If you’re looking for something cozy, comforting, and downright addictive, this Cheesy Gnocchi Soup Recipe is exactly what you need on your dinner table. I absolutely love how this soup turns out every single time—creamy, cheesy, with pillowy gnocchi that just melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again, especially when the weather turns chilly or you simply want to treat yourself to some homemade comfort food. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to nail this soup perfectly!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort in a Bowl: It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with gnocchi that feels like a warm hug on a cold day.
Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these staples in your fridge or pantry already.
Quick and Easy: From start to finish, it takes about 30 minutes – perfect for weeknight dinners.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this soup, and I bet yours will too!

A creamy soup fills a white pot, shown up close with a metal ladle holding a scoop. The soup has a light orange color with visible soft yellow dumplings, shredded bright orange carrots, and fresh dark green spinach leaves scattered throughout. The texture looks smooth and thick, with small bubbles on the surface. The white marbled surface beneath adds a clean and fresh feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cheesy Gnocchi Soup, easy cheesy gnocchi soup, cheesy gnocchi recipe, creamy gnocchi soup, comforting soup recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Cheesy Gnocchi Soup Recipe plays an important role in creating a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s what I use, along with a few tips to keep you on track when shopping.

Flat lay of a small pat of butter, one small diced onion, two whole celery ribs, one large peeled and shredded carrot, two peeled garlic cloves, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with pale yellow chicken broth, a cluster of fresh potato gnocchi, a small white bowl of heavy cream, a small white bowl of whole milk, a neat pile of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a small white bowl of finely grated parmesan cheese, a handful of chopped fresh spinach, a small white bowl of dry mustard powder, a small white bowl of coarse black pepper, and two whole uncracked brown eggs — all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Cheesy Gnocchi Soup, easy cheesy gnocchi soup, cheesy gnocchi recipe, creamy gnocchi soup, comforting soup recipes

Butter: Adds richness and is the base for sautéing your veggies to bring out their sweetness.
Onion: Diced small, it melts into the soup and builds the flavor foundation.
Celery: Finely diced for a subtle crunch and fresh taste that complements the creaminess.
Carrot: I like to shred it for quick cooking and a hint of natural sweetness.
Garlic: Minced to infuse the soup with its warm, aromatic punch.
Chicken Broth: Choose low sodium so you can control the saltiness better.
Potato Gnocchi: Soft and pillowy, this is the heart of the soup; fresh or store-bought both work.
Salt: Essential for seasoning, but add little at a time—you can always add more later.
Dry Mustard Powder: This little secret boosts the cheesy flavor wonderfully.
Black Pepper: Freshly cracked is best for a bright, spicy note.
Heavy Cream and Whole Milk: Combined to give you that luscious creamy base without being too heavy.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Freshly grated from a block turns the soup silky and intensely cheesy.
Fresh Spinach (Optional): Adds a pop of color and greens; I always toss it in at the end for a mild spinach flavor and some nutrients.
Parmesan Cheese (Optional but Encouraged): Just a sprinkle for a salty, nutty finish that elevates the whole bowl.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I adore about this Cheesy Gnocchi Soup Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your liking. Depending on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences, you can make some fun changes!

Vegetarian Version: I swap out chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the bacon or meat additions I sometimes add.
Extra Veggies: I’ve added mushrooms, peas, or corn for some extra texture — it works beautifully.
Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce stirred in gives the soup a nice zing that my spice-loving friends really appreciate.
Dairy-Free Adaptation: Try full-fat coconut milk instead of cream and a vegan cheese alternative for a rich, dairy-free soup.
Gnocchi Swap: Use sweet potato gnocchi for a subtly sweet and colorful twist.

How to Make Cheesy Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Base Veggies to Build Flavor

Start by melting the butter over medium heat in a large saucepan or Dutch oven. When it’s melted and bubbly, toss in the diced onion, celery, shredded carrot, and minced garlic. Sauté everything gently for around 4 to 5 minutes until the veggies are soft and fragrant but not browned. This step is crucial—it develops a flavor base that makes the soup taste homemade and hearty.

Step 2: Add Broth and Gnocchi for Simmering

Pour in your chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the pan with your wooden spoon—that’s pure gold right there. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring it all to a boil. Once boiling, add your potato gnocchi straight into the pot. Cook them for about 4 minutes; they’ll puff up and get nice and tender. Be sure not to overcook because gnocchi can get mushy if left too long!

