Sausage and Vegetable Gnocchi Soup

This hearty Sausage and Vegetable Gnocchi Soup is the perfect meal for a cozy dinner. Packed with savory Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and pillowy potato gnocchi, this soup is comforting, nutritious, and bursting with flavor. The combination of seasoned sausage, aromatic vegetables, and a rich broth creates a flavorful base, while the gnocchi adds a satisfying, chewy texture. Topped with fresh arugula or spinach and grated Parmesan cheese, each bowl offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will warm you from the inside out.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It’s made with easy-to-find ingredients and comes together in less than an hour, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or a hearty weekend meal. Whether you’re looking for a filling lunch or a comforting dinner, this soup is a crowd-pleaser that is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Hearty and Satisfying

With its rich sausage, hearty vegetables, and soft gnocchi, this soup is filling and will keep you satisfied for hours.

2. Packed with Flavor

The Italian sausage, Italian seasoning, marinara sauce, and Parmesan cheese blend together beautifully, creating a savory and comforting broth.

3. Quick and Easy

This recipe comes together in less than an hour, making it ideal for a quick, weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

4. Nutritious and Balanced

The soup is packed with vegetables like carrots, celery, zucchini, and greens, offering a healthy dose of fiber and vitamins.

5. Customizable

You can easily swap ingredients to suit your preferences, such as using spinach instead of arugula or adjusting the level of seasoning to match your taste.

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Ingredients

• Avocado oil or olive oil
• Italian sausage (casings removed)
• Diced sweet onion
• Diced celery
• Diced carrots
• Diced zucchini
• Italian seasoning
• Marinara sauce
• Chicken broth
• Uncooked potato gnocchi
• Fresh arugula or spinach
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian option, skip the Italian sausage and use plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a savory, meaty texture.
• Low-Carb Version: To make this soup lower in carbs, replace the potato gnocchi with a cauliflower gnocchi or skip the gnocchi altogether and serve it over cauliflower rice.
• Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables, such as bell peppers, spinach, or kale, to increase the nutritional value and variety in the soup.
• Spicy Sausage: If you like a bit of heat, try using spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the soup for an extra kick.
• Creamy Version: For a creamy twist, stir in a little heavy cream or coconut milk towards the end of cooking for a rich and velvety broth.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables and Sausage

In a large pot, heat the avocado oil or olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once the sausage is browned, add the diced onion, celery, carrots, and zucchini. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.

Step 2: Season and Add the Broth

Stir in the Italian seasoning, and cook for another minute to toast the spices. Add the marinara sauce and chicken broth to the pot, and stir to combine. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi

Add the uncooked gnocchi to the soup, stirring to combine. Continue simmering for about 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi floats to the top and is tender.

Step 4: Add Greens and Cheese

Stir in the fresh arugula or spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the greens are wilted. Remove the soup from the heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil, if desired. Serve immediately, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this delicious soup.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Fresh Gnocco: Fresh gnocchi typically cooks quicker than frozen or packaged gnocchi, so make sure to check the cooking time to avoid overcooking them.
• Brown the Sausage Well: Browning the sausage properly adds depth of flavor to the soup. Don’t rush this step—let the sausage crisp up before adding the vegetables.
• Adjust the Consistency: If the soup becomes too thick while cooking, add a bit more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
• Add Greens Last: Add the greens towards the end to preserve their vibrant color and nutrients.
• Make It Ahead: This soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to improve as it sits!

How to Serve

This soup is perfect on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. The addition of Parmesan and fresh basil will elevate the flavors and make it feel like a restaurant-quality dish. You can also serve it with extra grated cheese on top or a drizzle of olive oil for added richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup for up to 2 months. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stove over low heat, adding a little more chicken broth if necessary to restore the desired consistency. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen gnocchi in this recipe?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works just as well as fresh gnocchi. Just add them directly to the soup, and they will cook in the broth.

2. Can I make this soup without sausage?

Absolutely! You can replace the sausage with diced chicken, ground turkey, or mushrooms for a different flavor profile.

3. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, vegetable broth is a great alternative for a vegetarian version of this soup.

4. Is this soup spicy?

The soup is not spicy unless you add spicy sausage or red pepper flakes to it. It’s more savory and flavorful with the Italian seasoning.

5. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen over time, making it even more delicious.

6. Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or kale for extra flavor and nutrition.

7. How do I keep the gnocchi from getting too soft?

Gnocchi cooks quickly, so be sure to only add them when the soup is simmering. Avoid overcooking them to prevent them from becoming too soft or mushy.

8. Can I use dairy-free cheese instead of Parmesan?

Yes, you can use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute if you prefer to keep the recipe dairy-free.

9. What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs well with a fresh side salad or a slice of garlic bread to soak up the delicious broth.

10. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup. Just ensure it cools completely before freezing, and be aware that the texture of the gnocchi may change after freezing.

Conclusion

This Sausage and Vegetable Gnocchi Soup is a comforting, flavorful, and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or looking for a cozy meal to enjoy by yourself, this soup has all the right ingredients to hit the spot. With its hearty sausage, tender gnocchi, and vibrant vegetables, it’s a dish that everyone will love. Plus, it’s simple to make and can be customized to suit various tastes, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.

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