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If you’re craving a bowl of comfort that feels both hearty and indulgent, this Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe is exactly the answer you need. Picture tender gnocchi floating in a luscious, velvety broth that’s enriched with fresh spinach, sweet carrots, and the subtle tang of diced tomatoes—all brought together with a splash of heavy cream for that unforgettable creamy finish. It’s a bowl that warms your soul and brightens chilly days, yet is so quick and straightforward that you’ll want to make it your go-to weeknight meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple yet thoughtfully balanced. Each ingredient plays an essential role—from the fragrant sautéed onions and garlic that lay the flavor foundation, to the creamy spinach and tender gnocchi that transform the soup into a full meal. Here’s what you’ll gather to bring this dish to life:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: The perfect base to soften and gently caramelize the onions and garlic.
- 1/2 onion, chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the broth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant punch that wakes up every bite.
- 1 carrot, chopped: For a touch of natural sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
- 2 cups vegetable broth: The flavorful liquid that carries all the soup’s ingredients together.
- 1 can diced tomatoes: Introduces a slight tang and rich texture to balance the creaminess.
- 1 cup gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that are the heart of this soup.
- 1 cup spinach, chopped: Adds vibrant green freshness and a boost of nutrients.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: The secret to that silky, dreamy consistency you’ll fall in love with.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To season and elevate all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once warmed, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and carrot. Sautéing these until they soften, about five minutes, releases their natural sweetness and builds a savory base for the soup that will make every spoonful explode with flavor.
Step 2: Add the Broth and Tomatoes
Next, pour in the vegetable broth and the entire can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Bringing this mixture to a boil will meld the flavors and set the stage for the tender gnocchi that comes next. This vibrant broth is where your soup truly begins to come together.
Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi
Once boiling, add your gnocchi and give it a gentle stir. Cook for about five minutes, until the gnocchi start to rise to the surface—this indicates they’re perfectly tender and ready to soak in the soup’s magic.
Step 4: Add Spinach and Cream
Reduce the heat to a simmer and stir in the chopped spinach along with the heavy cream. The spinach wilts down beautifully, adding freshness, while the cream swirls through to thicken the soup, delivering that rich, silky texture that makes this recipe a standout.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Lastly, season with salt and pepper to suit your taste. Give everything a final stir to combine the flavors, then ladle the soup into bowls and get ready to enjoy every warm, comforting bite of this Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe.
How to Serve Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can make your soup feel extra special. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a handful of chopped fresh basil adds an aromatic and savory twist. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a dusting of crushed red pepper flakes can bring subtle layers of flavor and a bit of excitement to each bite.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, like a warm baguette or garlic herb focaccia, perfect for dipping and soaking up the creamy broth. A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup, making your meal feel both satisfying and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For a touch of flair, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls or colorful ceramic mugs for easy, cozy eating. You can even layer it in clear glass mugs to showcase all the vibrant ingredients, turning a simple bowl of soup into a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (although it rarely lasts long!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more beautifully overnight, making for an even tastier experience the next day.
Freezing
Because of the cream and gnocchi, freezing this soup is best done cautiously. It’s possible but may change the texture slightly. If you choose to freeze, place in a freezer-safe container for up to one month and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the soup slowly over low to medium heat, stirring often. Adding a splash of broth or cream can help restore the soup’s luscious texture if it seems to have thickened too much or separated a bit.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi in this Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works wonderfully here and cooks quickly in the soup. Just be sure to cook until they float to the top, which means they’re ready to enjoy.
Is there a dairy-free version of this soup?
Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream for a delicious dairy-free alternative that keeps the soup rich and creamy without the dairy.
Can I add protein to the soup?
Definitely. Adding cooked chicken, sausage, or crispy bacon bits can make the soup heartier without overwhelming the delicate flavors. Just add cooked proteins towards the end to warm through.
What vegetables can I add to customize this soup?
Feel free to experiment with veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or kale. Just add them during the sauté or simmer steps so they cook through and absorb the soup’s flavors.
How spicy is this Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe?
This recipe is mild and comforting by default, but you can easily add a kick by tossing in crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or diced jalapeños during cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe is truly one of those delightful dishes that feels special but takes hardly any time to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a cozy solo meal or something to share with friends, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. So grab your pot and get ready to enjoy every creamy, flavorful spoonful—you won’t regret it!
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Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy gnocchi soup is a comforting and hearty meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Featuring tender gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a rich blend of vegetable broth and heavy cream, this soup delivers warmth and flavor in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 cup gnocchi
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped carrot to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the vegetable broth and the canned diced tomatoes. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook Gnocchi: Once boiling, add the gnocchi to the pot. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, or until the gnocchi rise to the surface, indicating they are done.
- Add Spinach and Cream: Stir in the chopped spinach and heavy cream into the soup. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes more to allow the soup to thicken and the flavors to meld.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper according to your preference. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option, though the soup will be less creamy.
- Adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme can enhance flavor complexity.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
