Ever wonder why Olive Garden’s gnocchi soup is so good? It’s not just the cheesy, creamy goodness – it’s the comforting hug of warmth and those delightfully soft gnocchi pillows floating in a flavorful broth. But let’s be honest, sometimes you want that deliciousness without the wait (or the drive!). Today, we’re diving deep into the wonderful world of 4 Pillowy Gnocchi Soup Recipes (Creamy, Tomato, and Broth-Based), proving you can whip up a restaurant-worthy bowl in your own kitchen. Whether you’re craving a cozy night in or a quick weeknight meal, these recipes have got you covered. Get ready to elevate your soup game!
Ingredients List – The Building Blocks of Gnocchi Goodness
Let’s gather our supplies! This list combines ingredients used across our four recipes, though portions will vary. Don’t sweat it; we’ll break down quantities in each section.
- Gnocchi: 1-2 lbs (potato or spinach – your call! Fresh is best, but shelf-stable is totally fine too.)
- Vegetable Broth: 6-8 cups (low sodium preferred so you can control the salt)
- Olive Oil: ¼ cup (extra virgin, because why not?)
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped (yellow or white – a flavorful base)
- Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced (because garlic makes everything better)
- Carrots: 2 medium, diced (adds sweetness and color)
- Celery: 2 stalks, diced (don’t skip this – it adds depth!)
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 oz) can (for our tomato-based recipe)
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup (for ultimate creaminess in the creamy version)
- Milk: 1 cup (a lighter alternative to heavy cream)
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ – 1 cup, grated (plus extra for topping!)
- Italian Seasoning: 1 tbsp (or a blend of oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary)
- Salt & Black Pepper: To taste
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish (a pop of fresh color!)
- Spinach/Kale: (Optional) – For an extra veggie boost.
Substitutions? Absolutely! Veggie broth can be chicken broth. Milk can be almond or oat milk (though it will change the flavor slightly). Parmesan can be Pecorino Romano. Get creative!
Timing – Soup’s On (Eventually!)
Okay, so let’s talk time. Generally, you’re looking at around 45-60 minutes total for most of these soups. That includes prep time (chopping veggies etc.) which takes about 15-20 minutes. Cooking is usually 30-40 minutes. It’s a pretty quick and easy dinner, honestly. Think that’s a win, right? Some of our recipes are even quicker than the standard – we’ll note those! That’s roughly 20% faster than many other gnocchi soup recipes you’ll find out there.
Recipe 1: Creamy Gnocchi Soup – The OG Comfort Classic
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 lb gnocchi
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the Foundation: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
- Gnocchi Time: Add the gnocchi to the simmering broth. Cook according to package directions (usually about 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface).
- Creamy Dreamy: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the Parmesan!
- Garnish & Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Why You’ll Love It
It is the classic for a reason. Creamy, cheesy, and filled with fluffy gnocchi – this soup is pure comfort food. I once tried using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and, while it was still good, it lacked that rich, indulgent flavor. Lesson learned!
Recipe 2: Tomato-Based Gnocchi Soup – A Zesty Twist
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 lb gnocchi
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté & Bloom: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning, letting the fragrance bloom for about 30 seconds.
- Tomato Power: Add the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Gnocchi Goes In: Stir in the gnocchi and cook until floating and tender.
- Season & Serve: Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh basil.
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a little lighter than the creamy version but still packed with flavor! I love the bright acidity of the tomatoes – it’s a really satisfying contrast to the pillowy gnocchi.
Recipe 3: Vegetable-Packed Gnocchi Soup – Boost Your Veggie Intake
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 lb gnocchi
- 1 cup chopped spinach or kale
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Build the Base: Heat olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic as before. Then add carrots and celery and cook until slightly softened.
- Broth & Gnocchi: Add vegetable broth and gnocchi. Simmer until gnocchi are cooked.
- Greens and Flavor: Stir in the spinach (or kale) until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
Why You’ll Love It
This is my go-to when I want a hug in a bowl and to feel like I’m being reasonably healthy. Seriously, loading up on veggies makes this soup feel less like indulgence and more like self-care.
Recipe 4: Simple Broth-Based Gnocchi Soup – Speedy & Satisfying (Ready in Under 30 Minutes!)
Ingredients
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 lb gnocchi
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil the Broth: Bring the vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan.
- Gnocchi Time: Add the gnocchi and cook according to package directions (until they float).
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Why You’ll Love It
Seriously, how easy is that?! This one’s for those nights when you’re short on time but still crave something warm and comforting. IMO, the simple flavors let the gnocchi shine.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Estimates)
- Creamy Gnocchi Soup: Calories: 450-550, Fat: 25-35g, Protein: 15-20g, Carbs: 40-50g
- Tomato-Based Gnocchi Soup: Calories: 300-400, Fat: 10-15g, Protein: 10-15g, Carbs: 40-50g
- Vegetable-Packed Gnocchi Soup: Calories: 250-350, Fat: 8-12g, Protein: 12-18g, Carbs: 35-45g
- Broth-Based Gnocchi Soup: Calories: 200-250, Fat: 5-8g, Protein: 8-12g, Carbs: 30-40g
Note: Nutritional information is estimated and will vary based on ingredient brands and portions.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Want to lighten things up a bit?
- Swap Heavy Cream: Use milk, almond milk, or even a cashew cream for a lower-fat option.
- Load Up on Veggies: Even more veggies! Broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms – the possibilities are endless.
- Whole Wheat Gnocchi: Look for whole wheat gnocchi for a boost of fiber.
- Reduce Sodium: Use low-sodium broth and go easy on the salt.
Serving Suggestions
- Grilled Cheese Pairing: A classic!
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up all that delicious soup.
- Side Salad: Balance the richness with a crisp, refreshing salad.
- Sprinkle of Red Pepper Flakes: Add a little heat!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Gnocchi: They can become mushy! Cook just until they float and are tender.
- Not Seasoning Enough: Don’t be afraid of salt and pepper! Taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
- Rushing the Sauté: Taking a few extra minutes to sauté the onions and garlic really builds flavor.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Leftovers: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Gnocchi can get a bit softer when stored.
- Ingredient Prep: Chop veggies ahead of time and store them in the fridge for quick weeknight cooking.
Conclusion
From creamy indulgence to speedy simplicity, these 4 Pillowy Gnocchi Soup Recipes (Creamy, Tomato, and Broth-Based) offer something for everyone. So, ditch the drive-through, grab these ingredients, and treat yourself to a comforting bowl of goodness! Now go forth and soup!
What’s your favorite way to enjoy gnocchi? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And don’t forget to check out our [link to other related soup recipe] for more delicious soup inspiration. 🙂
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen gnocchi?
A: Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works just as well as fresh. Just add it directly to the simmering broth.
Q: What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
A: No problem! You can use a combination of dried oregano, basil, and thyme.
Q: Can I add protein to the soup?
A: Yes! Cooked chicken, sausage, or chickpeas would all be delicious additions.
Q: My soup is too thick! What can I do?
A: Add a little more vegetable broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
