If you’re craving something comforting, creamy, and downright cozy, I’ve got just the thing for you—a Cheesy Gnocchi Soup Recipe that’s honestly like a warm hug in a bowl. I absolutely love this soup because it’s a one-pot wonder that combines tender potato gnocchi with a rich, cheesy broth and fresh veggies. When I first tried this, I was blown away by how simple ingredients come together for such a satisfyingly indulgent meal. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through every step so you can make this fan-freaking-tastic soup your new weeknight go-to.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort in a Bowl: Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly hearty for chilly days or when you just need that cozy feeling.
Quick & Easy: Ready in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
Made with Simple Ingredients: No crazy shopping trips needed—most of these things might already be in your pantry and fridge.
Customizable & Delicious: You can absolutely tweak this recipe to your liking, from adding greens to adjusting the cheese blend.

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, cheesy gnocchi soup recipe, creamy gnocchi soup, easy gnocchi soup, comforting potato gnocchi soup

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how these ingredients balance each other—fresh veggies bring a subtle sweetness, gnocchi adds that pillowy texture, and the cheeses create a luscious, gooey finish. When shopping, grabbing freshly grated cheese really makes a difference in flavor, so try to avoid pre-shredded if you can!

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, cheesy gnocchi soup recipe, creamy gnocchi soup, easy gnocchi soup, comforting potato gnocchi soup

Butter: Use unsalted so you can control the saltiness; it adds that silky richness to the base.
Onion: A small one, diced finely, to melt into the broth and add sweetness.
Celery: Finely diced for that subtle crunch and freshness.
Carrot: Shredded to blend smoothly, imparting a gentle, natural sweetness.
Garlic: Minced—don’t skip it! It’s the little flavor booster that wakes everything up.
Chicken Broth: Low sodium is best to control seasoning and avoid too much salt.
Potato Gnocchi: Fresh or store-bought work great, just not frozen — that texture is key!
Salt: You’ll adjust this as you go, so start with less and taste often.
Dry Mustard Powder: Adds a subtle depth and slight tanginess that you wouldn’t expect but love.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground for the best bite.
Heavy Cream & Whole Milk: Combination makes it creamy without being overly heavy.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Freshly grated from the block—this is the star that gives the soup that classic cheesy kick.
Fresh Spinach (optional): Adds color and a mild earthiness; wilts beautifully into the warm soup.
Parmesan Cheese (optional): A little sprinkle brings an umami boost and salty finish you’ll crave.

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 love how versatile this Cheesy Gnocchi Soup Recipe is—you can easily tailor it to what you have on hand or your dietary needs. I’ve played around with a few tweaks, and each one turned out just darling!

Vegetarian Variation: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and skip any meat additions; the cheese and veggies do all the heavy lifting flavor-wise.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a surprising kick that wakes up your taste buds.
Green Boost: Mix in different greens like kale or swiss chard instead of spinach for a heartier texture.
Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative—this changes the flavor but keeps the creaminess intact.

How to Make Cheesy Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base

I start by melting butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat—just enough so it’s bubbly but not browned. Toss in your diced onion, celery, carrot, and minced garlic, then sauté for about 4-5 minutes until everything is soft and smelling incredible. This is where your soup’s flavor begins to shine, so don’t rush it. The key is stirring regularly and making sure the veggies soften but don’t brown or burn.

Step 2: Bring It All Together with Broth & Gnocchi

Next, pour in your chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape any tasty bits stuck at the bottom—this is flavor gold. Crank the heat to medium-high and bring everything to a boil. As soon as it’s bubbling, add your potato gnocchi straight into the broth and cook for 4 minutes. You’ll notice the gnocchi puff up slightly and get tender—just perfect.

Step 3: Creamy Goodness & Seasoning

Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, then sprinkle in salt, dry mustard powder, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to combine everything. Once the soup returns to a low boil, reduce heat to medium and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes. You’ll see it start to thicken ever so gently—keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Cheese Magic & Final Touches

Here’s the fun part: sprinkle in your sharp cheddar cheese and stir until it melts into that luscious, cheesy broth. Remove the soup from heat and add your chopped spinach if you’re using it—the residual heat wilts it beautifully without overcooking. Then, stir in the parmesan cheese just until it softens. Give it a taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking. I usually add a pinch more salt here because cheese can vary.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Use Freshly Grated Cheese: It melts smoother and adds a sharper flavor than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.
Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Keep an eye on cooking time; gnocchi cooks fast and can get mushy if left too long.
Simmer Gently: After adding dairy, keep the heat low to avoid curdling or separating.
Adjust Seasonings Last: Cheeses vary in saltiness, so taste your soup after melting cheese before adding more salt.

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, cheesy gnocchi soup recipe, creamy gnocchi soup, easy gnocchi soup, comforting potato gnocchi soup

Garnishes

I often top my bowl with a pinch of extra parmesan and a few fresh basil or parsley leaves—it adds a pop of color and brightness that complements the richness. A light drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes also kicks things up a notch if you like a bit of heat.

Side Dishes

Since this soup is rich and filling, I like to serve it with a simple crisp green salad or some crusty bread for dipping. Garlic bread or toasted sourdough slices pair beautifully and help soak up all the cheesy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this soup in little bread bowls—it’s festive and adds an extra carb hit everyone loves! You could also ladle it into wide-rimmed bowls and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a restaurant-worthy vibe at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge where it keeps well for up to 3 days. The gnocchi soaks up the broth over time, so it thickens—sometimes I add a splash of milk when reheating to loosen it back up.

Freezing

This soup freezes okay but the texture changes a bit—the gnocchi gets softer after thawing. If you plan to freeze, I recommend freezing the soup and gnocchi separately or enjoying leftovers fresh when possible. If freezing with gnocchi, freeze in smaller portions for easier reheating without overcooking.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little milk or broth if too thick. Stir often to avoid scorching, and don’t rush it by cranking the heat, especially since dairy-based soups can split.

FAQs

Can I make this Cheesy Gnocchi Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’re good to go. The cheese and veggies provide plenty of flavor, so you won’t miss the meat at all.
What’s the best type of gnocchi to use in this soup?

I prefer fresh or refrigerated potato gnocchi—they cook quickly and absorb the flavors well. Avoid frozen gnocchi as their texture can become mushy during prolonged cooking.
Can I use other cheeses in the Cheesy Gnocchi Soup Recipe?

Definitely! Sharp cheddar brings classic flavor, but feel free to mix in Gruyère, mozzarella, or fontina for a different twist. Just keep the cheese quantity similar to maintain creaminess.
How can I make this soup less thick?

If you find the soup too thick, stir in a little extra broth or milk to loosen it up when reheating or serving. It should be creamy but still comfortably ladle-able.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Cheesy Gnocchi Soup Recipe holds a special place in my heart and kitchen. It’s one of those simple but spectacular dishes that wraps you in pure comfort and takes all the fuss out of dinner. Whether you’re new to cooking gnocchi or a seasoned pro, you’ll find this soup forgiving, flavorful, and downright addictive. Next time you’re craving something cozy, give this recipe a whirl—I promise your taste buds and your soul will thank you.