Gnocchi Soup

This cozy bowl is all about comfort without complication. Gnocchi soup is a creamy, hearty soup made with soft potato gnocchi, simple vegetables, and a gentle, warming broth that feels just right on busy evenings or cold nights. People love it because it comes together quickly, feels filling without being heavy, and works for both family dinners and quiet nights in. It’s the kind of meal that doesn’t ask much from you but gives a lot back. I usually chop the vegetables while the pot heats, knowing the rest flows easily from there. It’s familiar, soothing, and meant to be enjoyed without rushing.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This soup fits into real life. The flavor is mild, creamy, and comforting, with soft gnocchi that make every spoonful feel satisfying. It’s weeknight-friendly, using everyday ingredients and one pot, which keeps cleanup simple. The recipe is flexible enough to adjust based on what’s in your fridge, making it budget-friendly and stress-free. Leftovers hold up well, so it’s freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep. Gnocchi soup also feels crowd-pleasing without being fussy, which makes it great for family meals. It’s cozy, reliable, and easy to come back to, especially when you want something warm that doesn’t require a long cooking session.

Ingredients

Tip: Shelf-stable potato gnocchi works best here because it holds its shape and cooks quickly.

  • Potato gnocchi – 16 ounces
  • Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
  • Onion, diced – 1 medium
  • Garlic, minced – 3 cloves
  • Carrots, sliced – 2 medium
  • Celery, chopped – 2 stalks
  • Chicken or vegetable broth – 4 cups
  • Heavy cream – 1 cup
  • Spinach – 2 cups
  • Salt – 1 teaspoon
  • Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
  • Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Warm the olive oil in a large pot and add the onion, carrots, and celery. As they cook, the vegetables soften and release a gentle aroma. Stir occasionally until everything looks slightly glossy and tender.

See also  Beef Barley Soup

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Add the garlic and seasoning, stirring until fragrant. Pour in the broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. The liquid should look lightly bubbling, with vegetables floating evenly and the smell turning warm and savory.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Slide the gnocchi into the pot and stir gently. They’ll sink at first, then slowly rise as they cook. Pour in the cream and add spinach, watching it wilt into the soup within moments.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Let the soup simmer briefly until slightly thickened. The broth should look creamy, not heavy. Taste and adjust seasoning, then turn off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This soup is designed for days when time feels short. Everything cooks in one pot, the gnocchi needs only minutes, and the soup reheats well. It’s easy to make ahead and portion out, which is ideal for Pinterest planners who want something ready to enjoy later without extra steps.

Tips & Tricks

  • Don’t overcook the gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks quickly and can turn mushy if left too long. Add it near the end and watch for it to float, which signals it’s ready and still tender.
  • Control the thickness: If the soup feels too thick, add a splash of broth while it simmers. If it’s too thin, let it rest off the heat for a few minutes to naturally thicken.
  • Season gradually: Broth brands vary in saltiness. Taste before adding extra salt so the soup stays balanced and not overpowering.
  • Add greens last: Spinach wilts fast. Stir it in at the end to keep its color fresh and texture soft instead of overcooked.

Variations

  • Meaty version: Add cooked chicken or crumbled sausage after the vegetables soften. This turns the soup into a more filling meal while keeping the same cozy base and creamy texture.
  • Vegetarian option: Use vegetable broth and add mushrooms for depth. Sliced mushrooms soften nicely and add a hearty bite without changing the comfort of the soup.
  • Ingredient swap: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version. The soup stays creamy but feels less rich, which works well for everyday meals.
  • Flavor or herb boost: Stir in fresh basil or thyme at the end. These herbs brighten the soup and add a gentle aroma without overpowering the gnocchi.
See also  Tortilla Soup

Serving Suggestions

  • Simple bread side: Serve with warm bread or rolls. Dipping bread into the creamy broth makes the meal feel complete and extra comforting.
  • Light protein add-on: Pair with a simple roasted chicken or baked fish on the side for a balanced family dinner.
  • Casual family bowls: Serve in deep bowls with extra black pepper on top. It feels relaxed and inviting for weeknight dinners.
  • Cozy lunch portions: Enjoy smaller bowls for lunch. The soup reheats well and feels filling without being too heavy midday.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge storage: Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to blend, making leftovers even more comforting.
  • Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a small splash of broth or milk if the soup thickens too much.
  • Freezing: Freeze without the gnocchi if possible. Add fresh gnocchi when reheating for best texture, as frozen gnocchi can become soft.
  • Make-ahead tips: Prepare the base soup ahead of time and add gnocchi just before serving. This keeps the texture right and saves time later.

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Rest Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Each serving contains approximately 320–380 calories and 10–14 grams of protein. It also provides calcium from the cream and small amounts of fiber from vegetables. Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQs

Conclusion

This gnocchi soup is meant to feel easy and comforting, not complicated or demanding. It’s a recipe you can return to when you want something warm, filling, and familiar without much effort. The base is flexible, so you can adjust it based on what’s on hand or who you’re cooking for. Once you’ve made it once, it naturally becomes part of your regular rotation. Whether it’s for a quiet night in or a simple family dinner, gnocchi soup has a way of making the day feel softer and a little more settled.

Gnocchi Soup

Recipe by Tasty VaultCourse: Soup Recipes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Creamy, cozy soup made with soft potato gnocchi and simple vegetables.
Quick to cook and perfect for comforting family meals.

Ingredients

  • 16 oz potato gnocchi

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 carrots, sliced

  • 2 celery stalks, chopped

  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 2 cups spinach

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Directions

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  • Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until soft.
  • Stir in garlic and seasoning.
  • Pour in broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Add gnocchi and cook until they float.
  • Stir in cream and spinach.
  • Simmer briefly, then remove from heat.
  • Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve warm.

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