Unveiling the Key Ingredients for Your Hearty Sausage Gnocchi Soup

Crafting the perfect bowl of Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup begins with selecting high-quality ingredients that build layers of exquisite flavor and delightful texture. Each component plays a vital role in creating a balanced and utterly comforting dish. Here’s a closer look at the essential elements and why they truly shine in this recipe, along with helpful tips for selection:

• Savory Italian Sausage

  The foundation of this soup’s incredible, robust flavor comes directly from a pound of quality ground Italian sausage. You have the wonderful flexibility to choose between mild, medium, or hot Italian sausage, allowing you to perfectly tailor the spice level to your personal preference. For the most depth of flavor, prioritize thoroughly browning the sausage. This crucial step, known as the Maillard reaction, creates a rich, caramelized fond at the bottom of your pot that will infuse the entire soup with its savory essence.

• Aromatic Vegetable Base (Mirepoix)

  A classic blend of **diced yellow onion, celery, and carrot** forms the aromatic backbone of our soup, laying a fragrant foundation that enhances every spoonful. It’s important to dice these vegetables really small and uniformly. This ensures they cook evenly and become wonderfully tender, practically melting into the creamy broth as they release their sweet and earthy notes. Fresh **minced garlic** is then added towards the end of the sautéing process, preventing it from burning while maximizing its pungent, savory contribution.

• Rich & Creamy Liquid Foundation

  The lusciously creamy texture that defines this soup is achieved through a thoughtful and harmonious combination of liquids. We highly recommend using **reduced-sodium chicken broth** as your base; this gives you ultimate control over the final saltiness of the dish, allowing you to season precisely to your taste. Pairing this savory broth with rich **whole milk** and decadent **heavy cream** creates an irresistibly smooth, velvety, and indulgent base that truly elevates the soup to comfort food perfection.

• Pillowy Potato Gnocchi

  The beloved star of the show! These delightful potato dumplings are cooked directly in the simmering soup, allowing them to absorb all the wonderful, savory flavors of the broth as they plump up and become perfectly tender. For the absolute best results and a truly pillowy texture, I highly recommend using **fresh (refrigerated) gnocchi**. Brands like Giovanni Rana are excellent choices, as they cook quickly and maintain a superior, light texture compared to some shelf-stable varieties, which can sometimes turn denser or even slightly mushy if overcooked.

• Nutrient-Rich Greens: Kale or Spinach

  To add a touch of vibrant color, essential freshness, and a healthy boost of nutrients, **kale** is stirred into the soup just before serving. Its slightly earthy and peppery notes beautifully complement the richness of the creamy broth and savory sausage. If kale isn’t your preference or isn’t readily available, **baby spinach** makes an excellent, milder alternative. Whichever green you choose, be sure to chop it finely so it integrates seamlessly into each spoonful without overpowering the other delicious ingredients.

• Essential Seasonings & Thickener

  A carefully selected medley of aromatic spices including **salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, dried parsley, dried oregano, and dried thyme** provides the signature herby profile characteristic of classic Italian-inspired dishes. These seasonings, along with generous amounts of **unsalted butter** and **all-purpose flour**, are crucial for creating a flavorful roux that effectively thickens the soup to its perfect, creamy, and comforting consistency, ensuring every spoonful is smooth and satisfying.

Crafting Your Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup: A Detailed Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple yet precise steps to create a deeply satisfying and wonderfully flavorful Sausage Gnocchi Soup that will warm you from the inside out. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, ensuring delicious and comforting results every single time you make it.

1. Step 1: Thoroughly Brown the Italian Sausage

   Begin by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, add your pound of ground Italian sausage. Sear the sausage for approximately one minute per side to develop a beautiful, flavorful crust. Then, use a sturdy spoon or spatula to break the sausage apart into small crumbles. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is deeply browned and fully cooked through. This browning process is paramount for building a rich, deep, and complex flavor base for your entire soup. Once cooked, remove the browned sausage with a slotted spoon and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess fat. Leave about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the rendered grease in the pot; if there’s more, carefully drain off the excess.

2. Step 2: Sauté the Aromatic Vegetables Until Tender

   In the same pot, utilizing the flavorful leftover sausage grease, add the uniformly diced yellow onion, celery, and carrot. Cook these aromatic vegetables over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 7 to 9 minutes, or until they have softened considerably and become translucent. It’s crucial to take your time during this step, as well-softened vegetables contribute significantly to the soup’s texture and overall depth of flavor, as they won’t soften much more once the liquids are added. Once tender, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning and turning bitter.

3. Step 3: Infuse Flavor with Seasonings and Butter

   Now, with the softened vegetables and fragrant garlic in the pot, stir in the salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, dried parsley, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Cook and mix these spices for about 15 seconds, allowing them to bloom and release their full aroma. Next, add the unsalted butter to the pot and stir continuously until it has completely melted, ensuring it coats all the vegetables and seasonings evenly. This step further enhances the flavor profile and prepares the base for thickening.

