Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup

If you’re craving a bowl of comfort that’s both hearty and wholesome, look no further than this Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup. Picture tender gnocchi soaking up a savory broth filled with Italian herbs, fresh spinach, and plenty of cheesy goodness. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug, especially when you come home after a long day and the house smells like it’s been cooking for hours (even though you barely had to lift a finger). Trust me, you’re going to love this one—it’s the ultimate cozy soup that everyone will want seconds of.

Why You’ll Love Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup

This recipe is everything you need when you’re looking for a comforting, hands-off meal that still brings loads of flavor. Here’s why it’s a go-to favorite:

Versatile: Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a simple dinner for the family, this soup does it all. It’s easy to make for a weeknight meal or even special enough for a cozy gathering.
Budget-Friendly: You probably have most of these ingredients already, and the result is a delicious, filling soup that won’t break the bank.
Set-It-and-Forget-It: The beauty of this soup is how easy it is. Dump everything in the Crock Pot, set it, and let it do all the work for you. No fuss, no stress.
Flavorful & Comforting: The broth is rich and aromatic, while the gnocchi soaks up all that herby goodness. Plus, the addition of spinach gives it a fresh, healthy twist.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this one! It’s creamy, cheesy, and just the right balance of flavors to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients in Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup

This soup is all about simplicity and great flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Gnocchi: These little potato dumplings are the star of the show, soaking up the broth to become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Chicken Broth: A flavorful base for the soup that gives it that rich, savory depth.
Italian Sausage: Adds a deliciously spicy and savory kick that perfectly complements the creamy broth.
Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully into the soup, adding color, texture, and nutrients.
Garlic: Freshly minced for that irresistible aroma and flavor.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the soup’s base.
Heavy Cream: Gives the soup a rich, creamy finish that’s so comforting.
Parmesan Cheese: For that salty, cheesy bite that takes the flavor to the next level.
Italian Seasoning: The perfect mix of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme to make this soup burst with flavor.
Salt & Pepper: To taste, enhancing all the other flavors in the soup.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this deliciously cozy soup:

Brown the Sausage: Start by browning the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Break it apart as it cooks so that it’s nice and crumbly. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set it aside.
Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant—about 2-3 minutes.
Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot: Add the browned sausage, sautéed onions and garlic, gnocchi, chicken broth, spinach, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into your Crock Pot.
Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. The gnocchi should be tender, and the soup should have melded together beautifully.
Add Cream & Cheese: Once the soup is done cooking, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the soup is creamy and smooth.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up that delicious broth.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6-8
Calories per serving: Approximately 350–400 (depending on serving size and exact ingredients)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
Total Time: 4-6 hours (depending on cook time)

How to Serve Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup

This soup is delicious on its own, but if you’re looking to round out your meal, here are a few serving ideas:

Crusty Bread: Serve with some warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the creamy broth.
Fresh Salad: Pair with a light, fresh salad for a complete meal. Try a simple arugula or mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
Cheese: Don’t forget extra Parmesan on top! The more cheese, the better.
Roasted Veggies: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like carrots or zucchini to add more color and nutrients to the meal.

Additional Tips

Make It Ahead: This soup stores and reheats beautifully. Make a double batch and keep leftovers for an easy lunch or dinner the next day.
Spice It Up: Want some extra heat? Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Dairy-Free Option: You can swap the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative to make it dairy-free.
Freezer-Friendly: This soup freezes well! Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Customizable: Feel free to add in your favorite veggies, like carrots or bell peppers, or swap the sausage for chicken for a lighter option.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen gnocchi?
A1: Yes! Frozen gnocchi works just as well as fresh. Just add it straight to the Crock Pot without thawing.

Q2: Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead?
A2: Absolutely! Brown the sausage and sauté the veggies in a large pot, then add the rest of the ingredients and simmer for about 30-45 minutes, until the gnocchi is tender.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q4: Can I freeze this soup?
A4: Yes, it freezes well. Just let it cool before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It’ll stay good for up to 3 months.

Q5: Can I use a different type of sausage?
A5: Of course! You can use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage for a different flavor profile.

Q6: Can I skip the heavy cream?
A6: You can! For a lighter version, just skip the cream, or add a splash of milk or half-and-half for a lighter, but still creamy, texture.

Q7: Can I add more vegetables?
A7: Yes, definitely! Carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms are great additions that will cook up nicely in the Crock Pot.

Q8: What can I serve this soup with?
A8: Try serving it with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Q9: Can I make this soup spicier?
A9: Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to spice things up.

Q10: How do I reheat leftovers?
A10: Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through.

Conclusion

This Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup is the perfect combination of cozy, comforting, and oh-so-flavorful. The best part? You can just set it and forget it, letting the slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you kick back and relax. Whether you’re serving it up on a chilly evening or enjoying leftovers for lunch the next day, this soup will warm you from the inside out. So go ahead—give it a try, and enjoy every bite of that cheesy, herby goodness!

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