Description
Creamy Gnocchi and Sausage Soup
Ingredients:
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 package gnocchi (16 oz)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage: In a large pot, cook sausage over medium heat until browned and crumbled. Remove excess grease if necessary.
2. Build the Base: Add minced garlic to the sausage and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Stir in chicken broth and Italian seasoning, then bring to a boil.
3. Add Gnocchi: Reduce heat to simmer, add gnocchi, and cook for 3-5 minutes or until tender.
4. Make it Creamy: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper.
#GnocchiSoup #ComfortFood
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for a foolproof, creamy soup. First, in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, brown 1 lb of Italian sausage over medium-high heat, using a wooden spoon to crumble it. Once fully cooked and no pink remains, drain most of the excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor. Next, add the 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the 3 cups of chicken broth and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, then scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Bring this base to a rolling boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Add the entire 16 oz package of gnocchi. They will sink initially but float to the top as they cook. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, just until the gnocchi are pillowy. Now, lower the heat to the lowest setting. Slowly stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Warm through for 2-3 minutes—do not boil, as this can cause the cream to separate. Finally, taste and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Serving Suggestions
This rich soup is a meal in itself but can be elevated with simple sides. Serve it in deep bowls with a side of crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad with a sharp vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. For extra texture and flavor, offer additional toppings like extra grated Parmesan, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, or red pepper flakes. It pairs perfectly with a light, crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio.
How-to Summary
Brown sausage, then sauté garlic in the same pot. Add broth and seasoning, bring to a boil. Simmer gnocchi until tender. Reduce heat, stir in cream and Parmesan, and warm through. Season and garnish with parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sausage? Absolutely. Turkey or chicken Italian sausage are great leaner options. For a different flavor profile, try smoked Andouille.
How can I make this soup lighter? Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, though the soup will be less rich. You can also use low-sodium broth and lean sausage.
Can I add vegetables? Yes. Sauté 1 cup of diced onions with the sausage, and add 2 cups of fresh spinach or chopped kale when you stir in the cream.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream from breaking. Add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Can I freeze this soup? Freezing is not recommended. The dairy-based sauce can separate and the gnocchi may become mushy upon thawing and reheating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid boiling the soup after adding the cream and cheese, as high heat can cause curdling. Do not overcook the gnocchi; add them only for the time specified on the package to prevent them from dissolving. Skipping the step of deglazing the pot after browning the sausage means missing out on deep flavor. Finally, be cautious with salt until the end, as the sausage, broth, and Parmesan all contribute saltiness.
Conclusion
This Creamy Gnocchi and Sausage Soup is the ultimate one-pot comfort meal, combining savory sausage, pillowy pasta, and a luxurious, cheesy broth in under 30 minutes. Its simplicity is its strength, requiring minimal prep for maximum flavor. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can easily avoid common pitfalls and customize it to your taste. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that turns simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying dinner perfect for any night of the week.