Step 3: Stir in Cream, Milk, and Seasonings

Now, reduce the heat to medium and slowly add your heavy cream, whole milk, salt, dry mustard powder, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to combine everything nicely. Let the soup come back up to a low simmer and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens just a tiny bit, the way sauce clings beautifully to a spoon. That gentle simmer is key to avoid the soup curdling or the dairy breaking.

Step 4: Melt Cheese and Finish with Greens

Time for the magic: sprinkle in the sharp cheddar cheese in batches, stirring as it melts into that velvety, cheesy goodness. Once melted, remove the pot from heat. If you’re adding fresh spinach, stir it in now—the residual warmth will wilt it perfectly without overcooking. Finish things off with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that salty, nutty boost and give it one last stir. Taste for salt and pepper and adjust as needed.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Grate Cheese Fresh: I swear by grating my own cheddar and Parmesan from blocks because pre-shredded cheese has additives that prevent smooth melting.
Don’t Overcook Gnocchi: Trust me, 4 minutes is plenty; overcooked gnocchi gets mushy and loses its texture.
Simmer Gently: Keep the heat low once you add dairy to avoid curdling or separating.
Season in Stages: Add salt in steps and taste frequently so the soup isn’t too salty or bland.

How to Serve Cheesy Gnocchi Soup Recipe

A white bowl is filled with creamy yellow soup, containing three large soft dumplings or gnocchi, scattered green spinach leaves, and small white pieces of onion. The soup has a smooth texture with tiny black specks of pepper on top. The bowl sits on a white marbled plate, with two golden spoons resting beside it. A striped blue and white cloth is placed to the left side of the bowl, all on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cheesy Gnocchi Soup, easy cheesy gnocchi soup, cheesy gnocchi recipe, creamy gnocchi soup, comforting soup recipes

Garnishes

I love topping this soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a fresh herbal note and a pop of green. A little extra Parmesan on top never hurts either—it makes each spoonful feel extra special and cheesy. For crunchy contrast, some crispy bacon bits or toasted breadcrumbs add a nice touch.

Side Dishes

To keep things balanced, I often serve this soup with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. Crusty artisan bread or garlic breadsticks are perfect for dipping and soaking up all that cheesy goodness. Sometimes, I’ll whip up a quick roasted veggie side if it’s a heartier meal night.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion or dinner party, try serving the soup in mini bread bowls for a fun and rustic look. Another idea I tried was layering it in clear glass mugs, so guests can admire the colorful veggies and golden cheese melting—people were charmed by the cozy presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps well for up to 3 days. The texture thickens as it sits, so I usually add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to loosen it back up to that perfect creamy consistency.

Freezing

Freezing cheesy soups can be a bit tricky due to the dairy, but I’ve had good luck freezing this soup without the cream and cheese added yet. Freeze the soup base, then thaw and finish with dairy and cheese when reheating fresh for best results.

Reheating

I reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of milk or broth to keep the soup silky. Avoid microwaving for long periods to prevent curdling or separation, and always aim for gentle warmth rather than a roiling boil.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi for this Cheesy Gnocchi Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi works just as well as fresh. Just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time since frozen gnocchi takes slightly longer to cook through. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Swap out the chicken broth for a good-quality vegetable broth, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version. The cheese and veggies pack enough flavor to keep it hearty and satisfying.
How do I prevent the cheese from clumping or separating?

Make sure to melt the cheese over low heat after the soup has thickened, and stir constantly. Also, avoid boiling the soup once the cheese is added, as high heat can cause the cheese to separate and get grainy.
Can I add other greens besides spinach?

Definitely! Kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula work nicely. Just chop them finely and add toward the end so they wilt gently like the spinach.
What can I serve with this soup for a full meal?

I recommend a crisp side salad, garlic breadsticks, or a simple roasted vegetable dish for a balanced and satisfying meal.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Gnocchi Soup Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm welcome after a long day. Sharing it with my family and friends always sparks that “wow” moment, where everyone digs in eagerly, savoring each creamy, cheesy spoonful. I encourage you to give it a try, whether it’s a cozy night in or a casual gathering. Once you do, it might just become your new go-to comfort meal too!