Description
This creamy and comforting Cheesy Gnocchi Soup is a delightful one-pot meal featuring tender potato gnocchi simmered in a flavorful broth with sautéed vegetables, sharp cheddar, and melted parmesan cheese. Enhanced with fresh spinach and a touch of cream, this easy-to-make soup is perfect for a warm and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 ribs celery, finely diced
- 1 large carrot, peeled and shredded
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Dairy
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound (500 grams, up to 1 ½ pounds/750 grams) potato gnocchi
Cheeses
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
- ⅓ cup finely grated parmesan cheese (optional but encouraged)
Seasonings
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Additional salt and pepper, to taste
Optional
- 2 cups chopped fresh spinach
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Sauté Vegetables: Add the butter to a large saucepan or Dutch oven and melt it over medium heat. Then add the diced onion, celery, shredded carrot, and minced garlic. Sauté the mixture until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, which should take about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add Chicken Broth and Bring to Boil: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth, stirring and scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the broth to a rolling boil.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Once boiling, add the potato gnocchi to the broth. Cook them for about 4 minutes, until they are tender and cooked through.
- Add Cream, Milk, and Seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream, whole milk, ¾ teaspoon salt, dry mustard powder, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Simmer to Thicken: When the soup returns to a low boil, reduce the heat to medium. Allow the soup to simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes. During this time, the soup will thicken slightly and the flavors will meld beautifully.
- Incorporate Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the hot soup and stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a rich, creamy texture. Then turn off the heat and remove the pot from the stove to prevent the cheese from overcooking.
- Add Spinach: If using fresh spinach, stir it into the soup now. The residual heat in the soup will gently wilt the spinach without overcooking it.
- Finish with Parmesan Cheese: Add the finely grated parmesan cheese to the soup and stir just until it melts into the hot broth, adding an extra savory depth to the dish.
- Season to Taste and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as preferred. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- This one-pot Cheesy Gnocchi Soup combines tender gnocchi with a creamy, cheesy broth making it an easy and comforting meal.
- Freshly grated cheeses melt better and provide superior flavor compared to pre-shredded alternatives.
- Adding fresh spinach is optional but highly recommended for added color, flavor, and nutrition.
- Use low sodium chicken broth to better control the saltiness of the final dish.
- This soup reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 1532 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 99 mg
