Gnocchi Zuppa Toscana: A Comforting Sausage Soup Recipe

Name: Gnocchi Zuppa Toscana: A Comforting Sausage Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb spicy Italian sausage; 1 lb gnocchi; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 batch kale, chopped; 1 cup half & half; 3 quarts water or broth; 1/2 tbsp salt (adjust to taste); 1 tsp pepper (adjust to taste)

November 4, 2025 by Jake

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If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting soup that combines rich flavors and hearty ingredients, look no further than Gnocchi Zuppa Toscana. This creamy soup is packed with tender gnocchi, spicy Italian sausage, and kale, all swimming in a delicious broth. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.

A close-up view of creamy gnocchi soup with sausage and kale in a large pot, showcasing tender gnocchi, sausage, and fresh kale in a creamy, rich broth.

How to Make Gnocchi Zuppa Toscana

This easy-to-follow recipe takes less than 30 minutes to prepare and requires just a few simple ingredients.

Ingredients:

1 lb spicy Italian sausage
1 lb gnocchi
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 batch kale, chopped
1 cup half & half
3 quarts water or broth
1/2 tbsp salt (adjust to taste)
1 tsp pepper (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

Dice the Vegetables: Start by chopping the onion and kale.
Brown the Sausage: In a large pot, brown the spicy Italian sausage. Once cooked, add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté until the onions turn golden.
Simmer the Soup: Add the water or broth to the pot, bringing it to a simmer. Let it cook for 15 minutes.
Add Gnocchi and Kale: Add the kale, half & half, and gnocchi to the soup. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, until the gnocchi is cooked through.
Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Let the soup sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Gnocchi Zuppa Toscana

Cook in a Dutch Oven: For the best results, cook this soup in a Dutch oven. It retains heat evenly and helps to lock in moisture, making the soup more flavorful.
Don’t Waste the Sausage Juices: Brown the sausage in the same pot where you make the soup. This adds a rich depth of flavor to the broth.
Use Chicken Broth: For an extra layer of flavor, replace water with homemade chicken broth.

Variations on Gnocchi Zuppa Toscana

Swap Proteins: If you’re looking for a different flavor profile, try swapping the sausage for turkey sausage, pork sausage, or even ground beef.
Alternative Greens: Not a fan of kale? Spinach is an excellent substitute. Just remember that spinach wilts down much more than kale, so you’ll need about three times the amount.
More Veggies: Add in extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers to make the soup even more veggie-forward.
Herbs and Spice: Customize the flavor with herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary, or turn up the heat with red pepper flakes.

A close-up shot of creamy gnocchi soup with sausage and kale in a cast-iron pot, showcasing the tender gnocchi, sausage, and vibrant kale in rich, creamy broth.

Serving Suggestions

While this soup is hearty and filling on its own, you can elevate your meal with some delicious sides:

Bread: Serve with a fresh baguette, cheesy bread, or focaccia for dipping.
Salads: Pair with a homemade Caesar salad or a vibrant garden salad.
Topping: A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese will add a delightful nutty flavor.

Best Practices for Storing and Reheating

Gnocchi Zuppa Toscana stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. As it sits, the flavors continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day. To reheat, simply warm it up in a saucepan over low heat until heated through.

FAQs

Does the gnocchi fall apart in the soup?
No, the gnocchi stays firm and dense in the soup, even after soaking in the broth for a while.

Can you freeze Gnocchi Zuppa Toscana?
It’s not recommended to freeze this soup due to the dairy content. The cream may separate when thawed, affecting the texture.

Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes! You can use frozen gnocchi without defrosting them first. Just give them a bit more time to cook.

Is kale too strong in this soup?
No, the kale adds a subtle flavor that balances perfectly with the spicy sausage and creamy broth.

Enjoy your comforting bowl of Gnocchi Zuppa Toscana—perfect for any occasion!