This creamy gnocchi soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! With soft gnocchi, fresh veggies, and a rich broth, it’s comfort food at its best.
Every spoonful brings a smile, especially on chilly days. I love serving it with crusty bread to soak up every bit. Trust me, you’ll want seconds! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: A great choice for sautéing, but you can use butter for a richer flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, avocado oil works well too.
Onion: I recommend yellow onions for their sweetness when cooked, but white or red onions can work too. For a milder flavor, try shallots!
Gnocchi: Potato gnocchi brings a delightful texture to the soup. If you’re gluten-free, there are excellent gluten-free gnocchi options available.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness, but you can use half-and-half for a lighter version. For dairy-free, coconut cream is a great alternative, but it will change the flavor slightly.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds great color and nutrition. Kale or Swiss chard can be used instead, just cook a little longer to soften.
How Can You Avoid Curdling the Cream?
To keep your cream smooth, it’s key to heat it gently. Here’s how to do it:
- Reduce the heat to low before adding cream. If the soup is too hot, the cream can curdle.
- Stir the cream in slowly and keep an eye on the temperature; it should be warm but not boiling.
- Finally, make sure to mix in the spinach quickly after adding the cream, so everything heats together evenly.
How to Make Creamy Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 1 carrot, diced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or oregano sprigs for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy soup will take you about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook, making it a quick meal option. So in just 25 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, creamy gnocchi soup ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Veggies:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped celery, and diced carrot. Sauté these together until the vegetables begin to soften, which should take about 5 minutes. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
2. Add the Broth:
Next, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil—this is where all those flavors start to meld together.
3. Cook the Gnocchi:
Once the broth is boiling, add the gnocchi. Cook them according to the package instructions, usually about 2–3 minutes, or until they float to the top. This is a good sign they’re ready!
4. Make it Creamy:
Reduce the heat to low after the gnocchi are cooked. Then, gently stir in the heavy cream, dried Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Be careful not to let the soup boil once the cream is added; just heat it through so it becomes rich and creamy.
5. Add the Spinach:
Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and brightens the soup.
6. Season and Serve:
Give the soup a taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Then, ladle the warm soup into bowls. If you like, garnish each bowl with a sprig of fresh basil or oregano and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if using.
7. Enjoy!
Serve your creamy gnocchi soup hot with a side of crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy each comforting spoonful and savor the flavors!
Can I Use Frozen Gnocchi in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You don’t have to thaw frozen gnocchi before adding them to the soup. Just toss them in directly and cook for a couple of extra minutes until they float to the top!
How Can I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup, but for best texture, add the gnocchi when reheating, as they can become mushy when frozen.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half works well. For a non-dairy alternative, coconut cream gives a nice richness, though it will impart a slight coconut flavor to the soup.
How Can I Add More Vegetables to the Soup?
Feel free to add more veggies! Zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers all complement the flavors beautifully. Just sauté them along with the onions and carrots to soften before adding the broth.
