Loaded Gnocchi Soup: A Creamy, Dreamy Comfort Food Recipe

This Loaded Gnocchi Soup recipe is the ultimate comfort food! Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s surprisingly easy to make. Forget those bland, watery soups – this version is loaded with tender potato gnocchi, savory Italian sausage, hearty vegetables, and plenty of cheese. It’s perfect for a chilly evening or anytime you’re craving something warm and comforting.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Ultimate Comfort Food:** Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, this soup is like a warm hug in a bowl.
* **Easy to Make:** With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for beginner cooks.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, proteins, or spices.
* **Family-Friendly:** Kids and adults alike will love this hearty and flavorful soup.
* **Freezable:** Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for an easy weeknight meal.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:

* **Gnocchi:** The star of the show! Use store-bought potato gnocchi for convenience, or make your own if you’re feeling ambitious. Look for shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi; avoid frozen gnocchi as it tends to become mushy.
* **Italian Sausage:** Adds a savory and flavorful base to the soup. You can use sweet or spicy Italian sausage, depending on your preference. Remove the sausage from its casings before cooking.
* **Onion and Garlic:** These aromatic vegetables form the foundation of the soup’s flavor. Dice the onion and mince the garlic for optimal flavor release.
* **Carrots and Celery:** Add sweetness, texture, and nutritional value to the soup. Dice them into small, even pieces for uniform cooking.
* **Chicken Broth:** Provides a rich and flavorful liquid base for the soup. Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content.
* **Heavy Cream:** Adds richness and creaminess to the soup. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version, but the soup will be less creamy.
* **Cream Cheese:** Melts into the soup, adding a tangy creaminess that’s simply irresistible. Use full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor and texture.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** Adds a salty, savory, and cheesy flavor to the soup. Grate it finely for easy melting.
* **Spinach:** Adds a pop of color and nutrients to the soup. Use fresh spinach and wilt it into the soup just before serving.
* **Olive Oil:** Used for sautéing the vegetables. Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
* **Italian Seasoning:** A blend of herbs that adds a classic Italian flavor to the soup.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste, to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, extra Parmesan cheese, croutons.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Pot or Dutch Oven:** Essential for cooking the soup. A heavy-bottomed pot will help to prevent scorching.
* **Cutting Board:** For chopping the vegetables.
* **Knife:** For chopping the vegetables.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For measuring the ingredients.
* **Wooden Spoon or Spatula:** For stirring the soup.
* **Ladle:** For serving the soup.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Loaded Gnocchi Soup:

**Step 1: Prepare the Sausage and Vegetables**

* Remove the Italian sausage from its casings and crumble it into a large pot or Dutch oven.
* Cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
* Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

**Step 2: Build the Soup Base**

* Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
* Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer.

**Step 3: Add the Gnocchi and Cream Cheese**

* Gently stir in the gnocchi.
* Cut the cream cheese into small cubes and add them to the soup. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.

**Step 4: Simmer and Thicken**

* Reduce the heat to low and simmer the soup for about 10-15 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

**Step 5: Add the Cream and Parmesan Cheese**

* Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
* Continue to simmer for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through. Do not boil.

**Step 6: Add the Spinach and Serve**

* Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until it’s wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
* Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
* Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

## Tips and Tricks for the Best Gnocchi Soup

* **Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi:** Gnocchi cook quickly, so be careful not to overcook them. They’re done when they float to the surface and are tender to the touch. Overcooked gnocchi can become mushy.
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the flavor of your soup. Use good-quality Italian sausage, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese.
* **Adjust the Seasoning to Your Liking:** Taste the soup throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to suit your taste.
* **Add a Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes:** For a little extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup while it’s simmering.
* **Don’t Boil After Adding Cream:** Once you add the heavy cream, avoid boiling the soup, as it can cause the cream to curdle.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the Italian sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Ensure that the gnocchi you use is gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free potato gnocchi.

## Variations and Add-Ins

This Loaded Gnocchi Soup is delicious as is, but you can also customize it to your liking with different variations and add-ins. Here are a few ideas:

* **Add Different Vegetables:** Try adding other vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or kale.
* **Use Different Protein:** Instead of Italian sausage, you can use ground beef, ground turkey, or shredded chicken.
* **Add Beans:** Add a can of cannellini beans or great northern beans for extra protein and fiber.
* **Use Different Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, provolone, or fontina.
* **Add Pesto:** Stir in a spoonful of pesto for a burst of fresh flavor.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

## Serving Suggestions

This Loaded Gnocchi Soup is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a side of:

* **Crusty Bread:** For dipping into the creamy broth.
* **Garlic Bread:** For extra garlicky goodness.
* **Side Salad:** For a light and refreshing contrast.
* **Grilled Cheese Sandwich:** For a classic comfort food pairing.

## Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make-Ahead:** You can prepare the soup base ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add the gnocchi and spinach just before serving.
* **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 freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Nutritional Information

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

* Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving
* Fat: 25-35g
* Saturated Fat: 15-20g
* Cholesterol: 80-100mg
* Sodium: 800-1000mg
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Fiber: 2-4g
* Sugar: 5-8g
* Protein: 15-20g

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use frozen gnocchi?**
A: While you *can* use frozen gnocchi, it’s not recommended. Frozen gnocchi tends to become mushy when cooked in soup. Shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi will hold their shape better.

**Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?**
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables in a skillet first. Then, transfer everything to the slow cooker, add the chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the gnocchi, cream cheese, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

**Q: Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?**
A: Yes, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the soup will be less creamy.

**Q: Can I make this soup dairy-free?**
A: To make this soup dairy-free, use plant-based Italian sausage, vegetable broth, dairy-free cream cheese, and dairy-free heavy cream. You can also omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

**Q: How can I thicken the soup?**
A: If you want a thicker soup, you can whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the soup while it’s simmering. You can also blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender and then stir it back into the pot.

**Q: How long does this soup last in the refrigerator?**
A: This soup will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

## Loaded Gnocchi Soup Recipe

This recipe provides a creamy, flavorful, and comforting soup perfect for any occasion. Remember to adjust seasonings to your liking and enjoy the process!

**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 30 minutes
**Total time:** 50 minutes

**Serves:** 6-8

### Ingredients

* 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
* 1 medium yellow onion, diced
* 2 carrots, diced
* 2 celery stalks, diced
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 6 cups chicken broth
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* 1 (16-ounce) package potato gnocchi
* 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 5 ounces fresh spinach
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Optional garnishes: Fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, extra Parmesan cheese, croutons

### Equipment

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

### Instructions

1. **Prepare the Sausage and Vegetables:** Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. **Build the Soup Base:** Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer.
3. **Add the Gnocchi and Cream Cheese:** Gently stir in the gnocchi. Cut the cream cheese into small cubes and add them to the soup. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
4. **Simmer and Thicken:** Reduce the heat to low and simmer the soup for about 10-15 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. **Add the Cream and Parmesan Cheese:** Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Continue to simmer for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through. Do not boil.
6. **Add the Spinach and Serve:** Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until it’s wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

## Conclusion

This Loaded Gnocchi Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s a bowl of comfort, a taste of Italy, and a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy dish to share with loved ones, this soup is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that will warm your heart and soul.

Enjoy your delicious, creamy, and utterly satisfying Loaded Gnocchi Soup! Bon appétit!