Sausage Gnocchi Soup: A Hearty & Delicious Recipe

Sausage Gnocchi Soup: the ultimate comfort food that’s ready in under an hour! Imagine sinking your spoon into a warm, creamy broth, filled with tender potato gnocchi, savory Italian sausage, and vibrant vegetables. This isn’t just soup; it’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave something truly satisfying.

Gnocchi, those delightful little potato dumplings, have a rich history rooted in Northern Italy, dating back to Roman times. While their exact origins are debated, they’ve become a beloved staple in Italian cuisine, enjoyed in countless variations. Combining them with sausage in a hearty soup is a more modern adaptation, but one that perfectly complements the gnocchi’s delicate flavor and pillowy texture.

What makes Sausage Gnocchi Soup so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The richness of the sausage, the subtle sweetness of the vegetables, and the soft, chewy gnocchi create a symphony in your mouth. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! This one-pot wonder is easy to make, requiring minimal cleanup, and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, casings removed)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 pound gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Preparing the Sausage and Vegetables:

1. Brown the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to crumble the sausage well so you don’t have large chunks in your soup.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside. Leave any rendered fat in the pot – this will add great flavor to the soup! Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. We want the vegetables to be tender and slightly translucent.
3. Add Garlic and Spices: Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The spices will bloom in the heat, releasing their aromas and enhancing the overall flavor of the soup.

Building the Soup:

1. Add Liquids and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the pot. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
2. Simmer and Develop Flavor: Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld together. The longer it simmers, the richer the soup will become. This is a great time to prepare any garnishes or sides you might want to serve with the soup.
3. Cook the Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the simmering soup. Cook according to the package directions, usually about 2-3 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface and are tender. Be careful not to overcook the gnocchi, as they can become mushy. If using shelf-stable gnocchi, they may take slightly longer to cook than refrigerated gnocchi.

Finishing Touches:

1. Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for another minute or two, until the cheese is melted and the cream is heated through. Do not boil the soup after adding the cream, as it may curdle. The cream adds richness and the Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory note.
2. Incorporate Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the soup and stir until wilted, about 1 minute. The spinach adds a pop of color and some healthy greens to the soup. You can substitute kale or other leafy greens if you prefer.
3. Season to Taste: Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Be sure to taste the soup before adding salt, as the chicken broth and Parmesan cheese may already be quite salty.

Serving:

1. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the sausage gnocchi soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy! This soup is delicious on its own or with a side of crusty bread for dipping.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it Up: For a spicier soup, use hot Italian sausage and add more red pepper flakes. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
• Use Different Broth: You can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth if you prefer.
• Make it Vegetarian: Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth to make a vegetarian version of this soup. You can add more vegetables or beans for protein.
• Cream Cheese Variation: For an extra creamy soup, stir in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese along with the heavy cream.
• Slow Cooker Option: You can also make this soup in a slow cooker. Brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the broth, tomatoes, and spices. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the gnocchi, cream, cheese, and spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Freezing Instructions: This soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Note that the gnocchi may become slightly softer after freezing and thawing.

Enjoy your homemade Sausage Gnocchi Soup! It’s a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for a chilly day.

Conclusion:

This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Ciabatta isn’t just another sandwich; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! The creamy, spicy buffalo chicken paired with the melted cheese and the chewy ciabatta roll creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why I’m so excited to share this recipe with you. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I’m partial to serving it with a side of crispy sweet potato fries and a cool, creamy ranch dressing to balance the heat, the possibilities are endless. For a lighter option, try pairing it with a fresh garden salad or some crunchy coleslaw. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not experiment with different cheeses? Pepper jack would add an extra kick, while provolone would offer a milder, meltier alternative.

Looking for variations? You got it! If you’re not a fan of ciabatta, feel free to use your favorite type of bread – sourdough, brioche, or even a pretzel roll would work beautifully. You could also turn this into a buffalo chicken melt by using sliced bread and grilling it in a pan with butter. For a party-friendly appetizer, shred the chicken and cheese mixture and serve it as a dip with tortilla chips or celery sticks. And for those who prefer a little less heat, simply reduce the amount of buffalo wing sauce or use a milder version.

This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Ciabatta is truly a must-try recipe. It’s the perfect combination of comfort food and bold flavors, and it’s so easy to customize to your own preferences. I’ve made it countless times, and it’s always a hit. I’ve even had friends request it for their birthday dinners!

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the deliciousness of this incredible sandwich. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And remember, cooking is all about having fun and experimenting, so don’t be afraid to put your own spin on things.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe, and I can’t wait to hear about your experience. Did you try any of the variations I suggested? Did you add any of your own special touches? What did you serve it with? Let me know in the comments below! I’m always eager to learn from my readers and see how they’re making my recipes their own.

Don’t forget to take a picture of your finished Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Ciabatta and share it on social media using my recipe’s hashtag. I love seeing your creations and sharing them with the world. Happy cooking, and enjoy! I hope this becomes a new favorite in your household, just like it is in mine. This recipe is a guaranteed winner, and I’m thrilled to share it with you. Now go forth and create some deliciousness!