Easy Italian Sausage Kale Gnocchi Soup

Y’all, there’s just something about a warm bowl of soup on a chilly Texas evening. With the first hint of fall in the air, I immediately start craving cozy comfort food. This Italian sausage and kale gnocchi soup is one of my family’s favorites – and let me tell you, it’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights. I’ve made this gnocchi soup countless times in my own kitchen, tweaking it until it’s absolutely perfect for our family. This recipe will give you a hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy soup that everyone will love.

Why This Recipe Works

As a busy momma of two, I’m all about recipes that are quick, easy, and packed with flavor. This Italian sausage and kale gnocchi soup checks all those boxes! Here’s why it works:

• One-Pot Wonder: Less dishes? Yes, please! Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Ready in 30 Minutes: From start to finish, this soup is on the table in under half an hour. Perfect for those nights when you’re short on time.
• Kid-Friendly Flavors: Even my picky eaters love the combination of savory sausage, tender gnocchi, and mild kale.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your family’s tastes or whatever you have on hand.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 (17.6-ounce) package potato gnocchi
• 6 cups chopped kale (about 6 ounces)
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Ingredient Notes

Let’s chat about a few of these ingredients. The Italian sausage is the star here, so use a good quality one that you enjoy. I usually go for mild, but hot Italian sausage will definitely kick things up a notch. If you don’t have kale on hand, spinach works great too. And if you’re watching your sodium intake, be sure to use low-sodium chicken broth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! This Italian sausage and kale gnocchi soup is so simple, even the most novice cook can whip it up with ease. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious, comforting soup on the table in no time.

1. Step 1: Brown the Sausage. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease and set the sausage aside.
2. Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables. Add the olive oil to the pot. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery and cook over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Cook for another minute, until fragrant. This step is crucial for building flavor!
4. Step 4: Simmer the Soup. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a simmer, then return the cooked sausage to the pot.
5. Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi. Add the potato gnocchi to the simmering soup and cook until they float to the surface, about 3-5 minutes. They’ll puff up just a bit when they’re done.
6. Step 6: Add the Kale. Stir in the chopped kale and cook until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes. Don’t overcook it – you want it to retain a little bit of texture.
7. Step 7: Finish the Soup. If desired, stir in the heavy cream for a richer, creamier soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Step 8: Serve. Ladle the Italian sausage and kale gnocchi soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips from My Kitchen

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this soup even better. Here are my top tips for making the perfect Italian sausage and kale gnocchi soup:

• Don’t overcook the gnocchi. They can get mushy if you cook them for too long. Once they float to the surface, they’re ready to go.
• Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Taste the soup after adding the kale and adjust the salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes as needed.
• Use fresh garlic. It makes a big difference in the flavor of the soup.
• For a richer flavor, use bone broth instead of chicken broth. It adds depth and complexity to the soup.
• If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or milk. Just be careful not to boil the soup after adding it, or it might curdle.
• To make it kid-friendly, omit the red pepper flakes. You can also add a little bit of shredded mozzarella cheese on top for extra flavor.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a bright, fresh flavor.

Storage & Meal Prep

This Italian sausage and kale gnocchi soup is perfect for meal prepping! It stores well in the refrigerator and reheats beautifully. Here’s how to store it and prep it ahead of time:

Storage: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating: Reheat the soup in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.

Make-Ahead: You can chop the vegetables and brown the sausage a day or two ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. This will save you time when you’re ready to make the soup.

Batch Prep: This recipe doubles or triples easily, so feel free to make a big batch and freeze some for later. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Substitutions & Variations

One of the best things about this soup is how easily you can customize it to your liking. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi to make this soup gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Omit the heavy cream or use a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut cream or cashew cream.
• Vegetarian: Substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or add extra vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini.
• Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Different Greens: Use spinach, Swiss chard, or collard greens instead of kale.
• Bean Addition: Stir in a can of cannellini beans or great northern beans for extra protein and fiber.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! The flavors actually meld together and deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when you’re ready to eat.

How do I know when the gnocchi is done?

The gnocchi is done when it floats to the surface of the soup and is slightly puffed up. Be careful not to overcook it, or it will get mushy.

Can I use frozen kale?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the soup.

Can I freeze this soup?

Definitely! Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Is this soup kid-friendly?

Yes, it is! Just omit the red pepper flakes if your kids don’t like spice. You can also add a little bit of shredded mozzarella cheese on top for extra flavor and appeal.

Serving Suggestions

This Italian sausage and kale gnocchi soup is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it even more special:

• Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
• Top with a dollop of ricotta cheese or a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
• Pair it with a simple green salad for a light and refreshing meal.

For plating, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil. Simple and elegant!

As for portion sizes, a generous bowl is usually enough for adults, while a smaller portion is perfect for kids. Adjust as needed based on your family’s appetite.

Y’all, I truly believe that this Italian sausage and kale gnocchi soup is a winner for busy families. It’s quick, easy, delicious, and customizable – everything a good weeknight meal should be. I hope you’ll give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below. And don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter for more family-friendly recipes delivered straight to your inbox!

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