A bowl of Turkey Gnocchi Soup represents the beautiful evolution of Italian-American cuisine, where traditional ingredients meet modern convenience and creativity. Each spoonful delivers pillowy potato gnocchi floating in a rich, creamy broth alongside savory Italian turkey sausage and tender vegetables.

This Turkey Gnocchi Soup starts with a burst of aromatic garlic and onion, followed by the complex flavor of the sausage, while the cream brings everything together in a silky embrace. This contemporary interpretation of Italian soup-making draws inspiration from classic recipes like Zuppa Toscana or minestra, but transforms them into something uniquely satisfying. The addition of baby kale provides a modern nutritional boost while adding a subtle pepper note and pleasant texture, and the finishing touch of nutmeg – a classic Italian pairing with cream and potato – adds an elegant warmth that elevates this soup from simple comfort food to something truly special.

What makes this soup particularly remarkable is how it manages to be both hearty and refined, rich yet not heavy, equally at home as a casual family dinner or an impressive first course.

Turkey Gnocchi Soup

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The use of turkey sausage instead of pork sausage makes this soup leaner, while the addition of kale makes this a high-fiber food. If you’ve never had gnocchi before, it’s a soft, doughy dumpling that acts as a potato pillow, complementing the surrounding ingredients, like the turkey sausage.

• Author: Addie Gundry
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4 - 6 1x
• Category: Soups

Ingredients

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• 1 pound Italian turkey sausage
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 jarred roasted red bell pepper, drained and diced
• 1 pound packaged potato gnocchi
• 3 cups baby kale, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, cook the turkey sausage and the onion over medium- high heat until the sausage is browned, about 6 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 Drain the excess grease from the pan.
2. Add the broth and the roasted red pepper. Bring to a simmer.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the gnocchi. Cook for 10 minutes.
4. Stir in the kale, cream, nutmeg, salt, and black Bring to a simmer and cook until the kale starts to wilt and the soup is heated through.
5. Ladle into bowls and serve topped with Parmesan.

Turkey Gnocchi Soup Key Ingredients

Italian Turkey Sausage
A leaner alternative to traditional pork sausage, it provides all the classic Italian seasonings and satisfying flavor while keeping the soup lighter. The mix of herbs and spices in the sausage infuses the entire broth, creating a flavorful foundation.

Potato Gnocchi
These small potato dumplings are the soul of the soup, offering a tender, pillowy texture that absorbs the flavors of the broth while maintaining their distinct character. Their starch also helps naturally thicken the soup slightly.

Heavy Cream
The cream transforms the broth from a simple stock into a luxurious base, creating a silky mouthfeel and helping to marry all the flavors together. It also provides a beautiful canvas for the nutmeg’s subtle warmth.

Baby Kale
Adding both nutrition and color, baby kale brings a gentle pepper note and pleasant texture while being more tender than traditional kale. It wilts perfectly into the soup while maintaining some structure.

Quick Substitution Guide

• Protein: Italian pork sausage, seasoned ground turkey, or plant-based sausage
• Pasta: Cauliflower gnocchi, mini tortellini, or small shell pasta
• Cream: Half-and-half, coconut cream, or evaporated milk
• Greens: Spinach, Swiss chard, or traditional escarole

Technique and Timing

The success of this soup lies in understanding a few key principles:

• Properly browning the sausage creates a flavor foundation
• Adding the gnocchi at the right time prevents them from becoming too soft
• Introducing the cream gradually prevents curdling
• Adding kale at the end maintains its color and texture
• Seasoning at the end accounts for the salt from the sausage and cheese

Serving and Presentation

This soup is best served immediately after the kale has just wilted and the gnocchi are perfectly tender. For the best experience:

• Use warmed bowls to keep the soup hot
• Add freshly grated Parmesan at the table
• Serve with crusty Italian bread for dipping
• Garnish with fresh black pepper and additional herbs if desired

Turkey Gnocchi Soup represents the evolution of Italian-American cuisine, where traditional ingredients and techniques are adapted for modern tastes and nutritional preferences. It’s part of a larger trend of “lightened-up” comfort foods that maintain the satisfaction of their original versions while incorporating healthier elements.

Contemporary variations might include using whole wheat gnocchi, adding roasted vegetables, incorporating white beans, or adapting for slow cooker preparation.

Have you tried this soup? We’d love to hear about your experience! Share your favorite variations, tips, or serving suggestions in the comments below. Did you try any of our suggested substitutions? Let us know how they worked out for you!