Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe
If you’re on the lookout for a bowl of pure comfort that comes together in under 40 minutes, look no further than Creamy Gnocchi Soup. This dish is the definition of cozy: pillowy potato gnocchi, tender vegetables, fresh spinach, and a velvety, cheesy broth that delivers hearty flavor in every spoonful. Whether you’re craving something soul-warming on a blustery night or need to impress surprise dinner guests, this Creamy Gnocchi Soup will never disappoint. Its inviting aroma and luscious, creamy texture put it squarely in the “must try” category for soup lovers!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Creamy Gnocchi Soup lies in its straightforward ingredients, each working in harmony to create an unforgettable bowl. Don’t skip or skimp—every item brings something special, whether it’s rich flavor, gorgeous color, or that delightful creamy mouthfeel.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity note and helps create the base for sautéing your veggies.
- Unsalted butter: Lends richness and a silky finish as the veggies cook.
- Onion: Provides aromatic sweetness and depth to your soup.
- Garlic: Brings a savory, comforting background flavor that pairs beautifully with the herbs.
- Carrots: Add a pop of color and gentle sweetness with every bite.
- Celery: Offers freshness and a slight crunch, rounding out the classic soup base.
- Dried thyme: Infuses the broth with an earthy, woodsy undertone.
- Dried basil: Gives the soup a sweet, peppery lift that brightens the flavors.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning that ties everything together—taste and adjust as you go!
- Chicken or vegetable broth: The backbone of the soup, delivering hearty, savory warmth (choose veggie for a vegetarian version).
- Half-and-half or heavy cream: Creates that signature creamy texture—use heavy cream for extra decadence.
- Potato gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that transform the soup into a satisfying meal.
- Fresh spinach: Adds fresh, vibrant green color and boosts nutrition without overpowering the flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the soup, creating a cheesy undertone and adding that irresistible umami hit.
How to Make Creamy Gnocchi Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start your Creamy Gnocchi Soup journey by heating olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add your onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes. You want the veggies to soften and become fragrant—this creates the flavorful backbone for your soup and makes your whole kitchen smell amazing!
Step 2: Season and Simmer
Once your veggies are tender, sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir so the flavor of those herbs can bloom. Now pour in your chicken or vegetable broth, bring it all to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This step helps the flavors meld and deepens the complexity of the soup.
Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi
Add your potato gnocchi straight into the simmering broth. Let them cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until they float up to the surface. That’s how you know they’re perfectly soft and ready—don’t leave them in too long, or they’ll get mushy.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Pour in your half-and-half (or heavy cream if you want maximum richness) and add the chopped spinach. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, until the spinach wilts and the soup develops that dreamy, creamy consistency. The soup should look velvety and full of vibrant green swirls.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish
Finally, stir in your grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the soup, adding a perfect nutty-salty finish. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. Your Creamy Gnocchi Soup is now ready for its big debut—serve it up while it’s steaming hot!
How to Serve Creamy Gnocchi Soup
Garnishes
A good garnish can take Creamy Gnocchi Soup from delicious to downright irresistible. Sprinkle an extra shower of grated Parmesan or a few cracks of fresh black pepper on top. A handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley adds a fresh, herbal punch and a lovely pop of color. If you love a touch of heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes works wonders.
Side Dishes
While this soup shines all on its own, it pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dunking. Think warm baguette slices, a garlic-infused focaccia, or even a classic grilled cheese sandwich. For a lighter touch, serve it alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil—perfect for balancing the soup’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
To really wow dinner guests, ladle Creamy Gnocchi Soup into wide, shallow bowls for a restaurant-style feel. You can also serve it in bread bowls for a fun and extra-cozy presentation. Hosting a party? Try mini serving cups as part of a soup sampler for a unique appetizer spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Creamy Gnocchi Soup tastes just as fantastic the next day! Let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember, the gnocchi keeps soaking up broth, so the soup gets a bit thicker over time.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but keep in mind that gnocchi’s texture can change after thawing. If you’d like to freeze, consider making the soup base (without the gnocchi, spinach, or cream), then adding those when you reheat. That way, everything stays fresh and the gnocchi remains soft, not mushy.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over medium-low heat. If it’s too thick, splash in extra broth or a little milk until you reach your ideal consistency. Stir often and re-season if needed. For quick lunches, you can also microwave individual servings in short bursts, stirring in between to prevent scorching.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi or should I make it from scratch?
Store-bought gnocchi is perfect for this soup and saves you a ton of time. If you’re feeling ambitious, homemade gnocchi will take it to the next level, but it’s totally optional—Creamy Gnocchi Soup is delicious either way!
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken or sliced Italian sausage make fantastic additions if you want a heartier soup. Just add them along with the broth, and you’ll have a protein-packed meal in no time.
Is Creamy Gnocchi Soup gluten-free?
The soup can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free gnocchi (read the package labels carefully). All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can easily adapt it for food sensitivities.
What’s the best way to make the soup extra creamy?
If you want an extra luxurious texture, use heavy cream instead of half-and-half, and don’t be shy with the Parmesan cheese. Let it melt completely into the broth for the dreamiest finish.
How can I add more vegetables to Creamy Gnocchi Soup?
Go ahead and toss in chopped kale, petite peas, diced zucchini, or even corn. This soup is super flexible—a great way to use up extra veggies and create your own signature version.
Final Thoughts
Why not let Creamy Gnocchi Soup become your new favorite comfort food? It’s luscious, satisfying, and filled with flavor in every bite. Whether you serve it on a busy weeknight or for a special gathering, this soup always feels like a warm, cheesy hug. Go ahead—grab your pot and make a batch soon!
Print
Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this creamy gnocchi soup, a satisfying and hearty dish perfect for chilly nights. With tender potato gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a savory Parmesan-infused broth, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Soup Base:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Soup:
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Pour in broth, bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook Gnocchi: Add gnocchi, cook until tender. Stir in half-and-half and spinach, cook until wilted.
- Finish Soup: Add Parmesan, melt cheese, adjust seasoning. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra richness, use heavy cream instead of half-and-half.
- Add cooked shredded chicken or Italian sausage for a heartier version.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days—add extra broth when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
