When the leaves start to turn and a cool breeze starts to whisper through the trees, my thoughts drift to bowls of warm soup bubbling on the stove. One of my absolute favorites is Gnocchi Zuppa Toscana. I can still remember the first time I had this cozy dish during a chilly fall evening at a friend’s house. The rich aroma wafting through the air, mingling with the scent of baking bread, created a homey atmosphere that wrapped around us like a big, warm hug. This soup is like a heartfelt nod to traditional Tuscan flavors while well-suited for our busy lives today.

From the tender gnocchi that swim in the broth to the savory Italian sausage lending depth, every spoonful is a delightful celebration of comfort food. I’m so excited to share my version of this dish with you. Let’s gather around the kitchen and whip up some Gnocchi Zuppa Toscana together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with minimal fuss.
• Budget-friendly—feeds a crowd without breaking the bank!
• Rich, comforting flavors that warm you from the inside out.
• Versatile—customizable to your taste and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful Gnocchi Zuppa Toscana:

• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced (fresh garlic is best for a punchy flavor)
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (for that luscious texture)
• 1 pound potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade, no judgment here!)
• 2 cups kale, chopped (or spinach if you prefer it!)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional but highly recommended for a kick)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parmesan cheese for serving (because cheese makes everything better!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s dive into making this beautiful bowl of comfort!

1. Brown the sausage: In a large pot over medium heat, add the Italian sausage. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it’s well-browned and cooked through. This is where the magic begins! The aroma will fill your kitchen.
2. Saute the veggies: Once the sausage is browned, add the chopped onion and garlic. Stir and cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Watch out! Don’t let the garlic burn; you want it fragrant, not bitter.
3. Add the broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and stir. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Ah, that’s the sound of comfort cooking!
4. In goes the cream: Once simmering, lower the heat and add in the heavy cream. Stir it in gently; this gives our soup that dreamy, creamy consistency.
5. Let’s add the gnocchi: Bring the pot back to a simmer and add the gnocchi. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes. They’re done when they float to the top—nature’s way of signaling “I’m ready!”
6. Greens and seasoning: Stir in the chopped kale (or spinach) along with the dried thyme and red pepper flakes. Let it cook for another 2 minutes until the greens are tender yet vibrant.
7. Season to taste: Taste your soup and add salt and pepper as needed. This is your moment to make it just right for you!
8. Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle freshly grated parmesan on top. You might want to grab a slice of crusty bread to soak up every drop—it’s heavenly!

Pro Tips & Variations

Now that you know the base recipe, let’s have some fun with it! Here are a few twists you can try:

• Spice it up: If you love a bit of heat, add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce.
• Herb it up: Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can be chopped and added right at the end for an extra layer of flavor.
• Make it creamy lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream if you prefer it lighter, or try coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
• Protein swaps: Swap the sausage for lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian-friendly option that’s packed with protein.

Be playful! Cooking is all about what makes your tastebuds dance.

Serving Suggestions

This Gnocchi Zuppa Toscana is perfect served piping hot right from the stovetops! I love to pair it with freshly baked bread or a warm, crusty baguette for dunking. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup beautifully. And if you’re like me and love to end a meal on a sweet note, consider brewing a cup of coffee or tea to sip while reminiscing over the day’s stories or future plans. It’s a complete cozy night in.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers (which, trust me, you might want!) storing this soup is easy:

• Refrigerate: Transfer the soup to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for about 3 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. However, keep in mind that gnocchi tends to change texture when frozen, so consider adding it fresh when reheating.
• Reheat: To reheat, simmer gently on the stovetop until warmed through. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

Can I use homemade gnocchi?

Absolutely! Homemade gnocchi will elevate this dish to a whole new level. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as homemade varieties can differ in size and density.

Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?

Yes! Simply replace the sausage with lentils or add more vegetables like carrots and zucchini. Use vegetable broth and opt for non-dairy cream if desired. It’s completely adaptable!

What can I serve with Gnocchi Zuppa Toscana?

I love pairing it with crusty bread for dipping, a light salad, or even some roasted vegetables for a complete meal. You can even get adventurous and serve it with a chilled glass of white wine for those cozy evenings.

How do I know when the gnocchi is done?

The gnocchi is done cooking when it floats to the top of the broth. This means they’re tender and ready to soak up all those amazing flavors in the soup!

Conclusion

I hope that this Gnocchi Zuppa Toscana warms your home as much as it does mine every time I make it. It’s perfect for gathering around the table with family or friends, sharing laughter and stories over a steaming bowl. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Feel free to comment below or share your own adaptations. Happy cooking, my friend!

Irresistible GNOCCHI ZUPPA TOSCANA Recipe for Comfort Food

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Savor the rich flavors of GNOCCHI ZUPPA TOSCANA a comforting dish perfect for cozy nights Discover this easy delicious recipe today

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves of garlic, minced

4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 pound potato gnocchi

2 cups kale, chopped

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parmesan cheese for serving

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Instructions

In a large pot over medium heat, add the Italian sausage. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and cooked through.

Once the sausage is browned, add the chopped onion and garlic. Stir and cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-5 minutes.

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and stir. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, stirring gently.

Bring back to a simmer and add the gnocchi. Cook according to package instructions, about 2-3 minutes.

Stir in the chopped kale along with the dried thyme and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2 minutes until the greens are tender.

Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed.

Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

Gnocchi Zuppa Toscana is a cozy and hearty soup that combines tender gnocchi, savory Italian sausage, and rich creamy broth, making it the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6 servings
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 5g
• Fat: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g

Keywords: Gnocchi, Zuppa Toscana, Italian Soup, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner