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Close-up of a creamy, reddish broth featuring plump gnocchi, browned sausage slices, and wilted spinach in a white bowl.

Amazing 30-Minute Sausage Gnocchi Soup

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Written by Carla Davis

February 22, 2026

Hi there, I’m Carla, and I am just so happy you stopped by my kitchen today! If you’re anything like me, you crave deeply comforting food, but you certainly don’t have hours to spend over the stove when it’s a Tuesday night. That is why I am thrilled to share this ultimate comfort bowl: my **One-Pot Creamy Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup**.

This recipe proves you can have that rich, cozy feeling fast. Seriously, this sausage gnocchi soup is ready for your table in under 30 minutes. I tested this recipe dozens of times—usually by myself after a long day—to make sure it delivers massive flavor without any fuss. It’s hearty, it’s velvety, and trust me, it’s going to become your go-to Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup for those chilly evenings. It’s just good, honest food made simple, just like Grandma taught me!

You can find more of my favorite warm meals over in my Soups and Salads category when you get a moment!

Why This Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup Is Your New Weeknight Hero

When I say this is the best Comfort Food Soup Recipe, I mean it for practical reasons, not just flavor! This checks every box for a busy cook. It’s fast, it delivers that rich, cozy feeling you crave, and clean-up is almost nonexistent. It really is the perfect answer when you need Quick Weeknight Dinners that taste like you spent all day simmering.

Ready in Under 30 Minutes

That’s right—the whole meal goes from raw ingredients to piping hot in about 30 minutes total. With only 10 minutes of hands-on prep time, you are looking at a genuine 30 Minute Gnocchi Dinner. It’s ideal for those days when you walk in the door starving and need something satisfying *right now*.

The Magic of One Pot Gnocchi Soup

This is where we save your sanity! Since this is a true One Pot Gnocchi Soup, you only dirty that big pot you cook everything in. Brown the sausage, sauté the onions, simmer the broth, cook the gnocchi—it’s all contained. You get all that incredible depth of flavor without spending forever scrubbing baking sheets or multiple saucepans later.

Essential Ingredients for Hearty Sausage Soup

To make this incredible Hearty Sausage Soup taste rich and complex in just 30 minutes, we can’t skimp on quality. When I build this recipe, I always lay out my ingredients first—it makes the whole process so much smoother. You’ll need some pantry staples mixed with a few fresh items to get that perfect, creamy profile.

The full list is right below, but let’s talk quickly about the stars of the show. We need savory sausage, those little potato pillows we call gnocchi, a good base of broth, and something green for brightness. If you’re looking for other ways to use sausage, check out my Chicken Sausage Pasta sometime!

Choosing Your Italian Sausage

This is where you get to personalize things, which I love! I usually grab sweet Italian sausage because I want the soup to be purely comforting, but please feel free to use hot Italian sausage if you want a little kick. If you’re trying to keep it slightly lighter, sometimes I’ll swap pork sausage out for ground chicken sausage—it browns up nicely and still gives tons of flavor to the broth. Just make sure you remove the casings if you’re using links! That’s a non-negotiable step.

Gnocchi Selection for Perfect Sausage Gnocchi Soup

When making a quick Creamy Potato Gnocchi Dish like this, we rely on the packaged stuff, and it works beautifully. You can use either shelf-stable gnocchi (the vacuum-sealed kind) or refrigerated gnocchi. Both cook super fast—usually just floating to the top in five minutes. That is exactly the texture we are aiming for: tender, pillowy little bites that soak up all that savory broth.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup

Okay, let’s get cooking! Since this is a sausage gnocchi soup, we are building flavor right in the pot from the very first step. This whole process is fast, but paying attention during these initial stages is what makes the difference between an *okay* soup and truly amazing Comfort Food Soup.

If you’ve ever made my creamy pasta dishes, you know the drill. It’s all about layering those savory notes. You’ll find this technique makes the cleanup so easy, too!

Browning the Sausage and Aromatics

Start by heating up your olive oil in a big pot over medium heat. Toss in the Italian sausage (casings off!) and use your spoon to break it up into nice little bits. Let that cook until it’s beautifully browned—that usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Here’s a crucial tip: really try to drain off any excess grease once it’s done. We want flavor, not a thick layer of fat sitting on top of our soup later!

Once drained, toss in your chopped onion and let it cook down until it softens up, about 3 minutes. Then, the magic smell happens when you add your minced garlic. Cook that for just one minute until you can really smell it—don’t let it burn!

Simmering the Base for Your Sausage Gnocchi Soup

Now we start turning this into soup! Pour in the chicken broth, the can of diced tomatoes (don’t drain those juices, we need them!), and all our seasonings—the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give that a good stir up, making sure to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Those bits are pure flavor! Bring this mixture up to a good, steady simmer on the stovetop.

