There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup to chase away the chill on busy weeknights. As a mom constantly juggling soccer practices and homework sessions, I’ve perfected this cozy, one-pot wonder that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal fuss. The magic happens when plump gnocchi swim in a rich, creamy broth packed with savory Italian sausage and vibrant spinach – it’s the kind of meal that makes everyone pause mid-bite to say “wow.”
This recipe became our family’s cold-weather staple after I tweaked it for years, finally landing on the perfect balance of spices (that mustard powder is my secret weapon!) and textures. What I love most is how the pillowy gnocchi soak up all those incredible flavors while still holding their shape. Trust me, this isn’t just soup – it’s a hug in a bowl that comes together faster than takeout. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids or just craving some serious comfort food, my Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup never disappoints.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
This isn’t just another soup recipe – it’s a game-changer for busy families and comfort food lovers alike. Here’s why my Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup will become your new weeknight hero:
- One-pot wonder – Minimal dishes mean more time enjoying dinner (and less time scrubbing pans!)
- Ready in 30 minutes – Faster than waiting for delivery, with way better flavor
- Kid-approved comfort – The gnocchi makes it fun to eat, while sneaking in veggies
- Restaurant-quality taste – That creamy broth with spicy sausage? Pure magic
- Meal prep friendly – Tastes even better reheated (just add a splash of broth)
Every spoonful delivers that perfect balance – tender gnocchi, savory sausage, and just enough creaminess to make it feel indulgent without being heavy. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone ask for seconds!
Ingredients for Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
Gathering your ingredients is half the battle – and trust me, every single one of these plays a starring role in making this Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup unforgettable. I learned the hard way that skimping on quality or measurements changes everything, so here’s exactly what you’ll need:
- 1 TBSP unsalted butter – because everything starts better with butter
- 1 TBSP olive oil – my trick for preventing the butter from burning
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (sweet or spicy – go with your mood!)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – fresh only, please!
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced – about 1 cup
- 2 carrots, diced – make those pieces small so they cook fast
- 1 celery stick, diced (optional but adds great depth)
- Spices: 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, 1/2 tsp each sage & thyme (my flavor powerhouses), 1/2 tsp mustard powder (secret weapon!), 1/4 tsp paprika
- 4 TBSP all-purpose flour – your thickening agent
- 3 cups chicken or veggie broth – low-sodium if possible
- 1 cup half and half (heavy cream or milk work too if that’s what’s in your fridge)
- 10 oz spinach – fresh gives better texture but frozen works in a pinch
- 1 lb package gnocchi – shelf-stable or fresh both work beautifully
See? Nothing fancy – just real ingredients that come together magically. Now let’s make some soup!
How to Make Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
Alright, let’s get cooking! This Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup comes together in stages – but don’t worry, I’ll walk you through each step like we’re standing side by side in my kitchen. The key is building layers of flavor while keeping those gnocchi perfectly tender. Here’s exactly how I do it:
Cooking the Sausage and Vegetables
First, grab your biggest, heaviest pot – this soup needs room to bubble! Melt the butter with olive oil over medium-high heat (that oil keeps the butter from burning). When it’s shimmering, crumble in the Italian sausage. Oh, that sizzle! Let it cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to get some crispy bits, then break it up with your spoon. When it’s browned all over (about 5-8 minutes), stir in the garlic – just 10 seconds is enough to wake up its flavor without burning.
Now toss in those diced onions and carrots (and celery if you’re using it). This is when my kitchen smells amazing – that sweet onion mixing with the sausage’s fennel notes. Cook until the onions turn translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Then sprinkle in all those glorious spices – salt, pepper, sage, thyme, mustard powder, and paprika. Stir until everything’s coated and fragrant, about 30 seconds. This bloom step makes all the difference!
Thickening the Soup Base
Here’s where magic happens: sprinkle the flour evenly over everything and stir constantly for 2 minutes. It’ll look pasty at first – that’s perfect! You’re cooking out the raw flour taste and creating the base for a lusciously thick soup. Now slowly add the broth, about 1 cup at a time, stirring vigorously after each addition. Don’t rush this part – we’re avoiding lumps!
Once all the broth’s in, let it bubble away for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon. This is also when I start boiling water for the gnocchi in a separate pot (follow package directions, but we’ll add them to the soup later).
Adding Gnocchi and Spinach
Pour in the half and half and bring everything to a gentle boil. The color turns this gorgeous creamy orange – so inviting! Now reduce heat to medium-low and add the spinach in handfuls, stirring until wilted (about 2 minutes for fresh, 4 for frozen).
Finally, fold in the cooked gnocchi gently. They should be floating in that rich broth like little clouds! Let everything mingle for just 1 minute off heat – any longer and the gnocchi get mushy. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Pro tip: the soup thickens as it sits, so if it seems thin, wait 5 minutes before adding more liquid.
