Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating a delightful and incredibly simple Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup! This isn’t just any soup; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, brimming with savory chicken sausage, tender gnocchi, and a richly flavored broth that defies expectations by being wonderfully comforting *without* a drop of heavy cream. Forget long hours in the kitchen – this hearty, one-pot meal is designed to be on your table in under 20 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight savior or a cozy weekend treat.
The Perfect Comfort Food for Chilly Evenings
As the weather turns cooler, there’s an undeniable craving for meals that warm us from the inside out. Soup is a universal symbol of comfort, and this chicken gnocchi soup recipe takes that notion to a whole new level. It’s not just about the warmth; it’s about the depth of flavor, the satisfying textures, and the sheer ease of preparation. While many associate creamy soups with ultimate comfort, this broth-based version proves that a rich, aromatic liquid can be just as satisfying, if not more so, especially when it’s infused with robust Italian seasonings, a hint of spice from red pepper flakes, and the bright notes of basil pesto gnocchi.
What makes this particular easy gnocchi soup stand out is its incredible efficiency. Imagine a wholesome, flavorful dinner that requires minimal effort and even less cleanup. This recipe cooks entirely in a single pot, leveraging pantry staples to create a gourmet-tasting experience in a flash. We’ve specifically chosen al fresco Sweet Italian chicken sausage, which comes pre-seasoned with red and green bell peppers and fennel, drastically cutting down on your chopping and prep time. This thoughtful selection ensures maximum flavor with minimum fuss, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, homemade meal even on your busiest days.
Ingredients: Crafting Your Flavorful Broth
One of the true stars of this hearty gnocchi soup is its magnificent broth. Unlike many gnocchi soup recipes that rely on heavy cream or milk for richness, ours achieves its robust flavor through a careful selection of ingredients that build layers of savory goodness. You’ll be amazed at how a few simple components can create such a comforting and deeply satisfying base.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: The starting point for building flavor, perfect for browning your sausage.
- 1 package (11 oz) al fresco Sweet Italian chicken Sausage, sliced into 1/2 rounds: Our secret weapon for convenience and flavor. These sausages are packed with delicious Italian spices, eliminating the need for extensive seasoning.
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced: Adds a touch of sweetness and essential nutrients to the soup.
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced: Aromatic foundation that deepens the soup’s overall flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: A concentrated burst of umami and color, crucial for that rich, slow-simmered taste without the wait.
- 1 teaspoon salt & 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: The quintessential blend for an authentic Italian taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flake: Just enough to provide a gentle warmth and kick, without overpowering the dish. Adjust to your spice preference!
- 5 cups chicken stock: The liquid base for our flavorful, cream-free broth. High-quality stock makes a big difference.
- 1 (15oz can) diced tomatoes, no salt added: Adds acidity and a fresh, bright tomato flavor. Opting for “no salt added” gives you full control over the soup’s sodium content.
- 1 lb (16oz) Basil Pesto Gnocchi: The star of the show! These tender potato dumplings absorb the broth’s flavors beautifully and cook incredibly fast. The basil pesto variety adds an extra layer of herbaceous deliciousness.
- 1 (10oz box) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed*: A vibrant addition for color, nutrients, and a touch of earthiness.
- parmesan cheese rind**: A clever chef’s trick to infuse a salty, cheesy, savory depth into the broth as it simmers.
*Thawing and squeezing the spinach is crucial to prevent your soup from becoming watery. Simply place the thawed spinach in the center of a clean kitchen towel and wring out all the excess moisture before adding it to the pot.
**Don’t discard those parmesan rinds! They are flavor powerhouses. Store them in your freezer and drop one into your soups or stews while simmering. It will melt slowly, releasing incredible umami and cheesy notes, then can be removed before serving. It’s a game-changer for broth-based recipes like this!
Step-by-Step Instructions: Your Path to a Delicious Meal
Creating this satisfying Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a straightforward process, perfect for cooks of all skill levels. Follow these simple steps to bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen in minutes.
- Sauté the Sausage: Begin by adding olive oil to a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once shimmering, add your sliced al fresco Sweet Italian chicken sausage. Brown the sausage for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it develops a nice color and releases its fragrant oils. This initial browning builds a crucial flavor base for the entire soup.
- Sauté Aromatics and Seasonings: Add the peeled and sliced carrots, diced yellow onion, and tomato paste to the pot with the browned sausage. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir continuously for about 4-5 minutes, allowing the onions and carrots to soften and the tomato paste to caramelize slightly. This step deepens the flavors and aromas, creating a rich foundation for the broth.
- Deglaze and Simmer the Broth: Pour about 1 cup of chicken stock into the pot. Using a wooden spoon, gently scrape the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful browned bits (known as fond). This deglazing step incorporates all those delicious concentrated flavors back into your soup. Add the remaining chicken stock and the can of diced tomatoes (undrained for maximum flavor and liquid). Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. If using a parmesan rind, add it now.
- Add Gnocchi and Spinach: Once the broth has simmered, reduce the heat to medium-low. Carefully drop in the basil pesto gnocchi and the thoroughly squeezed thawed spinach. Cook for only 2-3 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the top of the soup and are cooked through and tender. Be careful not to overcook the gnocchi, as they can become mushy. Before serving, remember to remove the parmesan rind.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the steaming Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup into bowls. For an extra touch of flavor and texture, top with crunchy croutons and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy immediately!
