Description
A hearty and comforting Italian soup featuring tender gnocchi, savory Italian sausage, and a creamy, flavorful broth. This sausage and gnocchi soup is rich, satisfying, and perfect for cozy meals on chilly days. The combination of sautéed sausage, garlic, onion, and fresh spinach in a creamy broth makes this soup a delicious and filling choice.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 250 g Italian sausage, sliced or crumbled
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups potatoes, diced (optional)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1 package (400 g) gnocchi
- 1 cup spinach or kale
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large pot, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the sausage and aromatics.
- Cook the sausage: Add 250 g of sliced or crumbled Italian sausage to the pot. Cook it, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add 1 chopped small onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the pot with the sausage. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Add chicken broth and potatoes: Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and add 2 cups of diced potatoes (if using). Increase the heat to bring it to a simmer.
- Simmer potatoes: Let the soup simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cook the gnocchi: Add the 400 g package of gnocchi to the simmering soup. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the gnocchi float to the surface, indicating they are done.
- Add milk and greens: Stir in 1 cup of milk or cream and 1 cup of fresh spinach or kale. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted and the soup is heated through.
- Season and serve: Season the soup with salt, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme to taste. Serve the soup hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use spicy Italian sausage to add extra flavor and a bit of heat to the soup.
- Gnocchi cooks quickly; add it near the end of the cooking process to prevent overcooking.
- Substitute kale for spinach if you prefer a heartier green with a slightly different texture.
- If you want a richer soup, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid overcooking the gnocchi.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