4. Step 4: Create the Creamy Soup Base with a Roux

   Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the buttered vegetables and seasonings. Whisk continuously for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste and create a smooth, lump-free roux. This roux is vital for thickening the soup. Gradually pour in the reduced-sodium chicken broth, whisking constantly and vigorously to ensure a smooth consistency and prevent any lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the mixture is slightly thickened. Then, slowly and steadily whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, blending thoroughly. Bring the entire soup base to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.

5. Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi and Finish the Soup

   Once the soup base is gently boiling, reduce the heat to medium. Carefully add the gnocchi to the pot along with the coarsely chopped kale (or baby spinach), and the previously cooked and drained Italian sausage. Simmer the soup for 2 to 4 minutes, or until the gnocchi is perfectly tender and the kale has wilted beautifully. Keep in mind that the cooking time for gnocchi can vary significantly by brand, so always check your specific package instructions (and refer to Recipe Note 1 below for extra guidance). Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs if desired to achieve your perfect flavor balance.

6. Step 6: Serve and Savor Your Comforting Soup

   Once the gnocchi is tender and the soup is perfectly seasoned, ladle the rich and creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup into warm individual bowls. For an extra touch of freshness and an appealing aroma, you can garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh thyme, if desired. This hearty and comforting soup is best enjoyed immediately for optimal gnocchi texture. Serve it with a side of warm, crusty buttered bread, perfect for dipping into the luscious broth. Prepare to savor every comforting spoonful of this delightful homemade creation!

Expert Tips for Making the Best Sausage Gnocchi Soup

Achieving a truly exceptional Sausage Gnocchi Soup is easy when you keep a few expert insights and culinary tricks in mind. These tips will help you elevate your homemade creation from good to absolutely unforgettable:

• Choose Quality Italian Sausage: The type of Italian sausage you select significantly impacts the entire soup’s flavor profile. Opt for a high-quality ground Italian sausage, whether you prefer mild, medium, or hot, from a reputable butcher or trusted brand. The rich fat rendered from this sausage provides a crucial foundation of flavor for sautéing your aromatic vegetables.
• Don’t Skimp on Browning the Sausage: Browning the sausage thoroughly isn’t just about cooking it; it’s about developing deep, complex, and intensely savory flavors through the Maillard reaction. Aim for a rich, dark brown crust on your sausage crumbles before you remove them from the pot. This caramelization creates a depth that simply can’t be achieved with lightly cooked meat.
• Dice Vegetables Evenly and Finely: Uniformly diced onions, celery, and carrots ensure that all vegetables cook at precisely the same rate, resulting in a consistent and pleasing texture throughout the soup. Small dice also help them to meld seamlessly into the creamy broth, making each spoonful harmonious.
• Whisk Flour Vigorously for a Smooth Roux: When you’re adding the all-purpose flour to create the roux, whisk continuously and thoroughly. This critical step prevents lumps from forming, ensuring you achieve a perfectly smooth, silky soup base without any unwanted raw flour taste. A well-made roux is the secret to a beautifully thickened soup.
• Gnocchi Variety Matters for Texture: While shelf-stable gnocchi can work in a pinch, refrigerated (fresh) gnocchi is highly recommended for this recipe. It consistently yields a superior texture, cooking up light, tender, and wonderfully pillowy rather than dense or mushy. Always check the package instructions carefully, as cooking times for fresh gnocchi can vary by brand.
• Always Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Culinary success often comes down to tasting and adjusting. Always taste your soup before serving and don’t hesitate to adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs as needed. Remember that using reduced-sodium broth gives you more control, so you can confidently add a little more seasoning to make all the delicious flavors truly pop.
• Fresh Greens are Key for Flavor and Color: Whether you choose vibrant kale or tender baby spinach, ensure your greens are fresh and bright. Chop them finely so they integrate well into the soup and don’t overwhelm the other delightful ingredients. They add a welcome freshness and a lovely visual appeal.
• Serve Immediately for Best Gnocchi Texture: Gnocchi can continue to absorb liquid and soften over time as the soup sits. For the absolute best and most tender texture, serve the soup as soon as the gnocchi is perfectly cooked through. If you anticipate leftovers, consider the storage tips below to preserve gnocchi texture.

