A warm, velvety bowl of Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup is comfort food at its best. Imagine tender potato gnocchi floating in a rich, creamy broth infused with savory Italian sausage, hearty vegetables, and fragrant herbs. The textures and flavors mingle beautifully, creating a dish that feels indulgent yet nourishing.

Perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving something soul-soothing, this soup comes together easily but delivers restaurant-quality flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner at home or impressing guests, Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup

Comforting and Hearty: A creamy broth with tender gnocchi and sausage makes every spoonful satisfying.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps — ready in under an hour.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love the soft gnocchi and flavorful sausage.
Versatile: Customize it with your favorite greens, swap in spicy sausage, or add mushrooms for extra depth.
Perfect for Meal Prep: It stores well and tastes even better the next day.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

(Essential Tools and Equipment, and the Importance of Each Tool)

Before diving into making your Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup, a bit of prep can make the cooking process seamless and enjoyable. Having the right tools on hand ensures that each ingredient is cooked to perfection and that cleanup stays simple.

Large Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Soup Pot
This is your main cooking vessel. Its thick walls and even heat distribution help build layers of flavor and prevent scorching the creamy broth.
Sharp Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board
Prepping your vegetables quickly and uniformly is much easier with a good, sharp knife.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
Ideal for breaking up the sausage as it browns and stirring the soup without damaging your pot.
Measuring Cups & Spoons
Precision in measuring the broth, cream, and seasonings ensures a balanced, flavorful soup.
Colander
Handy if you prefer to rinse your gnocchi or spinach before adding them to the soup.
Ladle
Perfect for serving hearty portions of this creamy delight.

Preparation Tips

Prep Ingredients First: Dice your vegetables and measure out seasonings before you start cooking. This makes the process flow smoothly.
Brown the Sausage Well: Let the sausage develop some caramelization for deeper flavor — don’t rush this step!
Use High-Quality Gnocchi: Fresh gnocchi gives a pillowy texture, but shelf-stable versions work well too.
Simmer Gently: Once the cream is added, keep the soup at a low simmer to maintain its luscious consistency without curdling.
Add Greens Last: Stir spinach in just before serving to preserve its bright color and tender texture.

Ingredients for This Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup

Crafting this delicious soup requires a well-balanced mix of hearty and fresh ingredients. Each element plays an important role in creating a rich, flavorful bowl of comfort.

1 lb Italian Sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
Brings robust, savory flavor and a bit of texture to the soup.
1 tbsp Olive Oil
For sautéing the vegetables and helping the sausage brown beautifully.
1 medium Yellow Onion, finely diced
Adds sweetness and depth to the broth.
2 medium Carrots, diced
Contributes color, slight sweetness, and texture.
3 cloves Garlic, minced
Infuses the soup with aromatic richness.
4 cups Chicken Broth (low-sodium recommended)
Forms the savory base of the soup.
1 cup Heavy Cream
Provides luscious creaminess that balances the savory flavors.
16 oz Potato Gnocchi (fresh or shelf-stable)
The star of the dish — soft, pillowy bites that soak up the creamy broth.
3 cups Fresh Spinach
Adds vibrant color and a hint of earthiness.
1 tsp Dried Italian Herbs
Blends beautifully with the sausage and broth.
Salt & Black Pepper, to taste
Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
Optional Garnish: Grated Parmesan Cheese & Fresh Parsley
For extra richness and a pop of freshness.

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil, then crumble the Italian sausage into the pot. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and cooked through. Use a wooden spoon to break the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks. Once done, transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside, leaving a bit of the rendered fat in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the diced onion and carrots. Sauté over medium heat for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant — be careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Build the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits (this adds fantastic flavor). Stir in the Italian herbs, and season with a little salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Add the Gnocchi

Once the broth is boiling, reduce the heat slightly and add the gnocchi. Simmer uncovered for 4–5 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the top and become tender.

Step 5: Stir in the Cream and Sausage

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and return the cooked sausage to the pot. Let the soup simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to thicken slightly.

