This Hearty Sausage Gnocchi Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! With tasty sausage, fluffy gnocchi, and fresh veggies, every spoonful is comforting and satisfying.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a meal that’s so cozy? I like to whip this up on chilly days, and I often enjoy it with a side of crusty bread for dipping. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: The heart of this dish, Italian sausage adds a lot of flavor. I usually go for mild, but spicy sausage is great if you like a kick! For a lighter version, turkey or chicken sausage works well too.
Gnocchi: Store-bought potato gnocchi is super convenient! If you can’t find it, you could switch to pasta like shells or small elbows for a different texture, just note cooking times will vary.
Spinach: Fresh baby spinach gives this soup a nice color and nutrients. You could swap it for other greens like kale or Swiss chard; just know they may take a bit longer to wilt.
Parmesan Cheese: I love the rich taste of Parmesan here! If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast gives a nice cheesy flavor, or you can omit cheese altogether for a lighter soup.
How Do I Achieve the Best Flavor in My Soup?
Building flavor is key in soups! Start by browning the sausage well as this adds depth. Don’t rush cooking the onions; let them soften fully before adding the garlic and herbs. This little time spent enhances the overall taste!
- Cook sausage until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté onions until translucent, around 3-4 minutes.
- Always add garlic and herbs last to preserve their flavor; cook only for 1 minute.
Also, letting the soup simmer before adding gnocchi helps the ingredients meld together nicely. A pinch of salt and pepper right at the end really brings everything to life!
Hearty Sausage Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans or white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (16-ounce) package potato gnocchi
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty soup will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping your ingredients and 20 minutes cooking. It’s the perfect quick-to-make meal for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Then, add the sausage and cook it, breaking it apart with a spoon, for about 5-7 minutes. You want it to be browned and cooked through. If there’s too much fat, feel free to remove some, but leave a couple of tablespoons for flavor.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it’s softened and translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat!). Cook this mixture for another minute until it smells wonderful!
3. Add the Liquids:
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, the chicken broth, and the water. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
4. Simmer:
Now, add the drained beans and give the soup a stir. Allow it to simmer gently for about 10 minutes so the flavors can meld together beautifully.
5. Cook the Gnocchi:
Throw in the potato gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes or until they float to the top and are tender. This is where the magic happens!
6. Add the Spinach:
Stir in the fresh baby spinach and let it cook until just wilted, which takes about 1-2 minutes. Season your soup with salt and pepper to taste for that perfect finish!
7. Finish with Cheese:
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess and flavor. It’s time to make this soup truly special!
8. Serve:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with more Parmesan cheese. For an added treat, enjoy it with a slice of crusty bread on the side.
Enjoy this rich, filling, and flavorful sausage gnocchi soup that’s perfect for chilly days! It’s sure to warm your heart and fill your belly.
Can I Use Frozen Gnocchi in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi! There’s no need to thaw it beforehand; simply throw it into the soup directly and cook it according to package instructions, which usually only takes a couple of extra minutes.
Can I Substitute the Sausage?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey or chicken sausage works well too. For a vegetarian version, you can substitute with plant-based sausage or even mushrooms for a hearty texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave. The gnocchi might absorb some liquid, so consider adding a splash of broth or water to regain the original soup consistency.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Definitely! Just skip the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You could add in extra beans or veggies like zucchini or bell peppers to bulk it up and maintain a hearty texture.
