Parmesan Sausage Gnocchi Soup is one of those meals that feels like a hug in a bowl. This hearty, creamy, and flavorful soup brings back memories of cool autumn evenings in my grandmother’s kitchen. The scent of sizzling sausage and garlic would fill the air while I stood on a step stool, stirring the pot with eager hands. Now, years later, I’ve taken what I learned and created a recipe that’s both comforting and easy enough for any home cook to master.
This soup has quickly become a favorite among readers, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s creamy without being too heavy, packed with soft pillowy gnocchi, savory sausage, and finished with the nutty richness of Parmesan. Best of all, it comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need: a full ingredient list, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, easy variations (including gluten-free), and smart storage ideas. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want something warm for the week, this soup delivers every time.
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Parmesan Sausage Gnocchi Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Hearty, creamy, and full of flavor, this Parmesan Sausage Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate cozy one-pot comfort food. It’s rich without being heavy, packed with pillowy gnocchi, savory sausage, and finished with nutty Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Stir in diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir and bring to a low boil.
- Add gnocchi to the pot. Simmer for 5–7 minutes or until gnocchi float and are tender.
- Reduce heat and stir in baby spinach until wilted. Add heavy cream and Parmesan. Stir until creamy and well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free gnocchi. Feel free to add mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini for extra veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients for the Best Parmesan Sausage Gnocchi Soup
Before we dive into cooking, let’s take a quick look at what you’ll need. You probably have most of these ingredients already in your kitchen. This version keeps it simple, no fancy items, just great flavor.
What You Need
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
If you prefer a lighter dairy option, you can swap heavy cream with half-and-half. The sausage can be either spicy or mild, depending on your taste. For a variation similar in heartiness to our white lasagna recipe, feel free to toss in extra greens or mushrooms.
Step by Step Instructions: One Pot, Full Flavor
1. Brown the Sausage
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. This step adds a deep, savory base to the soup. If you love bold, meat-forward flavors, this step is just as satisfying as our one-pan chicken and chorizo dish.
2. Add Aromatics
Once the sausage is browned, stir in diced onion and cook until translucent (about 3–4 minutes). Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste. Stir for 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant and the tomato paste deepens in color.
3. Pour in Liquids
Slowly pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir well, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring everything to a low boil.
4. Add Gnocchi
Add the gnocchi directly into the pot and stir. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes or until the gnocchi float and become tender. This stage transforms the soup into a filling, complete meal, much like our reader-loved dump and bake Alfredo.
5. Add Spinach, Cream & Parmesan
Reduce heat to low and stir in the baby spinach. Once wilted, add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the soup is creamy and well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips for Success
This soup is naturally rich and flavorful, but these quick tips will help take it to the next level.
Don’t Skip Browning the Sausage
Browning the sausage adds caramelization and flavor depth. Avoid draining it unless it’s very oily. That little bit of fat is flavor gold.
Fresh Parmesan Matters
For a smoother texture and better flavor, grate your Parmesan fresh from the block. Pre-shredded versions often contain anti-caking agents that don’t melt as well.
Adjust the Texture
Prefer a thicker soup? Let it simmer a little longer before adding the cream. Want it thinner? Add an extra half cup of broth.
Recipe Variations to Suit Every Diet
Love to customize? Here are a few ways to adapt this Parmesan Sausage Gnocchi Soup to meet your needs.
Gluten-Free Gnocchi
Use store-bought gluten-free gnocchi, available at many supermarkets or online. You won’t notice the difference in texture, and it keeps the dish accessible for gluten-sensitive folks, just like we do with our air fryer gnocchi salad.
Dairy-Free Option
Substitute the heavy cream with canned coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The soup remains creamy and rich without any dairy.
Add More Veggies
Want to sneak in more vegetables? Mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini work beautifully here. They blend right into the broth, just like in our chicken broccoli cheese soup.
Make it Spicy
Choose spicy Italian sausage and double the red pepper flakes if you love heat. It gives the soup a kick similar to our hot honey chicken sandwich.
Storing & Reheating
This soup is ideal for meal prep. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even better.
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers (leave a bit of room for expansion). Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm over medium-low heat on the stove. If it thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen.
Note: Gnocchi can soften slightly after freezing, but the flavor holds beautifully, similar to how it works in our hash brown soup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of sausage is best for Parmesan Sausage Gnocchi Soup?
Mild or spicy Italian sausage works best. You can also use chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner option.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! It reheats beautifully. Prepare a day in advance and refrigerate, just wait to add the cream and Parmesan until reheating.
How do I keep the soup from getting too thick?
Gnocchi absorbs liquid. Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to bring it back to your preferred consistency.
Can I use kale instead of spinach?
Absolutely. Just let it simmer a few extra minutes to soften, similar to how we use hearty greens in velveeta broccoli cheese soup.
Conclusion: A Cozy Classic You’ll Make Again and Again
There’s something timeless about a steaming bowl of Parmesan Sausage Gnocchi Soup. It’s warm, rich, and nourishing, the kind of meal that brings people together around the table. Whether you’re making it on a chilly Sunday or prepping lunches for the week, this soup delivers comfort in every spoonful. From my kitchen to yours, I hope it becomes a go-to favorite just like it has in mine.
If you enjoy cozy, one-pot meals, try our air fryer gnocchi salad or one-pan chicken and chorizo