Sausage Gnocchi Soup

### Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sausage Gnocchi Soup

#### Step 1: Cook the Sausage
In a large pot, heat a little olive oil over medium-high heat. Remove the casing from the Italian sausage and crumble it into the pot. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.

#### Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if necessary, and sauté diced onions, minced garlic, and carrots until softened, about 5-7 minutes. The aromatics will build a flavorful base for the soup.

#### Step 3: Add the Broth and Cream
Pour in the chicken broth, bring the mixture to a simmer, and let it cook for about 5 minutes. Next, add the heavy cream to create a velvety texture for the soup. Stir to combine and bring back to a simmer.

#### Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
Add the gnocchi to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes. The gnocchi will float to the top when they’re done.

#### Step 5: Add the Sausage and Spinach
Return the cooked sausage to the pot, and stir in fresh spinach. The spinach will wilt down into the soup, adding a lovely color and a healthy boost. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

#### Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve with crusty bread for dipping and enjoy this cozy, comforting meal.

### Why You’ll Love This Soup

– **Quick and Easy**: With just a few simple steps and less than 30 minutes of cooking time, Sausage Gnocchi Soup is a quick meal that feels indulgent.
– **Comforting**: The rich, creamy broth and soft gnocchi make each spoonful feel like a warm hug.
– **Customizable**: You can adjust the spice level by using mild or spicy sausage. You can also swap the spinach for kale or add extra vegetables for variety.
– **Hearty and Satisfying**: The combination of sausage, gnocchi, and vegetables makes this soup a filling meal that will keep you satisfied.

### Tips and Variations

– **Frozen Gnocchi**: If you’re short on time, frozen gnocchi works perfectly in this recipe and cooks up just as well as fresh gnocchi.
– **Low-Sodium Option**: To make the soup lower in sodium, choose a low-sodium chicken broth or make your own.
– **Make It Spicy**: For those who like a little heat, add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage to spice things up.
– **Add Cream Cheese**: If you want an even creamier texture, try adding a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese to the broth as it simmers.

### Final Thoughts

Sausage Gnocchi Soup is a perfect choice for a cold day when you want something warm and filling without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy broth, flavorful sausage, and pillowy gnocchi make for a comforting combination that’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a gathering, or simply enjoying a quiet night at home, this soup is sure to bring joy to the table. Enjoy!