Description
This Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup is a hearty and comforting meal perfect for busy days. Packed with flavorful Italian sausage, tender gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a creamy tomato broth, this slow-cooked soup combines classic Italian flavors in an easy-to-make recipe that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Broth & Liquids
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Canned Goods
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
Carbohydrates
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen gnocchi
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and transfer the cooked sausage to the Crock Pot.
- Add Base Ingredients: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and dried Italian seasoning to the Crock Pot. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook the Soup: Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften thoroughly.
- Add Gnocchi: About 30 minutes before serving, add the frozen gnocchi to the soup and stir well. Continue cooking on low or high until the gnocchi is tender, approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
- Finish with Spinach and Cream: Stir in the chopped spinach and heavy cream. Cook for an additional 10 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the soup develops a creamy texture.
- Season the Soup: Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Adjust seasoning according to taste.
- Serve: Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired, for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- You can use either mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your heat preference.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly or let the soup cook uncovered for a short time to thicken.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the soup will be less rich.
- Frozen spinach can be used as a substitute for fresh spinach, just add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Gnocchi cooks quickly, so make sure not to add it too early to avoid mushy texture.
