Ah, the comforting embrace of a steamy bowl of soup—it’s like a warm hug on a chilly day. This Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Tomato Soup, with its harmonious blend of flavors, takes me back to those spontaneous Sunday dinners when the aroma of simmering tomatoes filled the air, making everything feel just right. Whether you’re a fan of gnocchi or simply in search of a new winter staple, this recipe is bound to become a favorite, as it dances between hearty and indulgent with every spoonful.
Steps
- Cook the Italian sausage in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons of grease in the pot, or add olive oil if needed.
- Sauté the diced onion in the pot for about 3 minutes while stirring occasionally. Add the carrots, celery, bell peppers, and garlic, then continue to sauté for another 5 minutes.
- Pour in the wine and deglaze the pot by scraping up the browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Stir in the chicken stock, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
- Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 5-10 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Add the cooked sausage back into the pot, along with the gnocchi and spinach or kale. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the gnocchi floats and is fully cooked.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional red pepper flakes if desired. Serve the soup immediately with your choice of toppings like Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (spicy or mild)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 2 bell peppers, diced (one red, one yellow)
- 5 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 1/2 cup dry red or white wine
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 package (16 ounces) gnocchi
- 2 large handfuls fresh baby spinach or roughly-chopped kale
- Optional toppings: freshly-grated Parmesan cheese, finely-chopped fresh parsley or basil
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of sausage in this soup?
- Absolutely! You can substitute traditional pork sausage with chicken, turkey, or even vegan Italian sausage. Just remember that if you use a sausage other than pork, you might need to add some extra olive oil to aid in browning the sausage and sautéing the vegetables.
- What other vegetables can I add to this soup?
- Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables you have on hand. This recipe is quite adaptable, and you can include any seasonal veggies you like to make it even more nutritious and flavorful.
- How can I make this soup spicier?
- If you prefer a spicier soup, consider adding a few generous pinches of crushed red pepper flakes. You can adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.
- Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
- Yes, fresh tomatoes can be a great substitute if they are in season. They will add a fresh and vibrant flavor to the soup. If using fresh tomatoes, you might want to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they break down properly.
- What are some suggested toppings for this soup?
- This soup is even more delicious when topped with freshly-grated Parmesan cheese and finely-chopped fresh parsley or basil. Serving it with a loaf of crusty bread for dipping is also highly recommended.
Tips
- To save time, chop your vegetables while the sausage is cooking. This efficient use of time can help streamline the preparation process.
- If you’re using a non-pork sausage like chicken, turkey, or vegan options, consider adding an extra tablespoon of olive oil to ensure proper browning and sautéing of the sausage and vegetables.
- For a bit of heat, incorporate some crushed red pepper flakes into the soup. Adjust the amount to your taste preference to achieve the desired level of spiciness.
- Serve the soup with a crusty loaf of bread and freshly grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the comforting and flavorful experience.
Equipment
- Large stockpot – Essential for cooking the soup and browning the sausage.
- Slotted spoon – Useful for transferring the cooked sausage while leaving the grease behind.
- Wooden spoon – Helpful for deglazing the pot and stirring the soup.
