If you’re craving a warm, comforting bowl of goodness, you’re going to absolutely adore this Cheesy Gnocchi Soup Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly evening, packed with tender gnocchi swimming in a creamy, cheesy broth that’ll have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!). I love this soup because it’s simple enough for a weeknight but fancy enough to impress guests. Stick around — I’ll share all my insider tips to make sure yours turns out perfect every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate Comfort Food: This soup wraps gnocchi in a creamy, cheesy broth that’s soul-satisfying and filling.
Quick & Easy: From start to finish in about 30 minutes – perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious but fast.
Flexible Ingredients: You can add spinach, swap cheeses, or load it up with veggies to match your mood and pantry.
Kid-Approved: My family goes crazy for this, even the picky eaters ask for seconds!

A creamy soup fills a white pot, shown up close with a metal ladle holding a scoop. The soup has a light orange color with visible soft yellow dumplings, shredded bright orange carrots, and fresh dark green spinach leaves scattered throughout. The texture looks smooth and thick, with small bubbles on the surface. The white marbled surface beneath adds a clean and fresh feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cheesy Gnocchi Soup, creamy gnocchi soup, comforting gnocchi recipe, easy cheesy soup, hearty gnocchi dish

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Cheesy Gnocchi Soup Recipe come together to create a balanced flavor — the savory broth, sweet carrots, and sharp cheddar all complement each other so beautifully. When shopping, try to grab fresh, quality produce and real block cheese to grate yourself for the best flavor and texture.

Flat lay of a small pat of butter, one small diced onion, two whole celery ribs, one large peeled and shredded carrot, two peeled garlic cloves, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with pale yellow chicken broth, a cluster of fresh potato gnocchi, a small white bowl of heavy cream, a small white bowl of whole milk, a neat pile of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a small white bowl of finely grated parmesan cheese, a handful of chopped fresh spinach, a small white bowl of dry mustard powder, a small white bowl of coarse black pepper, and two whole uncracked brown eggs — all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Cheesy Gnocchi Soup, creamy gnocchi soup, comforting gnocchi recipe, easy cheesy soup, hearty gnocchi dish

Butter: Adds richness and helps soften the veggies while building flavor.
Onion: Use a small yellow onion for a classic savory base.
Celery: Finely diced for subtle crunch and aromatic depth.
Carrot: Shredded to melt into the soup, adding a hint of natural sweetness.
Garlic: Freshly minced for fragrant warmth.
Chicken Broth: Low sodium lets you control the saltiness better.
Potato Gnocchi: The star – pillowy little dumplings that soak up all the flavors.
Salt: Season carefully and adjust at the end.
Dry Mustard Powder: Gives a subtle tangy kick to balance the creaminess.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground adds warmth and depth.
Heavy Cream: Makes the soup luxuriously smooth.
Whole Milk: Lightens the cream just enough for perfect consistency.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Freshly grated from the block is a game changer for melt and flavor.
Spinach (optional): Adds color and a mild earthy note, but you can leave it out if you prefer.
Parmesan Cheese (optional): Sprinkled at the end for a savory, salty finish.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to mix things up depending on what we have at home or the season. This soup is incredibly forgiving, so feel free to make it your own by swapping cheeses or adding extra veggies. If you want it lighter, cutting back on cream works well too!

Vegetarian version: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and skip bacon if you want a meatless soup that’s just as tasty.
Add sausage: Brown Italian sausage with the veggies before adding broth for a heartier meal; my husband loves it this way.
Different greens: Try kale or swiss chard instead of spinach for an earthy twist.
Cheese swaps: Gruyère or fontina also melt beautifully and bring a nutty, milder flavor.

How to Make Cheesy Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies to Build Flavor

Start by melting the butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Then add the diced onion, celery, shredded carrot, and minced garlic. Sauté everything gently for about 4 to 5 minutes until the veggies are soft and aromatic. This step is key — it develops the soup’s base flavor. Keep stirring occasionally to avoid browning or burning.

Step 2: Add Broth and Bring to a Boil

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any yummy browned bits from the pan’s bottom with a wooden spoon. This little trick packs extra flavor into your soup. Turn the heat up to medium-high and bring it to a boil.

Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi

Once the broth boils, add the potato gnocchi. Let them cook for 4 minutes — they’ll float to the top when done. Gnocchi can be a bit delicate, so avoid stirring too vigorously to prevent them from breaking up.

