spend about 40 minutes creating this warm and hearty meal, perfect for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, using a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Keep stirring until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, which should take about 6-8 minutes.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
Next, toss in the chopped onion with the sausage. Let it sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s all fragrant and delicious!
3. Combine the Base Ingredients:
Pour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes (juice included). Add in the dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like it spicy! Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Give it a good stir.
4. Let It Simmer:
Bring your soup to a lovely boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to mingle together!
5. Add the Gnocchi:
Next, stir in the potato gnocchi. Cook according to the package instructions; usually, it takes about 3-5 minutes for them to float to the top and become tender—this is a sign they’re ready!
6. Add the Spinach:
Now, throw in the fresh spinach leaves. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and bright green.
7. Finish It Off:
Remove the soup from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Let it melt into the soup for creamy goodness!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your hearty soup hot, with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan on top. Grab a spoon and dig in—enjoy every comforting bite of your sausage gnocchi soup!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage adds great flavor, feel free to use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed!
How Can I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the gnocchi separate if you’re expecting leftovers to maintain their texture. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Is There a Way to Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can make this soup vegetarian by swapping out the sausage for a plant-based version and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The addition of more veggies like carrots or mushrooms can add extra depth of flavor!
What Can I Serve with Gnocchi Soup?
This hearty soup pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top and some freshly cracked black pepper elevates the meal even further!
