Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup Recipe
If you are searching for a soul-warming meal that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl, look no further than this Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup Recipe. Packed with savory Italian sausage, tender gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a creamy Parmesan finish, this soup offers a beautiful balance of hearty flavors and comforting textures. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, infusing every bite with rich Italian herbs and a velvety broth that’s just begging to be savored. Whether it’s a chilly weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal, this soup will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the first step toward creating a deliciously satisfying soup. Each component in this recipe plays an essential role, from the savory sausage bringing bold depth, to the fresh vegetables adding texture and freshness. The combination of spices and herbs gives it that unmistakable Italian charm, while the creamy cheese and gnocchi round everything out with indulgence and comfort.
- Italian sausage (1 pound): Use mild or spicy depending on your preference for the perfect savory base.
- Yellow onion (1 medium, diced): Adds sweetness and a subtle pungency to the broth.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Essential for that classic Italian aroma.
- Carrots (2 medium, peeled and diced): Bring natural sweetness and texture.
- Celery stalks (2, diced): Provide earthy flavor and crunch.
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Offers herbal brightness that lifts the whole soup.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Deepens the Italian flavor profile.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): Gives a gentle kick if you like a bit of heat.
- Salt (½ teaspoon) and black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Essential seasonings that balance and enhance all flavors.
- Canned diced tomatoes (15 ounces, with juices): Adds acidity and richness to the broth.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (4 cups): The comforting liquid base that ties all ingredients together.
- Potato gnocchi (16 ounces): Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up the soup’s delicious flavors.
- Fresh spinach (3 cups, roughly chopped): Adds color, nutrition, and a fresh burst to the soup.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates a luscious, creamy finish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Provides nutty, salty richness.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Used to brown the sausage and add a silky mouthfeel.
How to Make Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Begin by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon to ensure it cooks evenly. Brown the sausage until every bit is beautifully caramelized and no longer pink. This step builds a flavorful foundation that makes your soup irresistibly savory. Once browned, drain any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming too oily.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot
Transfer the browned sausage into your slow cooker. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, celery, dried basil, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, diced tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth. Stir everything gently to combine all those gorgeous flavors. Now cover and set the Crock Pot to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow simmer allows the vegetables to soften and the herbs to infuse the broth deeply.
Step 3: Add Gnocchi and Spinach
When there are about 30 minutes left on the timer, stir in the potato gnocchi and fresh spinach. Cover your Crock Pot and continue cooking until the gnocchi are tender and the spinach has wilted down gently. This timing ensures the gnocchi don’t overcook and turn mushy, and the spinach stays vibrant and fresh in flavor.
Step 4: Finish with Cream and Parmesan
For the final, indulgent touch, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese just before serving. This addition creates a silky texture and elevates the soup’s richness without overpowering its freshness. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed — a pinch more salt or pepper can sometimes make all the difference.
How to Serve Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan is a must for that perfect finishing touch. If you want to add a little color or crunch, fresh chopped basil or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil works beautifully. Some toasted crusty bread on the side is ideal for dipping and soaking up every last drop of the creamy broth.
Side Dishes
This comforting soup pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad. Garlic bread or cheesy focaccia can also enhance the Italian vibe and provide a hearty complement to the smooth gnocchi and savory soup base.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this soup in rustic bread bowls for a fun and inviting meal presentation that’s sure to impress your friends or family. Alternatively, ladle it into pretty deep bowls layered with fresh herbs and a small Parmesan crisp on top—these details elevate the experience and make every spoonful feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the gnocchi absorbs a lot of liquid, it may thicken upon chilling. Adding a splash of broth or water when reheating will help bring it back to the perfect silky consistency.
Freezing
Freezing this soup is possible but with a small caveat: the gnocchi can become softer or mushy after thawing. To preserve the best texture, consider freezing the soup without the gnocchi, then add fresh gnocchi when reheating. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent scorching. If the soup has thickened, add a little chicken broth or water to loosen it. If you froze the gnocchi separately, cook them fresh and stir into the reheated soup just before serving for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a lighter option that will still provide great flavor. Just be mindful of the seasoning since turkey sausage can be less spicy or less fatty than pork sausage.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Omit the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese or substitute with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and nutritional yeast to keep it creamy and flavorful without dairy.
Is it necessary to brown the sausage first?
Browning the sausage adds a wonderful depth of flavor and texture to the soup, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step. Just be aware that the soup might not have quite as rich a taste.
Can I substitute kale for spinach?
Kale works perfectly and adds a bit of earthiness and chewiness. It’s a great alternative if you prefer a heartier green, but adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure it becomes tender.
How long does it take to cook in the Crock Pot?
On low, it takes about 6 to 7 hours, and on high, 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking lets flavors meld beautifully and vegetables soften just right.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly day. It delivers hearty, comforting satisfaction without a fuss, making it perfect for busy days or weekends when you want something delicious with minimal effort. I can’t recommend this soup enough to friends and family alike—once you try it, I’m confident it will hold a special place on your dinner rotation too. Cozy up, ladle yourself a bowl, and enjoy every comforting bite!
Print
Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This hearty Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup combines flavorful Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and pillowy potato gnocchi in a rich, creamy broth. Simmered slowly to deepen the flavors, this comforting soup is perfect for cozy dinners and easy meal prep.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pantry
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (16-ounce) package potato gnocchi
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease to avoid oily broth.
- Add Ingredients to Crock Pot: Transfer the browned sausage, diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, diced celery, dried basil, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, canned diced tomatoes with juices, and chicken broth into the Crock Pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook the Soup: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until vegetables are tender and flavors meld together beautifully.
- Add Gnocchi and Spinach: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the potato gnocchi and roughly chopped fresh spinach. Cover and continue cooking until gnocchi are tender and spinach has wilted perfectly.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Just before serving, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese to create a rich and creamy texture. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Substitute kale for spinach if preferred for a different leafy green texture and flavor.
- Use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage for a lighter, leaner version of the soup.
- For a dairy-free alternative, omit the heavy cream and Parmesan, or replace with plant-based cream and cheese substitutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
