If you’re craving a cozy, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Sausage, Kale, and Gnocchi Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with savory Italian sausage, tender potato gnocchi, and vibrant kale, all swimming in a creamy broth, this soup delivers layers of flavor and comforting textures. It’s a perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and earthy notes that come together so effortlessly, you’ll want to make it again and again. Whether you’re new to soup making or a seasoned home cook, this recipe brings a fresh twist to classic ingredients and guarantees a satisfying bowl every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to any delicious meal, and this soup is no exception. Each component plays a vital role: the spicy sausage adds punch, kale brings a fresh, slightly bitter contrast, and the gnocchi makes it wonderfully chewy and indulgent. The simple seasonings and cream round everything out to create a perfectly balanced dish.
- 17.6 ounces Italian sausages (hot preferred): Provides a rich, spicy foundation, and the fat renders nicely for sautéing.
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped): Brings a sweet, savory base flavor that softens as it cooks.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Adds warmth and depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: A little tang to brighten and lift the flavors subtly.
- 1 dash Italian seasoning: Warms the soup with classic herbs like oregano and basil.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Creates the comforting liquid base that infuses everything with savory goodness.
- 1 pound potato gnocchi: Soft, pillowy bites that soak up the flavors beautifully.
- 1 small bunch kale (torn, stems removed): Adds a hearty texture and vibrant green color to every spoonful.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Brings indulgent richness and smooths the broth into a luscious finish.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to balance and enhance the final soup.
How to Make Sausage, Kale, and Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by removing the sausages from their casings or chop them into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a soup pot over medium-high heat. Let them sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re browned and fragrant. The sausage fat will render out, so there’s usually no need for extra oil, unless your sausage is very lean.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Add the chopped onion right into the pot with the sausage. Keep cooking for another 4 to 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and soft, infusing the whole mixture with sweet undertones.
Step 3: Add Garlic, Mustard, and Italian Seasoning
Stir in the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and a dash of Italian seasoning. Cook everything together for about 30 seconds. This brief step helps release the fragrance of the garlic and meld the seasonings perfectly.
Step 4: Introduce Broth and Gnocchi
Pour in the chicken broth and add the potato gnocchi. Turn the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat so it simmers gently. Allow it to cook for 5 minutes so the gnocchi gets tender and the flavors start mingling.
Step 5: Add Kale and Cream
Toss in your kale and pour the heavy cream into the pot. Let the soup continue simmering for about 10 minutes. The kale will soften but still hold onto a slight bite, and the gnocchi will release starch, thickening the broth to a comforting, silky texture.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Give the soup a final taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. This last step ensures the flavors are perfectly balanced, making every spoonful a delight.
How to Serve Sausage, Kale, and Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil serves to elevate the flavor and create a beautiful presentation. For a hint of crunch, toasted pine nuts or crispy sage leaves make wonderful toppings. Freshly chopped parsley or a grind of cracked black pepper adds final touches that feel both savvy and simple.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, like a rustic baguette or cheesy garlic bread, perfect for soaking up every last drop of the creamy broth. A light green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the heartiness of the soup, balancing out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in charming soup crocks or deep bowls to keep it warm at the table. For a special occasion, you can ladle the soup into hollowed-out mini bread bowls for a rustic, charming presentation. Garnishing each bowl individually allows you to customize flavors and textures for your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners. Just be mindful that the kale might become softer over time, but the taste remains fantastic.
Freezing
Freezing Sausage, Kale, and Gnocchi Soup Recipe is possible but with a small caveat: the texture of the gnocchi can change and become a bit softer after thawing. If you plan to freeze it, consider leaving the gnocchi out and adding fresh ones to each serving after reheating. Freeze the broth, sausage, and kale mixture in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or curdling of the cream. If the soup is too thick after refrigeration, add a splash of broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency. Avoid high heat to keep the flavors fresh and the cream smooth.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey or chicken sausage can be great alternatives if you prefer a leaner option. Just make sure to adjust cooking times if needed, and consider adding a bit of extra seasoning to compensate for the milder flavor.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream in the soup?
Heavy cream gives the soup its rich and velvety texture, but if you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half or a plant-based cream. Keep in mind the soup might be less creamy, but it will still be delicious.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian-friendly, swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for that savory umami punch. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the flavor robust and satisfying.
What other greens can I use instead of kale?
Collard greens, Swiss chard, or spinach are excellent substitutes. They each bring their own texture and flavor, so feel free to experiment and find what you like best in this soup.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the sausage and sauté the onions and garlic on the stovetop first, then transfer all ingredients except the cream and kale to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the kale and cream in the last 30 minutes to finish it off beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage, Kale, and Gnocchi Soup Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like home with every spoonful. Its vibrant flavors, satisfying textures, and creamy goodness make it an instant favorite for any season. I encourage you to try it soon—whether it’s a weekday dinner or a weekend treat, this soup promises to bring comfort and joy to your table.
Print
Sausage, Kale, and Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This hearty Sausage, Kale, and Gnocchi Soup combines spicy Italian sausage, tender kale, and pillowy potato gnocchi in a creamy, flavorful chicken broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup is packed with savory goodness and comes together in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Sausage Mixture
- 17.6 ounces Italian sausages (hot, cut up or crumbled)
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 dash Italian seasoning
Soup Base
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound potato gnocchi
- 1 small bunch kale (torn into bite-size pieces, stems removed)
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Remove the sausages from their casings or cut them up and add to a soup pot. Sauté over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides. No additional oil is necessary unless the sausage is very lean.
- Cook the Onion: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook for another 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Aromatics and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 30 seconds to allow the flavors to release.
- Add Broth and Gnocchi: Pour in the chicken broth and add the potato gnocchi. Increase heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to simmer and cook for 5 minutes to soften the gnocchi.
- Add Kale and Cream: Stir in the torn kale and heavy cream. Let the soup simmer gently for about 10 minutes. The gnocchi will release starch, thickening the broth as it cooks.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Using hot Italian sausage adds a spicy kick; mild sausage can be substituted for less heat.
- For a leaner option, remove excess fat from the sausage or use turkey sausage.
- Fresh gnocchi works best, but frozen gnocchi can be used—just add a couple of minutes to the cooking time.
- Adjust cream amount or substitute with half-and-half for a lighter soup.
- The soup thickens over time due to starch from gnocchi, so adjust broth quantity if a thinner consistency is preferred.
