If you are craving a bowl of warmth that feels like a cozy hug in the middle of a busy day, this Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food. It’s a delightful blend of pillowy gnocchi, tender vegetables, and a luscious, creamy broth that hits just the right balance between hearty and fresh. Every spoonful is packed with flavor and texture, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a leisurely weekend treat. Trust me, once you try this soup, you’ll find yourself coming back for more, and sharing it with everyone you care about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe is surprisingly simple because the ingredients are so straightforward yet crucial. Each component plays a unique role, from creating the velvety broth to adding color, nutrients, and that irresistible chewiness from the gnocchi.
- Olive oil: Provides a smooth base for sautéing and adds a subtle fruity richness.
- Onion, chopped: Brings natural sweetness and depth to the soup’s flavor profile.
- Garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant kick that wakes up the taste buds instantly.
- Carrot, chopped: Gives a slight sweetness and vibrant color to brighten the bowl.
- Vegetable broth: The heart of the soup, it ties everything together with savory warmth.
- Diced tomatoes: Introduces a subtle acidity and texture contrast to the creaminess.
- Gnocchi: The star ingredient, offering pillowy softness that makes this soup truly special.
- Spinach, chopped: Adds a fresh, earthy note along with a pop of green for visual appeal.
- Heavy cream: Creates the rich, creamy body that makes this soup indulgent yet comforting.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once warm, toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and carrot. Sautéing these ingredients for about five minutes softens them and builds a fragrant base full of natural sweetness and subtle spice that sets the tone for the whole soup.
Step 2: Add Broth and Tomatoes
Next, pour in the vegetable broth and the can of diced tomatoes. Bringing this mixture to a boil allows all those flavors to mingle and bloom. The tomatoes add a brightness that cuts through the richness about to come, balancing the overall taste beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi
Once your broth is bubbling, carefully add the gnocchi. Cooking them for approximately five minutes until they float to the surface is the ultimate sign of tenderness. Those little dumplings soak up the flavors while staying satisfyingly soft, making every spoonful memorable.
Step 4: Stir in Spinach and Cream
Now, it’s time to elevate the soup with fresh spinach and heavy cream. Stir these in and let the soup simmer gently for another five minutes. This step is crucial because it lets the cream thicken the broth just enough without overpowering the delicate vegetable flavors, while the spinach adds a lovely pop of color and nutrition.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Finally, season the soup with salt and pepper to your taste. Don’t be shy here—seasoning brings all the elements together perfectly. Once that’s done, ladle the soup into bowls, serve hot, and get ready to enjoy a soul-soothing meal!
How to Serve Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe to the next level, add simple garnishes that boost both flavor and presentation. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese works wonders, as does a handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley. For a touch of warmth, a few red pepper flakes can add subtle heat without overshadowing the creamy goodness.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread to soak up the luscious broth, or a light green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing counterbalance. If you want something heartier, garlic knots or cheesy breadsticks are superb companions that make the meal feel well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the soup in rustic bread bowls for a charming, edible vessel that impresses guests. Alternatively, clear glass mugs show off the beautiful colors and layers. For a family-style dinner, serve it in a large soup tureen with fun ladles that encourage everyone to dive in and share the warmth.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe is a fantastic excuse to enjoy this dish more than once. Simply transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Keep in mind the gnocchi will continue to absorb the broth, so the texture might firm up slightly but will remain delicious.
Freezing
Freezing Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe is possible but needs a little care. The cream and gnocchi can sometimes change texture after freezing. If you want to freeze it, it’s best to omit the cream and add it fresh when reheating. Store the soup in a freezer-safe container for up to two months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to prevent curdling of the cream and to warm the gnocchi evenly. If the soup feels too thick, simply stir in a splash of broth or water to bring back the perfect consistency. Reheat until steaming hot and enjoy the cozy goodness all over again.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi or should I make it from scratch?
Store-bought gnocchi is perfectly fine and actually quite convenient for this soup. It cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors wonderfully, making this recipe accessible for busy cooks. However, if you enjoy making gnocchi from scratch, that personal touch will add even more love and texture to the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This soup is completely vegetarian as it uses vegetable broth and no meat products. If you want it vegan, simply substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream, and double-check your broth ingredients.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely. Feel free to toss in diced potatoes, celery, or zucchini to customize the soup to your liking. Just be mindful of cooking times so that the vegetables stay tender but not mushy, and you maintain the perfect creamy texture.
How spicy is this Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe?
This soup is naturally mild and comforting, perfect for all ages. If you love spice, you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during cooking or as a garnish to give it a gentle kick.
Can I prepare this soup in advance for a dinner party?
Yes, you can prepare the base of the soup ahead of time and add the spinach and cream just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant. This approach helps you save time on the day of your dinner party without compromising flavor or texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something incredibly satisfying about a bowl of soup that feels both indulgent and wholesome, and this Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe hits that sweet spot beautifully. Easy to make, full of fresh flavors, and guaranteed to warm your soul, it’s a recipe I hope you’ll treasure as much as I do. So go ahead, gather those simple ingredients, and cozy up with a bowl—you deserve it!
Print
Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy gnocchi soup is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for a cozy meal. With tender gnocchi, vibrant spinach, and a rich, creamy broth made from vegetable stock and diced tomatoes, this soup is both flavorful and easy to prepare in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup gnocchi
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to prepare the base for the soup.
- Sauté vegetables: Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped carrot to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.
- Add liquids: Stir in the vegetable broth and canned diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil to combine flavors.
- Cook gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the boiling soup and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they float to the top indicating they are fully cooked.
- Finish soup: Stir in the chopped spinach and heavy cream. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to thicken and allow the flavors to meld.
- Season and serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot for a delicious and creamy meal.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- Adding grated Parmesan on top enhances flavor.
- Gnocchi can be pre-cooked if preferred, adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a fresher taste and slightly lighter soup.
- This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
