This creamy gnocchi soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With soft gnocchi, veggies, and a rich, velvety broth, it’s perfect for chilly evenings.
Honestly, it’s like a cozy cuddle! I love whipping this up in no time. You can enjoy it with some crusty bread and feel the warmth inside! 🍞❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds a lovely flavor. If you want a different taste, you can use butter or avocado oil instead. Both will give you a unique twist to the soup.
Onion: A small onion works well for flavor, but if you’re out, shallots or leeks are great substitutes. They bring a slightly sweeter taste, which is nice!
Potato Gnocchi: These are the star of the soup! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, check out gluten-free gnocchi brands or even use small pasta like farfalle or ditalini.
Heavy Cream: I love the creaminess it adds. For a lighter version, you could use half-and-half or a plant-based milk like coconut cream for a slightly different flavor.
Fresh Spinach: Spinach is fantastic for this recipe because it wilts nicely. You can swap it with kale or collard greens if you prefer a bit more texture.
How Do I Make Sure My Soup Stays Creamy and Smooth?
To keep the soup creamy, there are a few important things to remember:
- Cook garlic only until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
- Add the heavy cream at low heat after removing the soup from boiling. This prevents it from curdling.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan really slowly until it’s fully melted, which will make your soup extra rich and luxurious.
Serve it right away to enjoy the creaminess at its best! With these straightforward tips, your gnocchi soup will surely be a hit!
Creamy Gnocchi Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 1 package (16 ounces) potato gnocchi
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for mild heat
- Fresh parsley or additional Parmesan for garnish
- Crusty bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy gnocchi soup can be made in about 30 minutes! You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes prepping the ingredients and cooking them. It’s a quick and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy nights or when you just want something cozy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook it until it’s softened and translucent, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Stir it occasionally so it doesn’t stick or burn.
2. Add Garlic:
Once the onion is cooked, stir in the minced garlic. Cook this for about one minute until it’s fragrant. This makes your kitchen smell amazing!
3. Boil the Broth:
Now, pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth if you’re making it vegetarian) and bring it to a boil. The boiling broth is where the magic begins!
4. Cook the Gnocchi:
Add the gnocchi to the boiling broth. Follow the package instructions, which is usually around 2-3 minutes, until the gnocchi float to the surface. This means they’re ready!
5. Add Cream and Spinach:
Turn down the heat a bit and stir in the heavy cream along with the fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts down, which should only take about 2 minutes. Ready for the creamy goodness?
6. Melt the Cheese:
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir it in until it melts and makes the soup creamy. Be sure to taste and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, if you’d like, to adjust the flavors to your liking.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Time to serve! Ladle the hot soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh parsley or more Parmesan if you like. Enjoy with toasted crusty bread on the side for that perfect dipping experience.
This creamy gnocchi soup is rich, comforting, and perfect for warming up on a cold day. Dig in and enjoy every spoonful!
Can I Use Frozen Gnocchi Instead?
Absolutely! If you have frozen gnocchi, you can use them directly without thawing. Just add them to the boiling broth and cook for an additional minute or two compared to the package instructions, until they float and are heated through.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian or Vegan?
Yes! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based cream or coconut milk. For a vegan option, skip the Parmesan or replace it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup as it may thicken in the fridge.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite veggies, like carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just sauté them with the onions to get them tender before adding the broth.
