Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is rich, cozy, and irresistibly comforting. Made with savory Italian sausage, pillowy potato gnocchi, tender vegetables, and a luscious cream-based broth, this soup feels like a restaurant-quality meal—but it’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
If you love hearty soups that are both filling and elegant, this recipe is a must-try. It’s perfect for cold nights, family dinners, or anytime you’re craving something warm, creamy, and deeply flavorful.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
This creamy sausage gnocchi soup is a favorite for many reasons:
- Ultra-creamy texture without complicated techniques
- Bold Italian flavors from sausage, garlic, and herbs
- Soft, pillowy gnocchi that soak up the broth
- One-pot recipe for easy cleanup
- Comfort food appeal with restaurant-style taste
It’s similar to the well-known Olive Garden version—but even better when homemade.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Protein
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale)
- 1 cup carrots, finely diced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
Gnocchi & Dairy
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk (optional, for lighter texture)
Liquids & Seasoning
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if sausage is lean)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes
Step-by-Step: How to Make Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
1. Brown the Sausage
- Heat a large pot over medium heat
- Add sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces
- Cook until browned and fully cooked
- Remove excess grease if necessary
This step builds the deep, savory flavor base of the soup.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- Add onion, carrots, and celery to the same pot
- Cook 5–7 minutes until softened
- Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant
3. Build the Soup
- Pour in chicken broth
- Add Italian seasoning, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes
- Bring to a gentle simmer
4. Add Gnocchi
- Stir in gnocchi
- Simmer 3–5 minutes until gnocchi float and are tender
Gnocchi cook quickly—avoid overcooking to keep them pillowy.
5. Make It Creamy
- Reduce heat to low
- Stir in heavy cream and milk (if using)
- Add spinach and simmer 2–3 minutes until wilted
Taste and adjust salt as needed.
Tips for the Best Creamy Gnocchi Soup
- Use Italian sausage, not breakfast sausage
- Cut vegetables small so they blend into the soup
- Add cream after gnocchi are cooked
- Keep heat low once dairy is added to prevent curdling
Variations to Try
- Spicy Version – Use hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes
- Olive Garden–Style – Add a splash of half-and-half and extra garlic
- Mushroom Gnocchi Soup – Add sautéed mushrooms for umami
- Lightened-Up Option – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
What to Serve with Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
This creamy Italian soup pairs beautifully with:
- Crusty bread or garlic bread
- Simple green salad with vinaigrette
- Parmesan cheese for topping
Storage & Reheating
Storage
- Refrigerate in airtight containers
- Keeps 3–4 days
Reheating
- Reheat gently over low heat
- Add a splash of broth or milk if thickened
Freezing
- Not ideal due to cream and gnocchi texture
- Best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
- Soup too thick? Add more broth or milk
- Gnocchi falling apart? Overcooked—reduce simmer time
- Cream curdled? Heat was too high when dairy was added
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes—add directly to the soup and cook as directed.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best within 1–2 days for optimal texture.
Is this soup very heavy?
It’s rich but balanced—using half-and-half makes it lighter.
Can I add potatoes instead of gnocchi?
Yes, but cooking time will be longer and texture different.
Printable Recipe Card (Quick Copy)
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
- Brown sausage
- Sauté vegetables
- Add broth and seasoning
- Cook gnocchi
- Stir in cream and spinach
Final Thoughts
Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate bowl of comfort—rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of soup that feels special enough for guests but easy enough for weeknights.
Once you make it, this recipe is guaranteed to earn a permanent spot in your cozy-meal rotation. 🥣