Creamy Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Oh, I just love sharing this Creamy Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup Recipe with you! It’s one of those comforting, cozy meals that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. The combination of rich Italian sausage and pillowy gnocchi swimming in a creamy, savory broth makes it the ultimate crowd-pleaser for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Seriously, once you try this, you’ll see why it’s become a favorite go-to in my kitchen.

This recipe works beautifully when you want something hearty yet easy to pull together—perfect for those busy evenings when you don’t want to sacrifice flavor or warmth. Plus, the gnocchi adds that fun little twist from your typical soup, bringing a soft, chewy bite that pairs amazingly with the spices and creamy sauce. I promise you’re going to enjoy every spoonful of this Creamy Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup Recipe, and I’ll walk you through the best ways to make it yours.

this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

The combination of ingredients in this Creamy Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup Recipe isn’t just flavorful, it’s crafted to bring layers of texture and taste that sing in harmony. From the hearty sausage to the subtle sweetness of carrots and the creamy finish with Parmesan, each ingredient has its moment.

• Ground Italian Sausage: Adds a punch of flavor and a hint of spice, giving the soup its signature meaty depth.
• Carrots: Bring a natural sweetness and crunch to balance the savory sausage.
• Celery: Offers aromatic freshness and texture without overpowering the dish.
• Yellow Onion: A classic base that adds sweetness and body when softened.
• Garlic Cloves: Minced for a fragrant, savory backbone that brightens every bite.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Their concentrated tanginess enhances the broth’s complexity.
• Herbs De Provence or Italian Seasoning: Inspire an authentic Italian taste with a herbal medley.
• Chicken Broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
• Potato Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy nuggets that soak up the creamy broth beautifully.
• Fresh Baby Spinach: Adds color, nutrition, and a mild earthiness, wilting perfectly in the hot soup.
• Heavy Cream or Half and Half: Creates the luscious texture that makes this soup irresistibly creamy.
• Fresh Parmesan: Melts into the broth, delivering salty, nutty richness.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to brighten and balance flavors to your taste.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love about this Creamy Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup Recipe is how you can easily customize it to fit your mood or what’s in your fridge. Whether you want to amp up the veggies or lighten the creaminess, make it your own—you’ll enjoy feeling like the chef tailoring a classic to your taste.

• Variation: I sometimes swap out spinach for kale or add mushrooms for a woodsy twist—both are winners in this soup.
• Lighter Version: Using half and half instead of heavy cream trims some richness while still keeping it creamy and satisfying.
• Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in zucchini or bell peppers to sneak in more nutrition.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce if you like a little heat with your creaminess.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Veggies

Start by heating your Dutch oven or a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook it with the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Stir frequently so everything browns evenly and the veggies soften—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes. I like to break up the sausage as I cook so it ends up in small, flavorful crumbles throughout the soup.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Once the sausage is browned and veggies are tender, stir in the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Just a quick sauté here—about a minute—will release the garlic’s aroma and infuse the soup base with that irresistible flavor. A tip: Make sure you drain any oil from the sun-dried tomatoes to keep the soup from becoming greasy.

Step 3: Mix in Herbs, Broth, and Gnocchi

Sprinkle in the herbs de Provence or Italian seasoning and then pour in the chicken broth. Toss in the potato gnocchi, bring everything up to a boil, and let it bubble away for about 2 minutes. This is just enough time to cook the gnocchi until tender and plump without turning them mushy.

Step 4: Add Spinach and Cream

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and stir in the chopped spinach so it wilts down nicely. Then pour in the heavy cream (or half and half) along with the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the Parmesan melts completely and the soup becomes that perfect creamy texture that you want.

Step 5: Simmer and Season

Let the soup gently simmer on low for about 30 minutes, giving it an occasional stir to prevent sticking and help it thicken beautifully. Taste towards the end and season with salt and pepper as needed—remember, the Parmesan adds saltiness, so go easy at first.

How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this soup with a handful of freshly chopped basil or parsley for a hint of freshness and color. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a drizzle of good olive oil also takes it up a notch. Sometimes I’ll add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if I want a little heat when serving to friends who enjoy spice.

Side Dishes

For sides, crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette is my go-to—they’re perfect for sopping up all that delicious creamy broth. A light, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully. If you want to keep it classic, a simple Caesar salad pairs wonderfully too.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve served this at gatherings, I’ve ladled the soup into hollowed-out mini bread bowls for that rustic, fun touch. It’s not just charming; it’s practical because every bite-soaked bread piece is part of the feast. For a special occasion, garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for an elegant finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay delicious for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen overnight! Just keep in mind the soup thickens as it sits, so you might want to stir in a little extra broth or milk when reheating.

Freezing

Based on my experience, I don’t recommend freezing this Creamy Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup Recipe because the cream and gnocchi don’t hold up well—they tend to separate or become mushy after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days refrigerated.

Reheating

When reheating, I slowly warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat and stir often to prevent sticking or curdling. Adding a splash of chicken broth or milk helps restore the silky texture if it’s too thick. Avoid microwaving if possible; stovetop heating gives a creamier result.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s so much more than just a meal—it’s that soul-soothing comfort I crave, especially when the weather cools off. I hope you’ll find cooking it as enjoyable as eating it, both times filled with tasty moments and a little kitchen joy. Give it a try next time you want to impress without fuss, and trust me, you’ll want to make it a regular on your dinner rotation.

Print