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
Scale
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.
