Creamy Gnocchi Soup with White Beans

6

A cozy, creamy Gnocchi Soup with White Beans inspired by Italian comfort food. Soft potato gnocchi, hearty white beans, vegetables, spinach, and a rich creamy broth come together for a satisfying one-pot meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

Soup

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 2 cans (15 oz / 425 g each) white beans, drained and rinsed (cannellini or great northern beans)
• 1 lb (450 g) potato gnocchi
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 3 cups fresh spinach
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Garnish

• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil
• Cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. Sauté the vegetables.
   • Heat olive oil or butter in a large soup pot over medium heat.
   • Add onion, carrots, and celery.
   • Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.
   • Add garlic, Italian seasoning, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds.
2. Simmer the soup.
   • Pour in the broth and add the white beans.
   • Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add the gnocchi.
   • Stir in the gnocchi and cook according to package directions, usually 3–5 minutes, until they float and become tender.
4. Make it creamy.
   • Lower the heat and stir in the cream and Parmesan cheese.
   • Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Add greens and finish.
   • Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted.
   • Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice if desired.
6. Serve warm.
   • Top with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs.

Optional Add-Ins

• 🍗 Shredded rotisserie chicken for extra protein
• 🥓 Crispy bacon or pancetta for smoky flavor
• 🍄 Sautéed mushrooms
• 🍅 Sun-dried tomatoes
• 🥬 Kale instead of spinach
• 🌶️ A spoonful of pesto for an herby twist

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze without the cream and gnocchi if possible for best texture. Add fresh gnocchi when reheating.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop; add a splash of broth or milk if it becomes too thick.

Tips for the Best Gnocchi Soup

• Don’t overcook the gnocchi—they become soft quickly.
• Mash a small portion of the white beans into the broth for a naturally thicker, creamier texture.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest finish.

This soup is creamy, hearty, and comforting—like a warm bowl of Italian-inspired goodness perfect for chilly evenings or an easy family dinner. 🍲