Gnocchi Zuppa Toscana

Y’all, the aroma of sausage and garlic sizzling in olive oil just fills my kitchen with so much warmth. It reminds me of those chilly fall evenings here in Texas when the whole family’s huddled around the table, ready for a comforting bowl of soup. This Gnocchi Zuppa Toscana recipe is a twist on the classic, and I’ve made it countless times in my kitchen for my own two little taste testers (who, let me tell you, can be brutally honest!). I promise you’ll get a hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy meal that even the pickiest eaters will gobble up.

Why This Recipe Works

As a busy mom, I need recipes that are quick, easy, and satisfying, and this Gnocchi Zuppa Toscana hits all the marks. Here’s why it’s a winner for families:

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 45 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Kid-Approved: The gnocchi and creamy broth are a hit with kids of all ages.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable to your family’s preferences and dietary needs.
• Hearty & Filling: A complete meal in a bowl, packed with protein, veggies, and carbs.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), removed from casings
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 pound gnocchi
• 1 bunch kale, chopped (about 6 cups)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient Notes

Italian Sausage: I prefer using sweet Italian sausage for a milder flavor that my kids enjoy, but spicy Italian sausage adds a nice kick if you’re looking for it. You can also use turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.

Gnocchi: Shelf-stable gnocchi works best for this recipe, but you can also use refrigerated gnocchi. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as fresh gnocchi cooks faster.

Kale: Tuscan kale (also known as lacinato or dinosaur kale) is traditionally used in Zuppa Toscana, but regular curly kale works just as well. Just be sure to remove the tough stems before chopping.

Chicken Broth: Using a good quality chicken broth makes a big difference in the overall flavor of the soup. I like to use low-sodium chicken broth so I can control the amount of salt in the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The rendered fat from the sausage will add a ton of flavor to the soup.

Step 2: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Keep stirring so the garlic doesn’t burn and becomes bitter.

Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and water. Stir in the dried oregano and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Add the gnocchi to the pot and cook according to package directions. Usually, this means cooking until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the gnocchi, or they’ll become mushy.

Step 5: Stir in the chopped kale and cook until it wilts, about 3-5 minutes. The kale will turn a vibrant green as it cooks down. Make sure you chopped the kale in small pieces, so it’s easier to eat.

Step 6: Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through gently, but do not boil. The heavy cream adds a richness and creaminess that takes this soup to the next level.

Storage & Meal Prep

Storage: Store leftover Gnocchi Zuppa Toscana in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating: Reheat the soup gently in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions.

Make-Ahead: You can chop the vegetables and cook the sausage a day or two in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and then combine them when you’re ready to make the soup. This saves valuable time on busy weeknights.

Substitutions & Variations

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi to make this recipe gluten-free. I’ve tried it with a brand from Whole Foods and it worked great!

Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative.

Vegetarian: Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.

Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or potatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Zuppa Toscana actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld. Prepare the soup, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.

How do I know when the gnocchi is done?

The gnocchi is done when it floats to the surface of the soup. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can become mushy.

Can I use frozen kale?

Yes, you can use frozen kale in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw it and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the soup.

Is this soup spicy?

The soup has a mild kick from the optional red pepper flakes. If you prefer a spicier soup, you can add more red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.

Can I freeze this soup?

While you can freeze this soup, the texture of the gnocchi might change slightly. If you plan to freeze it, cook the gnocchi separately and add it to the soup after reheating.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! My kids love this soup. The gnocchi and creamy broth are a hit with little ones. You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness.

Can I use different greens other than kale?

Yes, you can use other greens like spinach or Swiss chard. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as some greens cook faster than others.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Gnocchi Zuppa Toscana with a side of crusty bread for dipping. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a nice finishing touch. For a complete meal, pair it with a simple side salad.

Y’all, I hope you give this Gnocchi Zuppa Toscana a try. It’s a true family favorite that’s sure to warm you up from the inside out. I can’t wait to hear what you think! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know how it turns out. And if you’re looking for more easy and delicious family recipes, don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter at FamiliesRecipes.com – I’m always sharing my latest kitchen adventures!

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