Storing Leftover Sausage Gnocchi Soup: Maximizing Freshness & Quality

Proper storage is essential to enjoy your delicious Sausage Gnocchi Soup for days to come. Here are the best ways to handle any leftovers, ensuring you maintain its wonderful flavors and textures:

• Refrigerator Storage Guidelines:

  To store your leftover soup, transfer it promptly to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. It’s important to be aware that the gnocchi, over time, will continue to absorb liquid from the soup, potentially making the broth thicker. When you’re ready to reheat, simply add a splash of extra chicken broth or milk to restore the desired consistency and creaminess. For optimal gnocchi texture in leftovers, an expert tip is to use a wire skimmer to remove the cooked gnocchi from the soup before storing the broth and gnocchi separately. This proactive step helps prevent the gnocchi from becoming overly soft or mushy.

• Freezer Storage Recommendations:

  Freezing this Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup is generally not recommended for the best quality. The delicate dairy components (milk and heavy cream) can sometimes separate and develop a grainy texture once thawed, which can significantly alter the soup’s smooth consistency. Furthermore, the gnocchi’s texture can degrade substantially upon freezing and thawing, often turning mushy and losing its desirable pillowy quality. For these reasons, it’s best to enjoy this comforting soup fresh or within a few days from the refrigerator rather than attempting to freeze it.

Sausage Gnocchi Soup – Detailed Recipe Card

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Sausage Gnocchi Soup

By Chelsea Lords

This rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying Sausage Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comfort food, packed with savory Italian sausage, tender potato gnocchi, and healthy greens. A perfect hearty meal for any occasion.

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 5 servings

Watch an Instructional Video!

Craving a visual guide to ensure perfect results? Watch this quick and helpful video to see just how easy it is to create this delicious Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup!

Equipment Needed

• Large pot or Dutch oven

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• ¾ cup diced celery
• ¾ cup diced carrot
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 (32-ounce) carton reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups whole milk
• ⅓ cup heavy cream
• 1 (12-ounce) package gnocchi (refrigerated if possible, see Note 1)
• 2 cups kale or baby spinach, coarsely chopped
• Fresh thyme (optional, for garnish)
• Hearty buttered bread (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. 1. Brown Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground Italian sausage and sear for about a minute per side. Crumble the sausage and continue cooking until it is deeply browned. (More color on the meat equals more flavor!) Remove the cooked sausage with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving approximately 2–3 tablespoons of grease in the pot. Drain off any excess grease if there is more than that amount.
2. 2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced yellow onion, celery, and carrot to the pot with the remaining grease. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 7–9 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and softened. Taking your time here is important, as the vegetables won’t soften much more once the liquids are added. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning.
3. 3. Add Seasonings & Butter: Stir in the salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, dried parsley, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Mix for about 15 seconds, allowing the spices to become fragrant. Then, add the unsalted butter to the pot and stir until it has completely melted, coating all the vegetables and seasonings.
4. 4. Make the Creamy Base: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the vegetables and whisk constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste and form a roux. Slowly pour in the reduced-sodium chicken broth, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, blending thoroughly. Bring the entire soup to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
5. 5. Cook Gnocchi & Finish: Once the soup is gently boiling, reduce the heat to medium. Add the gnocchi (refer to Note 1 for gnocchi selection and timing tips), the coarsely chopped kale (or baby spinach), and the previously cooked and drained Italian sausage to the pot. Simmer for 2–4 minutes, or until the gnocchi is perfectly tender. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
6. 6. Serve & Enjoy: Ladle the warm and creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup into bowls. Top with fresh thyme, if desired, for an aromatic garnish. Serve immediately with hearty buttered bread on the side for dipping.

Recipe Notes

Note 1 – Choosing Your Gnocchi: For the best texture in this soup, I highly recommend using fresh, refrigerated gnocchi (brands like Giovanni Rana are excellent choices). These types of gnocchi cook quickly, typically in just 2–3 minutes, and remain wonderfully light and pillowy. If you’re using a shelf-stable gnocchi, be sure to follow its specific package directions carefully. You might consider adding it a minute or two earlier than the package suggests before you add the sausage and kale, as some shelf-stable versions can become dense or even mushy if overcooked.
Soup Storage: Store any leftover Sausage Gnocchi Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, please note that the gnocchi will continue to absorb liquid and may make the soup thicker. To restore its original creamy consistency, simply add a splash of extra milk or chicken broth. Alternatively, for optimal gnocchi texture in leftovers, you can use a wire skimmer to remove the gnocchi from the soup before storing the broth and gnocchi separately. Freezing this soup is generally not recommended, as the dairy components can separate and turn grainy upon thawing, and the gnocchi’s texture can degrade significantly.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary based on ingredients and preparation methods.

• Serving: 1 serving
• Calories: 713 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Fat: 47 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.02 g
• Cholesterol: 118 mg
• Sodium: 1671 mg
• Potassium: 931 mg
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 8 g
• Vitamin A: 6007 IU
• Vitamin C: 35 mg
• Calcium: 190 mg
• Iron: 0.9 mg