Are you craving a warm, hearty, and incredibly flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this Sausage Gnocchi Soup! This delicious recipe combines the savory richness of Italian sausage with pillowy gnocchi and a vibrant vegetable broth, creating a comforting dish perfect for a chilly evening or a quick weeknight dinner. It's one of those easy recipes that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but it’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making this Delicious Dish
Get started: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. This is where the magic begins!
Brown the sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. This step adds incredible depth of flavor to the soup. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside; leave the rendered fat in the pot.
Sauté the vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Build the flavor base: Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season generously with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add the sausage and gnocchi: Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Add the gnocchi and simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the gnocchi is cooked through and floats to the surface. Don't overcook the gnocchi – they'll become mushy!
Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Cooking Tips for the Best Sausage Gnocchi Soup
- For extra flavor: Use a high-quality Italian sausage. The flavor really shines through in this recipe.
- Don't overcook the gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks quickly. Overcooked gnocchi will be mushy and unpleasant. Start checking for doneness at the 8-minute mark.
- Adjust the spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of herbs and spices to your liking. If you prefer a spicier soup, add more red pepper flakes.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms. They add nice texture and flavor.
Delicious Variations to Explore
- Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end for a richer, creamier soup.
- Vegetarian Sausage Gnocchi Soup: Substitute the Italian sausage with crumbled plant-based sausage. Make sure you use a brand that is flavorful!
- Spicy Sausage Gnocchi Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This easy recipe is perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight meal or a cozy weekend lunch. The combination of flavorful sausage, tender gnocchi, and hearty vegetables creates a satisfying and delicious dish that the whole family will love. Enjoy your homemade deliciousness!