There you have it – a pot full of comfort in under 30 minutes! Now grab some crusty bread and watch how fast this Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup disappears from bowls.
Print
30-Minute Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
A hearty and comforting Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup with rich flavors and tender gnocchi, perfect for a cozy family meal.
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 TBSP unsalted butter
- 1 TBSP olive oil
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 celery stick, diced (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp sage
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 4 TBSP all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken or veggie broth
- 1 cup half and half, heavy cream, or milk
- 10 oz spinach (fresh or frozen)
- 1 lb package gnocchi
Instructions
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into pieces (5-8 minutes). Stir in garlic for 10 seconds.
- Bring a pot of water to boil for the gnocchi.
- Add onion and carrots to the sausage pot. Cook until onion is translucent (3-5 minutes). Stir in salt, pepper, sage, thyme, mustard powder, and paprika.
- Add flour and cook for 2 minutes. Slowly add broth, 1 cup at a time, stirring until smooth and bubbly.
- Cook gnocchi as per package instructions.
- Add half and half to the soup and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, add spinach, and stir until wilted. Mix in cooked gnocchi. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for best texture.
- Adjust sausage spice level to your taste.
- Serve with crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Lactose
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Tips for Perfect Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
After making this soup more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks to nail it every time. First – fresh spinach over frozen if you can! It keeps that lovely texture instead of getting stringy. And don’t skip browning the sausage properly – those crispy bits add SO much flavor. For spice lovers, swap in hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes with the other seasonings.
My biggest tip? Cook gnocchi separately and add them last minute. Left sitting in hot broth, they turn to mush faster than my kids can say “seconds!” If your soup thickens too much as it sits, just stir in a splash of warm broth before serving. Oh, and always taste before adding extra salt – that sausage packs plenty already!
For another quick and hearty bowl, don’t miss this rich and cozy Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup—a family-favorite just like our sausage gnocchi soup.
Variations for Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
One of my favorite things about this Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is how easily it adapts to different tastes and diets! Try swapping the pork sausage for turkey sausage if you want it lighter – just add extra fennel seeds to keep that classic Italian flavor. Kale makes a great spinach substitute if you prefer heartier greens (ribbons work best). For gluten-free versions, the soup base works beautifully with cornstarch instead of flour and your favorite GF gnocchi. Feeling decadent? Stir in a handful of shredded Parmesan right before serving – it melts into the most luscious cheesy broth!
Need more 30-minute dinner winners? This spicy and satisfying Spicy Bang Bang Chicken brings bold flavor to your weeknight rotation.
Serving Suggestions
This Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is a meal in itself, but I love pairing it with warm, crusty bread for dipping – it’s the perfect way to soak up every last drop of that creamy broth. A simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a fresh contrast. For leftovers, reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth to bring it back to life. Trust me, it tastes even better the next day!
If you’re all about cozy soups, you’ll definitely love the creamy goodness of this Chicken Pot Pie Soup that’s just as comforting.
Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup FAQs
I get asked about this Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup all the time – here are the answers to the most common questions that pop up in my kitchen and inbox:
Can I freeze this soup?
Technically yes, but I don’t recommend it with the gnocchi – they turn mushy when thawed. Instead, freeze just the broth and sausage mixture, then add fresh gnocchi when reheating. It’ll taste so much better!
How should I store leftovers?
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The gnocchi will soak up some broth – just add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to bring it back to life. Pro tip: store the gnocchi separately if you know you’ll have leftovers.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the sausage for mushrooms or meatless crumbles, and use veggie broth. You’ll still get that hearty texture and flavor – just add extra herbs to make up for the missing sausage spices.
Why cook gnocchi separately?
This is my golden rule! Gnocchi disintegrate if they sit too long in hot liquid. Cooking them separately means perfect pillowy bites every time. Just add them right before serving.
What if my soup is too thick?
No worries – stir in warm broth or milk a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your perfect consistency. Remember, it thickens as it cools!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what’s in each comforting bowl of Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup – but remember, these are estimates that’ll change slightly depending on your exact ingredients and brands. (I learned this the hard way when my “light” version with turkey sausage clocked in way different!) Per serving:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 20g (that sausage packs a punch!)
- Carbs: 35g (mostly from those pillowy gnocchi)
- Fiber: 4g (thank you, spinach and carrots)
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 25g (10g saturated – but oh so worth it)
- Sodium: 800mg (use low-sodium broth if watching salt)
It’s comfort food, not health food – but those veggies and protein make it a pretty balanced meal in my book! Numbers may vary by about 10% based on your sausage brand or how generous you are with the half-and-half.
Rate This Recipe
Did this Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup warm your soul like it does mine? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a star rating below and tell me about your experience in the comments – your feedback helps me create even better recipes for our cooking community. You can also find us on Facebook for more delicious inspiration!
