Name: Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 400 g (1 lb) Italian sausage, casings removed and cut into chunks; 1 medium onion, finely diced; 1 medium carrot, diced; 2 celery sticks, diced; 2 large garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon red chilli flakes; 75 ml (⅓ cup) dry white wine; 1 litre (4 cups) chicken stock; 150 ml (¾ cup) double cream; 500 g gnocchi; A handful baby spinach; 30 g (¼ cup) freshly grated Parmesan

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 8 reviews

If you’re craving something cozy, hearty, and bursting with flavor, you’re in for a treat with this Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day and comes together faster than you might expect. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe consistently hits the spot. Stick around—I’m sharing all my favorite tips to make it absolutely foolproof and delicious every time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavor: The combination of Italian sausage, herbs, and red chili flakes brings a perfect blend of savory richness and subtle heat.
Creamy Yet Light: Double cream enriches the soup without overwhelming it, creating a luscious texture that’s just right.
Quick & Satisfying: From start to finish, it takes about 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings or cozy weekend lunches.
Comfort in a Bowl: Gnocchi adds that pillowy, tender bite that elevates this soup from ordinary to memorable.

Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup, Italian Sausage Soup, Gnocchi Soup Idea, Cozy Soup Recipes, Hearty Italian Soup - A bowl filled with a creamy yellow soup containing round gnocchi pieces that are slightly shiny and smooth. Mixed within the soup are browned meat pieces with a crumbly texture and small bits of orange carrots scattered throughout. There are dark green spinach leaves adding color contrast. The soup looks thick and warm, with some grated cheese sprinkled on top and around the bowl edges. The bowl is white and set on a white marbled surface, with a striped cloth nearby and a block of cheese partially visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup, Italian Sausage Soup, Gnocchi Soup Idea, Cozy Soup Recipes, Hearty Italian Soup - Flat lay of a few chunks of Italian sausage, a medium diced onion, a medium diced carrot, two diced celery sticks, two large garlic cloves, a small bowl of Italian seasoning, a small dish of red chili flakes, a glass with a splash of white wine, a ladle of creamy chicken stock, a pile of gnocchi, a handful of fresh baby spinach leaves, and a small mound of freshly grated Parmesan cheese placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin for the best flavor when browning the sausage and veggies.
Italian sausage: Choose your favorite—mild or spicy—but definitely remove the casings for perfect crumbles.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; yellow or white onions both work well.
Carrot: Diced small, it brings natural sweetness that balances the sausage’s savoriness.
Celery: Adds crunch and an aromatic note, rounding out the classic mirepoix base.
Garlic: Minced fresh for that punch of bright flavor—don’t substitute with powder here!
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil to infuse a true Italian vibe.
Red chili flakes: Just a pinch gives a gentle heat that wakes up the palate.
Dry white wine: I always use a dry option like Sauvignon Blanc; it deglazes the pan and adds complexity.
Chicken stock: Homemade or good-quality store-bought, it’s the hearty base of the soup.
Double cream: Creamy indulgence that creates that velvety texture without being too heavy.
Gnocchi: Soft potato gnocchi is key for that tender bite—I buy fresh when possible.
Baby spinach: Tossed in at the end for color and a little fresh, leafy goodness.
Parmesan: Freshly grated to finish, this adds umami richness and a salty kick.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best things about this Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe is that it’s super adaptable. I love to customize it depending on what mood I’m in or what I have on hand—there’s plenty of room to make it your own!

Spice it up: On days when I’m craving heat, I double the red chili flakes or add a dash of hot paprika. It brings warmth but never overpowers the creaminess.
Swap your greens: Sometimes I substitute kale or Swiss chard for the spinach, especially in winter, which adds more texture and nutrition.
Dairy-free version: I’ve had success swapping the double cream with coconut cream and using a plant-based sausage for friends who avoid dairy.
Make it heartier: Adding sliced mushrooms or cannellini beans gives the soup extra body and flavor, perfect for meal prep days.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage for Maximum Flavor

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add your Italian sausage after removing the casings, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. You want that meaty, slightly crispy texture on the edges—it adds such a rich, savory base to the soup. It usually takes about 4-5 minutes for the sausage to be nicely browned. Resist the urge to rush this step; it makes all the difference.

