If you’re craving a cozy, comforting meal that bursts with rich Italian flavors and melt-in-your-mouth gnocchi, this Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s an effortlessly delicious way to bring the heartiness of sausage and the freshness of spinach together in a creamy tomato broth. Plus, everything simmers low and slow in the Crock Pot, making it perfect for busy days when you want dinner waiting for you without fuss. Once you taste this soup, it’s sure to become one of your go-to comfort foods for cooler evenings or anytime you want a bowl of pure satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this soup just right means starting with simple, high-quality ingredients that each play a vital role in delivering authentic taste and beautiful texture. From the savory Italian sausage that creates a flavorful base, to the tender gnocchi that soaks up all the goodness, every item is essential to the final masterpiece.
- Italian sausage (1 lb): Choose mild or spicy, depending on how much kick you want for your soup.
- Medium onion (1, chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the broth with aromatic warmth.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): The flavorful liquid base that brings it all together.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz, undrained): Gives a fresh, tangy punch and vibrant color.
- Frozen gnocchi (10 oz package): Soft, potato-based dumplings that turn tender and delicious when cooked.
- Fresh spinach (2 cups, chopped): Adds a pop of green and subtle earthiness.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Creates a rich, creamy texture without overpowering the other flavors.
- Dried Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A fragrant blend of herbs to enhance the Italian vibe.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Add a gentle heat if you love a little spice.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, balancing and boosting all the flavors.
- Parmesan cheese (optional): A sprinkle on top adds salty richness and a wonderful finishing touch.
How to Make Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by cooking the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until it’s nicely browned. Breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks ensures even cooking and perfect crumbles. Once browned, drain off any extra fat so the soup isn’t greasy, then transfer the sausage straight into your Crock Pot.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
Next, add your chopped onion and minced garlic to the Crock Pot with the sausage. Pour in the chicken broth and can of diced tomatoes with their juices — these bring rich flavor and the vibrant color that makes this soup so appealing. Sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning for that classic herby taste and give everything a good stir.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the Crock Pot and cook the soup on low for 6 hours, or if you’re short on time, use the high setting for 3 hours. This slow simmer melds all the flavors beautifully while tenderizing the ingredients to create a cozy, inviting soup.
Step 4: Add the Gnocchi
About half an hour before you plan to serve, toss in the frozen gnocchi and stir to combine. They need around 20 to 30 minutes in the hot soup to become soft and pillowy. Keep cooking on low or high according to your initial choice.
Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Cream
Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and pour in the heavy cream, which transforms the broth into a luscious, creamy delight. Let everything cook together for another 10 minutes, giving the spinach time to wilt perfectly and the cream to meld with the soup’s robust flavors.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Give your soup a final taste, then season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like that subtle heat. Serve it hot, with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top if you want to add that extra layer of savory goodness.
How to Serve Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly grated Parmesan or a few torn basil leaves add aroma and flavor that make the dish feel extra special. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of cracked black pepper can also brighten each bite without overshadowing the soup’s comforting richness.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad to balance out the creamy texture. For a heartier meal, consider serving with roasted vegetables or a light pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs to stay on theme without overdoing the carb load.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, ladle the soup into individual hollowed-out bread bowls, adding both rustic charm and an extra bread course. Or serve it in colorful ceramic bowls that make every spoonful feel cozy and inviting, perfect for sharing with family or friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness, and before reheating, give it a good stir to recombine all the flavors that may settle.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, freeze the soup before adding the gnocchi and cream, as these can change texture when frozen. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the soup overnight, then add fresh gnocchi, cream, and spinach as you reheat.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much, and be sure to stir in any fresh ingredients like spinach just before serving to keep them vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage works well if you want a leaner option, but it might mellow the flavor slightly, so consider adding a bit more Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to keep the soup lively.
Is it okay to use fresh gnocchi instead of frozen?
Fresh gnocchi can be used; just add them at the very end and cook only until they float and become tender, usually just a few minutes, to avoid overcooking and turning them mushy.
How spicy is this Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup Recipe?
The base recipe is mildly spiced, but you can customize the heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes, or choosing a spicy sausage for a bolder kick.
Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot?
You can! Brown the sausage using the sauté function, then add the other ingredients and pressure cook for about 15 minutes. Add gnocchi, spinach, and cream after pressure cooking and simmer briefly until warmed through.
What’s the best way to prevent the gnocchi from getting mushy?
Add the gnocchi towards the last 20 to 30 minutes of cooking and avoid overcooking. If reheating, it’s best to add fresh gnocchi then so they stay pillowy and maintain their texture.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s simple to make, yet packed with flavor and texture layers that delight every taste bud. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved recipe for cozy, stress-free dinners. So go ahead, prep your ingredients, turn on the slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a deliciously satisfying meal that’s as easy as it is unforgettable.
Print
Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A hearty and comforting Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup featuring savory Italian sausage, tender gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a creamy tomato broth simmered to perfection. This slow-cooked soup is perfect for an easy weeknight meal or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat and Sausage
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Starches
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen gnocchi
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
- Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat and transfer the sausage to the Crock Pot.
- Add aromatics and liquids: To the Crock Pot with the sausage, add chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, and dried Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Slow cook the soup: Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, allowing flavors to develop deeply.
- Add gnocchi: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen gnocchi. Continue cooking on the same setting 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 wilts and the soup turns creamy.
- Season and garnish: Season the soup with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- You can choose mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your heat preference.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with kale or swiss chard if desired.
- Gnocchi cook quickly in the crock pot; ensure not to add too early to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
