30-Minute Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup Recipe That Made My Italian Grandmother Cry

🌱 Introduction

Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup Recipe: If you’ve ever craved a warm, cozy bowl of something creamy, comforting, and loaded with vegetables—this vegetarian gnocchi soup is your new go-to.

Think of it like the vegetarian cousin of chicken and dumpling soup, except here, pillowy gnocchi float in a creamy broth with colorful vegetables. It’s a hug in a bowl.

Whether you’re trying to eat more plant-based or just love a hearty, satisfying soup, this one’s for you.

🥕 Ingredients Overview

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious bowl of goodness:

• Olive oil – for sautéing
• Onion, garlic & celery – the aromatic base
• Carrots – for sweetness and color
• Vegetable broth – keeps it vegetarian and flavorful
• Store-bought or homemade gnocchi – soft and satisfying
• Spinach or kale – adds nutrition and freshness
• Heavy cream or plant-based milk – for that silky texture
• Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, thyme – flavor boosters

Optional add-ins:

• Mushrooms, peas, corn, or white beans for added texture and protein
  

🔪 Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need a fancy kitchen for this one. Just a few basics:

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board & sharp knife
• Ladle for serving

Pro Tip: Prep your veggies ahead of time to make cooking a breeze!

🕒 Prep Time for Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup Recipe:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions of Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Chop your onions, celery, carrots, and mince the garlic. If you’re adding mushrooms or any other fresh veggies, prep those too.

Step 2: Sauté for Flavor

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium. Toss in onions, garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5–7 minutes until soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring everything to a simmer. Add seasonings (salt, pepper, Italian herbs, thyme). Let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Add Gnocchi

Add the gnocchi to the simmering soup. Cook for 3–5 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the top—this means they’re done.

Step 5: Stir in Cream and Greens

Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream (or plant milk). Add spinach or kale. Cook just until the greens wilt and the soup looks rich and creamy.

🥔 Choosing the Best Gnocchi

Store-Bought vs Homemade

Store-bought gnocchi works just fine here and keeps this recipe weeknight-friendly. If you’ve got homemade, even better!

Gluten-Free or Whole Wheat Options

Look for gluten-free gnocchi made with potato and rice flour. Whole wheat gnocchi adds a nutty, hearty twist.

🥦 Best Vegetables for Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Classic Choices

• Carrots
  
• Spinach
  
• Celery
  
• Onion
  

Seasonal Swaps

• Zucchini in summer
  
• Butternut squash in fall
  
• Leeks instead of onion for a lighter flavor
  

🥥 Make It Creamy or Dairy-Free

You’ve got options:

• Traditional: Use heavy cream or half-and-half
  
• Dairy-Free: Try full-fat coconut milk or a homemade cashew cream
  

Want ultra-rich texture? Use a splash of both cream and a knob of butter at the end!

🧂 Seasoning Tips of Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup Recipe

A great soup is all about balance:

• Add depth: Use a touch of soy sauce or miso
  
• Brighten it up: A splash of lemon juice before serving does wonders
  
• Spice it up: Red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce brings the heat
  

🥡 Meal Prep & Storage Tips

This soup stores beautifully:

• Fridge: Up to 3 days in an airtight container
  
• Freezer: Best without gnocchi (they can get mushy). Add fresh gnocchi when reheating
  

When reheating, add a splash of broth to thin it out again.

🥖 Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup with:

• Crusty sourdough bread
  
• Garlic breadsticks
  
• A simple side salad
  

Pair with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a light, refreshing combo.

🍲 Health Benefits of Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup Recipe

• Vegetable-rich: Loaded with vitamins and fiber
  
• Comforting but light: Creamy without being too heavy
  
• Easy to digest: Great for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather
  

Add beans or lentils for a boost in protein!

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the gnocchi – they’ll fall apart
  
• Using too much cream – can overpower the veggies
  
• Forgetting to taste and adjust – flavors need to balance!
  

