As the weather cools down and sweater weather makes its grand debut, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of soup. Imagine yourself coming home after a long day, greeted by the inviting scent of a rich tomato broth simmering on the stove. That’s exactly where my creamy Tomato Gnocchi Soup comes in—a dish that captures the essence of cozy nights while being ready in just 30 minutes. This recipe combines tender gnocchi with beautifully sautéed vegetables, creating a hearty meal that’s perfect for both solo dinners and gatherings with friends. Each spoonful delights your taste buds with vibrant flavors, making it a wonderful alternative to fast food. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into the world of homemade comfort!
Why You’ll Love Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Soup
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight meal.
Hearty and Filling: With tender gnocchi and fresh vegetables in each bowl, it’s like a warm hug on a chilly evening.
Versatile: Add your favorite protein or experiment with different greens for unique flavor combinations.
Rich Flavor: The creamy tomato broth envelops every ingredient, creating a comforting dish that rivals any restaurant fare.
Crowd-Pleaser: Serve this soup at your next gathering, and you’ll quickly see why everyone will be asking for seconds. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with a side of Cheeseburger Soup Comfort for an unforgettable meal!
Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Soup Ingredients
• Here’s everything you need for your delicious creamy Tomato Gnocchi Soup!
For the Base
- Olive Oil – Adds richness; substitute with avocado oil for a neutral flavor.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped) – Provides sweetness and depth; yellow or white onions are best.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Adds aromatic flavor; use fresh garlic for the best taste.
- Carrot (1, diced) – Adds sweetness and color; substitute with parsnip for a different flavor profile.
- Celery Stalk (1, diced) – Contributes to the base flavor; can be skipped or replaced with fennel.
- Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz, with juices) – Forms the soup base; use crushed tomatoes for a smoother texture.
- Vegetable Broth (4 cups) – Adds liquid and depth; substitute with chicken broth for a richer flavor.
- Dried Basil (1 teaspoon) – Enhances flavor; fresh basil can substitute (use about 3 teaspoons).
- Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon) – Complements the broth.
For the Gnocchi
- Gnocchi (1 package, 16 oz, store-bought) – Main carbohydrate component; fresh homemade gnocchi can also be used.
For the Greens
- Fresh Spinach (2 cups, or kale) – Adds nutrition and freshness; can substitute with Swiss chard.
Optional Creaminess
- Heavy Cream (1/2 cup, optional) – Adds creaminess; substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
To Finish
- Grated Parmesan Cheese – For garnish, adds umami; use nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative.
- Salt and Pepper – For seasoning; adjust according to taste.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Soup
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Heat Oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until it shimmers invitingly.
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Sauté Onions: Add 1 chopped medium onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
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Add Vegetables: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 diced carrot, and 1 diced celery stalk; cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and vibrant.
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Incorporate Tomatoes: Pour in 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes with juices, stirring to meld the flavors together.
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Pour in Broth: Add 4 cups of vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, along with salt and pepper to taste; mix thoroughly.
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Boil: Increase the heat until the mixture reaches a rolling boil, filling your kitchen with a delightful aroma.
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Simmer: Lower the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully.
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Cook Gnocchi: Stir in 1 package (16 oz) of store-bought gnocchi, cooking according to the package instructions (usually 2-3 minutes) until they’re tender.
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Add Greens: Gently fold in 2 cups of fresh spinach (or kale), stirring until just wilted and bright in color.
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Add Cream (Optional): If you desire extra creaminess, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream and heat through for another minute.
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Adjust Seasoning: Taste your masterpiece and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to ensure it’s just right.
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Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese before serving hot to your eager family or friends.
Optional: Top with fresh basil for a burst of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Soup?
There’s nothing quite like curling up with a warm bowl of this delicious soup, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal to new heights.
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Crusty Bread:
This classic pairing is perfect for soaking up every bit of that luscious tomato broth, bringing comfort to each bite. -
Grilled Cheese Sandwich:
A gooey, cheesy sandwich offers a delightful texture contrast and nostalgia, making for a cozy, heartfelt meal. -
Fresh Green Salad:
A light salad with a zesty vinaigrette adds brightness and balance, providing a refreshing complement to the rich soup. -
Garlic Breadsticks:
These savory sticks are perfect for dipping into the creamy soup, amplifying the flavors with their delectable garlic essence. -
Stuffed Peppers:
Filled with grains, veggies, or protein, these flavorful peppers can make the meal heartier while still keeping it light. -
Rosemary Focaccia:
With its herby aroma and soft texture, this bread pairs beautifully with the flavors in the soup, enhancing the overall experience. -
Red Wine:
A glass of smooth red wine can deepen your meal, beautifully mirroring the rich tomato and herbaceous notes of the soup. -
Apple Crisp:
For a sweet ending, this warm, cinnamon-spiced dessert softens the retreat from savory to sweet, leaving you satisfied and cozy.
Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Soup Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to explore these fun twists that can elevate your soup experience!
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Gluten-Free: Swap gnocchi with gluten-free pasta or rice for a comforting, gluten-friendly meal.
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Vegetable Boost: Add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a colorful and nutritious upgrade.
