Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup: A Cozy One-Pot Story from My New York Kitchen
Hi! I’m Lina Rose, a New Yorker with a soft spot for creamy comfort food and warm kitchen memories. This Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup takes me right back to chilly evenings in my tiny Queens apartment, where I’d cook with my grandma using nothing but a small pot and her handwritten notes. The first time I made this soup, I was amazed at how the creamy tomato broth hugged every piece of pillowy gnocchi and rich Italian sausage. It’s one of those low-effort, one-pot dinners that makes the whole house smell like an Italian trattoria.
If you’re new to cozy soups, this recipe’s for you. It’s quick on the table in under 40 minutes and built from simple pantry staples you probably already have. It reminds me of why I started Globe Recipe: to share feel-good meals that don’t take all day but still taste like home.
When I’m craving something creamy and rich but not heavy, this soup hits the spot. It has all the flavours of your favourite Italian pasta dish: sausage, garlic, oregano, and spinach, but in a spoonable, silky form. Pair it with crusty bread or something like my Cottage Cheese Bread Recipe for the perfect cozy night in. And if you love hearty, soul-warming soups, you’ll also want to try my Jalapeño Popper Soup next. It’s another creamy classic that’ll warm you right up.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
Simple ingredients, big flavour. This soup is proof that pantry staples like crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and gnocchi can come together to create something special. The creamy tomato broth is velvety and comforting, bursting with garlic and oregano.
One pot, minimal mess. You’ll only need one Dutch oven to sauté the sausage, simmer the broth, and cook the gnocchi all in the same pot. That means fewer dishes and more time to relax.
Restaurant-quality flavor at home. The combination of Italian sausage and cream gives this soup a rich, indulgent taste. Yet it’s surprisingly quick and low-effort, perfect for busy weeknights.
Flexible & forgiving. Swap spinach for kale, add mushrooms, or use turkey sausage; it’s easy to adjust. You can even freeze leftovers, which reheat beautifully.
Whether you’re cooking for family or just yourself, this Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table.
Ingredients Needed for Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
When it comes to creamy comfort food, the beauty of this Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is in its simplicity. Everything comes together with common pantry staples and a few fresh touches. Each ingredient plays a role in creating that signature creamy tomato broth, rich, flavorful, and deeply cozy.
If you’ve ever made my Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad, you’ll recognize my love for building layers of flavor with minimal effort. This soup is another “lazy gourmet” recipe, hearty, wholesome, and low-effort.
Here’s what you’ll need to make your kitchen smell like a rustic Italian bistro tonight.
Ingredients List
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Italian sausage | 16 ounces | Use spicy or mild; remove casings if needed |
| Onion | 1 medium (finely chopped) | Adds sweetness and depth |
| Celery | 2 sticks (finely chopped) | Balances the richness of the soup |
| Garlic | 3–4 cloves (minced) | Infuses the creamy tomato broth |
| Flour | 2 tablespoons | Helps thicken the broth slightly |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups | Low sodium preferred |
| Crushed tomatoes | 1 (28 oz) can | Forms the base of the creamy tomato broth |
| Dried oregano | 1/2 teaspoon | Adds that classic Italian aroma |
| Crushed red pepper flakes | 1/2 teaspoon (optional) | Adds subtle heat |
| Potato gnocchi | 1 pound (uncooked) | Soft and pillowy texture |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | Makes the soup extra creamy |
| Baby spinach | 2 cups (packed) | Adds color and nutrients |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | Adjust before serving |
If you’ve stocked your pantry from recipes like my Cottage Cheese Egg Bites, you likely already have most of these ingredients on hand. That’s what makes this dish such a low-effort, high-reward favorite: simple ingredients transformed into something restaurant-worthy.
How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
This cozy bowl of comfort comes together in one pot and in less than 40 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is as easy as it is delicious.
If you love quick comfort food recipes like my Cottage Cheese Lasagna Recipe, you’ll appreciate how this dish balances rich flavors with minimal effort. Here’s exactly how to bring it all together.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Brown the sausage
Add the sausage meat to a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. Sauté over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s browned all over, about 7 to 8 minutes. This is where that signature Italian aroma begins to build.
Step 2 – Sauté the aromatics
Remove the sausage and set it aside on a paper towel–lined plate. Keep about a tablespoon of fat in the pot. Add the chopped onion and celery, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and flour, cooking just one minute to remove any raw taste.
Step 3 – Build the creamy tomato broth
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to incorporate the flour. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes. Return the browned sausage to the pot and bring everything to a gentle boil.
The sauce should thicken slightly and smell heavenly. If you’ve tried my Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip, you know how I love creamy, tangy layers, and this soup has that same flavor magic.
Step 4 – Add the gnocchi and cream
Once it’s gently boiling, stir in the gnocchi and heavy cream. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The gnocchi should become pillowy and tender as the creamy tomato broth thickens slightly.
Step 5 – Stir in spinach and season
Just before serving, stir in baby spinach until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust consistency with a splash of broth or cream if needed. Serve hot and watch the creamy broth coat each soft gnocchi and sausage bite.
