Hearty Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup: A Tuscan-Inspired Comfort Food Recipe

Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup is a warm, comforting, and flavorful dish perfect for chilly evenings. This recipe combines the richness of Italian sausage, the pillowy softness of gnocchi, and a medley of vegetables in a savory broth, creating a complete and satisfying meal. It’s a crowd-pleaser and surprisingly easy to make, making it a great weeknight dinner option. This recipe leans into Tuscan flavors with additions like fennel seeds and a touch of cream for ultimate indulgence.

## Why You’ll Love This Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup

* **Comforting and Hearty:** This soup is the epitome of comfort food, warming you from the inside out.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of Italian sausage, herbs, and vegetables creates a complex and delicious flavor profile.
* **Easy to Make:** Despite its rich flavor, this soup comes together quickly and easily.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences by adding different vegetables or spices.
* **Great for Meal Prep:** This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prepping.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients. This will make the process smoother and more efficient.

* **Italian Sausage:** 1 pound, removed from casings. You can use sweet, mild, or hot Italian sausage depending on your preference. Hot sausage will add a nice kick to the soup.
* **Gnocchi:** 1 (16-ounce) package of shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi. Potato gnocchi is the most common type, but you can also find gnocchi made with ricotta cheese or other ingredients.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons, extra virgin. Olive oil is essential for sautéing the vegetables and adding richness to the soup.
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped. Yellow or white onions work well in this recipe.
* **Carrots:** 2 medium, chopped. Carrots add sweetness and texture to the soup.
* **Celery:** 2 stalks, chopped. Celery adds a subtle savory flavor.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is essential for adding that classic Italian flavor.
* **Chicken Broth:** 8 cups, low sodium. Using low-sodium broth allows you to control the salt level in the soup.
* **Diced Tomatoes:** 1 (14.5-ounce) can, undrained. Canned diced tomatoes add acidity and sweetness to the soup.
* **Tomato Paste:** 2 tablespoons. Tomato paste adds richness and depth of flavor.
* **Fresh Spinach:** 5 ounces, roughly chopped. Spinach adds nutrients and a pop of color to the soup. You can also use kale if you prefer.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1/2 cup (optional). Heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the soup. You can substitute half-and-half or skip it altogether.
* **Fresh Parsley:** 1/4 cup, chopped. Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor to the soup.
* **Dried Italian Herbs:** 2 teaspoons (basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme). This blend of herbs provides a classic Italian flavor.
* **Fennel Seeds:** 1/2 teaspoon. Fennel seeds add a subtle anise flavor that complements the Italian sausage.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional). Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat to the soup.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Season the soup to your liking.
* **Grated Parmesan Cheese:** For serving (optional).

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large pot or Dutch oven
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring spoons and cups
* Wooden spoon or spatula

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps to make a delicious Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup.

### Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage

Remove the Italian sausage from its casings. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage to the pot and break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook the sausage until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.

### Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, and fennel seeds, and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

### Step 3: Add the Broth and Tomatoes

Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and tomato paste. Stir to combine. Bring the soup to a simmer.

### Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it will become. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

### Step 5: Add the Gnocchi

Stir in the gnocchi. Cook until the gnocchi are tender and float to the surface, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the gnocchi, as they can become mushy.

### Step 6: Add the Spinach and Cream

Stir in the chopped spinach and heavy cream (if using). Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If you want to add a little heat, stir in the red pepper flakes at this point.

### Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips for Making the Best Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup

* **Use High-Quality Sausage:** The quality of the sausage will significantly impact the flavor of the soup. Opt for a good-quality Italian sausage with a high meat content.
* **Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi:** Overcooked gnocchi can become mushy and unappetizing. Cook them just until they are tender and float to the surface.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the soup throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your taste.
* **Simmer for Longer:** Simmering the soup for a longer period of time allows the flavors to meld together and creates a richer, more complex flavor.
* **Add a Parmesan Rind:** Adding a Parmesan rind to the soup while it simmers will add a subtle umami flavor. Remove the rind before serving.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** You can easily make this soup vegetarian by using plant-based sausage or omitting the sausage altogether and adding more vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini.

## Variations and Additions

This Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup is a versatile recipe that you can easily customize to suit your taste preferences. Here are some variations and additions to try:

* **Add Different Vegetables:** Try adding other vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or kale.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs such as fresh basil, oregano, or rosemary.
* **Add Beans:** Add a can of cannellini beans or Great Northern beans for extra protein and fiber.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to make the soup spicier.
* **Add Wine:** Add a splash of dry red or white wine to the soup while sautéing the vegetables for a deeper flavor.
* **Use Different Broth:** Try using vegetable broth or beef broth instead of chicken broth.
* **Add Pesto:** Swirl in a spoonful of pesto just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

This Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with:

* **Crusty Bread:** For dipping into the soup.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing.
* **Garlic Bread:** For a more indulgent meal.
* **Grilled Cheese Sandwich:** A classic pairing with tomato-based soups.

## Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make-Ahead:** You can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together and become even more delicious over time. Add the gnocchi just before serving to prevent them from becoming mushy.
* **Storage:** Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
* **Freezing:** This soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the texture of the gnocchi may change slightly after freezing and thawing.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 450-550 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 25-35 grams
* Fat: 25-35 grams
* Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
* Fiber: 5-7 grams

## Printable Recipe Card

## Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup Recipe

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 30 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 medium carrots, chopped
* 2 stalks celery, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs
* ½ teaspoon fennel seeds
* 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
* 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* 1 (16-ounce) package gnocchi
* 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
* ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
* ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
* ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off excess grease.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in garlic, Italian herbs, and fennel seeds; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Stir in gnocchi and cook until tender and floating, about 3-5 minutes.
6. Stir in spinach and heavy cream (if using). Cook until spinach is wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.
7. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese (if using). Serve immediately.

Enjoy this delightful and comforting Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup! Feel free to share your creations and variations in the comments below. Buon appetito!