When the weather turns chilly and you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, nothing beats a perfectly crafted gnocchi soup. This pillowy-soft potato dumpling soup combines the heartiness of tender gnocchi with a rich, creamy broth that’s packed with flavor and comfort. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a soul-warming meal to share with family, this gnocchi soup delivers on all fronts.
Why You’ll Love This Gnocchi Soup
Effortlessly delicious – This soup comes together in one pot with minimal prep work, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without the fuss.
Rich, creamy comfort – The combination of tender gnocchi, aromatic vegetables, and velvety broth creates the ultimate comfort food experience that satisfies on every level.
Endlessly adaptable – Swap in your favorite vegetables, add leftover rotisserie chicken, or make it vegetarian – this recipe welcomes creativity and substitutions.
Perfect for any occasion – Whether it’s a cozy family dinner, meal prep for the week, or something special for guests, this soup fits the bill beautifully.
Ingredient Highlights & Notes
The magic of this gnocchi soup lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Fresh or store-bought gnocchi serves as the star – those tender potato pillows that soak up all the wonderful flavors. You can absolutely use frozen gnocchi straight from the bag, or if you’re feeling ambitious, homemade gnocchi takes this soup to the next level.
The creamy base combines chicken or vegetable broth with heavy cream, creating that luxurious texture we’re after. Don’t worry if you need to lighten things up – half-and-half or even whole milk works beautifully too.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter for richer flavor)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 medium carrots, sliced into rounds (adds natural sweetness)
- 3 celery stalks, chopped (classic soup foundation)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (fresh is best, but 1 tsp garlic powder works)
- 6 cups chicken broth (vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1 pound fresh or frozen gnocchi (potato gnocchi recommended)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped (baby spinach works great)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or 1 tablespoon fresh herbs)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
Optional Add-ins:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken is perfect)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (adds brightness)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (for deeper flavor)
Equipment & Tools
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven (at least 6-quart capacity)
- Wooden spoon or ladle for stirring
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle for serving
Instructions & Method
Step 1: Build the Flavor Base (5 minutes)
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften and the onion becomes translucent. The kitchen should start smelling amazing at this point! Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Broth (2 minutes)
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This is where the soup really starts coming together – you’ll hear that satisfying bubbling sound that means comfort food is on the way.
Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi (3-5 minutes)
Add the gnocchi directly to the simmering broth. Fresh gnocchi will cook in about 2-3 minutes, while frozen might take 4-5 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they float to the surface – it’s like little pillows rising up to say hello!
Step 4: Create the Creamy Base (3 minutes)
Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the soup simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Don’t let it boil vigorously at this point – we want to keep that cream smooth and luxurious.
Step 5: Add the Greens (2 minutes)
Stir in the fresh spinach and watch it wilt down into the soup. This happens quickly – usually within a minute or two. The bright green color adds such a beautiful contrast to the creamy base.
Step 6: Final Touches (1 minute)
Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed – sometimes a pinch more salt or a crack of fresh pepper makes all the difference.
Tips, Variations & Substitutions
Making it Lighter:
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half, whole milk, or even coconut milk for dairy-free option
- Use cauliflower gnocchi for a lower-carb version
- Add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to bulk up the nutrition
Flavor Variations:
- Italian-Style: Add sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and extra Parmesan
- Protein-Packed: Stir in cooked Italian sausage, shredded chicken, or white beans
- Veggie-Forward: Include mushrooms, bell peppers, or roasted red peppers
Troubleshooting:
- Soup too thick? Add more broth or water, one cup at a time
- Gnocchi getting mushy? Cook them separately and add just before serving
- Cream curdling? Keep heat low when adding cream and stir constantly
Dietary Swaps:
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free gnocchi (many brands available)
- Dairy-free: Replace cream with coconut milk and skip the Parmesan
- Vegan: Use vegetable broth, coconut cream, and nutritional yeast instead of cheese
This soup pairs beautifully with other comfort foods – try it alongside butternut squash soup for a soup course, or serve it with 4-ingredient potato soup for the ultimate comfort food spread.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy gnocchi soup shines as a complete meal on its own, but it also plays well with others. Serve it with crusty Italian bread or garlic bread for dipping – there’s something magical about soaking up that creamy broth with warm, buttery bread.