Serving Suggestions for Your Gnocchi Soup
This vibrant chicken gnocchi soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple additions to create a more complete dining experience. We love enhancing our bowls with crispy garlic and herb croutons and, of course, a little extra sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. A side of crusty bread is also highly recommended – perfect for soaking up every last drop of that amazing broth! For a truly exceptional accompaniment, try this Miracle No-Knead Bread recipe from Pinch of Yum. Its rustic charm and chewy texture are a fantastic match.
If you’re pairing this delicious soup with wine, a crisp and slightly sweet white like Pinot Grigio complements the Italian flavors and the subtle richness of the gnocchi beautifully.
Variations and Customizations: Make It Your Own
While this recipe for Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup is perfect as is, it’s also incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment and tailor it to your preferences or what you have on hand:
- Gnocchi Alternatives: Can’t find basil pesto gnocchi? No problem! Regular potato gnocchi or even sweet potato gnocchi will work beautifully. You can always add a dollop of fresh basil pesto to each bowl at the end for that herbaceous kick.
- Protein Swaps: If chicken sausage isn’t available, try Italian pork sausage, ground chicken, or even crumbled turkey sausage. For a vegetarian option, omit the sausage and add extra vegetables or a can of drained cannellini beans for protein.
- Add More Vegetables: This soup is fantastic for sneaking in extra veggies. Consider adding diced zucchini, bell peppers (if your sausage doesn’t already contain them), or even a handful of chopped kale or Swiss chard in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Spice it Up: If you love a bit more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to your individual serving.
- Herbaceous Boost: Finish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley, basil, or oregano for a burst of fresh flavor.
- Tangy Twist: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can brighten all the flavors.
Common Questions and Helpful Tips
We’ve gathered some frequently asked questions and useful advice to help you master this chicken gnocchi soup and enjoy it to the fullest.
- I can’t find basil pesto gnocchi?
- Don’t worry! Any type of gnocchi will be delicious in this soup. Standard potato gnocchi works perfectly. To recapture that pesto flavor, simply stir a spoonful of basil pesto into your bowl just before serving. It’s a fantastic way to add a fresh, aromatic finish.
- Should I drain the tomatoes?
- For this recipe, I do not drain the diced tomatoes. I specifically purchase “no salt added” diced tomatoes so that I can incorporate the entire can, including the liquid, which contributes to the broth’s body and flavor without making it too salty. If you can only find regular diced tomatoes, you might consider draining them slightly and adding a little extra chicken stock to maintain the right liquid balance and control sodium levels.
- Can I make this soup ahead of time?
- Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. However, it’s best to add the gnocchi and spinach just before serving if possible, as gnocchi can get a bit soft if left in the soup for too long. If you’re reheating leftovers with gnocchi already in it, gently warm it and avoid vigorous boiling.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Can I freeze this soup?
- Yes, you can freeze this soup, but with a caveat: gnocchi doesn’t always freeze and thaw perfectly. It can become slightly mushy. If you plan to freeze, I recommend freezing the broth base (with sausage, vegetables, and tomatoes) without the gnocchi and spinach. When ready to serve, thaw the base, bring it to a simmer, and then add fresh gnocchi and spinach to cook for a few minutes.
More Comforting Dishes to Enjoy
If you loved this Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup, you’re in for a treat! Here are a few more cozy recipes to warm your soul and satisfy your cravings:
Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Easy Red Beans and Rice
Smoky Apple Corn Chowder
Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup
6 servings
5 minutes
15 minutes
20 minutes
This delightful Italian Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a quick and satisfying meal, featuring flavorful chicken sausage, soft gnocchi, and a rich, savory broth. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it’s ready in under 20 minutes and made without cream!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 package (11 oz) al fresco Sweet Italian chicken Sausage, sliced into 1/2 rounds
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flake
- 5 cups chicken stock
- 1 (15oz can) diced tomatoes, no salt added
- 1 lb (16oz) Basil Pesto Gnocchi
- 1 (10oz box) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed*
- 1 parmesan cheese rind**
Instructions
- Into a large pot, over medium heat, add olive oil and brown the sliced chicken sausage for about 3 minutes.
- Add in carrots, onion, tomato paste, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir for 4-5 minutes until onions and carrots begin to soften.
- Pour in about 1 cup of chicken stock, using a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the remaining stock and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. If using, add the parmesan rind now.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, then add the gnocchi and squeezed spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the top and are tender. Remove parmesan rind before serving.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with croutons and parmesan cheese, if desired.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting my site!
- Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven With Stainless Steel Knob and Loop Handles, 6 Quart, Red
- Gold Ladle, Berglander Stainless Steel Kitchen Ladle With Titainium Gold Plating, Soup Ladle, Cooking Ladle, Metal Soup Spoon For Cooking, Dishwasher Safe, Easy to Clean
- Incredible One-Pot Cooking: Easy, Delicious Recipes for Exciting Meals Without the Mess
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 302Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 43mgSodium: 994mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 3gSugar: 4gProtein: 13g
All information and tools presented and written within this site are intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on strawberryblondiekitchen.com should only be used as a general guideline.
What are some of your favorite soups to enjoy when the weather gets cold?