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Protein-Packed: Stir in cooked chicken, sausage, or chickpeas to add a hearty source of protein to your soup.
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Spice It Up: Toss in crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick that’ll warm you from the inside out.
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Herbaceous Touch: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to introduce aromatic layers to your soup.
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Creamy Vegan Twist: Use silken tofu blended until smooth to achieve creamy goodness without the dairy.
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Nutty Flavor: Stir in some toasted pine nuts or walnuts right before serving for a delightful crunch and nutty notes.
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Cheesy Alternative: Instead of Parmesan cheese, try crumbled feta or a sprinkle of goat cheese for a tangy twist on the garnish.
Make Ahead Options
Busy weeknights can be a breeze with this creamy Tomato Gnocchi Soup prepared in advance! You can make the soup base, including the sautéed vegetables and tomato broth, up to 3 days ahead of time. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the soup on the stovetop and bring it to a gentle boil before adding the gnocchi (which should only be cooked for about 2-3 minutes). This ensures the gnocchi stays tender and doesn’t become mushy. For optimal flavor and texture, avoid freezing the soup with the gnocchi—add those fresh before serving for a delicious, restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort!
Expert Tips for Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Soup
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Prep Ahead: Prepare your soup base in advance so that when you’re ready to eat, you can simply add the gnocchi to maintain their texture.
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Perfect Texture: Avoid overcooking the gnocchi by adding them at the end of cooking; they only need 2-3 minutes to cook properly in the soup.
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Seasoning Adjustments: Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. Adding salt and pepper enhances the overall flavor of your creamy Tomato Gnocchi Soup.
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Creamy Variations: For a dairy-free option, replace heavy cream with coconut milk, keeping the soup rich and satisfying without sacrificing taste.
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Make it Your Own: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or protein, like cooked chicken or beans, to make this soup even heartier and more personalized.
How to Store and Freeze Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Soup
Fridge: Store the soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Freezer: For best results, freeze the soup without the gnocchi. Transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months to preserve flavors.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight, then heat on the stovetop. Add fresh gnocchi during the last few minutes of cooking to keep them tender.
Prep Ahead: You can prepare the soup base in advance; just add gnocchi before serving to maintain their delightful texture.
Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Soup Recipe FAQs
What type of tomatoes should I use for the best flavor?
Absolutely! For a rich and flavorful base, I recommend using canned diced tomatoes with their juices for depth. Alternatively, you could use crushed tomatoes, which blend smoothly into the broth, giving a delightful texture to the soup.
How long can I store the creamy Tomato Gnocchi Soup?
You can store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, be sure to warm it gently on the stovetop and add a splash of broth if it thickens too much. Enjoy it warm for the best flavor!
Can I freeze the creamy Tomato Gnocchi Soup?
Very! It’s best to freeze the soup without the gnocchi to avoid softening them. Transfer the cooled soup to a freezer-safe container, and it will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw in the fridge overnight, reheat on the stovetop, and add fresh gnocchi during the last few minutes of cooking.
What should I do if the soup is too thick?
No worries! If your creamy Tomato Gnocchi Soup turns out thicker than you like, just add more vegetable or chicken broth gradually while reheating until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well and season if necessary to enhance the flavors.
Is this soup suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! This recipe can easily accommodate various dietary needs. For a dairy-free option, replace heavy cream with coconut milk. Always check labels if you have allergies, especially with pre-made gnocchi, as they may contain gluten or eggs. Vegan cheese can replace Parmesan for a completely plant-based version.
Can I prepare the soup in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the soup base in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to add the gnocchi right before serving to ensure they remain tender. This is a fantastic time-saver for busy weeknights!
Cozy Up to Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Equipment
- large pot
Ingredients
For the Base
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Adds richness; substitute with avocado oil if desired.
- 1 medium Onion Chopped; yellow or white onions are best.
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced; use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- 1 medium Carrot Diced; substitute with parsnip if desired.
- 1 stalk Celery Diced; can be skipped or replaced with fennel.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes With juices; can use crushed tomatoes for smoother texture.
- 4 cups Vegetable Broth Substitute with chicken broth for richer flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Basil Enhances flavor; fresh basil can substitute.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
For the Gnocchi
- 1 package (16 oz) Gnocchi Store-bought or homemade.
For the Greens
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach Can substitute with kale or Swiss chard.
Optional Creaminess
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream Optional; can substitute with coconut milk for dairy-free.
To Finish
- Grated Parmesan Cheese For garnish; use nutritional yeast for vegan.
- Salt and Pepper To taste.
Instructions
How to Make Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Soup
- Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until it shimmers invitingly.
- Add 1 chopped medium onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 diced carrot, and 1 diced celery stalk; cook for another 3-4 minutes, until softened.
- Pour in 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes with juices, stirring to meld the flavors together.
- Add 4 cups of vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste; mix thoroughly.
- Increase the heat until the mixture reaches a rolling boil.
- Lower the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully.
- Stir in 1 package (16 oz) of gnocchi, cooking according to package instructions until tender.
- Gently fold in 2 cups of fresh spinach, stirring until just wilted.
- If desired, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream and heat through for another minute.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese before serving hot.
Notes
Nutrition
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