Creamy Gnocchi Soup

If you’re craving something rich, comforting, and incredibly satisfying, this Creamy Gnocchi Soup is exactly what you need. With its tender potato gnocchi swimming in a velvety broth full of savory vegetables and cheese, it’s the ultimate cozy meal that comes together fast. Perfect for busy weeknights or a lazy weekend dinner, this soup balances creamy indulgence with easy prep and real, wholesome flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect when you want delicious without the fuss.
• Comfort in a Bowl: Creamy and hearty, it feels like a warm hug on chilly days.
• Versatile Ingredients: Uses simple pantry staples and fresh veggies — easy to customize to your taste.
• Kid-Friendly: Mild and creamy, it’s a hit with little ones and picky eaters alike.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time eating and relaxing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Creamy Gnocchi Soup plays a crucial role—from the soft gnocchi for texture to the fresh vegetables that brighten up the broth. The balance of cream and cheese melts everything into a lush, satisfying bowl you’ll want to savor.

• Potato Gnocchi: The star of the dish, these pillowy dumplings soak up the creamy broth perfectly.
• Onion and Garlic: Aromatics that build the flavorful base of the soup.
• Carrots and Celery: Classic soup vegetables that add slight sweetness and crunch.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Provides a savory, rich liquid foundation.
• Heavy Cream: For that signature creamy texture that makes this soup feel indulgent.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds umami depth and a subtle nutty flavor.
• Fresh Herbs (Parsley or Thyme): A bright finish to lift the flavors and add color.
• Olive Oil or Butter: For sautéing and enhancing richness.
• Salt and Pepper: To season perfectly and bring all the ingredients to life.

Variations for Creamy Gnocchi Soup

Feel free to make this Creamy Gnocchi Soup your own by swapping ingredients or adding new touches. It’s easy to adapt based on what you have or your dietary preferences, ensuring each bowl suits your unique taste.

• Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth and skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free soup.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to bring some heat.
• Greens Boost: Stir in fresh spinach or kale towards the end for extra nutrients and color.
• Mushroom Addition: Sauté mushrooms along with veggies to add an earthy flavor and more texture.
• Protein Punch: Toss in cooked chicken, sausage, or beans to make it a heartier meal.

How to Make Creamy Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Prepare Your Veggies

Start by finely chopping onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. These will form the flavorful base of your soup, so aim for a fine dice so they cook evenly and release their natural sweetness.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add your chopped onion and garlic, stirring occasionally until softened and fragrant—about 3 to 4 minutes. Then toss in the carrots and celery and sauté another few minutes until tender.

Step 3: Add Broth and Bring to a Simmer

Pour in your chicken or vegetable broth and bring the whole mixture to a simmer. This will marry the flavors while softening the vegetables further, creating a delicious base for the gnocchi.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi

Once simmering, add the gnocchi right into the pot. They will cook quickly, usually within 3 to 5 minutes—when they float to the surface, they’re ready.

Step 5: Stir in Cream and Cheese

Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream, followed by grated Parmesan cheese. This is where the soup transforms into that luscious, creamy texture you crave. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Just before serving, sprinkle in chopped parsley or thyme to add a pop of fresh flavor and vibrant green color.

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Gnocchi Soup

• Use Fresh Gnocchi: Fresh gnocchi cooks faster and tastes better, but frozen works too if you’re short on time.
• Dont Overcook: Gnocchi cooks quickly—remove the pot from heat as soon as they float to keep their soft texture.
• Low and Slow Cream Addition: Add cream off the heat or on low to prevent curdling and keep soup silky smooth.
• Grate Your Own Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and has more flavor than pre-grated options.
• Adjust Thickness: For a thinner soup, add extra broth; for thicker, simmer a bit longer before cream addition.

How to Serve Creamy Gnocchi Soup

Garnishes

Top your bowl with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan, a drizzle of good olive oil, or freshly cracked black pepper to elevate flavors and presentation.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the soup and add textural contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this soup in rustic bread bowls or mason jars for parties or casual gatherings to impress guests with its cozy charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftover Creamy Gnocchi Soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and tasty.

Freezing

Because of the cream and gnocchi, freezing isn’t ideal—it can change the texture and cause separation. If needed, freeze without cream, then add fresh cream when reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat over low heat or in the microwave, stirring frequently to maintain creaminess and avoid curdling. Add a splash of broth or cream if it’s too thick.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this soup?

Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works perfectly and cooks quickly, making this recipe even more convenient.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Traditional gnocchi usually contains wheat, but you can find gluten-free gnocchi varieties or make your own using gluten-free flour alternatives.

Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes! Substitute the broth with vegetable broth, use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and skip the cheese or use vegan cheese alternatives.

How spicy is the soup?

This Creamy Gnocchi Soup is naturally mild, but you can easily add spices or hot sauce if you prefer a little heat.

Will the gnocchi get mushy if I reheat the soup?

Gnocchi can soften after reheating, so try to consume leftovers within a couple of days and reheat gently to preserve its texture.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Gnocchi Soup is a true weeknight hero—easy to whip up, comforting to the soul, and endlessly adaptable to your kitchen’s supplies. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself making it over and over every time the weather calls for something warm and delicious.

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