If you’re in the mood for a soul-comforting, velvety bowl that’s as easy to whip up as it is delicious, this Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe fits the bill perfectly. Imagine tender pillows of gnocchi gently swimming in a luscious broth bursting with savory garlic, sweet carrots, and vibrant spinach, all enriched by a touch of creamy indulgence. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day and satisfies every craving for something fresh, filling, and cozy at the same time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, straightforward ingredients is the key here—the kind that bring each flavor to life without fuss. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s adding texture, a splash of brightness, or that irresistible creaminess that makes this soup truly special.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity tone and helps soften the veggies perfectly.
- 1/2 onion, chopped: Gives a natural sweetness and depth to the soup base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a warm, aromatic punch that’s absolutely essential.
- 1 carrot, chopped: Adds a hint of natural sweetness and lovely color contrast.
- 2 cups vegetable broth: Forms the flavorful, comforting liquid foundation of the soup.
- 1 can diced tomatoes: Infuses a bright tang and rich body to the broth.
- 1 cup gnocchi: Soft, pillowy starch that makes this soup uniquely hearty.
- 1 cup spinach, chopped: Adds a fresh, leafy green touch packed with nutrients.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates that luxurious, silky smooth texture.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped carrot. Sauté these until they soften and release their natural sweetness—about five minutes. This step is your flavor foundation, so don’t rush it; those softened veggies build the base for all the deliciousness to come.
Step 2: Build the Broth
Once your aromatics are perfectly tender, stir in the vegetable broth and the can of diced tomatoes. Turn up the heat slightly and bring everything to a gentle boil. This is where all the refreshing, bright flavors start melding beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi
Next, add the gnocchi directly to your bubbling broth. They’ll cook quickly—wait for them to float to the surface, which usually takes about five minutes. This floating is your sign that those little pillows have turned soft, tender, and perfectly ready to enjoy.
Step 4: Add the Greens and Cream
Reduce the heat to a simmer and stir in the chopped spinach along with the heavy cream. Let the soup simmer gently for about five minutes more. The cream thickens the broth while the spinach wilts into tender, vibrant green flecks, adding freshness and texture.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Finally, season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Give it a good stir, and your Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe is ready to be ladled into bowls and enjoyed warm. It’s a celebration of flavors in every spoonful!
How to Serve Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate each serving with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a handful of crispy bacon bits. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few torn basil leaves can add that special finishing touch, introducing new layers of aroma and texture to the experience.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or garlic knots, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that rich, creamy broth. A simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette offers a crisp counterpoint if you want to keep things light alongside your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family dinner or an impressive first date meal, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or rustic ceramic bowls to emphasize its cozy, homemade charm. You could also swirl in a pesto drizzle on top before serving for an herbaceous twist that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply transfer any leftover soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meal taste even more comforting and wholesome.
Freezing
While the gnocchi softens a bit after freezing, you can still freeze the soup without the cream and spinach. Freeze the broth base separately, then add the cream and spinach fresh when reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Warm your soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the consistency thickens too much, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it back up. Adding a bit more cream at this point can restore that silky smoothness you crave.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this soup?
Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works wonderfully and saves time, making this Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe even easier to prepare. Just follow the cooking times on the package to avoid overcooking.
Is there a way to make this soup vegan?
Yes! Swap out the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a creamy plant-based alternative, and use vegetable broth to keep it vegan-friendly while still creamy and delicious.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Of course! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or kale depending on your preference. Just add them during the sauté or simmer step to cook them through without losing their texture.
How thick should the soup be?
The soup should be creamy but still slightly brothy—not too thick like a stew. The cream and cooking time help naturally thicken it to a velvety consistency that’s perfect for spooning.
What wine pairs well with this creamy soup?
A crisp white wine like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the richness nicely without overwhelming the fresh vegetable flavors. It’s a refreshing way to round out your meal.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to dive into this Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe. It’s a dish that brings comfort, flavor, and a bit of simple elegance to your table without any fuss. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend treat, this soup truly shines. Give it a go—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy gnocchi!
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Creamy Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy gnocchi soup is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy meal. Made with tender gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and a rich cream base, it combines hearty textures and vibrant flavors in each spoonful. Quick to prepare, this soup is perfect for weeknight dinners and is sure to satisfy your craving for something warm and nourishing.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (about 14.5 ounces)
Other Ingredients
- 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 aromatics and carrot: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped carrot to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables become soft and fragrant.
- Add broth and tomatoes: Stir in the vegetable broth and the can of diced tomatoes, then bring the mixture to a boil to start forming the soup base.
- Cook gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the boiling soup and cook for approximately 5 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface, indicating they are done.
- Add spinach and cream: Stir in the chopped spinach and heavy cream, then simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes to allow it to thicken and the flavors to meld.
- Season and serve: Adjust the soup with salt and pepper to your taste. Serve the creamy gnocchi soup hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter soup.
- For vegan option, use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative and ensure gnocchi is egg-free.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme for an extra layer of flavor.
- Gnocchi can be potato-based or flour-based; cooking times may vary slightly.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