For a lighter approach, pair it with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. The soup also makes an excellent first course before a larger meal, similar to how you might serve minestrone soup or sausage ricotta lasagna soup.
Perfect Pairings:
- Crusty sourdough or Italian bread
- Caesar salad or mixed greens
- Roasted vegetables
- A glass of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay
Garnish Ideas:
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh cracked black pepper
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley
- A drizzle of good olive oil
- Red pepper flakes for heat
Storage, Make-Ahead & Reheating
Refrigerator Storage:
This gnocchi soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually develop and deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.
Freezer Storage:
While you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months, keep in mind that the cream base and gnocchi texture may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, consider freezing the soup base without the cream and gnocchi, then add those fresh when reheating.
Reheating Tips:
- Stovetop: Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of broth or cream if it’s thickened too much
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through
- From Frozen: Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then reheat using stovetop method
Make-Ahead Strategy:
Prepare the soup base (steps 1-2) up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bring to a simmer and continue with adding gnocchi and cream. This approach ensures the gnocchi maintains its perfect texture.
Like other hearty soups such as beef stew or potato leek soup, this gnocchi soup actually improves with time as the flavors meld together.
Nutrition & Dietary Information
This comforting gnocchi soup provides a satisfying balance of carbohydrates, protein, and vegetables. Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 380-420 per serving (serves 6)
- Protein: 12-15g (higher if adding chicken)
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Fat: 18-22g
- Fiber: 3-4g
Nutritional Highlights:
- Spinach adds iron, folate, and vitamins A and K
- Carrots provide beta-carotene and natural sweetness
- Gnocchi offers satisfying carbohydrates for energy
- Cream and cheese contribute calcium and protein
Dietary Notes:
- Contains gluten (from gnocchi) and dairy
- Can be made vegetarian using vegetable broth
- Adaptable for various dietary restrictions with substitutions mentioned above
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of gnocchi?
Absolutely! While potato gnocchi is traditional, you can experiment with sweet potato gnocchi, cauliflower gnocchi, or even ricotta gnocchi. Each brings its own unique flavor and texture to the soup.
What if I can’t find fresh gnocchi?
Frozen gnocchi works perfectly and is often more convenient. You can add it directly to the soup without thawing – just increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and omit the Parmesan cheese. You can add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Why did my soup become too thick?
This can happen as the gnocchi releases starch and the soup sits. Simply thin it out with additional broth, water, or cream until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! This soup is very forgiving. Try adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or even roasted butternut squash. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
How do I prevent the gnocchi from getting mushy?
Don’t overcook them, and if you’re meal prepping, consider cooking the gnocchi separately and adding them to individual bowls when serving.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
While possible, gnocchi can become overcooked in a slow cooker. If you want to use one, add the gnocchi and cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
This versatile soup joins the ranks of other beloved comfort foods like chicken potato soup and cheddar broccoli potato soup as a go-to recipe for cozy, satisfying meals.
Conclusion
This creamy gnocchi soup represents everything wonderful about comfort food – it’s warming, satisfying, and brings people together around the table. With its pillowy gnocchi floating in rich, herb-scented broth, every spoonful delivers the kind of satisfaction that only homemade soup can provide.
The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its delicious results, but in its flexibility and forgiveness. Whether you’re a beginner cook looking for something foolproof or an experienced home chef wanting to experiment with variations, this gnocchi soup adapts beautifully to your needs and preferences.
Ready to get started? Gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try this week. The combination of simple preparation and extraordinary flavor makes it perfect for any night when you want something special without the stress. Don’t forget to save some for leftovers – this soup tastes even better the next day!
Share your creations and variations in the comments below, and let us know how this comforting bowl of goodness brightened your dinner table. Happy cooking! 🍲
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