Description
This creamy Italian sausage gnocchi soup is a hearty and comforting meal that combines flavorful Italian sausage, tender potato gnocchi, and fresh spinach in a rich tomato and cream base. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this 40-minute soup packs a delicious blend of herbs and spices and can be easily made in one pot.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 16 ounces Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped finely
- 2 sticks celery, chopped finely
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Final Ingredients
- 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach (optional)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown Sausage: Add the sausage meat to a Dutch oven or large soup pot and sauté over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until browned all over, about 7-8 minutes.
- Drain Fat: Remove the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate and drain excess fat, leaving about a tablespoon of fat in the pot.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add chopped onion and celery to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add Flour and Garlic: Stir in the flour and minced garlic, cooking for about one minute while stirring constantly to form a roux.
- Add Broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to fully incorporate the flour and prevent lumps.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and return the browned sausage to the pot. Increase heat to high and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
- Cook Gnocchi and Cream: Once boiling, add the potato gnocchi and heavy cream. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add extra broth or cream if the soup is too thick.
- Add Spinach and Season: Stir in fresh baby spinach if using, then season the soup with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
- Italian sausage can be mild or spicy depending on your preference.
- You can use store-bought potato gnocchi or homemade.
- The crushed tomatoes add a slight tang and deepen the flavor; whole peeled tomatoes can be used but crush them beforehand.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control soup spiciness.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the soup will be less creamy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