Step 6: Add Spinach and Final Seasoning

Add the fresh spinach to the soup and stir until wilted, about 1–2 minutes. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup into bowls. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Gnocchi Options: Both fresh and shelf-stable gnocchi work well. If using frozen, no need to thaw — just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Sausage Variations: Feel free to use spicy Italian sausage for a kick or substitute with chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter version.
Broth Choices: Chicken broth is classic, but you can also use vegetable broth if you want a slightly different flavor or a vegetarian version with meatless sausage.
Cream Substitute: For a lighter option, you can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, though the soup will be slightly less rich.
Make It Thicker: If you prefer a thicker soup, add a slurry of cornstarch and water, or let the soup simmer a bit longer uncovered.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Over-browning the Sausage: Browning is good, but burning will make the sausage bitter and affect the entire soup’s flavor. Keep an eye on it.
Boiling After Adding Cream: High heat can cause the cream to curdle. Always reduce to low heat once the cream goes in.
Overcooking the Gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks quickly — once it floats, it’s done. Overcooking can make it mushy.
Skipping the Deglazing Step: Scraping up browned bits after sautéing vegetables adds deep flavor — don’t skip it!
Adding Spinach Too Early: Add spinach at the end so it stays vibrant and tender, not overcooked and dark.
Not Tasting Before Serving: Always taste the soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed. The sausage can vary in saltiness.
Using Low-Quality Broth: The broth makes the base of your soup. A good-quality broth ensures a more flavorful result.
Crowding the Pot: If doubling the recipe, use a larger pot. Overcrowding can prevent even cooking and proper texture.

What to Serve With Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup

Balancing this rich, hearty soup with complementary sides can turn your meal into an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or entertaining guests, here are some delicious ideas to round out your table:

8 Recommendations

Crusty Artisan Bread
Perfect for dunking into the creamy broth and soaking up every last drop.
Garlic Breadsticks
The garlicky crunch pairs wonderfully with the soft gnocchi and savory sausage.
Simple Green Salad
A light, crisp salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the soup’s richness.
Caprese Salad
Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil add a bright, fresh element to the meal.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli provide texture and earthy flavors.
Parmesan Crisps
These add a salty, crunchy garnish either on top of the soup or as a side snack.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
For an indulgent twist — melty cheese and crisp bread alongside creamy soup.
Chilled Sparkling Water or Light White Wine
A refreshing drink cuts through the richness and cleanses the palate between bites.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage keeps your Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup tasting just as delicious the next day — and it makes for an excellent meal prep option.

Refrigerator: Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: While you can freeze this soup, note that the gnocchi and cream may change texture slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze without adding the gnocchi — then cook fresh gnocchi when reheating. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup has thickened too much in the fridge.

Estimated Nutrition

(Per Serving — based on approximately 6 servings)

Calories: ~450 kcal
Protein: ~18 g
Carbohydrates: ~30 g
Fat: ~28 g
Saturated Fat: ~12 g
Fiber: ~3 g
Sugar: ~4 g
Sodium: ~900 mg
Cholesterol: ~70 mg

Please note: Nutrition values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen gnocchi?

Yes! Frozen gnocchi works well. Add it straight to the simmering broth—no need to thaw. Just cook a few extra minutes until the gnocchi floats and becomes tender.

2. How can I make this soup lighter?

You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and opt for chicken or turkey sausage to lighten the dish. The soup will still be creamy but with fewer calories.

3. What type of sausage is best for this recipe?

Italian sausage is traditional—either mild or spicy depending on your taste. You can also use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or plant-based sausage alternatives.

4. Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Absolutely. Mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or kale are great additions that blend well with the flavors.

5. Is this soup gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free gnocchi and ensure your broth and sausage are gluten-free, then yes—this soup can be made gluten-free.

6. Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just be aware that the gnocchi will continue to absorb liquid, so you might want to add extra broth when reheating.

7. How do I prevent the cream from curdling?

Keep the heat low after adding the cream and avoid boiling the soup vigorously. This will help maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.

8. What can I use instead of spinach?

You can substitute with kale, Swiss chard, arugula, or even chopped broccoli florets for variety.

Conclusion

Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup is a cozy, flavor-packed dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying. With pillowy gnocchi, savory sausage, fresh greens, and a luscious broth, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again—perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests. Simple to make and endlessly customizable, this soup proves that comfort food can be both easy and elegant. Enjoy every creamy spoonful!