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After discovering this Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup recipe I've never looked back. It combines everything I love about comfort food smoky sausage pillowy gnocchi and a rich creamy broth that makes you want to lick the bowl clean. My family practically races to the kitchen when they smell this cooking.
What Makes This Special
This isn't your ordinary soup. The combination of smoky kielbasa and creamy broth with those little potato dumplings is pure magic. I love adding sun dried tomatoes they bring this amazing tang that cuts through the richness. Plus it's so filling one bowl and you're completely satisfied.
Grab These Ingredients
- Kielbasa: 1 pound, sliced into thin rounds and browned for added flavor and texture.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: ½ cup, soaked in hot water, drained, and chopped for a soft and tangy addition.
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups, forming the base of the soup for a flavorful and savory liquid.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup, for a creamy texture, combined with 4 ounces of softened cream cheese.
- Cajun Seasoning: 2 teaspoons, for a subtle spicy kick that complements the sausage.
- Potato Gnocchi: 1 pound, soft dumplings that add heartiness and texture.
- Spinach: 2 cups fresh or 1 cup frozen (thawed and drained), adding color and freshness.
Let's Make It
- Prepare the Kielbasa
- Slice 1 pound of kielbasa into rounds and brown in a large pot over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until crispy and fragrant.
- Build the Soup Base
- Add 4 cups of chicken broth to the pot along with sun-dried tomatoes and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 4 ounces of cream cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add Gnocchi and Seasonings
- Stir in 1 pound of gnocchi and 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the gnocchi is tender and floating.
- Incorporate Spinach
- Add 2 cups of fresh spinach or 1 cup of thawed frozen spinach, stirring until wilted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
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Make It Perfect
Don't skip browning the kielbasa it creates this amazing flavor base that makes the whole soup incredible. I love watching the gnocchi float to the top when they're done it's like kitchen magic. And always taste before adding extra salt the kielbasa brings plenty of seasoning.
Serving Ideas
We love this soup with chunks of crusty bread for dunking. Sometimes I'll make quick garlic bread under the broiler and watch it disappear. If you're feeling fancy add a crisp side salad but honestly this soup is a meal all by itself.
Make It Ahead
I've learned a great meal prep trick with this soup. Make the base without the gnocchi and spinach then store it in the fridge. When you're ready for dinner just reheat gently add the gnocchi and spinach and dinner's ready in minutes. My busy weeknights just got so much easier.
Saving Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge. I portion it into containers for easy lunches throughout the week. Just remember it will thicken up a bit so I usually add a splash of broth when reheating. The flavors actually get better after a day or two.
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Mix It Up
Some nights I switch things up using spicy andouille sausage instead of kielbasa. My mushroom loving friends swear by adding baby bellas and my sister makes it with kale instead of spinach. That's what I love about this recipe it's so flexible you can really make it your own.
Gnocchi Success
The secret to perfect gnocchi in this soup is keeping it at a gentle simmer. Too much boiling and they'll fall apart. I love watching them float to the top when they're done it's like they're doing a little happy dance in the broth.
Spice It Right
No Cajun seasoning? No problem. I make my own with paprika garlic powder onion powder and a pinch of cayenne. Sometimes I add extra herbs like thyme and oregano. Start with a little you can always add more but you can't take it out.
Freezer Friendly
Want to save some for later? The base of this soup freezes like a dream. Just leave out the gnocchi and spinach they'll get mushy. I freeze portions in containers and add fresh gnocchi and greens when reheating. It's like having a homemade dinner waiting in the freezer.
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Perfect Pairings
My family loves dunking warm focaccia into this soup. On date nights we'll open a bottle of crisp white wine and add a side of roasted asparagus. The combo of rich soup crusty bread and fresh vegetables makes everyone happy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I know when gnocchi is cooked?
Gnocchi will float to the surface when fully cooked, typically taking 2-3 minutes.
- → Why does the soup thicken?
The starch from the gnocchi and the cream cheese cause natural thickening as the soup sits.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Adjust Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to control heat level to your preference.
- → Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, frozen gnocchi works well. Add a minute or two to cooking time.
- → What can I serve with this?
Crusty bread makes a perfect accompaniment for dipping in the creamy broth.
Conclusion
This hearty soup combines smoky kielbasa with potato gnocchi in a creamy cajun-spiced broth, enriched with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach.