This creamy gnocchi soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! With soft gnocchi, fresh veggies, and a rich, silky broth, it’s comfort food at its best.
Every spoonful is a little piece of happiness! I can’t resist adding a sprinkle of cheese on top before digging in—it’s just so good! 🧀
This soup is super easy to make. Just stir in your ingredients, let it simmer, and enjoy a cozy meal in no time. Perfect for chilly days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is perfect for sautéing the garlic and onion. If you need a substitute, you can use butter for a richer flavor or avocado oil for a lighter option.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for a robust flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch—just use about 1/4 teaspoon per clove.
Broth: Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth provides a great base. Feel free to use homemade broth if you have it! For a vegetarian version, stick with veggie broth.
Heavy Cream: This makes the soup creamy and rich. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half can work, or use coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Gnocchi: Potato gnocchi is a fantastic choice because of its soft texture. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free gnocchi or even substitute with small pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a nice green touch! If you’re out of spinach, kale or even frozen spinach could work—just be sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a lovely savory kick. If Parmesan isn’t available, Pecorino Romano is a suitable alternative.
How Do I Properly Sauté Garlic and Onion?
Sautéing garlic and onion is key to creating a flavorful base for your soup. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion first; this allows it to cook and caramelize slightly.
- After about 2 minutes, add minced garlic. Cook until both are fragrant and the onion is translucent (3-4 minutes). Watch carefully; garlic can burn easily.
This step infuses your soup with amazing flavor right from the start, setting the stage for the deliciousness to come!
How to Make Creamy Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, for a total of about 25 minutes. You can have a delicious, creamy soup ready in no time, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal!
Easy Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes or until they become fragrant and translucent. This step adds a delicious base flavor to your soup!
2. Add the Broth:
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. Once you see bubbles, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps develop the flavors even more.
3. Cook the Gnocchi:
Gently add the potato gnocchi to the simmering broth. Cook them according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Floating gnocchi means they’re ready!
4. Create the Creamy Base:
Stir in the heavy cream and then add the chopped spinach. Let the soup cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and blend into the creamy goodness.
5. Finish It Off:
Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and the optional crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Stir well until the cheese is melted and the soup is beautifully creamy.
6. Season and Serve:
Finally, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of black pepper, and fresh basil leaves for a lovely touch.
This delicious creamy gnocchi soup is best enjoyed immediately, especially with some crusty bread on the side for dipping. Enjoy your comforting bowl of goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Gnocchi Instead?
Yes, absolutely! If using frozen gnocchi, there’s no need to thaw them first. Just toss them directly into the boiling broth and cook according to package instructions, usually a couple of minutes longer than fresh gnocchi.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut milk or cashew cream can also work well, though they will slightly change the flavor.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, let them cool completely and then transfer to an airtight container. The soup can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, be sure to do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add extra vegetables for added nutrition and flavor. Carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, or peas can be great additions. Just make sure to add firmer vegetables at the beginning so they cook through adequately.