Creamy Mushroom Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Warm, cozy, and bursting with rich flavors, Creamy Mushroom Gnocchi Soup is a true delight, combining the earthiness of mushrooms with pillowy gnocchi, fresh herbs, and a velvety broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or any day when you crave comfort in a bowl, this soup is as filling as it is flavorful. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress family or friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Creamy Comfort: The soup’s velvety texture and creamy base make it a luscious, satisfying choice.
2. Rich Mushroom Flavor: Fresh mushrooms bring an earthy depth to the dish.
3. Quick and Easy: With minimal ingredients and prep time, it’s ready in less than an hour.
4. Vegetarian Option: Swap the broth for vegetable stock for a vegetarian-friendly meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base of the Soup

1. Heat Olive Oil and Butter: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. The olive oil helps prevent the butter from burning, and the combination adds flavor.
2. Cook the Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms

1. Add the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot. Stir them in, ensuring they’re evenly coated with the butter and oil.
2. Season and Sauté: Sprinkle the mushrooms with dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Sauté for about 8-10 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and slightly caramelized. The mushrooms will release their liquid as they cook, which will evaporate as they start to brown.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Simmer

1. Pour in the Broth: Slowly add the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring well to combine with the mushroom mixture. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
2. Let it Cook: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich, savory base for the soup.

Step 4: Add the Cream and Gnocchi

1. Add Heavy Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring to blend it smoothly into the soup. The cream will add a velvety texture and help balance the flavors.
2. Cook the Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the pot, stirring gently. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi floats to the surface. Gnocchi cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.
3. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper to taste. For a bit of extra depth, add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of hot sauce.

Step 5: Add Spinach and Final Touches

1. Add Spinach: Add the spinach leaves and stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. This step is optional, but the spinach adds a pop of color and extra nutrients to the dish.
2. Garnish and Serve: Serve the soup hot, garnishing with fresh parsley, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and, if desired, a drizzle of truffle oil.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Mushroom Gnocchi Soup

1. Choose Your Mushrooms Wisely: While white button mushrooms work well, a mix of cremini, portobello, or shiitake adds a more complex, earthy flavor.
2. Control the Creaminess: For a lighter version, use half-and-half or even coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
3. Use Fresh Herbs: If possible, substitute fresh thyme and rosemary for dried. Simply double the amount for a more intense, aromatic soup.
4. Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Gnocchi cooks very quickly; it’s done when it floats. Remove the soup from heat soon after adding gnocchi to prevent it from becoming too soft.

Variations

1. Add Protein: For a heartier meal, add diced cooked chicken, Italian sausage, or even shrimp.
2. Vegan Option: Replace the butter with olive oil, heavy cream with coconut cream, and use vegetable broth.
3. Add Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value by adding diced carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini.
4. Use Cauliflower Gnocchi: For a lower-carb option, swap traditional gnocchi with cauliflower gnocchi, available in many grocery stores.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the soup base (without the gnocchi and spinach) ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the soup and add gnocchi and spinach.

2. Can I freeze this soup?
This soup doesn’t freeze well due to the cream and gnocchi, which can become mushy. However, you can make and freeze the mushroom broth without cream or gnocchi, then add them fresh when reheating.

3. How can I thicken or thin the soup?
To thicken, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, then stir into the soup. To thin, simply add more broth or milk.

4. Can I use dried gnocchi instead of fresh?
Yes, you can. Dried gnocchi may need slightly longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time as needed.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs wonderfully with:

• Crusty Bread: A fresh baguette or garlic bread makes a perfect side for dipping.
• Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Mushroom Gnocchi Soup is a comforting, cozy dish that’s surprisingly easy to make and sure to become a new favorite. The combination of rich flavors, soft gnocchi, and velvety broth makes it an irresistible treat, especially on chilly days. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or serving it to guests, this soup delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy!

Yield: 4

Creamy Mushroom Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Print

Warm, cozy, and bursting with rich flavors, Creamy Mushroom Gnocchi Soup is a true delight, combining the earthiness of mushrooms with pillowy gnocchi, fresh herbs, and a velvety broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or any day when you crave comfort in a bowl, this soup is as filling as it is flavorful. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress family or friends.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 16 oz (450g) mushrooms, sliced (use a mix of button, cremini, and/or shiitake)
• 1 tsp thyme (fresh or dried)
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 lb (450g) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics:
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
   
2. Cook the Mushrooms:
   Add the sliced mushrooms and thyme to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.
   
3. Add the Broth and Cream:
   Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let it cook for 5-6 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
   
4. Add the Gnocchi:
   Add the gnocchi to the soup and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 2-3 minutes for store-bought gnocchi). The gnocchi will float to the top when cooked.
   
5. Stir in the Cream and Cheese:
   Once the gnocchi is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes to thicken slightly.
   
6. Serve:
   Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot, and enjoy the creamy, comforting flavors!

Notes

Make it Vegan: Use coconut cream or another dairy-free cream substitute and skip the Parmesan for a vegan version.

Add-ins: Feel free to add spinach or kale for extra greens, or a splash of white wine while cooking the mushrooms for added depth of flavor.