Step 4: Richen the Soup with Cream and Milk

Stir in the heavy cream, whole milk, salt, dry mustard powder, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to combine. Bring the soup back to a low boil and then reduce the heat to medium. Let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens just slightly. Patience here makes the texture divine.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheese and Spinach

Sprinkle in the sharp cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring continuously until melted. Once all the cheese is incorporated, turn off the heat and remove the pot from the stove. Stir in the fresh chopped spinach if you’re using it — the residual heat will wilt it perfectly without overcooking. Finally, add the parmesan cheese and stir just until melted for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasoning

Give your soup a final taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. This finishing step ensures the flavors are perfectly balanced — it’s worth tweaking until it’s just right for you.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Don’t Skip Fresh Cheese: Grating cheddar from a block melts better and tastes so much fresher than pre-shredded cheese, which often has anti-caking agents.
Cook Gnocchi Gently: Stir carefully after adding gnocchi to avoid tearing them; they’re delicate but forgiving.
Simmer Slowly: Let the soup thicken on a gentle simmer rather than a rapid boil to keep it creamy and prevent curdling.
Wilting Greens Last: Add spinach at the very end so it doesn’t turn mushy but stays vibrant and fresh.

How to Serve Cheesy Gnocchi Soup Recipe

A white bowl is filled with creamy yellow soup, containing three large soft dumplings or gnocchi, scattered green spinach leaves, and small white pieces of onion. The soup has a smooth texture with tiny black specks of pepper on top. The bowl sits on a white marbled plate, with two golden spoons resting beside it. A striped blue and white cloth is placed to the left side of the bowl, all on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cheesy Gnocchi Soup, creamy gnocchi soup, comforting gnocchi recipe, easy cheesy soup, hearty gnocchi dish

Garnishes

When I serve this Cheesy Gnocchi Soup Recipe, I love adding a sprinkle of extra parmesan on top and a few twists of freshly ground black pepper for a little extra punch. A scattering of chopped fresh parsley or chives brightens the look and adds a fresh note that cuts through the richness. Sometimes, I’ll toss on some crunchy crumbled bacon or toasted pine nuts for a fabulous texture contrast.

Side Dishes

Since this soup is so rich and filling, I usually pair it with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to lighten things up. Crusty artisan bread or garlic breadsticks are perfect for dipping — my kids always ask for extra bread to soak up every drop of that cheesy broth!

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, serve this soup in mini bread bowls for a rustic and fun twist that guests love. You can also garnish each bowl with a small nest of sautéed spinach on top and a drizzle of good-quality olive oil for a beautiful finish. Making it in a large, colorful Dutch oven on the table sparks great conversation and cozy vibes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Gnocchi Soup stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I find it’s best to let it cool completely before refrigerating. The gnocchi may absorb some broth overnight, so when you reheat, you might want to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the soup back up.

Freezing

Freezing this soup is possible but tricky because of the cream and cheese — sometimes they can separate. If you plan to freeze, consider leaving the cream and cheese out initially and adding them fresh when reheating. Freeze in portions and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat leftover soup slowly over low-medium heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent the cream from separating. If the soup is too thick, add a bit of chicken broth or milk to restore the perfect creamy consistency. I avoid microwaving because it can heat unevenly and affect texture.

FAQs

Can I make this Cheesy Gnocchi Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap out the chicken broth for a good-quality vegetable broth. The soup is so flavorful that it works wonderfully with this simple exchange, making it perfect for vegetarians.
Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?

Yes! I usually use store-bought potato gnocchi because it’s quick and easy, and it cooks perfectly in this soup. Just follow package instructions for cooking time or stick to the 4 minutes in the broth as described for tender, pillowy results.
What’s the secret to making the cheese melt smoothly in the soup?

The key is to lower the heat when adding cheese and add it gradually, stirring constantly. Using freshly grated cheese from a block helps it melt evenly and prevents clumping or graininess.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Definitely! Feel free to add diced potatoes, mushrooms, or zucchini during the sauté step. Just keep in mind how they’ll affect cooking time and texture, and adjust accordingly.
How thick should the soup be?

It should be creamy and slightly thickened to coat the back of a spoon but still spoonable. If it gets too thick, whisk in a little more milk or broth to reach your preferred consistency. It’s all about personal preference here!

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Gnocchi Soup Recipe holds a special place in my heart – it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s both quick and hearty, perfect for chilly nights or when you need a bit of warmth and indulgence. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I love sharing it. Grab your pot, melt that butter, and get ready to dive into a bowl of cheesy, gnocchi-filled happiness — your kitchen is about to smell amazing!