If you are craving something truly comforting, nourishing, and bursting with flavor, this Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine pillowy soft gnocchi swimming in a creamy, vegetable-packed broth that is both hearty and wholesome. It’s the perfect cozy meal for any day when you want something simple but deeply satisfying. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking to add more meatless meals to your rotation, this soup will quickly become a staple you reach for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is thoughtfully selected not only for flavor but also for texture and vibrant color, bringing the soup to life. These staples work together to create a soup that feels indulgent yet light enough to enjoy any time.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Provides the perfect base to sauté your vegetables, adding richness and depth.
- 1 onion, diced: Builds a savory foundation with sweet undertones once softened.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with aromatic warmth and subtle spiciness.
- 2 carrots, sliced: Adds natural sweetness and a lovely pop of orange color.
- 2 cups vegetable broth: Keeps the soup light but flavorful and vegetarian-friendly.
- 1 cup milk or cream: Gives the soup its signature creamy texture, making every spoonful comforting.
- 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi: The star of the dish, soft and pillowy, turning this into a hearty meal.
- 1 cup spinach or kale: Packs in nutritious greens, adding freshness and a leafy bite.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that pull all the flavors together beautifully.
How to Make Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced carrots. Cook them gently until they become tender and fragrant—this builds a flavorful foundation that’s essential for a delicious soup.
Step 2: Create the Brothy Base
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. This step melds the sautéed veggies with the broth, enhancing the overall depth of flavor while keeping everything light and fresh.
Step 3: Add Creaminess
Now stir in your choice of milk or cream. This turns the broth into a silky, creamy base that makes this soup feel indulgent yet still incredibly wholesome.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
Drop in the potato gnocchi package and cook according to the package instructions—usually just a few minutes until they float and become tender. These soft pillows soak up the flavors around them, making every bite delightful.
Step 5: Stir in the Greens and Season
Finally, toss in the fresh spinach or kale and stir until the greens have just wilted. Season with salt and pepper to your taste, then give it one last gentle stir before serving. Your Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup Recipe is ready to warm you up!
How to Serve Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the soup’s appeal and flavor by garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, a few torn basil leaves, or a dusting of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top adds a lovely sheen and richness.
Side Dishes
This soup shines as a stand-alone meal but pairs beautifully with crisp green salads or a warm slice of crusty bread to soak up every drop of that creamy broth. Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices bring contrast and extra indulgence to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this at a casual dinner party in rustic bowls alongside a small side of marinated olives or roasted nuts. For a fun twist, ladle the soup into hollowed-out mini bread bowls—impressively charming and completely edible!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making the next day just as wonderful or even better than freshly made.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this soup, do so before adding the gnocchi and greens, as they can become mushy after thawing. Freeze the broth and vegetables in portions, then add fresh gnocchi and greens when reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of vegetable broth or milk to loosen it. Add fresh greens and cooked gnocchi just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Gluten-free gnocchi works just as well in this Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup Recipe. Just be mindful of the cooking time as it can vary slightly depending on the brand.
Is there a vegan version of this soup?
Yes, you can easily make this vegan by substituting the milk or cream with your favorite plant-based milk like almond or oat, and skipping any cheese garnishes.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Definitely! Mushrooms, zucchini, or peas make wonderful additions and add extra layers of flavor and nutrition.
What’s the best way to store leftovers with gnocchi in them?
Leftover soup with gnocchi is best stored in the fridge and eaten within 2-3 days. If freezing, keep gnocchi separate and add fresh when reheating to maintain texture.
How thick is this soup – is it creamy or broth-based?
This Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup Recipe strikes a lovely balance with a creamy, smooth base that’s not too thick—light enough to enjoy but rich enough to be comforting.
Final Thoughts
This Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup Recipe truly feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s fast to make, packed with goodness, and comforting beyond belief. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone who loves food that’s wholesome and homey without fuss. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with your new favorite weeknight meal!
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Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This vegetarian gnocchi soup is a creamy, comforting, and hearty meal loaded with tender gnocchi and vibrant vegetables. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner and packed with nutritious ingredients for a fulfilling meatless option.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi
- 1 cup spinach or kale
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced carrots to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add vegetable broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer to combine the flavors and cook the carrots further.
- Stir in dairy: Add the milk or cream to the pot and mix well to create a creamy base for the soup.
- Cook the gnocchi: Add the potato gnocchi to the simmering soup and cook according to the package instructions, usually until the gnocchi float to the top, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add greens and wilt: Stir in the spinach or kale leaves and cook until they are wilted and tender, approximately 2 minutes.
- Season and serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve the soup warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use dairy-free milk for a vegan version of this soup.
- Add mushrooms to increase the umami flavor and heartiness.
- This soup is best enjoyed fresh to retain its creamy texture and vibrant flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
