Name: Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy); 1 package (16 oz) shelf-stable gnocchi; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups chopped kale (or spinach); 1 small carrot, finely diced (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional); Olive oil, as needed for sautéing

This Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup is one of those bowls that wraps you up like a cozy blanket. The first time I made it, I was just trying to use up a few random ingredients in my fridge—some Italian sausage, leftover gnocchi, and a bag of spinach that was on its last leg. What happened next was pure magic. The rich broth, silky with cream and savory sausage drippings, hugs every pillowy bite of gnocchi while flecks of wilted greens add a pop of freshness. It’s deeply comforting, flavorful, and comes together fast—like 30 minutes fast.

I love how this soup blurs the line between rustic and indulgent. It’s hearty enough to be a full meal on its own, yet feels fancy enough for guests. And trust me, once that first spoonful hits the table, no one is waiting for seconds—they’re diving in. Whether it’s a chilly evening or just one of those “I need something satisfying” kind of nights, this soup shows up like a hero.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup

One-pot wonder – minimal cleanup!
Ready in 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights.
Ultra creamy – thanks to heavy cream and melty cheese.
Full of texture – chewy gnocchi, crumbled sausage, and tender greens.
Customizable – easy to tweak based on what’s in your fridge.
Comfort food meets gourmet vibes – no compromise on flavor.
Great leftovers – it tastes even better the next day.
Freezer-friendly – make a big batch and save some for later.

What Kind of Gnocchi Should I Use?

For this Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup, I usually go for shelf-stable gnocchi because it’s convenient and holds its shape beautifully in soups. You can find it in the pasta aisle, and it only takes a few minutes to cook directly in the broth. If you’re feeling a little extra, homemade gnocchi will give you an ultra-soft, melt-in-your-mouth experience, but it can be a bit more delicate in the soup.

Refrigerated gnocchi is another great option—it’s fresher than the boxed kind and cooks just as quickly. I wouldn’t recommend frozen gnocchi unless you defrost it first, since it can turn mushy in the soup. No matter which version you choose, gnocchi turns this dish into a hearty, satisfying meal without needing any sides.

Options for Substitutions

What I love about this soup is how flexible it is—you can tailor it to whatever you have on hand or your dietary needs:

Sausage: Swap Italian sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based sausage for a lighter version.
Gnocchi: If gnocchi’s not your thing, try small pasta shapes like orecchiette or ditalini. For a low-carb spin, cauliflower gnocchi works surprisingly well.
Greens: Kale holds up beautifully in hot soup, but spinach, chard, or even arugula are great alternatives.
Cream: Use half-and-half for a lighter broth, or go dairy-free with coconut milk or oat cream.
Broth: Chicken broth gives a rich base, but veggie broth works if you’re keeping things vegetarian.
Spices: Feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes for heat, or Italian seasoning for an herby lift.

This soup plays nice with whatever’s in your kitchen, which makes it a weeknight go-to.

Ingredients for This Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup

Italian Sausage
This is the flavor powerhouse of the soup. I like using mild sausage for balance, but spicy works great if you want more heat. It adds richness, seasoning, and texture in one go.
Gnocchi
Soft, pillowy potato gnocchi soak up all the creamy, savory broth. They’re the star carb here—comforting, filling, and super quick to cook.
Onion
A sautéed yellow or white onion brings natural sweetness and depth to the base of the soup.
Garlic
Fresh minced garlic infuses the broth with bold, aromatic flavor. It’s a must for building that cozy soup vibe.
Chicken Broth
The backbone of the soup. It adds body and brings all the flavors together while keeping it light enough to sip.
Heavy Cream
For that rich, velvety texture we all crave in a creamy soup. It blends beautifully with the sausage drippings and broth.
Kale
This leafy green holds up well in hot soup without wilting into mush. It adds color, nutrition, and a slight earthy bite.
Carrot (optional)
I like tossing in a finely diced carrot for a little sweetness and color. Totally optional, but it rounds things out nicely.
Salt & Pepper
Simple seasonings that balance all the bold flavors in the soup—taste and adjust as needed.
Parmesan Cheese (optional)
Stirred in at the end or sprinkled on top, Parmesan adds umami and a salty finish that brings it all home.

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Sauté until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage and set it aside, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add a bit of olive oil if needed, then toss in the chopped onion. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened, then stir in the minced garlic. Let it cook for another minute until fragrant—don’t let the garlic burn!

Step 3: Build the Base

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot—they’re full of flavor. Add in the carrot at this point if you’re using it.

Step 4: Add Gnocchi

Once the broth is bubbling, stir in the gnocchi. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes or until the gnocchi float to the top and become tender. They cook quickly, so don’t wander too far.

Step 5: Stir in the Cream and Kale

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and pour in the heavy cream. Add the kale and cooked sausage back into the pot. Stir everything together and simmer for another 3–5 minutes, until the kale softens and the soup thickens slightly.

Step 6: Final Seasoning

Taste the soup and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. If you like a bit of heat, now’s a good time to sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Finish with a handful of grated Parmesan if you like it cheesy.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle the creamy sausage gnocchi soup into bowls while hot. Top with more Parmesan and cracked black pepper, then dig in while it’s warm and cozy.

