Sausage and Gnocchi Soup

Warm up with this hearty Sausage and Gnocchi Soup, a delightful blend of Italian flavors and comforting ingredients. Featuring savory Italian sausage, tender potato gnocchi, and fresh vegetables simmered in a rich broth, this soup is perfect for cozy evenings or casual gatherings.

Quick to prepare and packed with nutrients, it’s a satisfying meal that’s sure to please the whole family. Enjoy it with a slice of crusty bread for a truly comforting experience!

Sausage and Gnocchi Soup

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil

16 ounces Italian sausage

1/2 medium onion, chopped

2 sticks celery, chopped

2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced fairly thin

4 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups chicken broth

1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce

1 pound uncooked potato gnocchi

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

2-3 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach

Handful fresh basil

Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, about 10 minutes.

Transfer the sausage to a plate lined with paper towels.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

If needed, add a splash of olive oil to the pot.

Add the chopped onion, celery, and sliced carrots.

Sauté for 8-10 minutes, until the onion is golden and the celery and carrots are tender.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Return the sausage to the pot.

Add the chicken broth, tomato sauce, uncooked gnocchi, and Italian seasoning.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low.

Simmer for 10 minutes with the lid slightly ajar, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Incorporate Greens

Stir in the fresh baby spinach and basil.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, then cook for a few more minutes until the greens are wilted.

Step 6: Serve

Enjoy the soup hot, ideally with some crusty bread on the side!

Notes:

Sausage Selection: Use your favorite type of Italian sausage—sweet, spicy, or even turkey sausage for a lighter option. If you prefer a milder flavor, consider removing the casing and using the sausage as ground meat.

Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or kale to enhance the nutrition and flavor of the soup.

Gnocchi Options: You can use store-bought potato gnocchi or make your own for a more authentic touch. Just ensure it’s uncooked when adding to the soup.

Broth Choices: For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth or low-sodium broth to control the salt content. Vegetable broth can also be used for a vegetarian version.

Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Note that the gnocchi may absorb some of the broth, so you might need to add a little water or broth when reheating.

Freezing: This soup can be frozen, but for best results, consider freezing the broth and gnocchi separately. Gnocchi can become mushy after thawing, so it’s best added fresh when reheating.

Serving Suggestions: Serve with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor. Crusty bread or a fresh salad makes great accompaniments.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of sausage?

Yes! You can substitute Italian sausage with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option.

Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

What if I can’t find gnocchi?

If you can’t find potato gnocchi, you can use small pasta like mini shells or ditalini instead.

Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary, so check the package instructions.

Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes! This soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Just be aware that the gnocchi may absorb some of the broth, so you might need to add a bit of water when reheating.

Is this soup suitable for freezing?

While you can freeze the soup, the gnocchi may become mushy when thawed.

For best results, consider freezing the broth separately and adding freshly cooked gnocchi when reheating.

How can I make this soup spicier?

To add heat, you can use spicy Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes while cooking.

Fresh jalapeños or diced chili peppers can also be added for an extra kick.

How do I properly brown the sausage?

Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering.

Add the sausage and break it up with a wooden spoon.

Cook until it’s browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes.

Make sure not to overcrowd the pan for even browning.

What if my vegetables aren’t cooking evenly?

To ensure even cooking, chop the vegetables into uniform sizes.

If some are still firm after sautéing, simply cover the pot and let them steam for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.

Can I add more vegetables to this soup?

Absolutely! You can add veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans.

Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure everything is tender.

What should I do if the soup is too thick?

If the soup is thicker than you’d like, simply add a little more chicken broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.

Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes.

How do I know when the gnocchi is cooked?

Gnocchi typically cooks quickly, usually within 2-3 minutes after being added to the simmering soup.

They’re done when they float to the surface.

Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking!