Description
This Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup is a hearty, creamy, and flavorful slow-cooker meal packed with Italian sausage, tender gnocchi, spinach, and a blend of Italian herbs. Perfect for busy days, this comforting soup brings classic Italian-American flavors together for an easy, satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen spinach
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
Herbs, Spices, and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Carbohydrates and Cheese
- 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat and transfer the sausage to the crock pot.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Add chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, frozen spinach, dried basil, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to the crock pot with the sausage. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, allowing flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften.
- Add Gnocchi: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the potato gnocchi. Cover and cook until gnocchi is tender, about 20 to 25 minutes.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed to your preference.
- Serve: Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired for extra flavor.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream to reduce fat content.
- You can add other vegetables such as carrots or zucchini to increase nutritional value and variety.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days but may thicken; thin with additional broth when reheating.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free gnocchi brand.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
