Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe

If you’ve never tried creamy gnocchi soup, you’re in for a treat. This rich, velvety soup combines the comforting, pillowy texture of gnocchi with the creamy goodness of a rich broth, creating a dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside. It’s one of those recipes that’s perfect for cozy nights in, chilly evenings, or when you just need a bowl of comfort food.

What makes this soup so special? It’s not just about the gnocchi-though, let’s be real, they are the star. It’s the way they soak up the flavors of the broth, transforming into little pockets of flavor in every bite. Add in fresh vegetables, garlic, and a hint of Parmesan, and you’ve got a soup that’s hearty enough to be a meal but light enough to enjoy without feeling overly stuffed.

So, whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply need a one-pot meal that delivers on flavor, this creamy gnocchi soup recipe is the one you’ll want to keep coming back to.

This creamy gnocchi soup is deceptively easy to make and requires only a few simple ingredients. The result is a luxurious, flavor-packed soup that feels like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. In reality, you can whip it up in about 30 minutes. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients Needed

Before you get started, gather these key ingredients:

Gnocchi (store-bought or homemade): The chewy, doughy bites are what make this soup a standout. You can use the soft potato gnocchi you find in stores, or go the extra mile and make your own (if you’re feeling adventurous!).
Olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables and adding a touch of richness.
Carrot and Celery: These two vegetables form the classic flavor base for many soups and stews, providing an aromatic foundation to the dish.
Onion and Garlic: Aromatics that will infuse the broth with flavor.
Vegetable or Chicken Broth: This is your base liquid and will determine the overall depth of flavor in the soup. Choose a high-quality broth for the best results.
Heavy Cream: The secret ingredient that makes this soup luxuriously creamy and velvety.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a pop of color, freshness, and a bit of greenery to balance out the richness of the soup.
Parmesan Cheese: The finishing touch that adds sharpness and depth. Grated Parmesan can be stirred in for flavor, or you can sprinkle it on top when serving.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, to ensure the soup is properly seasoned.

Optional additions: A squeeze of lemon juice, a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to finish.

Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s dive into the cooking process. Don’t be intimidated-it’s much simpler than it seems!

Sauté The Vegetables
- Heat a large soup pot over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Once it’s heated, add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and the onion becomes translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant.
Add The Broth
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, stirring to combine with the softened vegetables. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Once simmering, drop in your gnocchi. If you’re using store-bought gnocchi, they’ll cook quickly-usually in about 3-4 minutes. Homemade gnocchi might take a little longer, but just keep an eye on them.
Add The Cream
- After the gnocchi are tender and have floated to the top, stir in the heavy cream.
- Bring it back to a simmer and allow the soup to thicken up slightly. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Add Spinach And Parmesan
- Stir in the spinach until it wilts into the soup, and then add the grated Parmesan. Stir it in until the cheese melts into the broth, making it beautifully creamy.
Simmer And Serve
- Let the soup simmer for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top, if desired.

Ingredient Insights

Gnocchi: The beauty of gnocchi is that they absorb the flavors of the broth while maintaining their soft, pillowy texture. If you’re using store-bought gnocchi, be sure to cook them just until they float to avoid overcooking them into mush.
Cream: Heavy cream is the key to that ultra-creamy texture. If you want to lighten it up, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but it won’t be as rich.
Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts down significantly, so don’t be afraid to add a generous handful. It provides a nice balance to the creamy broth and offers a nutritional boost.
Parmesan: Parmesan adds a savory, umami flavor that ties the entire dish together. Freshly grated is always best, but pre-grated works in a pinch.

Expert Tips

Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Gnocchi cook fast, and once they float to the top, they’re done. Overcooking can result in a mushy texture that doesn’t hold up in soup.
Make it Ahead: This soup is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be aware that the gnocchi will absorb more of the broth as it sits, so you might need to add a little extra broth when reheating.
Add a Flavor Boost: If you want to take your soup to the next level, a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten up the richness, or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a little heat.
Go for Homemade Gnocchi: If you’ve got the time and inclination, homemade gnocchi will make this soup even more special. It’s a fun project that results in something truly satisfying.

Recipe Variations

While the classic creamy gnocchi soup is delicious as-is, you can customize it to your taste or dietary needs:

Vegetarian: Stick to vegetable broth, and make sure your gnocchi are meat-free (most store-bought varieties are).
Vegan: For a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or a plant-based cream substitute. You can also opt for vegan gnocchi (which typically doesn’t contain eggs) and skip the Parmesan.
Spicy Gnocchi Soup: Add red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers to the sautéed vegetables to give the soup some heat. This variation pairs well with a squeeze of lime for added brightness.
Meat Lover’s Gnocchi Soup: Add cooked sausage, bacon, or shredded rotisserie chicken for an extra protein boost.

Final Words

This creamy gnocchi soup is one of those recipes that’s simple yet feels indulgent. It’s the kind of dish that makes people gather around the table and take a deep breath as they savor the flavors. And the best part? You don’t have to be a professional chef to pull it off. It’s the perfect mix of comforting, creamy, and satisfying-ideal for any season, but especially comforting when the weather gets cooler.

Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe