Sam’s love for cooking began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where fresh ingredients and family meals sparked a lifelong passion. Over twenty years, Sam cooked in diners, bistros, and street food stalls around the world, learning not just recipes but the stories and cultures behind them.
Through Fresh Leaf Rezepte, Sam shares flavorful, easy-to-follow dishes perfect for everyday life, no fancy ingredients or endless hours needed. He believes cooking should be joyful, creative, and a way to bring people together.
Cozy Winter Gnocchi Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, this Cozy Winter Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate cold-weather meal. Made with tender gnocchi, winter herbs, vegetables, and a rich broth, it’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 tsp thyme (dried or fresh)
- ½ tsp rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 lb store-bought or homemade potato gnocchi
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ½ cup grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 7 minutes.
- Sprinkle in thyme and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add gnocchi and cook for 3–4 minutes until they float to the surface.
- Lower heat and stir in milk or cream. Add baby spinach and let it wilt, about 1–2 minutes.
- Optional: Stir in grated Parmesan. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, use oat milk or coconut cream and omit Parmesan. For added protein, stir in shredded chicken or sausage. Avoid overcooking gnocchi, they’re done once they float.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
The Story Behind This Cozy Winter Gnocchi Soup
The moment I feel the first crisp breeze of winter, my mind goes straight to soup, and not just any soup. I crave something creamy, comforting, and deeply satisfying. That’s how this Cozy Winter Gnocchi Soup was born. It’s rich, hearty, and tastes like a hug in a bowl.
Years ago, I was snowed in for a weekend with little more than pantry staples and a bag of gnocchi. I simmered some broth, tossed in a few vegetables, and finished it with cream. The result? A surprise favorite. Since then, it’s become one of my most-requested recipes among friends, especially after a long day out in the cold.
What makes this soup stand out is its silky broth, tender potato gnocchi, and the perfect blend of winter herbs. It feels like something you’d order in a charming ski lodge, but it’s simple enough to make in your own kitchen, even on a busy weeknight.
Whether you’re watching the snow fall or just need some inner warmth, this Cozy Winter Gnocchi Soup will become your new go-to. Let’s get into how you can make it, plus a few tips and twists to make it your own.
Ingredients for a Perfect Winter Bowl
Pantry & Fresh Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this cozy winter soup shine, you’ll want ingredients that build flavor quickly while keeping things simple. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 tsp thyme (dried or fresh)
- ½ tsp rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 lb store-bought or homemade potato gnocchi
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ½ cup grated Parmesan (optional)
Looking for more seasonal flavors? You’ll love this pumpkin soup served in mini pumpkins or autumn squash soup to accompany your cozy kitchen mood.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Easy and Comforting from Stove to Bowl
1. Sauté the aromatics
In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 7 minutes.
2. Add herbs and broth
Sprinkle in the thyme and rosemary, then season with salt and pepper. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Stir in the gnocchi
Add gnocchi and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until they float to the surface, this means they’re ready.
4. Finish with cream and spinach
Lower the heat and stir in the milk or cream. Add baby spinach and let it wilt, about 1–2 minutes.
5. Optional: Add cheese
For a creamier finish, stir in grated Parmesan. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Looking for another comforting option? You might enjoy our cheese broth with potatoes and elote or chicken broccoli cheese soup for more creamy satisfaction.
Tips for Success
How to Make Your Cozy Winter Gnocchi Soup Even Better
- Don’t overcook the gnocchi. They cook fast, remove from heat once they float to the top.
- Use high-quality broth. Whether vegetable or chicken, make sure it’s rich in flavor.
- Cream matters. Full-fat milk will work, but heavy cream gives a velvet-like texture.
- Add greens last. Spinach wilts fast, so stir it in just before serving.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Soup too thick? Add more broth or a splash of water.
- Too salty? A splash of cream or milk can help tone it down.
- Want to prep ahead? Chop the vegetables and store them in the fridge up to 2 days ahead.
Explore another cold-weather favorite like Velveeta broccoli cheese soup or our vegan mushroom soup if you’re cooking for a crowd.
Variations You’ll Want to Try
Make It Your Own
Gluten-Free Version
Use certified gluten-free gnocchi (available at most grocery stores) and double-check your broth for gluten-free labeling.
Add Protein
Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken or browned sausage before serving. For a spicier twist, try adding cooked Italian chicken sausage and a pinch of chili flakes.
More Veggies
Feel free to add mushrooms, kale, or diced zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
Dairy-Free Option
Use oat milk or coconut cream in place of dairy, and skip the cheese. The soup will still be creamy and satisfying.
Prefer something spicier? Check out our spicy chicken noodle soup to keep things warm and bold this season.
Storage and Reheating
Making It Ahead & Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Storage Tips:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Gnocchi may absorb liquid, so the soup may thicken overnight. Add broth or milk before reheating.
Freezing Advice:
- Not recommended. Gnocchi can become mushy once thawed. If you must freeze it, do so before adding gnocchi or cream.
Reheating:
- Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding broth to loosen if needed.
For dessert after a cozy bowl, try our easy one-pot salted caramel cheesecake. It’s the perfect sweet touch.
FAQs About Cozy Winter Gnocchi Soup
What is gnocchi made of?
Gnocchi are soft dough dumplings usually made from potatoes, flour, and eggs. Many grocery stores carry shelf-stable or fresh varieties.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Just use vegetable broth and skip any meat-based add-ins. The soup remains flavorful thanks to herbs and Parmesan.
What kind of gnocchi is best for soup?
Shelf-stable potato gnocchi works great for its texture and convenience. Avoid frozen unless you cook them separately first.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. This soup is perfect for batch cooking. Just use a larger pot and adjust seasoning accordingly.
Conclusion
This Cozy Winter Gnocchi Soup is the kind of meal that brings people to the table and keeps them there. It’s quick to make, easy to adapt, and so comforting you’ll want to make it on repeat. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, a snow day treat, or a simple Sunday supper, this soup will warm your home and heart.
Looking for more seasonal soup inspiration? Try our chicken potato soup or acorn squash soup to round out your winter menu.