Steam curling from the pot. Creamy, herby, golden. The kind of smell that drifts you right into fall memoriesblankets, crunchy leaves, maybe a little drizzle outside. This Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi Soup is popping off all over Pinterest lately, and yep, it’s got comfort written all over it.
This dish brings together roasted butternut squash, soft pillowy gnocchi, and a swirl of cream to make one seriously comforting bowl. It’s simple, satisfying, and totally weeknight doablelike creamy gnocchi soup meets grandma’s cozy stew. Full details in the blog!
I made it on a chilly Tuesday with my niece banging spoons on a pot and my mom asking if I salted the squash enough. Test kitchen chaos, but trusted results. I’ve played with the seasoning to get it just right. I tested it. You’ll love the secret!
Enjoy a warm bowl of Butternut Squash Gnocchi Soup, perfect for fall. This savory gnocchi soup is creamy and hearty, making it a family friendly and easy one pot soup. Ideal for any roasted squash soup craving.
Ingredients
Scale
Parmesan cheese freshly grated for serving
2–3 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves minced
salt
1 lb potato gnocchi fresh or frozen
1/4 tsp dried rosemary
1 1/2 cups half-and-half full-fat for richness
pepper
1 medium yellow onion finely diced
6–7 cups vegetable broth low sodium preferred
1–2 cups plant-based sausage crumbled and browned
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 1/2 cups butternut squash peeled and 1/2-inch diced
2 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes chopped oil-packed
1/4 tsp dried thyme
4 cups kale chopped stems removed
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat and sauté plant-based sausage until golden brown then transfer to a bowl.
Add onion to the pot with a drizzle more olive oil if needed and sauté until translucent.
Add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic powder, dried rosemary, and thyme and sauté until fragrant.
Pour in vegetable broth and add butternut squash, season with salt and pepper, scrape brown bits from pot and simmer covered until squash is fork tender.
Remove lid and add gnocchi and kale, cook until gnocchi floats to the top.
Reduce heat to low and stir in half-and-half and browned sausage, season to taste and simmer gently.
Serve hot with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Method:Stovetop
Nutrition
Calories:1200-1400
Fat:60-70 g
Carbohydrates:150-160 g
Protein:40-50 g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi Soup truly embodies the essence of a cozy fall meal. It’s creamy, nourishing, and packed with bold flavors from hearty plant-based sausage, tender butternut squash, and fragrant aromatics. The addition of tender, pillowy gnocchi instantly elevates it to ultimate comfort food status.
What makes it even better? Its remarkable simplicity. Requiring just one pota win for easy cleanup!and a fuss-free ingredient list, this is the kind of recipe you can make on a busy weeknight or when cooking for a crowd. The combination of creamy roasted squash with soft, pillowy gnocchi creates a delightful textural contrast in every spoonful.
Whether you’re looking for a hearty autumn soup to serve for family dinner or just want to warm up on a chilly evening, this recipe perfectly fits the bill.
Ingredients Breakdown
Each ingredient in this creamy gnocchi soup contributes a distinct layer of flavor and comfort. Here’s what you’re working with:
Butternut squash: Butternut squash is the star, offering a slightly sweet, earthy foundation. Dice it small for quicker cooking.
Potato gnocchi: These chewy, pillowy dumplings soak up the broth beautifully while making the dish wonderfully hearty.
Plant-based sausage: Crumbled and browned, it brings a savory, rich depth to the soup.
Kale: Adds a pop of color and extra nutrients. These hearty greens hold up well in the broth.
Sun-dried tomatoes: These concentrated bites of umami goodness give the soup a subtle tang and richness.
Pro Tip: For an extra layer of savory flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese when serving. It’s optional but highly recommended!
Simple Steps to Make It
While boasting rich flavors, this one-pot soup is remarkably simple to prepare. You’ll have everything ready in less than 45 minutes!
Sauté the sausage: Heat olive oil in your pot, cook the plant-based sausage until golden and lightly browned, then set it aside.
Sweat the aromatics: In the same pot, sauté diced onion until soft and translucent, then stir in garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
Simmer with the squash: Add the broth, diced butternut squash, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook until the squash is tender (15–25 minutes, depending on dice size).
Add gnocchi & kale: Toss in the potato gnocchi and kale, cooking just until the gnocchi floatstypically only a couple of minutes.
