Sausage Gnocchi Soup

5 from 5 votes

This Sausage Gnocchi Soup is everything you love about Olive Garden’s famous Zuppa Toscana but with a twist! Instead of potatoes, we’re using pillowy soft gnocchi that soak up all the rich, savory flavors of the creamy broth. Made with Italian sausage, tender gnocchi, fresh kale, and a dash of cream, this hearty soup is the perfect comfort food.

Prep Time10

Cook Time30

Course: Lunch or Dinner, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Italian

Keyword: sausage gnocchi soup, zuppa toscana gnocchi soup

Servings:

Author: Modern Honey® - www.modernhoney.com

Ingredients

1 to 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1 large Onion (diced)
2 Garlic Cloves (finely diced)
1 lb Italian Sausage
1/2 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes
6 Bacon slices (cooked until crispy)
28 to 32 ounces Chicken Broth
1 teaspoon Pepper
2 cups Baby Kale (finely chopped into small pieces)
1 cup Heavy Cream
1 lb. Gnocchi
3/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (divided)
Salt (to taste)

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Instructions

Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add oil, onion, garlic, and red chili flakes. Let cook for 1 minute. Add sausage and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove sausage and onions and place on a paper towel-lined plate.
Add bacon and cook until crispy --according to package instructions. Remove from pan and set aside. Once bacon is cool enough to touch, crumble or cut into bite-size pieces.
Add chicken broth and pepper to the pot and bring to a boil. Once it comes to a boil, reduce to medium-low heat. Stir in sausage mixture. Cook for 15 minutes.
Add finely diced kale and continue to cook for 5-10 more minutes
Stir in heavy cream, gnocchi, and 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese. Heat for 5 minutes. Stir in crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish. The gnocchi should be pillowy soft. Stir often to ensure the gnocchi aren't sticking together
Serve warm topped with the remaining 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese. Sprinkle with remaining bacon. Taste for seasoning and add more salt and pepper, if needed.

Notes

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this soup?

Yes! Frozen gnocchi works perfectly fine in this soup. Just add them directly to the simmering broth without thawing and cook for a minute or two longer than fresh gnocchi.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits. However, the gnocchi might absorb some of the broth, so you may need to add a little extra broth when reheating.

How can I make this soup healthier?

For a lighter version, you can use turkey sausage instead of pork and substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half. You can also add extra veggies like spinach, zucchini, or carrots to increase the nutrient content.

What can I serve with sausage gnocchi soup?

This soup is hearty on its own but serving it with soft homemade French bread, homemade dinner rolls or easy garlic cheese bread is always a great idea! You can also pair it with a simple garden salad for a lighter meal.

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