How Long to Cook the Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup

From start to finish, this soup takes around 30 minutes total. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Browning the sausage: 6–8 minutes
Sautéing onions and garlic: 4–5 minutes
Simmering broth and gnocchi: 5–7 minutes
Simmering with cream, kale, and sausage: 5 minutes

The gnocchi cooks super fast, and the kale wilts in just a few minutes. The key is keeping the soup at a gentle simmer once the cream goes in to avoid curdling.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup

Use high-quality sausage – Since sausage brings most of the flavor, go for something you really love. Mild, spicy, or even garlic-herb infused all work well.
Don’t overcook the gnocchi – It only takes a few minutes. Overcooked gnocchi gets mushy and loses its chewy bite.
Wilt the greens gently – Add kale or spinach at the end so it stays vibrant and slightly crisp.
Simmer, don’t boil after adding cream – Keep the heat low to prevent separation or curdling.
Deglaze well – Scrape up those golden bits at the bottom of the pot after sautéing the sausage—they’re flavor gold.
Add cheese off heat – If using Parmesan, stir it in once the soup is off the burner to avoid clumps.
Make it thicker – Want a creamier, thicker soup? Mix 1 tsp of cornstarch with a splash of cold broth and stir it in at the end.
Balance flavors – Taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or add a splash of lemon juice to brighten it up.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Boiling the soup after adding cream
High heat can cause the cream to split, making your broth grainy instead of velvety. Keep it at a gentle simmer once dairy is added.
Overcrowding the pot with gnocchi
Too much gnocchi in too little broth can make the soup overly starchy and thick. Stick to the suggested amount or add more broth if you’re doubling it.
Skipping the sauté on onions and garlic
Don’t rush this step—cooking the aromatics properly gives your soup a flavorful foundation.
Not seasoning as you go
Add a little salt and pepper in layers, starting with the sausage, then the broth. Waiting until the end can make the flavor feel flat.
Adding greens too early
Kale and spinach will lose their color and texture if they’re simmered too long. Add them near the end for that perfect tender bite.
Forgetting to scrape the pot after sausage
Those brown bits at the bottom are packed with umami—deglaze with a splash of broth or white wine to lift them into the soup.
Using low-fat dairy without adjusting
If you sub in half-and-half or milk, you may need a thickener like cornstarch to maintain that creamy texture.
Serving it too hot
Let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving. The flavors meld better, and you won’t burn your tongue on the first bite.

What to Serve With Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup?

Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up that rich broth.

Simple Arugula Salad

A light, peppery salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.

Parmesan Crisps

Crunchy, cheesy bites that add a fun contrast to the creamy texture.

A Glass of Red Wine

A smooth Chianti or Pinot Noir pairs wonderfully with the savory sausage.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their caramelized edges and earthy flavor play so well with creamy soups.

Crusty Artisan Bread

Thick slices of sourdough or country loaf make a rustic and hearty pairing.

Soft-Boiled Eggs

Add a halved soft-boiled egg on top of each bowl for a rich twist.

Lemon-Herb Couscous

A bright, fluffy side that brings a zesty contrast to the creamy soup.

Storage Instructions

This Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup stores beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prep. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigerator: Store cooled soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits—just give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezer: You can freeze this soup, but note that the cream and gnocchi may slightly change in texture when thawed. To help with this, freeze before adding the cream and gnocchi. When ready to eat, reheat the base, then stir in fresh gnocchi and cream for best results.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Avoid boiling to keep the cream from curdling. Microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each.

Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 6 servings total):

Calories: ~420
Protein: 17g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 820mg
Calcium: ~15% DV
Iron: ~10% DV

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the base (sausage, broth, aromatics) ahead and store it in the fridge. Just wait to add the gnocchi and cream until reheating to keep the texture perfect.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Only if you use gluten-free gnocchi and check that your sausage and broth are certified gluten-free. There are some great GF gnocchi options out there!

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, swap the heavy cream with coconut milk or an unsweetened dairy-free creamer. Skip the cheese or use a vegan alternative.

What kind of sausage is best?

I recommend Italian sausage—mild for a cozy, classic flavor or hot for a spicier kick. Chicken or turkey sausage works great too.

Can I use frozen gnocchi?

You can, but make sure to thaw it first. Otherwise, it may break apart or make the soup too starchy as it cooks.

How do I thicken the soup if it’s too runny?

Simmer it a little longer uncovered, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp cold water). Adding grated Parmesan also helps thicken it up naturally.

Can I add more veggies?

Of course! Mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or even corn make great additions. Just sauté them along with the onions to soften them up.

Does it reheat well?

It really does. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave and avoid boiling. You may want to add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up.

Conclusion

Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup is the kind of dish that makes you want to cozy up with a big bowl and a blanket. It’s creamy, hearty, and loaded with comforting flavors—everything you crave in a one-pot meal. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or just need something soul-warming on a cold evening, this soup delivers. With simple ingredients and fast prep time, it’s a recipe that’ll make its way into your regular rotation in no time.