Finish with cream & sausage: Turn down the heat, stir in the half-and-half (or dairy-free alternative) and the cooked sausage. Let everything warm through for about a minute. That’s it!
Step
Time
Sauté sausage
10–15 minutes
Sauté onion & aromatics
5–6 minutes
Simmer squash
15–25 minutes
Add gnocchi & kale
2 minutes
Finish with cream & sausage
1 minute
Easy Customizations
Want to tweak this gnocchi soup recipe to suit your taste or what you have on hand? No problem! It’s wonderfully flexible and forgiving:
No plant-based sausage? Try crumbled tempeh, cooked lentils, or chickpeas for protein-packed swaps.
Not into kale? Fresh spinach or Swiss chard work beautifully too. Just toss them in right at the end, as they cook much faster.
Looking for a dairy-free option? Swap half-and-half for unsweetened full-fat coconut milk or a homemade cashew cream for a similar rich and creamy texture.
Pro Tip: If you can’t find sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers (from a jar, drained and chopped) will give a similar sweet-savory pop and a lovely color.
How to Serve & Store
This soup is best served fresh and hot, but leftovers are equally delicious and convenient. Here’s how to enjoy it now and later:
Serving: Ladle the hearty soup into bowls and sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese (if using) for a warm, savory finishing touch. Serve with crusty bread for dunking!
Storing: Keep any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water to thin it out and restore consistency as needed.
Storage Method
Time
Refrigerator
Up to 3 days
Freezer (without gnocchi)
Up to 2 months
Note: If planning to freeze the soup, cook and add the gnocchi fresh when you’re ready to serve, as gnocchi can become mushy upon freezing and reheating.
Expert Insight: Elevating Comfort with Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi Soup
Achieving the perfect balance in this butternut squash gnocchi soup lies in the interplay of textures and flavors. The tender gnocchi and creamy roasted squash provide a comforting foundation, while fresh herbs and a touch of cream are key to enhancing richness and balancing the squash’s natural sweetness, resulting in a deeply satisfying and nutrient-packed meal.
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Finding the Perfect Balance in Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi Soup
I spent more weekends than I care to admit tweaking this savory butternut squash gnocchi souptoo thick, too bland, or just off with spices. Each attempt brought me closer to the cozy, hearty blend that now fills our family table and warms cold nights with just the right touch of comfort and flavor.
FAQs ( Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi Soup )
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the best texture, cook the gnocchi just before serving and add it to the warm soup. Reheat gently on the stove to avoid breaking down the soft squash and creamy base.
What type of gnocchi works best?
For this dish, soft potato gnocchi that cooks quickly is best. Fresh or refrigerated gnocchi hold their shape well in this smooth butternut squash soup. Avoid frozen gnocchi that may become mushy when simmered too long in the creamy broth.
How can I make the soup creamier without dairy?
To keep the soup creamy without dairy, blend in cooked white beans or soaked cashews before adding the gnocchi. You can also use canned coconut milk for a silky texture. These options add richness while complementing the natural sweetness of the roasted squash.
Can I freeze leftover soup?
Freezing is possible, but it’s best to freeze the soup without gnocchi, as gnocchi can become mushy when frozen and reheated. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add fresh gnocchi when reheating for the best texture.
What are good toppings for this soup?
Try topping the creamy gnocchi soup with toasted pumpkin seeds, freshly chopped parsley, or a drizzle of good quality olive oil. For more flavor, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper or Parmesan cheese adds a satisfying finish without overpowering the roasted squash.
Conclusion
This Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi Soup delivers a comforting embrace in every spoonful. In under an hour, you get a creamy, herb-kissed broth packed with tender roasted squash and pillowy gnocchithe epitome of comfort on a chilly night, made easy. You’ll love how the flavors deepen as it simmers, filling your kitchen with that inviting, cozy aroma.
Here’s a little kitchen wisdom: if you prefer a softer green, swap the kale for fresh spinach, or stir in a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky twist. Leftovers reheat beautifully on low heat with a splash of broth to maintain that dreamy creamy texture. It’s a simple trick I picked up from my grandma’s no-fuss soup secrets, ensuring every bowl is as good as the first.
Now it’s your turndid this butternut squash gnocchi soup bring back any fall memories or inspire new family moments? Snap a pic, share your story, or save the recipe for your next cozy night in. Nothing beats gathering around the table with loved ones and a bowl full of warmth. Happy cooking, friends!
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