👩‍🍳 Reader Variations

Here’s how others have put their spin on it:

• “I added mushrooms and white beans—super hearty!”
  
• “Used oat milk and it was still creamy and delicious!”
  
• “Threw in some sun-dried tomatoes for extra tang.”
  

✅ Conclusion

Whether you’re vegetarian or just looking to eat more plants, this vegetarian gnocchi soup is a total winner. It’s cozy, easy, nourishing, and customizable. Perfect for meal prep, cold nights, or whenever you need something comforting without the heaviness.

Now go grab that pot and start cooking—your belly will thank you.

❓FAQs

1. Can I freeze vegetarian gnocchi soup?
   Yes, but it’s best to freeze it without the gnocchi and add them fresh when reheating to avoid sogginess.
2. Is gnocchi vegan-friendly?
   Some are! Check the label—avoid those with egg or dairy if you’re vegan.
3. What kind of broth should I use?
   Use a good-quality vegetable broth. Homemade or low-sodium boxed options work well.
4. Can I make this spicy?
   Totally! Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce to kick it up.
5. What protein can I add to this soup?
   White beans, lentils, or even tofu cubes are great vegetarian protein options.
   

   Print Recipe

   30-Minute Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup Recipe That Made My Italian Grandmother Cry

   Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup Recipe: If you’ve ever craved a warm, cozy bowl of something creamy, comforting, and loaded with vegetables—this vegetarian gnocchi soup is your new go-to.

   Prep Time10 minutes mins

   Cook Time20 minutes mins

   Total Time30 minutes mins

   Course: Breakfast, dinner, vegeterian

   Cuisine: Italian

   Servings: 4

   Equipment

   • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
   • Wooden spoon
   • Cutting board & sharp knife
   • Ladle for serving

   Ingredients

   • Olive oil – for sautéing
   • Onion garlic & celery – the aromatic base
   • Carrots – for sweetness and color
   • Vegetable broth – keeps it vegetarian and flavorful
   • Store-bought or homemade gnocchi – soft and satisfying
   • Spinach or kale – adds nutrition and freshness
   • Heavy cream or plant-based milk – for that silky texture
   • Italian seasoning salt, pepper, thyme – flavor boosters

   Instructions

   👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions of Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup Recipe

   Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

   • Chop your onions, celery, carrots, and mince the garlic. If you’re adding mushrooms or any other fresh veggies, prep those too.
   • 30-Minute Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup Recipe That Made My Italian Grandmother Cry
   • Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup Recipe

   Step 2: Sauté for Flavor

   • In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium. Toss in onions, garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5–7 minutes until soft and fragrant.
   • 30-Minute Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup Recipe That Made My Italian Grandmother Cry
   • Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup Recipe

   Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer

   • Pour in the vegetable broth and bring everything to a simmer. Add seasonings (salt, pepper, Italian herbs, thyme). Let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
   • 30-Minute Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup Recipe That Made My Italian Grandmother Cry
   • Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup Recipe That Made My Italian Grandmother Cry

   Step 4: Add Gnocchi

   • Add the gnocchi to the simmering soup. Cook for 3–5 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the top—this means they’re done.
   • 30-Minute Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup Recipe That Made My Italian Grandmother Cry
   • Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup Recipe

   Step 5: Stir in Cream and Greens

   • Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream (or plant milk). Add spinach or kale. Cook just until the greens wilt and the soup looks rich and creamy.

   🥔 Choosing the Best Gnocchi

   • Store-Bought vs Homemade
   • Store-bought gnocchi works just fine here and keeps this recipe weeknight-friendly. If you’ve got homemade, even better!

   Notes

   Health Benefits of Vegetarian Gnocchi Soup Recipe

   • Vegetable-rich: Loaded with vitamins and fiber
   • Comforting but light: Creamy without being too heavy
   • Easy to digest: Great for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather

   Add beans or lentils for a boost in protein!

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