Step 2: Build the Veggie Base

Next, toss in your finely diced onion, carrot, and celery. Stir everything together and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the veggies start to soften. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red chili flakes, cooking another minute until fragrant. The aroma at this point is downright addictive—it’s the classic flavor building you want in any Italian-inspired dish.

Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the dry white wine and give the pan a good stir, scraping up those browned bits from the bottom. Let it cook for about a minute until the alcohol cooks off and reduces slightly. Then add the chicken stock and bring everything to a boil. After that, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes. This slow simmer lets flavors marry and the veggies soften fully.

Step 4: Creamy, Cozy Finish

Stir in the double cream to enrich the broth. Then add the gnocchi, cooking for just 2-3 minutes—or according to the package instructions—until they float to the surface and are tender. Right before serving, fold in a handful of baby spinach and freshly grated Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to your liking, and it’s ready to enjoy!

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Brown in Batches: If your pot is small, brown the sausage in two batches to avoid steaming and get better browning.
Use Fresh Gnocchi: Fresh gnocchi cooks faster and has a lighter texture than frozen or dried varieties—trust me, it’s worth the extra step.
Adjust Cream Amount: If you like it lighter, start with slightly less cream and add more at the end to taste.
Avoid Overcooking Gnocchi: Cook gnocchi just long enough to float, or it might get mushy—timing here is everything.

How to Serve Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup, Italian Sausage Soup, Gnocchi Soup Idea, Cozy Soup Recipes, Hearty Italian Soup - The image shows a white bowl filled with a creamy soup featuring three main layers: a thick yellow-orange broth base, small pieces of cooked sausage scattered throughout, and soft gnocchi floating on top. Bright green spinach leaves and small bits of orange carrot are mixed into the soup, adding color contrast. The soup is sprinkled with shredded cheese and some black pepper. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with a piece of grated cheese and a cheese grater blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I personally love finishing this soup with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves when I have them on hand. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a few cracks of fresh black pepper brings it all together beautifully. These simple touches make it feel special and enhance the flavors without getting in the way.

Side Dishes

Crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad pairs wonderfully with this soup. Sometimes I serve it alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or a light antipasto platter if we’re making a meal out of it. The soup is filling, but those extras add a nice balance and keep it feeling festive yet approachable.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I like serving this soup in shallow bowls with a parmesan crisp on the side. A sprinkle of fresh microgreens or a few edible flowers dressed up the bowl beautifully for guests. It’s amazing how a small garnish or elegant bowl can transform a cozy, rustic meal into a restaurant-style experience at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and it keeps well for 3 days. If the soup thickens too much after chilling, stirring in a splash of chicken stock or water when reheating helps loosen it back up nicely.

Freezing

Freezing soup with gnocchi can be a bit tricky because gnocchi tends to get softer on thawing. I usually freeze the soup base separately without the gnocchi and add fresh gnocchi when reheating later. This way, the soup tastes fresh and the gnocchi texture stays perfect.

Reheating

When reheating your Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup, warm it gently over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. Adding a little extra cream or chicken stock can help revive the silky texture. If you froze the soup base without gnocchi, cook the gnocchi fresh to get that pillowy bite every time.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! To keep it vegetarian, swap the Italian sausage for a plant-based sausage alternative or diced mushrooms for a meaty texture. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock, and you’ll still get great flavor and creaminess.
Is it okay to use frozen gnocchi?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works well if you cook it according to package instructions, usually adding a minute or two extra. I prefer fresh for the best texture, but frozen is a convenient option that still tastes delicious.
Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the soup base a day ahead and reheat it, adding gnocchi and spinach just before serving to keep everything fresh and perfectly textured.
What can I substitute for double cream?

If you don’t have double cream, heavy cream or half-and-half can work, though the soup may be slightly less rich. For dairy-free alternatives, coconut cream is a good choice but will add a subtle coconut flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it’s fast to make, endlessly flexible, and always hits that homey, comforting spot. Sharing this recipe feels like sharing a little piece of my kitchen with you, and I hope it becomes a go-to in your home too. Whenever I make it, I’m reminded that simple ingredients and a bit of love really are the secret to great food. Give it a try—you’ll love how effortless and delicious it is!

Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Why This Recipe Works

Ingredients & Why They Work

Tweak to Your Taste

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe