If you’ve been searching for a comforting, flavorful, and downright satisfying soup to warm you up on any day, look no further than this Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup Recipe. It’s a beautiful medley of Italian sausage, tender gnocchi, fresh spinach, and rich cream all slow-cooked to perfection in your crock pot. This hearty soup is not only incredibly easy to make, but it also fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your bowl with cozy, comforting goodness that tastes like it’s straight from an Italian nonna’s kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is your first step toward that rich and soul-warming experience. Every component plays its part—from the spicy or mild Italian sausage that brings robust flavor, to the fresh spinach adding a vibrant green pop, and the cream that makes the broth luscious and silky.
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy): Choose your heat level to suit your taste and enjoy deep savory notes.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor when cooked down.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A classic aromatic that enhances every bite.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Acts as the flavorful base, providing body and warmth.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Brings acidity and a bit of texture to balance the richness.
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up all the delicious broth.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped: Offers a fresh, healthy green touch and tender bite.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds silkiness and rounds out flavors beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: Essential blend of herbs to enhance the Italian vibe.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a slight kick of heat.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Finishing touches to elevate every bite.
- Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional): Adds a savory, cheesy finish, perfect for serving.
How to Make Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start off by cooking the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Break it apart as it browns for even cooking and maximum flavor. Draining any excess fat makes the soup lighter but leaves all that rich sausage taste behind. Then, transfer the sausage straight into your crock pot—getting that flavor base started!
Step 2: Add the Aromatics and Broth
Next, toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, and dried Italian seasoning. Stir everything together so those incredible flavors start mingling right away. This step sets the stage for the soup’s hearty and classic Italian soul.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your crock pot and let all the ingredients mingle on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours if you’re short on time. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully, tenderizing each component until they’re bursting with deliciousness.
Step 4: Add the Gnocchi
About half an hour before you plan to serve, it’s time to add the frozen gnocchi. Give it a good stir so those little pillows can cook right in the flavorful broth. Let the mixture continue cooking on low or high until the gnocchi turn tender and soft—usually between 20 to 30 minutes.
Step 5: Stir in Spinach and Cream
Finally, add the chopped fresh spinach and heavy cream to the crock pot. Give everything a good stir and let it cook for another 10 minutes. The spinach wilts gently, while the cream transforms the soup into a velvety, dreamy delight.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Finish by seasoning with salt, pepper, and if you like a bit of heat, red pepper flakes. Once seasoned perfectly, ladle out your soup and sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for that extra touch of Italian authenticity.
How to Serve Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is the ultimate classic garnish, adding sharp, nutty notes that melt into the warmth of the soup. You can also sprinkle some chopped fresh basil or parsley for color and freshness that really brighten each spoonful.
Side Dishes
A warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic knots pair beautifully with this soup, perfect for soaking up every last bit of the creamy, herby broth. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette can also balance the richness for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this soup in rustic bowls topped with a swirl of extra cream or a small drizzle of good olive oil. For dinner parties, a bread bowl adds fun and feeds the carb lovers. A sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes on top invites spice enthusiasts to personalize their bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup Recipe into airtight containers and keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for an easy, delicious next-day lunch or dinner rescue.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, though you might want to store the gnocchi separately if possible, as they can become a bit mushy. Freeze the soup base in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat to prevent curdling of the cream. Stir frequently and add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. Add fresh spinach or gnocchi after reheating if you stored them separately, for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage will give you a leaner option with a different, milder flavor. Just season well as it cooks to mimic the classic Italian taste.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and follow the recipe the same way for a delicious meatless alternative.
When should I add the cream to the soup?
The cream goes in near the very end of the cooking process, along with the spinach, to keep the soup creamy and smooth without curdling or breaking down during long cooking.
What type of gnocchi works best?
Frozen potato gnocchi are perfect because they hold their shape well and cook right in the soup. Fresh gnocchi can work too, but add them later since they cook faster.
Can I prepare this in an Instant Pot instead of a crock pot?
You can! Use the sauté function for the sausage, then add all ingredients and cook on high pressure for about 15 minutes, followed by a quick release. Add gnocchi and spinach after pressure cooking and simmer until tender.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup Recipe has a special way of turning an ordinary day into something cozy and memorable. It’s the kind of dish that welcomes you with familiar tastes and makes your whole kitchen feel like a warm embrace. If you haven’t tried it yet, today’s a great day to start stirring up this comforting, crowd-pleasing classic!
Print
Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup is a comforting and hearty slow-cooked meal featuring flavorful Italian sausage, tender gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a creamy tomato-based broth. Perfect for an easy, warm, and satisfying dinner, this soup combines rustic Italian flavors and simple ingredients simmered to perfection in your slow cooker.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Broth and Seasonings
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Main Additions
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Garnish
- Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy, then transfer the cooked sausage to the Crock Pot.
- Add Base Ingredients to Crock Pot: Into the Crock Pot with the sausage, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, undrained diced tomatoes, and dried Italian seasoning. Stir everything together to combine all the flavors.
- Slow Cook the Soup: Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the aromatics to soften perfectly.
- Add Gnocchi: About 30 minutes before serving, stir the frozen gnocchi into the soup. Continue cooking on low or high until the gnocchi becomes tender, about 20 to 30 minutes. This ensures the gnocchi are perfectly cooked without overcooking.
- Finish Soup with Spinach and Cream: Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and heavy cream. Cook for an additional 10 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the soup becomes creamy and rich.
- Season to Taste: Add salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste, balancing the flavors according to your preference.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired for an extra layer of savory richness.
Notes
- You can use either mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your heat preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream.
- Adding the gnocchi towards the end prevents it from becoming overly soft or mushy.
- Fresh spinach can be swapped with kale or swiss chard for a different leafy green variation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove.
