30 Minute Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe

If you’re dreaming of a cozy meal that tastes like it simmered all day (but shh—it only takes half an hour!), then you absolutely have to make this 30 Minute Sausage Gnocchi Soup. It’s hearty and packed with flavor from Italian sausage, pillowy gnocchi, and bright tomatoes, while baby spinach adds a lovely pop of color. Even on your busiest weeknight, you can have a bowl of this savory, comforting soup ready in no time—plus, it makes plenty for sharing or tasty leftovers!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple with a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh additions. Each ingredient plays an essential part—whether it’s adding big flavors, delightful textures, or a touch of color that makes every bowl enticing.

• Italian sausage: Pick sweet or hot, depending on how much kick you like; this is the flavor backbone of the soup!
• Olive oil: Just a splash is all you need to start your base and coax sweetness out of the onions and garlic.
• Onion: Yellow or white works perfectly, providing fragrant, mellow flavor as it cooks down.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic brings warmth and depth—don’t skimp here!
• Chicken broth: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade; this is the soup’s flavorful foundation.
• Diced tomatoes: Canned and undrained, they give both body and a gentle tomato tang to your broth.
• Italian seasoning: A classic blend of herbs that amplifies every other ingredient’s flavor.
• Crushed red pepper: Add as much or as little as you like to tailor the heat to your liking.
• Sea salt: Just enough to enhance the other savory components without overpowering.
• Cracked pepper: Freshly ground is best for that peppery zip.
• Shelf stable gnocchi: These pillowy potato dumplings make the soup heartier, and they cook up in minutes!
• Baby spinach: Tender greens wilt down beautifully and sneak in a boost of color and nutrition.
• Tomato paste (optional): Stir in for a thicker, richer broth if you love an extra-tomatoey soup.

How to Make 30 Minute Sausage Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

Begin by heating the olive oil over medium-high in your favorite large soup pot. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, and let them cook, stirring occasionally, until the kitchen starts to smell amazing and the onion softens to a translucent glow—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This first layer of flavor really sets the stage for the rest of your 30 Minute Sausage Gnocchi Soup.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Keep stirring and chopping it into smaller bits until it’s fully browned and little crispy edges start to appear. Drain away any excess oil if you see it. The browned sausage adds a deep, irresistible richness that carries through the whole soup.

Step 3: Build the Broth

Now it’s time to really let things mingle! Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, 4 to 5 cups of chicken broth, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, sea salt, and cracked pepper. Stir everything together, and let the pot come to a gentle boil—this usually takes 7 to 10 minutes. At this point, you’ll start smelling why everyone loves a big pot of 30 Minute Sausage Gnocchi Soup bubbling away!

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi and Spinach

Once your soup’s at a happy simmer, add the gnocchi and baby spinach. These cook quickly; just another 4 to 5 minutes, or until the gnocchi begin to float to the top. If the soup seems too thick, splash in a little more broth. Want a lusher, thicker broth? Go ahead and stir in that tomato paste—it’ll melt right in and cozy things up.

Step 5: Taste and Finish

Give your soup a taste and adjust the salt or pepper if needed. Favorite garnishes like basil, parsley, or parmesan cheese are the crown jewels here, making each bowl just a bit more special. Now all that’s left is to ladle up generous helpings and enjoy!

How to Serve 30 Minute Sausage Gnocchi Soup

Garnishes

This soup loves to be showered with freshly grated parmesan or a sprinkle of chopped herbs like basil or parsley for a vibrant finish. If you’re seeking a bit more indulgence, try a swirl of heavy cream over each bowl right before serving—it looks beautiful and adds a rich, silky note to your 30 Minute Sausage Gnocchi Soup.

Side Dishes

A crusty loaf of bread or warm, garlicky breadsticks are perfect for dipping and sopping up every comforting drop. You might also pair the soup with a crisp, fresh green salad tossed with a sharp vinaigrette to balance out the savory depth of the 30 Minute Sausage Gnocchi Soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping dinner, try serving your soup in individual bread bowls or with mini crostini floating on top. Or, for a casual family-style spread, place the big pot in the center of the table with all the toppings nearby so everyone can customize their own bowl of 30 Minute Sausage Gnocchi Soup just how they like it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. It’ll keep well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, making lunch or lazy-day dinners a total breeze. You may notice the gnocchi will soak up some broth as they sit, but simply add a splash of extra chicken broth when reheating to bring it back to life.

Freezing

This soup actually freezes beautifully! Scoop cooled 30 Minute Sausage Gnocchi Soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a bit of room for expansion. It will be ready for you for up to three months—ideal for meal prepping or storing single portions for future cravings. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm your soup in a pot on the stove over medium heat, adding extra broth if you prefer a thinner consistency. Microwave reheating works too, just use a microwave-safe bowl and stir halfway through to ensure even heat. Always reheat only what you plan to eat, since repeated reheating can make gnocchi too soft.

FAQs

Can I make 30 Minute Sausage Gnocchi Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the Italian sausage with your favorite plant-based sausage or even sautéed mushrooms for that meaty texture, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken. The result is still a hearty, flavor-packed bowl you’ll crave!

What type of gnocchi should I use?

The recipe uses shelf stable potato gnocchi, which are easy to find and hold up well in soup. If you want to use frozen gnocchi, just be sure to cook them thoroughly before adding, or lightly sauté them first for extra flavor and texture.

How can I make this soup creamy?

If you’re in the mood for a creamier version, stir in a bit of heavy cream—start with a quarter cup and add more if you’d like. Or, if you don’t want the entire soup to be cream based, drizzle some cream over individual bowls just before serving for a luscious swirl.

Can I adjust the spiciness of the soup?

Definitely! Choose sweet Italian sausage and reduce the amount of crushed red pepper for a mild version, or go bold with hot sausage and extra pepper flakes. Make it your own, depending on your family’s preference.

What’s the best way to thicken the broth?

If you love a heartier, stew-like soup, stir in the optional tomato paste after adding the gnocchi and spinach. It quickly thickens the broth and gives an extra punch of tomato flavor to your 30 Minute Sausage Gnocchi Soup.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so soul-satisfying about sharing a pot of 30 Minute Sausage Gnocchi Soup with people you love. It comes together effortlessly, yet tastes like pure comfort—making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekends when you want something special without much fuss. Give it a try and savor just how easy it can be to bring warmth and flavor to your table!

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