Description
This Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is a hearty, comforting dish featuring savory Italian sausage, tender potato gnocchi, and a flavorful tomato and cream-based broth simmered with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Ingredients
Meat
- 16 ounces Italian sausage
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, chopped finely
- 2 sticks celery, chopped finely
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach (optional)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Liquids and Others
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
Instructions
- Brown Sausage: Add the sausage meat to a Dutch oven or large soup pot and sauté over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until browned all over, about 7-8 minutes.
- Drain Fat: Remove the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate and drain excess fat, leaving about a tablespoon of fat in the pot.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add chopped onion and celery to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add Flour and Garlic: Stir in the flour and minced garlic, cooking for about one minute while stirring constantly to form a roux.
- Add Broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to fully incorporate the flour and prevent lumps.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and return the browned sausage to the pot. Increase heat to high and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
- Cook Gnocchi and Cream: Once boiling, add the potato gnocchi and heavy cream. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add extra broth or cream if the soup is too thick.
- Add Spinach and Season: Stir in fresh baby spinach if using, then season the soup with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add more crushed red pepper flakes according to your preference.
- You can substitute turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- If you don't have fresh spinach, frozen spinach can be used after thawing and draining excess water.
- The soup thickens after resting; adjust broth or cream consistency while cooking to your liking.
- Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
