Hearty Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup

$To make this hearty Italian sausage gnocchi soup, you will need: - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 pound Italian sausage (choose from mild or spicy, crumbled) - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced (or crushed) - 3 medium carrots, sliced into thin rounds - 3 celery stalks, diced into small pieces - 4 cups rich chicken broth - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme) - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) - 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi (either store-bought or homemade) - 2 cups fresh baby spinach - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish You can swap some ingredients to fit your taste or pantry. Here are some ideas: - Use turkey or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage for a lighter option. - If you don’t have fresh spinach, kale works well too. - You can replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian soup. - If you need a different pasta, any small pasta shape can fit in place of gnocchi. Using fresh ingredients often gives the best taste and texture. Fresh vegetables add crunch and flavor. However, canned ingredients can save time without losing too much quality. - Fresh Tomatoes: If using fresh tomatoes, use about 4 cups, diced. - Canned Tomatoes: These bring a rich flavor and are ready to use. - Broth: Homemade broth is best, but store-bought is fine. Using a mix of both fresh and canned can balance flavor and convenience. This way, you can enjoy a tasty and quick meal. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, take a large pot and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add 1 pound of crumbled Italian sausage. I like to use mild or spicy sausage for different flavors. Cook the sausage for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often. The sausage should turn brown. Use a wooden spoon to break the sausage into small pieces as it cooks. Next, add 1 medium onion, finely diced, 3 medium carrots sliced into thin rounds, and 3 celery stalks diced into small pieces. Sauté this mix for 3 to 4 minutes. You want the veggies to soften and the onion to look clear. This step builds the flavor for your soup. Then, stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for another minute. You will smell the nice aroma of garlic, which makes the soup even better. After that, pour in 4 cups of rich chicken broth and 1 can of diced tomatoes with their juices. This adds depth to the soup. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs, which is a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme. If you like heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Now, turn up the heat to bring it all to a rolling boil. Once it boils, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. This helps the flavors blend nicely. Now it’s time to add the star of the dish: the gnocchi. Use 1 package (16 oz) of gnocchi, either store-bought or homemade. Cook according to package instructions, usually 2 to 3 minutes. The gnocchi will float when they are done. Next, gently stir in 2 cups of fresh baby spinach. Let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes until it wilts. Finally, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Using a ladle, serve the soup into bowls. Top each bowl with grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves. This adds a nice finish to your dish. Enjoy your warm and hearty Italian sausage gnocchi soup! To make this soup truly shine, focus on the quality of your ingredients. Use fresh vegetables whenever you can. Fresh garlic adds a strong aroma. Fresh basil gives a bright flavor. - Italian Sausage: Choose between mild or spicy based on your taste. - Broth: Use rich chicken broth for depth. Homemade broth is even better. - Herbs: Dried Italian herbs blend well. They add warm flavors. Let the soup simmer for a while. This helps the flavors mix and deepen. Taste as you go. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. A little red pepper can add a nice kick if you want some heat. Gnocchi needs careful cooking. Follow these tips for the best result: - Fresh or Store-bought: Both types can work well. If you make your own, enjoy the process! - Cooking Time: Watch the gnocchi closely. They are done when they float. - Don’t Overcook: Overcooked gnocchi can become mushy. Add gnocchi right before serving. This keeps them firm and delightful. How you serve this soup can elevate the meal. Here are some ideas: - Bowl: Use a deep bowl for a cozy feel. - Toppings: Add grated Parmesan cheese generously. Fresh basil leaves look beautiful and add flavor. - Accompaniments: Serve with crusty bread for dipping. For a fancy touch, drizzle high-quality olive oil over the soup. This adds richness and flavor. Enjoy every bite of your comforting creation! Pro Tips Choose Your Sausage Wisely: Opt for high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. Experiment with different spice levels to suit your taste preferences, whether you prefer mild or spicy. Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Gnocchi is done when it floats to the surface. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture, so keep a close eye on it! Add Freshness with Spinach: Fresh baby spinach wilts quickly, so add it at the end of cooking to preserve its vibrant color and nutrients, enhancing both flavor and appearance. Perfect Presentation: Serve the soup hot with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and fresh basil for a touch of elegance. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil can elevate the dish even further. {{image_4}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version of Italian sausage gnocchi soup. Start by omitting the sausage. Instead, use plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a meaty texture. Add more beans or lentils for protein. You can also boost flavor with extra herbs and spices. This version is still hearty and comforting. The choice between spicy and mild sausage changes the soup's heat. If you like heat, use spicy Italian sausage. You can also add red pepper flakes for more spice. For a milder soup, stick with the mild sausage. This lets the other flavors shine without overpowering heat. Adjust the heat to fit your taste. Adding extra vegetables makes the soup more colorful and nutritious. You can toss in zucchini, bell peppers, or even kale. Just chop them small and add them with the other veggies. This not only boosts flavor but also adds texture to the soup. Feel free to get creative with your veggie choices! To keep your gnocchi soup fresh, let it cool down first. Transfer it to an airtight container. You can then store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. When it's time to eat your leftovers, pour the soup into a pot. Heat it over medium heat. Stir often to warm it evenly. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to get your desired texture. If you want to freeze the soup, do it right after it cools. Use a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top. This helps the soup expand as it freezes. It’s best to eat frozen soup within three months for the best flavor. To reheat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and follow the reheating instructions above. Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi in this soup. Just add them straight into the pot. You do not need to thaw them first. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes, just like you would fresh gnocchi. They will float when they are ready. If you want a different flavor, try ground turkey or chicken. You can also use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to add some herbs and spices to keep the flavor strong. This soup can be gluten-free if you choose the right gnocchi. Look for gluten-free brands in stores. Also, check the chicken broth for gluten. Most broths are safe, but it's good to read the label. This blog post covered everything you need to make a tasty soup. We explored the ingredients, including fresh and canned options, and shared substitutes. I provided step-by-step instructions for cooking and some tips for great flavor. We also discussed variations, storage, and answered common questions. These details will help you create a delicious dish that suits your taste. Enjoy your cooking adventure!$

Hearty Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup

A comforting and hearty soup made with Italian sausage, gnocchi, and fresh vegetables.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage (crumbled)
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium carrots, sliced into thin rounds
3 stalks celery, diced into small pieces
4 cups rich chicken broth
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
2 cups fresh baby spinach
to taste salt
to taste freshly ground black pepper
for serving grated Parmesan cheese
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the crumbled Italian sausage. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and cooked through.
Add the finely diced onion, sliced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Sauté the mixture for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion turns translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Then, pour in the chicken broth and the canned tomatoes along with their juices.
Sprinkle in the dried Italian herbs and the red pepper flakes (if using). Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and add the gnocchi. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 2-3 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface.
Gently stir in the fresh spinach and allow it to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until wilted. Adjust seasoning by adding salt and freshly ground black pepper to suit your taste.
Using a ladle, serve the soup into individual bowls and generously top with grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finish.

Notes

Serve hot with crusty bread and a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch.

Keyword comfort food, gnocchi, Italian sausage, soup