Cooking the Gnocchi and Finishing the Creamy Base

Once it’s bubbling nicely, it’s time for the gnocchi. Just dump them right in! They cook really fast, like pasta, usually needing just 3 to 5 minutes until they float happily to the top. That floating is your sign they are done!

Now, turn the heat down low. This is important: stir in the heavy cream until the whole thing turns that gorgeous, velvety color. Listen to old Carla: DO NOT let this soup boil after adding the cream, or it might break on you. Once it’s creamy, we wilt in the spinach quickly, then stir in that final hit of Parmesan cheese off the heat. Perfection!

Tips for the Best Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Even with a recipe this easy, a few tweaks can take your Creamy Italian Sausage Soup from great to absolutely addictive! These little notes are things I learned over the years dealing with different batches of sausage or just wanting a slightly different texture. It’s about making this recipe YOUR best version of an Easy Italian Sausage Soup.

If you try this, maybe check out my recipe for a Grinder Salad sometime; it pairs wonderfully with this rich soup!

Boosting the Greens: Spinach or Kale in Your Sausage Gnocchi Soup

The recipe calls for spinach because it wilts in literally thirty seconds, which is perfect for keeping our cooking time under 30 minutes. But if you prefer kale—and I sometimes do, especially when I want something heartier—you need to add it earlier. If you substitute kale, toss that in right after you add the broth so it has time to soften up while the soup base simmers before you drop in the gnocchi.

Controlling the Spice Level

We talked about using hot versus sweet sausage, but sometimes that’s not enough control! If you use milder sausage and realize halfway through tasting that you want more heat, don’t panic. Just grab a pinch or two of dried red pepper flakes. Sprinkle those in right along with the Italian seasoning when you add the broth. It gives you a slow build of heat that blends right into the creamy broth perfectly.

Serving Suggestions for this Easy Italian Sausage Soup

Okay, you’ve got this giant, cozy, creamy bowl of Sausage Gnocchi Soup ready to go, and it smells incredible, right? This soup is such a complete meal all by itself—it’s hearty thanks to the sausage and satisfying because of those pillowy gnocchi. But, if you’re serving a crowd or just want to round out the meal into something special, I have a few favorite pairings that work perfectly.

First, you absolutely need something crusty for dunking. Even though the broth is creamy, you just can’t beat swiping a thick piece of warm bread through it to soak up every last drop. My Buttery Garlic Bread recipe is dangerously good alongside this, so maybe hide a slice or two if you’re serving picky eaters!

If you want something lighter to cut through the richness of the cream and sausage, a very simple salad works wonders. Think just crisp romaine, maybe some shaved red onion, and a bright, light vinaigrette—nothing too heavy or creamy itself. That little bit of acid cleanses your palate between spoonfuls of this rich soup.

And finally, the mandatory finish: grated Parmesan cheese. Don’t even think about skipping this part! Serve the soup piping hot and let everyone garnish their own bowl. A generous sprinkle of salty, nutty Parmesan on top makes this Easy Italian Sausage Soup taste instantly restaurant-worthy.

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Leftover Sausage Gnocchi Soup

One of the best things about this Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup is that it’s fantastic for leftovers! This soup holds up surprisingly well for a creamy dish. I usually make a big batch on purpose because I love having it ready for lunch the next day. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you’re planning ahead, this is a great Meal Prep Soup!

Now, here’s the thing you need to watch out for when reheating any soup that has pasta or gnocchi in it: the little potato gnocchi tend to absorb liquid as they sit in the fridge. So, when you take it out on day two, it might look a bit thicker than it did fresh off the stove. Don’t worry! That’s totally normal for this recipe.

When it’s time to reheat, do it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. As you stir it, add a splash or two of extra chicken broth or even just plain milk/water. This loosens everything back up and gets that wonderful, velvety consistency back without compromising the flavor of your wonderful Sausage Gnocchi Soup. Just keep stirring until it’s heated through, but again, remember our rule: don’t let it rage boil once that beautiful heavy cream is in there!

Frequently Asked Questions about Sausage Gnocchi Soup

I get so many wonderful messages from folks who have made this soup, and often those messages lead to great questions! I’ve rounded up a few of the most common ones I see regarding the ingredients, timing, and texture of this Sausage and Gnocchi Dinner. If you’re new to making this, hopefully, this helps you feel totally confident!

I always recommend giving my main Blog a peek if you have more curiosity about general kitchen tips!

Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth in this Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup?

That’s a great question about the base! The recipe specifically calls for chicken broth because that really brings out the savory depth we need to complement the Italian sausage. However, if you happen to be looking to make this a Family Friendly Soup but need to skip the poultry, vegetable broth is absolutely an acceptable substitute! Just know that you might lose a tiny bit of that rich, meaty foundation, so make sure your sausage is nice and browned to compensate.

Is this recipe suitable for a 30 Minute Gnocchi Dinner?

Yes, yes, and a resounding YES! This is one of my absolute favorite recipes specifically because it works so well when life is hectic. I always list the total time as 30 minutes because it truly is achievable. Since the sausage and aromatics cook quickly, and the gnocchi cooks in about 5 minutes, you can absolutely count on this being a super fast Easy Weeknight Dinner solution. You’ll be eating warm leftovers before you even think about ordering delivery!

What is the best way to thicken this Hearty Sausage Soup if it seems too thin?

Sometimes, depending on how much liquid was in your broth or tomatoes, the soup can end up a bit thinner than the ultra-thick texture I usually achieve. If you find your Hearty Sausage Soup is looking a little watery after the gnocchi is done, here is my trick:

  1. First, turn the heat down to low.
  2. If you absolutely need more thickness fast, mix one teaspoon of cornstarch with one tablespoon of cold water in a tiny bowl to make a slurry. Whisk that slurry slowly into the soup while gently stirring; it will thicken almost immediately.
  3. Alternatively, you can just let it simmer, uncovered, for an extra 3 or 4 minutes on low heat to let some of that excess moisture evaporate. Just remember our golden rule: no boiling allowed once that beautiful heavy cream is in there!

Nutritional Estimates for Your Sausage Gnocchi Soup

Now, because I’m a home cook and not a registered dietitian, I always want to give you a friendly heads-up: these numbers are my best estimate based on the ingredients listed and standard serving sizes. I use these figures to keep track of things generally, but they are certainly not a guarantee!

Think of this as helpful guidance for enjoying your favorite Comfort Food Soup Recipes responsibly, rather than strict meal planning advice. We’re focusing on flavor here, but knowing the general makeup of this amazing Sausage Gnocchi Soup is always nice to have!

Here’s a quick breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):

  • Calories: 550
  • Fat (Total): 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Sodium: 850mg

As you can see, this is truly a filling and Hearty Sausage Soup, packed with good protein! If you’re trying to watch your sodium, you can definitely control that by looking for low-sodium chicken broth. Remember, we are aiming for flavor first, and this recipe delivers!

Share Your Cozy Soup Creations

Oh, I just love knowing when one of my recipes travels from my kitchen to yours! Seriously, seeing your bowls of steaming Sausage Gnocchi Soup makes my whole week. This recipe is designed to be easy and comforting, so I really hope it brought a moment of warmth to your table!

If you loved whipping this up and your family dove in happily, please, please leave a rating! Five stars really helps other busy cooks find this recipe when they need a quick, cozy dinner solution. It takes just a second, and it means the world to me.

And I would adore seeing your creations! Snap a picture and tag me on social media if you share it. When you leave a comment below, don’t just tell me you made it; tell me what your absolute favorite part was. Was it the moment the cream turned everything velvety? Or maybe watching those little gnocchi puff up and float? Let me know what made your One Pot Gnocchi Soup special!

If you ever have questions or just want to chat more about cooking during busy times, my contact page is always open. You can reach out to me here: Contact Carla’s Cooking. Happy cooking, friends!

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One-Pot Creamy Italian Sausage and Gnocchi Soup

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Welcome to my kitchen! This is the ultimate comfort food: a rich, creamy Italian sausage and gnocchi soup that comes together in one pot in under 30 minutes. It is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

  • Author: Carla Davis
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 20 min
  • Total Time: 30 min
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound sweet or hot Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (16 ounce) package shelf-stable or refrigerated potato gnocchi
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage. Break the sausage apart with a spoon and cook until it is browned through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the pot with the sausage and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  4. Add the gnocchi to the simmering broth. Cook according to package directions, usually about 3 to 5 minutes, until the gnocchi float to the surface.
  5. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream until the soup is uniformly creamy. Do not let the soup boil after adding the cream.
  6. Stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts completely, about 1 minute.
  7. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  8. Serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

  • For a heartier soup, substitute kale for spinach and cook it along with the broth for about 5 minutes before adding the gnocchi.
  • If you prefer a spicier soup, use hot Italian sausage or add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.
  • This recipe is a fantastic base for meal prep; store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 5
  • Sodium: 850
  • Fat: 38
  • Saturated Fat: 15
  • Unsaturated Fat: 23
  • Trans Fat: 1
  • Carbohydrates: 30
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 25
  • Cholesterol: 85

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Hi, I'm Carla Davis! As a lifelong home cook and busy mom, I believe that making delicious food for the people you love shouldn't be complicated. Here at Carla's Cooking, I share simple, reliable, and family-approved recipes that I make in my own kitchen. My goal is to help you feel confident and joyful when you cook. Welcome!

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