Dairy Free Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup brings together everything we love about fall cooking, hearty, comforting, rich with flavor, yet surprisingly light and easy to make.
My story begins in my grandmother’s tiny kitchen. The aroma of slow-simmered soups always signaled the start of colder months. She believed soup wasn’t just food, it was family. I’ve since cooked in all sorts of kitchens across the globe, but this one, brimming with steam, laughter, and gnocchi, taught me the heart of comfort cooking. Today’s soup is a twist on a classic, creamy, satisfying, but completely dairy free and easy to prepare on busy weeknights.
Whether you’re accommodating dietary needs or just love lighter recipes that don’t skimp on richness, this soup checks all the boxes. Let’s walk through the ingredients, steps, and tips to help you make this reader-favorite right in your own kitchen.
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Dairy Free Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Dairy Free Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup brings everything we love about fall cooking, hearty, comforting, rich with flavor, yet surprisingly light and easy to make. Inspired by childhood memories and perfected for busy weeknights, this creamy (yet dairy-free!) soup delivers cozy comfort in every spoonful.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound Italian sausage (dairy free)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 4 cups chicken broth (dairy/gluten free)
- 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk (shaken well)
- 16 oz store-bought gnocchi (gluten-free if needed)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking it up as it browns. Cook for 6–8 minutes until fully cooked.
- Add onion and garlic. Cook for 4–5 minutes until fragrant and soft. Stir in Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Shake and add coconut milk. Let it gently bubble for 5 minutes to create a creamy broth.
- Add gnocchi to the pot and cook for 3–4 minutes until they float to the top.
- Stir in spinach or kale. Simmer for 2 more minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
For a lighter creaminess, substitute coconut milk with almond milk plus 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Use gluten-free gnocchi and veggie broth for a vegan, gluten-free version. Stores well in the fridge up to 4 days. For freezing, omit gnocchi and add fresh upon reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients for a Cozy Dairy Free Gnocchi Soup
Creamy doesn’t have to mean dairy, and this recipe proves it with every spoonful. Below is your shopping list for one cozy pot of soup:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound Italian sausage (choose dairy free)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds (optional for added sausage flavor)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 4 cups chicken broth (check for dairy/gluten free labels)
- 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk (shaken well)
- 16 oz store-bought gnocchi (gluten-free if needed)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
- Fresh basil for garnish
Pro Tip: Coconut milk lends a creamy texture without the taste overpowering. For lighter creaminess, almond milk with a cornstarch slurry also works.
Want a creative gnocchi twist later? Try Air Fryer Gnocchi Salad as a crispy side dish.
How to Make Dairy Free Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup, Step by Step
This soup comes together in just 30 minutes and doesn’t demand much babysitting. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking it up as it browns. Cook until fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Add onion and garlic to the pan. Cook for 4–5 minutes until fragrant and soft. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, and red pepper flakes for a little heat. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. This is the base that builds big flavor fast.
Step 4: Stir in Coconut Milk
Shake your can of coconut milk and pour it into the pot. Let it gently bubble for another 5 minutes. It transforms the broth into a velvety soup without dairy.
Step 5: Add Gnocchi
Add gnocchi directly to the hot broth and cook for 3–4 minutes until they float, meaning they’re ready!
Step 6: Finish with Greens
Stir in spinach or kale and simmer for 2 more minutes until wilted. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
Serve hot with crusty bread or even a side like White Lasagna or Dump and Bake Alfredo if you’re feeding a crowd.
Tips for Success, Making it Even Easier
Even if you’re a soup newbie, this recipe is designed to be simple and foolproof. Here’s how to guarantee delicious results:
Choose the Right Sausage
Look for fresh Italian sausage in links or bulk. Mild or spicy, your call. Just make sure it’s dairy-free (some include cheese or milk powder).
Gnocchi Tip
Store-bought gnocchi is a weeknight lifesaver. Most are shelf-stable and cook in minutes. For a gluten-free version, choose rice- or cassava-based gnocchi.
Coconut Milk Swap
Don’t have coconut milk? Use any unsweetened dairy-free milk (like oat or almond) and whisk in 1 tablespoon cornstarch to thicken it.
This soup pairs beautifully with Pumpkin Soup in Mini Pumpkins for an unforgettable autumn dinner spread.
Variations to Make It Your Own
Make this cozy soup match your dietary needs or flavor preferences:
Gluten-Free Version
Choose a certified gluten-free gnocchi brand (available at most health food stores). Double-check your broth label too.
Vegetable-Packed
Add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers during the sauté step. They’ll blend seamlessly into the base.
Vegan Option
Use plant-based sausage (like Beyond or tofu crumbles) and swap chicken broth for veggie broth.
Want it Thicker?
Simmer the soup a few minutes longer with the lid off, or mash a few gnocchi in the pot for a creamier consistency.
Want another creamy, dairy-free bowl to try? The Chicken Broccoli Cheese Soup swaps cheese for nutritional yeast and is just as cozy.
Storage & Make Ahead Notes
This soup stores beautifully, maybe even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Refrigerator
Let soup cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer
For best results, freeze before adding gnocchi. Reheat and then stir in fresh gnocchi to avoid mushiness.
Reheating
Reheat over low heat on the stove. Add a splash of broth or plant milk to loosen it if too thick.
Serving leftovers? It pairs great with Cheese Broth with Potatoes and Elote or a simple side like Hash Brown Soup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of coconut milk in this Dairy Free Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup?
You can substitute with unsweetened almond milk and whisk in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch or flour to thicken it slightly. Cashew cream also works well.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap regular gnocchi for a gluten-free version, and ensure your broth and sausage are gluten-free labeled.
Can I use kale instead of spinach?
Yes! Kale, chard, or any tender green will wilt nicely. Just add thicker greens a bit earlier to soften them.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, but for the best texture, add the gnocchi just before serving. You can make the base up to 3 days in advance.
Conclusion
This Dairy Free Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is more than just a soup, it’s a warm hug on a chilly day, a bowlful of nourishment without compromise. It delivers everything you want in a comfort meal, flavor, richness, and ease, without dairy or gluten if needed. Whether you’re making it for a quiet weeknight or a big cozy gathering, it’s one of those dishes that disappears fast and earns repeat requests.
Craving more soups like this? Warm up with Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup or slurp-worthy broths from our Asian Noodle Soup Guide collection.
Now grab your spoon, this pot of comfort is calling.