Imagine diving into a bowl of pure comfort that transports you straight to the rustic kitchens of Italy - that's exactly what this Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup promises! This soul-warming dish combines the rich, hearty flavors of Italian sausage with pillowy gnocchi and a luxurious cream base that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you're craving something incredibly satisfying, this soup is about to become your new favorite one-pot wonder that looks and tastes like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 package gnocchi
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Remove Italian sausage from its casing and crumble the meat directly into the hot pan.
- Cook the sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until it is fully browned and no pink remains, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Add chopped onions to the pan with the cooked sausage and sauté until the onions become translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Mince garlic and add to the sausage and onion mixture, stirring continuously to prevent burning. Cook for an additional 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour chicken broth into the pot, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits, which will add depth of flavor to the soup.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and add the gnocchi. Simmer for 3-4 minutes or until the gnocchi float to the surface.
- Slowly stir in the heavy cream, creating a rich and creamy base. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Add fresh spinach and stir until it wilts completely, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls and serve immediately with crusty bread or a side salad if desired.
Tips
- Choose high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor - preferably fresh from a local butcher if possible.
- Make sure to brown the sausage thoroughly to develop deep, rich flavors in your soup base.
- Don't overcook the gnocchi - they should be tender but not mushy. They'll float to the surface when they're perfectly done.
- Use fresh spinach for the brightest color and most vibrant taste.
- For extra richness, you can add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top just before serving.
- If the soup becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little extra chicken broth.
- Let the soup rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to fully integrate.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 581kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 37g
Saturated Fat: 23g
Cholesterol: 125mg
