Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe
If you’re searching for a cozy meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It masterfully combines pillowy gnocchi with tender vegetables in a luscious, creamy broth that’s both comforting and vibrant. Each spoonful is packed with flavor and texture, making it an ideal dish to brighten any day, whether it’s a chilly evening or when you just want something truly satisfying. This is one of those recipes you’ll want to keep on hand to impress family or friends with minimal fuss and maximum deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you—each one brings something special to the table, creating a harmony of taste, texture, and color that makes the soup so memorable.
- Olive oil: A flavorful base for sautéing that adds richness and depth to the soup.
- Onion: Brings natural sweetness and a subtle sharpness when cooked down.
- Garlic: Adds a fragrant punch that elevates every bite.
- Carrot: Offers a touch of sweetness and a burst of vibrant orange color.
- Vegetable broth: Provides a savory foundation that ties all the flavors together.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and a fresh, bright note to balance the creaminess.
- Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy bites that soak up all the delicious flavors in the soup.
- Spinach: A pop of green that delivers freshness and nutrients with every spoonful.
- Heavy cream: The secret to that irresistible, silky texture that makes this soup so creamy.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all the flavors.
How to Make Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. This gentle cooking warms the oil to release its fragrant and fruity notes. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and carrot, then sauté them together for about 5 minutes until they become soft, fragrant, and slightly sweet—this builds the aromatic foundation your soup needs.
Step 2: Add the Broth and Tomatoes
Next, pour in the vegetable broth along with the diced tomatoes. Bringing this mixture to a boil helps meld the flavors, preparing a bright, savory backdrop that will complement the rich creaminess later on. The tomatoes add a juicy tang that keeps the soup lively.
Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi
Now is the time to add your gnocchi. As they cook for about 5 minutes, they will rise to the surface when perfectly tender, signaling they are ready. These delicate pillows soak up the broth’s warmth, creating satisfying bites throughout the soup.
Step 4: Finish with Spinach and Cream
Stir in chopped spinach and heavy cream, allowing the soup to simmer an additional 5 minutes. The cream thickens the broth into a luxuriously silky texture, while the spinach wilts just enough to add freshness and a lovely green color that enlivens the bowl.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Finally, season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy here—a little seasoning goes a long way in bringing all the ingredients together. Serve immediately while it’s hot and enjoy every comforting spoonful.
How to Serve Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe by topping it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick. A few fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil add a touch of elegance and freshness to each bowl.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up every last drop of the creamy broth. A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette provides a crisp contrast, making your meal feel complete and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve the soup in small, hollowed-out bread bowls or attractive ramekins for an inviting presentation. You can also swirl a dollop of pesto into each bowl for a pop of color and herbaceous flavor that complements the creaminess beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and it’s likely), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delightful.
Freezing
While cream-based soups can be tricky to freeze because the texture might change, you can freeze the soup before adding the cream and spinach. When thawed, simply reheat and stir in cream and fresh spinach at the end to preserve the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. Adding a splash of broth or water can help adjust the consistency if it thickens too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use potato gnocchi or other types in this Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Potato gnocchi work wonderfully for their softness, but you can also try sweet potato or ricotta gnocchi for a twist. Each variation brings its own unique texture and flavor, which can keep the soup interesting.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
This particular recipe is vegetarian as it uses vegetable broth and no meat products. Just be sure to double-check that your broth and any garnishes are vegetarian-friendly.
Can I make this soup dairy-free or vegan?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a cashew cream for a plant-based creamy texture. Using vegan gnocchi and ensuring your broth is vegan makes this a great option for dairy-free diets.
How thick should the soup be?
The soup should be creamy and slightly thickened but still spoonable and broth-like—not too thick. The cream and gnocchi help achieve a velvety finish without turning it into a stew.
Can I add protein to the soup?
Definitely! Add cooked chicken, sausage, or white beans to make the soup heartier. Adding protein transforms it into a more substantial meal without compromising the comforting creaminess.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about this Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe that makes it an instant favorite around the table. It’s quick enough for a weeknight yet special enough to share with loved ones. I encourage you to give it a try—you might find it becomes your go-to comfort meal, bringing joy with every spoonful.
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Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy gnocchi soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Made with sautéed vegetables, tender gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a touch of heavy cream, this soup combines rich flavors and a creamy texture in just 25 minutes. It’s satisfying, easy to make, and serves as a wholesome meal for four.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
Liquids & Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (approx. 14.5 oz)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Other
- 1 cup gnocchi
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Place a large pot over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Allow it to warm up so it coats the surface evenly.
- Sauté aromatics and vegetables: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped carrot to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and the carrot softens.
- Add broth and tomatoes: Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth and the entire can of diced tomatoes. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the gnocchi: Add 1 cup of gnocchi to the boiling soup. Let them cook for about 5 minutes, until they float to the surface, indicating they are done.
- Add spinach and cream: Stir in the chopped spinach and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Lower the heat and simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes to allow it to thicken and the flavors to meld.
- Season and serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy gnocchi soup!
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for added texture and nutrition.
- Use store-bought gnocchi for convenience, or homemade if you prefer.
- To make the soup spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
