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
Scale
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.
