This creamy gnocchi soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With soft gnocchi, veggies, and a rich broth, it’s both comforting and filling. Perfect for chilly days!
Honestly, I could sip on this soup forever. It’s so easy to whip up and makes my kitchen smell amazing. Grab a spoon and enjoy every single bite! 😊
Ingredients & Substitutions
Potato Gnocchi: This recipe works best with potato gnocchi, which has a soft and fluffy texture. If you can’t find it, you can use store-bought or make your own! Alternatively, try using cauliflower gnocchi for a lower-carb option.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter soup, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk. Just keep in mind that it won’t be as rich. Plant-based options like coconut cream can also work if you’re dairy-free!
Spinach: Fresh spinach is lovely, but you can use kale or Swiss chard as great substitutes. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it before adding!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives a fantastic flavor. If you don’t have it, Pecorino Romano or any hard cheese like Grana Padano works well too. Nutritional yeast can be a good dairy-free alternative.
How Can I Make Sure My Soup is Extra Flavorful?
The key to a tasty soup is layering flavors, and there are a few steps to get it right:
- Start by sautéing the onions and carrots in olive oil or butter. This brings out their natural sweetness and builds a flavor base.
- Add the mushrooms next—cooking them until they brown adds depth. Don’t rush this step!
- When you add garlic and herbs, let them cook for just a minute until fragrant. This helps release their oils and flavor.
- Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed for a balanced flavor.
How to Make Creamy Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
- Bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious creamy gnocchi soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook, totaling about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick dinner on a busy night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sliced carrots, sautéing for about 5 minutes. You want the onion to turn translucent and the carrots to become slightly tender.
2. Cook the Mushrooms:
Next, add the sliced mushrooms to the pot. Cook them for another 4-5 minutes until they release their moisture and start to brown. This step adds lots of flavor to the soup!
3. Add Garlic and Herbs:
Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried basil. Cook for just 1 minute until fragrant—this will make your kitchen smell amazing!
4. Pour in the Broth:
Now it’s time to add the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, which should take just a couple of minutes.
5. Add the Gnocchi:
Once the broth is boiling, add the gnocchi. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes, until they float to the top and are nice and tender.
6. Stir in the Cream and Spinach:
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream along with the chopped spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the soup is warmed through.
7. Add Cheese and Season:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and mixes into the soup. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. If you like a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes now!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the creamy gnocchi soup into bowls and serve immediately. Pair it with some crusty bread and extra Parmesan cheese on the side for a cozy meal!
Enjoy your comforting, creamy gnocchi soup that’s perfect for those chilly days!
Can I Use Frozen Gnocchi for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just add the frozen gnocchi directly into the boiling broth without thawing them first. They may take a minute or two longer to cook, so check the package instructions for timing.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and make sure your Parmesan cheese is vegetarian-friendly, as some contain animal rennet. The soup will still be delicious and hearty!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth to maintain the creamy consistency, as the soup may thicken when chilled.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can customize this soup with your favorite veggies! Peas, bell peppers, or zucchini would be great additions. Just make sure to sauté or cook them adequately to soften before adding broth.