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
This Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is comforting, simple, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, these practical tips ensure your soup turns out thick, creamy, and bursting with flavor every single time.
If you’ve ever made my Hawaiian Mac Salad Recipe, you’ll recognize my motto: great food doesn’t need to be complicated, it just needs a few smart tricks.
Substitutions and Variations
Play with the protein.
Traditional Italian sausage gives the richest flavor, but you can easily swap it for turkey sausage or even ground chicken if you prefer something lighter. For a vegetarian twist, use a plant-based sausage or double up on mushrooms for a hearty texture.
Change up the greens.
If you don’t have spinach, kale, or Swiss chard, make excellent substitutes. They add a nice pop of color and balance the richness of the creamy tomato broth beautifully.
Make it dairy-free.
Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream; it blends surprisingly well with the Italian spices and keeps the soup velvety.
Add texture.
For a bit more body, stir in white beans or diced zucchini. They’ll soak up that creamy tomato flavor while keeping the soup hearty and satisfying.
If you love experimenting with creamy dishes, you might enjoy my Cottage Cheese Bread Recipe alongside this soup. It’s the perfect way to soak up every drop.
Freezing, Storage & Leftovers
How to store:
Let your Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the silky texture.
How to freeze:
If you plan to freeze it, skip adding the gnocchi. Gnocchi can absorb too much liquid and turn mushy once thawed. Instead, freeze just the creamy base and add fresh gnocchi when reheating. It’s the same trick I use for make-ahead recipes like my Jalapeño Popper Soup to maintain that perfect texture.
Reheating tip:
Avoid microwaving on high it can cause the cream to separate. A gentle simmer brings back that luscious texture every time.
Bonus flavor hack:
Soups like this often taste even better the next day as the flavors meld. If you love make-ahead comfort food, this recipe will become your new favorite winter staple.
Serving Suggestions for This Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
The beauty of this Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is how versatile it is at the table. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a quiet Sunday lunch, it’s guaranteed to bring comfort and flavor to every bowl. The creamy tomato broth gives it an elegant touch that pairs beautifully with both light and hearty sides.
If you’ve enjoyed my Cottage Cheese Egg Bites for breakfast, you’ll love this soup for dinner. It has that same cozy, satisfying feeling in a different form.
Bread Pairings
A good soup deserves good bread. Crusty baguettes, buttery garlic bread, or even a slice of my homemade Cottage Cheese Bread Recipe make the perfect companion. The bread soaks up every bit of the creamy tomato broth, creating a combination that feels like an Italian hug in a bowl.
If you’re hosting, you can also serve it with warm focaccia drizzled with olive oil and herbs, simple but irresistibly flavorful.
Salad & Side Ideas
For balance, pair this soup with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette. The acidity cuts through the creaminess perfectly. If you want to stay in the cozy comfort zone, add a side of roasted vegetables or a pasta salad like my Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad.
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and cracked black pepper over the top adds a restaurant-worthy finish.
Wine & Beverage Pairings
To elevate your meal, pair your Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup with a glass of light red wine like Chianti or Pinot Noir if you prefer non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with lemon or a chilled iced tea balances the richness beautifully.
It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy without being fussy, simple, satisfying, and full of flavor.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
How do you keep gnocchi from getting soggy in soup?
Add the gnocchi toward the end of cooking and avoid over-simmering. Gnocchi cooks fast, usually in 3 to 4 minutes, so add it once your broth and sausage are fully cooked. This helps it stay tender and pillowy instead of mushy.
Do you cook sausage before adding it to soup?
Yes! Browning the sausage first adds depth and creates that delicious base layer of flavor. It also allows the sausage fat to season the aromatics and flour, giving your creamy tomato broth an incredible richness.
How long is gnocchi soup good for in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, your Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup stays fresh for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove and stir in a splash of broth or cream to refresh the consistency.
Can you freeze sausage and gnocchi soup?
Absolutely, but for best results, freeze the broth and sausage mixture without the gnocchi. Add fresh gnocchi when reheating to maintain that perfect texture. This method keeps the soup creamy and flavorful, just like when it was first made.
You May Also Like
If this Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup warmed your heart, you’ll fall in love with a few of my other cozy bowl recipes. Each one brings a different kind of comfort, whether you crave something cheesy, hearty, or a little spicy.
Try my rich and velvety Loaded Baked Potato Soup with Beef, packed with tender potatoes, crispy bacon bits, and savory beef for a satisfying weeknight dinner. If you’re a fan of heat and creaminess, the Jalapeño Popper Soup with Cream Cheese Swirl combines spice, smooth cheese, and smoky notes in a one-pot wonder.
For something classic yet elegant, the Cheddar Garlic Potato Soup with Fresh Herbs delivers that restaurant-style comfort with homemade simplicity. Each of these soups pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a green salad, making them the perfect companions to your Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup rotation.
So next time you’re looking for a warm, easy, and low-effort meal that tastes like it came from a cozy Italian café, these recipes will have you covered.
Let’s Stay Cozy Together
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