One Pot Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi Soup Ready in 30 Minutes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a meal that’s fast, flavorful, and filling, this One Pot Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi Soup checks every box. It’s the ultimate combination of comfort and convenience. The creaminess of the broth, combined with the richness of Italian sausage and the slight chew of gnocchi, creates a balanced, satisfying bite in every spoonful.

One of the biggest reasons to love this soup is how weeknight-friendly it is. It’s ready in just 30 minutes and uses only one pot, saving both time and cleanup effort. Whether you make it on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot, the process is easy to follow and doesn’t require special techniques. Plus, the flavors are bold enough to impress guests while being simple enough for picky eaters.

Another bonus? It’s super adaptable. Swap the sausage for a vegetarian alternative, use dairy-free cream, or throw in whatever greens you have on hand. It’s also perfect for make-ahead lunches, as it stores and reheats well without losing its creamy texture. If you’re into collecting easy weeknight dinner recipes, you’ll want to bookmark this one.

And for anyone who loves discovering new Instant Pot recipes, this soup offers an excellent reason to break out your pressure cooker. To explore more comfort food ideas, you can browse related recipes through Pinterest’s Instant Pot section or dive into classic flavor pairings of Italian cuisine on Wikipedia.

Ingredients Breakdown

Protein: Sausage Options

The flavor foundation of this soup comes from the sausage. You can use beef, pork, or chicken sausage depending on your preference. Spicy Italian sausage adds heat, while sweet sausage offers a more mellow flavor. Removing the casings allows the sausage to break apart and evenly season the broth.

Base Aromatics

Yellow onion and garlic are sautéed to create a flavorful base. These aromatics enhance the sausage’s savory profile and deepen the soup’s overall richness. For added heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a subtle kick.

Herbs and Seasonings

A blend of Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper keeps things balanced. These herbs—often including oregano, thyme, rosemary, and basil—complement the sun-dried tomatoes and round out the flavor.

Tomatoes and Broth

Canned diced tomatoes introduce acidity and texture, while chicken broth forms the soup’s savory backbone. Opt for low-sodium broth to better control the saltiness, especially since Parmesan cheese adds a salty finish. Learn more about broth types on Wikipedia.

Gnocchi: The Star Ingredient

Gnocchi, the soft Italian dumplings made from potato and flour, absorb flavor while holding their shape. You can use shelf-stable, refrigerated, or even gluten-free gnocchi. Wikipedia’s gnocchi page offers deeper insight into their history and preparation.

Cream and Greens

A splash of heavy cream gives the soup its velvety texture. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Use spinach or kale for greens—they cook quickly and add nutrients without overpowering the taste.

Cheese & Toppings

Parmesan cheese melts into the broth, providing a nutty, salty element. You can also garnish with fresh basil, cracked black pepper, or extra red pepper flakes to elevate the presentation. Discover the origins of authentic Parmesan cheese here.

Tools You’ll Need (Instant Pot or Stovetop)

To make this soup seamlessly, having the right tools makes a big difference:

• A large Dutch oven or Instant Pot for one-pot cooking

• A wooden spoon for stirring and breaking up the sausage

• A sharp knife and cutting board for prepping vegetables

• A ladle for serving

• Optional: an immersion blender if you want a smoother, partially blended texture

If you’re cooking this soup regularly, consider checking out more one pot meals via Pinterest to get more use out of your tools.

How to Make One Pot Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi Soup

Step-by-Step: Stovetop Method

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it apart until browned.

• Stir in diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.

• Season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.

• Add diced tomatoes and chicken broth, stir, and bring to a boil.

• Pour in the gnocchi and reduce heat. Simmer for 4–5 minutes until the gnocchi float.

• Stir in the heavy cream and spinach. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the greens wilt.

• Mix in Parmesan cheese until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Instant Pot Directions

• Use the Sauté function to brown the sausage in olive oil.

• Add onions and garlic, then season as above.

• Pour in the tomatoes and broth. Cancel the sauté function.

• Seal the lid and cook on Manual/Pressure Cook for 5 minutes.

• Use quick release, then stir in gnocchi, cream, spinach, and Parmesan until combined.

To find similar Instant Pot recipes, browse Pinterest’s collection or explore other Italian one-pot classics.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook the gnocchi — they only need a few minutes and will continue to cook slightly in the hot broth.

• Use low-sodium broth if you’re adding Parmesan, which is naturally salty.

• Add the cheese slowly and stir constantly to prevent clumping.

• If reheating later, add a splash of broth or cream to maintain the soup’s consistency.

Tuscan Gnocchi Soup Variations

• Vegetarian: Use a plant-based sausage and vegetable broth.

• Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or opt for hot Italian sausage.

• Dairy-Free: Substitute with coconut cream or cashew cream; skip the cheese or use nutritional yeast.

• Low Carb: Replace gnocchi with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly version.

To see more ways people are customizing this soup, explore Pinterest’s creamy soups section.

How to Store and Reheat

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir in a splash of cream or broth if it thickens too much.

What to Serve with Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi Soup

Pair your soup with:

• Warm crusty bread or garlic toast

• A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette

• Roasted vegetables for a colorful side

This meal is rich, so lighter sides work best to balance it out.

Make Ahead & Meal Prep Ideas

• Pre-chop the onion, garlic, and spinach to save time.

• Cook the sausage ahead of time and refrigerate.

• Store in mason jars or sealed containers for grab-and-go lunches.

• Make a double batch and freeze portions for busy weeks.

Explore more meal prep recipes and ideas by checking out easy weeknight dinners on Pinterest.

FAQs

Can you use frozen gnocchi in Tuscan soup?
Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi directly without thawing. Just add them to the simmering broth and cook until they float, which usually takes a few minutes longer than fresh or shelf-stable varieties.

What type of sausage is best for Tuscan gnocchi soup?
Italian sausage is ideal—either spicy or mild, depending on your preference. Both pork and chicken sausages work well. For a leaner option, chicken sausage offers flavor without the extra fat.

How do you keep gnocchi from getting mushy in soup?
The key is to avoid overcooking. Add the gnocchi after the broth boils and reduce the heat to a simmer. Remove the soup from heat as soon as the gnocchi are tender and floating.

Can you make this soup dairy-free or vegan?
Absolutely. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, vegetable broth in place of chicken broth, and swap out the cheese for nutritional yeast or a vegan alternative. A plant-based sausage completes the switch.

What’s the difference between gnocchi and pasta in soups?
Gnocchi are pillowy, potato-based dumplings that absorb flavor differently than pasta. They’re softer, more filling, and offer a unique texture that makes the soup feel heartier compared to traditional pasta-based soups.

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