Welcome to Fresh Leaf Rezepte! Matteo’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.
When fall settles in and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of hearty soup. This Spicy Sausage Gnocchi Soup with Kale is a reader favorite, and for good reason. It’s rich, warming, and packed with satisfying textures and bold flavors. Imagine soft, pillowy gnocchi floating in a savory tomato broth, kissed with cream, fiery sausage, and wilted kale. Every spoonful feels like a hug.
This soup was born out of a chilly November evening when Sam had only a few pantry staples and a half-bunch of kale on hand. A little creativity and a craving for comfort turned a simple meal into a repeat-worthy recipe that’s now loved by thousands. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this one’s going to be on heavy rotation.
In this post, you’ll get a complete breakdown of how to make it, ingredient tips, variations like gluten-free and vegetarian swaps, and smart storage tips. Let’s dive into this flavorful bowl of comfort.
Print
Spicy Sausage Gnocchi Soup with Kale
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor, this Spicy Sausage Gnocchi Soup with Kale combines tender gnocchi, spicy sausage, and a creamy tomato broth for the ultimate fall soup.
Ingredients
- 500g (about 1 lb) spicy Italian sausage (ground or sliced links)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 can (400g/14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 500g shelf-stable potato gnocchi
- 3 cups chopped kale (thick stems removed)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or plant-based cream)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: grated Parmesan, fresh basil, crusty bread for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it up, until browned and slightly crispy.
- Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika. Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and water. Stir and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Add gnocchi and chopped kale. Cook 5–6 minutes until gnocchi float and kale is tender.
- Lower heat and stir in heavy cream. Heat gently for 2–3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle into bowls and top with Parmesan or fresh basil if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, use coconut or oat-based cream. Gluten-free gnocchi works great too. This soup gets even better the next day, so feel free to meal prep!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather everything so you can cook without interruption. This soup is all about layering flavor, so don’t skip the basics.
Ingredients List:
- 500g (about 1 lb) spicy Italian sausage (ground or sliced links)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 can (400g/14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 500g shelf-stable potato gnocchi
- 3 cups chopped kale (thick stems removed)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or plant-based cream for dairy-free option)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Optional Toppings: grated Parmesan, fresh basil, crushed red pepper, crusty bread on the side
You may also enjoy serving it with our Bang Bang Chicken Bites or buttery Cookie Croissants for a well-rounded cozy dinner.
Step by Step Instructions
You don’t need to be a seasoned cook to pull this off. This soup comes together quickly, and it’s surprisingly forgiving. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and slightly crispy, this builds the base flavor of the soup.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes, or until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and water. Stir well and bring everything to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors together.
Step 4: Add Gnocchi and Kale
Add the gnocchi and chopped kale to the pot. Cook for 5–6 minutes until the gnocchi are soft and floating and the kale is tender but still vibrant.
Step 5: Finish with Cream
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let it heat through gently, about 2–3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan or fresh basil if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or Pumpkin Hummus and Pita Chips for a full meal.
Tips for the Perfect Spicy Sausage Gnocchi Soup with Kale
Getting the balance of spice, texture, and creaminess just right can make this soup next-level good.
- Use high-quality sausage. Whether it’s chicken, turkey, or traditional pork sausage, the better the sausage, the better the flavor.
- Don’t overcook the gnocchi. As soon as they float, they’re done. Overcooking can make them mushy.
- Massage your kale. A quick rub with your fingers after chopping helps make it more tender.
- Balance the spice. Love it fiery? Add more red pepper. Want it milder? Use mild sausage and skip the flakes.
- Make it in advance. Like many soups, this one tastes even better the next day.
You’ll find these same flavor-building principles in other fall dishes like Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites or our savory Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole.
Recipe Variations You’ll Love
This dish is wonderfully versatile. Here’s how to make it your own:
Gluten-Free Version
Swap out regular gnocchi for a gluten-free variety (found in most health food sections). Ensure the sausage you’re using is also gluten-free.
Dairy-Free or Vegan Options
- Replace cream with coconut cream or oat-based alternatives.
- Use plant-based gnocchi and spicy vegan sausage.
- Sub veggie broth for the chicken broth.
Add-ins & Substitutes
- Try spinach instead of kale for a milder green.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a deeper, tangy flavor.
- A touch of lemon juice right before serving can brighten the whole pot.
This recipe shares seasonal vibes with dishes like Blue Cheese and Pear Crostini or Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Ring, making it a great addition to a fall menu.
How to Store and Reheat
This soup keeps beautifully, so make a big batch and enjoy it all week.
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The gnocchi may absorb some broth, so add a splash of water or broth when reheating.
Freezer
Let the soup cool completely. Freeze in single-portion containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Stir occasionally and add liquid as needed. Avoid boiling it again to prevent the cream from separating.
Pair your reheated soup with Gooey Lava Cookies for a cozy night in.
FAQs About Spicy Sausage Gnocchi Soup with Kale
1. Can I use fresh gnocchi instead of shelf-stable?
Absolutely. Fresh gnocchi works beautifully. Just reduce the cook time by a couple of minutes and watch for them to float.
2. What if I don’t like kale?
You can easily swap in baby spinach, Swiss chard, or even cabbage. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
3. Can I make this soup less spicy?
Yes! Use mild Italian sausage and skip the red pepper flakes. You can also add extra cream to mellow the heat.
4. Does this soup work for meal prep?
It’s a fantastic option for meal prep. Portion into jars or containers and refrigerate or freeze as needed.
Final Thoughts
Spicy Sausage Gnocchi Soup with Kale is the kind of dish that warms more than just your body, it brings people together. Whether you’re curled up on the couch or feeding your family after a long day, this recipe delivers comfort in every spoonful. It’s quick, full of flavor, and endlessly adaptable.
When you’re craving something hearty but still wholesome, this soup is your go-to. Try it once, and we guarantee it’ll become a staple, just like it has in our home.
For more cozy, seasonal recipes like this, check out our popular fall dishes like Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites or Bang Bang Chicken Bites.