Description
This comforting Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, hearty dish combining soft potato gnocchi with a flavorful broth enriched with cream, fresh greens, and Parmesan cheese. Perfectly suited for chilly days, it offers a quick and nourishing meal that can be easily customized to suit various dietary preferences and tastes.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 package (about 16 oz) potato gnocchi
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 1 cup cream or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs (dried basil, oregano, thyme mixed)
Optional Variations and Add-ins
- Sautéed mushrooms or zucchini (for vegetarian version)
- Cooked shredded chicken, turkey, or sausage (for protein boost)
- Coconut milk (dairy-free substitute for cream)
- Crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce (for spicy kick)
- Fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or basil (for herb infusion)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent to build a rich flavor base.
- Add Broth and Bring to Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup base to develop.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi directly into the simmering broth. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the gnocchi float to the surface, indicating they are tender and done.
- Incorporate Greens and Cream: Stir in the fresh spinach or kale and allow it to wilt into the soup. Then add the cream or half-and-half, stirring gently to create a rich and silky texture.
- Season and Finish: Season the soup with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs according to your taste. Finally, stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted, enhancing the creaminess and depth of flavor. Serve the soup hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Use fresh gnocchi for quicker cooking and lighter texture; frozen gnocchi also works well.
- Add leafy greens at the end to keep them vibrant and preserve nutrients.
- Keep the soup at a gentle simmer after adding cream to prevent curdling.
- Taste before adding extra salt as broth and Parmesan can be salty.
- Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top just before serving for added savoriness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: Gnocchi soup, creamy soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, potato gnocchi, quick dinner, Italian soup, hearty soup, cold weather meal
