Name: Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 400 g (1 lb) Italian sausage, casings removed and cut into chunks; 1 medium onion, finely diced; 1 medium carrot, diced; 2 celery sticks, diced; 2 large garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon red chilli flakes; 75 ml (⅓ cup) dry white wine; 1 litre (4 cups) chicken stock; 150 ml (¾ cup) double cream; 500 g gnocchi; A handful baby spinach; 30 g (¼ cup) freshly grated Parmesan

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 17 reviews

If you’re craving something utterly comforting and packed with flavor, you’ve got to try this Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe. I stumbled upon this recipe during a chilly night last fall, and it immediately became one of my household favorites. The creamy broth, the tender gnocchi, and the savory Italian sausage all come together in a bowl that just says, “You deserve this.” Trust me, once you make it, you’ll be reaching for the pot again and again.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: The Italian sausage adds a wonderful savory depth that pairs beautifully with the creamy base and tender gnocchi.
Comfort in a Bowl: It’s rich, creamy, and hearty enough to be a meal on its own, perfect for cold evenings or when you need that cozy, satisfying feel.
Quick and Easy: You can have it ready in about 35 minutes, making it a fantastic weeknight go-to dinner.
Versatility: With baby spinach and Parmesan, you get a fresh finish and a burst of flavor that keeps every spoonful interesting.

Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup, Italian sausage gnocchi recipes, comforting gnocchi soups, easy sausage soups, hearty Italian soup recipes - A bowl filled with a creamy yellow soup containing round gnocchi pieces that are slightly shiny and smooth. Mixed within the soup are browned meat pieces with a crumbly texture and small bits of orange carrots scattered throughout. There are dark green spinach leaves adding color contrast. The soup looks thick and warm, with some grated cheese sprinkled on top and around the bowl edges. The bowl is white and set on a white marbled surface, with a striped cloth nearby and a block of cheese partially visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This soup is a simple combo of bold and familiar ingredients that meld into something far greater than the sum of its parts. Each one plays a crucial role, especially when you’re aiming for a creamy, rich texture without it feeling too heavy.

Olive Oil: The base for sautéing, adding a subtle fruity flavor that complements the sausage.
Italian Sausage: The star protein, bringing both seasoning and a meaty richness—removing the casing lets it break apart perfectly.
Onion, Carrot, Celery: Classic soffritto ingredients that build a flavorful foundation with sweetness and earthiness.
Garlic: Just a touch adds that irresistible aromatic punch you want in any Italian-inspired soup.
Italian Seasoning: A blend that saves you time and brings in all those herbal notes—oregano, basil, thyme—that brighten the dish.
Red Chilli Flakes: A gentle kick to balance the creaminess without overwhelming the palate.
Dry White Wine: Adds acidity and complexity, helping to layer flavors beautifully.
Chicken Stock: The liquid base that infuses the soup with warmth and depth.
Double Cream: For that luscious, silky texture that turns this soup into pure indulgence.
Gnocchi: These pillowy potato dumplings soak up the broth perfectly, making every bite a delight.
Baby Spinach: Added right at the end for freshness, color, and a subtle earthiness that balances the richness.
Freshly Grated Parmesan: Elevates the entire dish with salty, nutty flavor and helps to thicken the broth slightly.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

Honestly, this Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that’s fantastic as-is but also lends itself well to your personal twists. I love playing around with the spice levels or tossing in whatever greens I have on hand.

Spicy Kick: If you want more heat, I bump up the red chilli flakes or add some chopped fresh jalapeños for a fiery punch.
Swap the Greens: Sometimes I swap baby spinach for kale or Swiss chard just for a bit of texture change—both work beautifully.
Dairy-Free: For friends who can’t do cream, coconut cream is a surprisingly good substitute that keeps things luscious.
Vegetable-Loaded: Feel free to toss in extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms if you want to boost the nutrition without sacrificing flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown That Sausage Right

Start by heating the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add your Italian sausage chunks (don’t forget to remove the casings!) and cook them for 4-5 minutes until they just begin to brown. Use your spoon to break them up as they cook—that’s key! You want little crumbles that’ll infuse the soup with flavor. Don’t rush this step; the browning builds a savory base you’ll appreciate later.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Next, add finely diced onion, carrot, and celery to the pot. Cook these for another 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly but still hold shape. Then stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red chilli flakes, cooking for about a minute until everything smells incredibly fragrant. This is your moment to fill the kitchen with those classic Italian aromas that get you excited to dig in.

Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the dry white wine and stir frequently, letting it cook down for about a minute until mostly evaporated — this step enhances depth and adds a subtle tang. Then add the chicken stock, crank the heat until it boils, and reduce to a gentle simmer for 10 minutes. You’ll notice the flavors are really marrying here, and the broth smells absolutely delightful.

Step 4: Cream, Gnocchi, and Green Goodness

Lower the heat to medium, stir in the double cream, and then add the gnocchi. Cook according to the package instructions, usually 2-3 minutes, until the gnocchi float and become tender. Lastly, toss in a handful of baby spinach and sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan. Give a good stir, season with salt and pepper to taste, and it’s ready to serve. The spinach wilts quickly, adding a fresh, vibrant contrast to the creamy broth.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Brown your sausage in batches if necessary so that it sears nicely instead of steaming—a good crust adds so much flavor.
Use Quality Sausage: Good Italian sausage really makes a difference—look for fresh, well-seasoned ones at your butcher or farmer’s market.
Add Greens Last: Throw spinach in right at the end so it stays bright and fresh, rather than overcooked and wilted.
Watch the Gnocchi: They cook fast—overcooking turns them mushy, so keep an eye on the time according to package instructions.

How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this soup with a generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves when I have them around. Sometimes a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a tiny handful of toasted pine nuts adds a wonderful texture contrast. A crack of fresh black pepper on top brings everything to life just before serving.

Side Dishes

There’s something about serving crusty garlic bread alongside this soup that just completes the meal. I often serve it with a simple mixed green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Roasted vegetables also make a lovely, hearty side if you want to bulk up the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I love serving this soup in rustic mini bread bowls—it’s fun and makes for less cleanup! You could also ladle it into shallow bowls and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens to impress your guests and make the presentation pop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After making this soup, I usually cool it to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers and store in the fridge. When reheating within 2-3 days, I do it gently over low heat to avoid breaking down the cream or gnocchi texture.

Freezing

Freezing Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe can be a bit tricky because cream tends to separate, and gnocchi can get mushy. I recommend freezing the soup base without the gnocchi and spinach, then adding fresh ones when you reheat. That way, you maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Heat the soup slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from splitting. If the soup thickens too much, thin it with a little chicken stock or water. Add fresh spinach and gnocchi at this stage if you froze the base separately and cook until gnocchi float and spinach wilts.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this soup?

Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works well and speeds up the process, just be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking times to avoid overcooking. Fresh gnocchi can be great too, if you have access to it.
What type of Italian sausage is best for this recipe?

I prefer sweet or mild Italian sausage because its seasoning complements the creamy broth nicely without overpowering it. However, if you like spice, go for the spicy variety! Just adjust the additional chili flakes accordingly.
Is there a substitute for double cream?

You can use heavy cream or a mixture of cream and milk as a substitute, though it may be slightly less rich. For dairy-free options, coconut cream will work, but it will add a subtle coconut flavor.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Swap Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or seasoned mushrooms, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. The creamy texture and gnocchi keep the soup satisfying even without meat.
How do I prevent the soup from splitting when reheating?

Reheat the soup slowly over low heat and stir frequently. Avoid boiling it, as high heat can cause the cream to separate. Adding a splash of stock or milk while reheating can help maintain a smooth texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s a special kind of joy that comes with a bowl of warm, creamy, Italian sausage-filled goodness, and this Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe delivers exactly that. It’s become my go-to when I want something quick but indulgent, especially when friends come over and I want an easy crowd-pleaser. I hope you find as much comfort and happiness in it as I do—grab your spoon and enjoy every luscious bite!