Creamy Gnocchi Soup
This Creamy Gnocchi Soup is a rich, comforting, and satisfying meal featuring tender potato gnocchi in a velvety broth loaded with savory vegetables and Parmesan cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes with easy pantry staples and fresh veggies, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Creamy, hearty, and kid-friendly, this one-pot soup offers wholesome flavors with minimal cleanup.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free gnocchi)
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound potato gnocchi (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Finishing Touches
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or thyme
- Prepare Your Veggies: Finely chop the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to create the flavorful base of the soup. Aim for a fine dice so they cook evenly and release natural sweetness.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the carrots and celery and sauté for a few more minutes until tender.
- Add Broth and Bring to a Simmer: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This marries the flavors and softens the vegetables further.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Add the potato gnocchi directly to the simmering pot. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until the gnocchi float to the surface, indicating they are done.
- Stir in Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Slowly stir in the heavy cream followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix gently to combine and create a luscious, creamy texture. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Just before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley or thyme over the soup to add bright flavor and vibrant color.
Notes
- Use fresh gnocchi when possible; it cooks faster and has better texture, but frozen gnocchi works too.
- Do not overcook the gnocchi; remove from heat as soon as they float to keep them tender but not mushy.
- Add cream off the heat or on low heat to prevent curdling and ensure a silky soup.
- Freshly grate Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth melt.
- Adjust the soup thickness by adding extra broth for thinner soup or simmering longer before adding cream for thicker texture.
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Avoid freezing cream-based soups with gnocchi to prevent texture changes. If freezing, omit cream and add fresh cream when reheating.
- Reheat gently on low heat or in the microwave, stirring frequently. Add broth or cream if the soup thickens too much.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: Creamy Gnocchi Soup, Potato Gnocchi Soup, Comfort Food, Quick Soup, Weeknight Dinner, One-Pot Soup, Kid-Friendly Soup, Italian Soup