One-Pot Creamy Sausage and Gnocchi Soup Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor, you can briefly sauté the sausage in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker, though this is not strictly necessary for this recipe. If you choose to do this, ensure the sausage is drained of excess fat before adding it to the slow cooker.

This extra step adds a caramelized note to the meat, which can enhance the overall complexity of the soup's broth, especially when paired with the Italian seasoning.

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash a few of the cooked gnocchi against the side of the slow cooker toward the end of the cooking time. The starch released from the gnocchi will naturally thicken the cream broth without the need for additional thickeners like flour or cornstarch.

Stir the soup thoroughly after mashing to incorporate the starch, which will give the liquid a silky, luxurious texture that clings to the spoon.

Variations

• Spicy Sausage Gnocchi: Use hot Italian sausage instead of mild and add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the broth for a noticeable kick of heat in every spoonful.
• Vegetable-Packed: Add sliced mushrooms or diced zucchini during the initial cooking phase to incorporate more texture and earthy flavor into the soup without changing the cooking time.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Not recommended, as the cream and gnocchi do not freeze well.

Reheat

Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if necessary.

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When storing, ensure the soup has cooled to room temperature for no more than two hours before placing it in the fridge to maintain food safety. The gnocchi may continue to absorb some of the liquid over time, so you may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to restore the desired consistency.

This soup can be prepared up to the point of adding the gnocchi and cream. The base of sausage, spinach, seasoning, and broth can be cooked ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve, bring the base to a simmer in the slow cooker or on the stove, then add the gnocchi and cream, cooking as directed until the gnocchi are tender. This makes it an excellent option for meal planning.

Serving ideas

Serve the soup hot in deep bowls, ensuring each portion has an even distribution of sausage, gnocchi, and spinach. The creamy broth is best enjoyed immediately while steaming, as the texture of the gnocchi is at its peak right after cooking.

You may want to provide a crusty piece of bread on the side to soak up the delicious, seasoned broth, which complements the heartiness of the soup perfectly for a complete meal.

Consider garnishing each serving with a light sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese or a few torn basil leaves for added color and flavor contrast. These simple additions can elevate the presentation of the dish, making it feel even more special for a dinner with guests.

Ensure the soup is served at a comfortable temperature, allowing the rich flavors of the Italian seasoning and the creamy base to shine through in every single spoonful.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

One-Pot Creamy Sausage and Gnocchi Soup

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 lb potato gnocchi, store-bought or made ahead
• 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Place the raw crumbled Italian sausage at the bottom of the slow cooker. Scatter the fresh baby spinach over the sausage, then sprinkle the Italian seasoning evenly over the top.
2. Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, ensuring the sausage reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
3. Add the potato gnocchi and heavy cream to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine and cook for an additional 20 minutes until the gnocchi are soft and tender.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

480

Protein

18 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

30 g

Fiber

2 g

Sugar

2 g

Sodium

950 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.