Are you ready to warm your soul with a delightful bowl of Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi Soup? This hearty and flavorful dish brings together Italian sausage, tender gnocchi, and fresh vegetables for a meal that satisfies. With easy steps and tips, you’ll create a warming soup perfect for any night. Let’s dive into the rich flavors and simple ingredients that make this soup a must-try!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Hearty: This soup is the perfect balance of flavors and textures, providing a warm and cozy meal that’s great for any day of the week.
- Quick and Easy: With only about 35 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without a lot of time in the kitchen.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vegetables, lean protein, and wholesome gnocchi, this soup is not only delicious but also a healthy option for you and your family.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of greens, making it versatile for everyone’s taste preferences.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
– 2 medium carrots, sliced into rounds
– 1 cup kale or spinach, roughly chopped
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi, fresh or frozen
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
This soup is hearty and rich. It starts with the Italian sausage. I love using a pound of this sausage for great flavor. The aromatic blend of onion and garlic adds depth. It gives the soup a warm, inviting scent as it cooks.
Next, I pour in four cups of chicken broth. Low-sodium broth works best, allowing me to control the salt. I then add sliced carrots and undrained diced tomatoes. These ingredients boost the soup’s heartiness. The addition of kale or spinach brings color and nutrients.
For seasoning, I use dried oregano and dried basil. They enhance the overall taste. I also include a package of gnocchi, either fresh or frozen, which adds a pillowy texture. Finally, I mix in heavy cream for a rich finish.
To bring it all together, I add salt and pepper to taste. I garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Cooking the sausage
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 pound of Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sausage browns and cooks through.
2. Adding vegetables and broth
Next, mix in 1 medium diced onion and 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion turns soft and fragrant. Now, pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. Add 2 sliced carrots, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
3. Simmering for flavor enhancement
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Let your soup simmer for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors blend together nicely.
4. Cooking the gnocchi
Stir in 1 package (16 oz) of gnocchi and 1 cup of chopped kale or spinach. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the gnocchi is tender. Finally, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well and heat through for another 2-3 minutes. Taste your soup and add salt and pepper as needed.
With these steps, you’ll create a warm and tasty Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi Soup that everyone will love!
Tips & Tricks
How to Perfect Your Soup
– Adjusting seasoning to taste
Start with salt and pepper. After cooking, taste the soup. If it needs more flavor, add a bit more salt or pepper. You can also add a pinch of dried herbs like oregano or basil for extra depth. Just remember to add a little at a time.
– Using fresh versus frozen gnocchi
Fresh gnocchi cooks faster and has a nice texture. It will soak up the soup’s flavors well. Frozen gnocchi is very handy. It’s quick and can last longer in your freezer. Both types work great, so choose what you have.
– Tips for meal prepping
Make the soup in advance for busy days. Cook the soup, then cool it down quickly. Store it in airtight containers in the fridge. You can freeze it too! Just let it cool, then portion it out. When you’re ready, heat up a bowl and enjoy!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh herbs and vegetables whenever possible to enhance the flavor profile of your soup.
- Adjust the Creaminess: For a lighter soup, reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative.
- Customize Your Greens: Feel free to substitute kale with Swiss chard or spinach depending on your preference or what you have on hand.
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove.
Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can easily change this soup to fit your needs.
– Alternative proteins: If you want a lighter dish, swap the Italian sausage for chicken or turkey. These meats add a nice flavor while keeping it lean. You can use ground chicken or turkey. Just cook them the same way as the sausage.
– Different greens: If you don’t have kale, try spinach or Swiss chard. Both greens cook quickly and boost the soup’s nutrients. Spinach gives a soft texture, while Swiss chard adds a slight earthiness.
– Dairy-free options: For a dairy-free soup, skip the heavy cream. Use coconut milk or almond milk instead. These options still give a creamy feel without the dairy. Just stir them in at the end, like the cream.
These swaps let you enjoy this dish your way while keeping it hearty and tasty!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi Soup fresh, follow these easy steps:
– Refrigeration tips: Let the soup cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its rich flavors.
– Freezing instructions: If you want to save it for later, freeze the soup. Pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last about 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
– Reheating methods: To reheat, add the soup to a pot over low heat. Stir often to make sure it heats evenly. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or water. You can also use the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps your soup warm and tasty.
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. It tastes even better the next day. Just store it in the fridge.
What to serve with Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi Soup?
I love serving this soup with crusty bread. It helps soak up the tasty broth. A simple side salad also works well.
Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi saves time. Just cook it according to the package instructions before adding it to the soup.
How spicy is this soup?
This soup has mild spice. The Italian sausage adds flavor without too much heat. You can adjust the spice by choosing spicy sausage.
What is the origin of Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi Soup?
This soup comes from Tuscany, Italy. It combines local ingredients, like sausage and greens, into a warm dish. It reflects the rustic Italian way of cooking.
This blog post covered how to make Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi Soup. We looked at key ingredients, preparation steps, and helpful tips for a perfect soup. You learned about alternatives for proteins and greens, as well as storage tips.
Remember, cooking is about fun and taste. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Make this soup your own. Enjoy your cooking adventure and share it with other
