Name: Sausage and Gnocchi Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy); 1 small onion, diced; 1 carrot, diced; 1 celery stalk, diced; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; ½ teaspoon oregano; ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional); 4 cups chicken stock; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 (16 oz.) package gnocchi; 2 cups kale, chopped; ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated; ¼ cup fresh basil, torn (for garnish)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and comforting – A creamy, hearty soup with bold flavors.
One-pot meal – Easy cleanup and minimal effort.
Quick and easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor-packed – Sausage, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and chili flakes make every bite delicious.
Great for leftovers – Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Olive oil – For browning the sausage and sautéing the vegetables.
Sausage – Use Italian sausage (mild or spicy) for the best flavor.
Onions, carrots, celery – The classic base for a flavorful soup.
Kosher salt – Enhances all the flavors.
Garlic – Adds depth and warmth.
Sun-dried tomatoes – Brings a rich, slightly tangy flavor.
Oregano – A classic Italian herb that complements the sausage.
Red chili flakes – Adds a touch of heat (optional).
Chicken stock – The flavorful base of the soup.
Heavy cream – Makes the soup rich and creamy.
Gnocchi – Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that make the soup extra satisfying.
Kale – Adds color, nutrients, and texture.
Parmesan cheese – Brings a salty, umami finish.
Fresh basil – For garnish and extra flavor.

Directions

1. Brown the Sausage

Heat a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add olive oil and sausage, breaking it into crumbles.
Brown for 3 minutes, then remove to a bowl.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add onions, carrots, celery, and kosher salt.
Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until softened.

3. Add Aromatics

Stir in garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red chili flakes.
Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Simmer the Soup

Return the sausage to the pot.
Pour in the chicken stock and heavy cream and bring to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat to medium.

5. Cook the Gnocchi and Kale

Add the gnocchi and kale to the soup.
Cook for 3 minutes, or according to the gnocchi package instructions.

6. Finish and Serve

Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Ladle into bowls and top with extra Parmesan and torn basil.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Dairy-Free Option: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free Parmesan.
Vegetarian Version: Swap sausage for plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.
Extra Greens: Add spinach instead of kale for a milder taste.
Spicy Kick: Use spicy Italian sausage or add more red chili flakes.
Herby Twist: Stir in fresh thyme or basil for extra depth of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze without the gnocchi for up to 2 months. Add gnocchi when reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding extra broth or cream if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta instead of gnocchi?

Yes! Small pasta like orecchiette or tortellini works well.

2. What type of sausage is best for this soup?

Italian sausage (mild or spicy) adds the best flavor.

3. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the soup will be less rich. Try half-and-half for a middle-ground option.

4. Do I have to use sun-dried tomatoes?

No, but they add great depth. You can substitute with a tablespoon of tomato paste.

5. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! Just reheat gently and add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.

6. What can I serve with this soup?

Crusty bread, garlic bread, or a side salad pairs perfectly.

7. How do I keep the soup from getting too thick?

Add extra broth when reheating to loosen the consistency.

8. Can I use frozen gnocchi?

Yes! Add it straight to the soup and cook as directed.

9. What’s the best way to add more protein?

Try adding shredded rotisserie chicken for extra protein.

10. Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free gnocchi and check that your sausage and broth are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Creamy sausage and gnocchi soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and full of flavor. Whether you make it for a cozy dinner or meal prep for the week, this one-pot soup is sure to become a favorite. Serve with crusty bread and enjoy every delicious bite!