Creamy Kielbasa Gnocchi

Featured in Delicious Main Dish Recipes for Every Occasion.

This cozy one-pot dish blends smoky kielbasa, soft potato gnocchi, and a creamy, flavorful broth. It gets a boost from sun-dried tomatoes and Cajun seasoning. Heavy cream and cream cheese make it extra indulgent, while fresh spinach gives it a fresh touch. Start by browning the sausage, then layer in ingredients like veggies, spices, and gnocchi. It all comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for chilly days but great anytime.
A man wearing a white shirt and suspenders holding a piece of paper.
Updated on Wed, 30 Apr 2025 14:53:30 GMT
Creamy Kielbasa Gnocchi Pin it
Creamy Kielbasa Gnocchi | chefmelt.com

There's nothing quite like watching cream swirl into broth in this Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup, making a smooth base that feels like a warm hug in every bite. I can't help but keep this soup at the top of my go-to meals, pairing smoky kielbasa with soft gnocchi plus a touch of Cajun spice that gets you feeling cozy right away. When you try it, you'll want to grab your comfiest chair and just enjoy each spoonful.

Just days ago when that first cool breeze showed up, I whipped this soup up for my crew. I couldn't help but smile seeing everyone hover around the stove, pulled in by the smell of sizzling kielbasa and herbs - that's exactly why this soup has become our go-to when temperatures drop.

Key Ingredients and Smart Shopping

  • Kielbasa: Go for top-notch kielbasa since its smokiness really makes the soup special
  • Gnocchi: Grab the shelf-stable kind from the pasta section - they won't fall apart in your soup
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They pack a flavor punch - the ones in oil work best here
  • Spinach: Grab fresh spinach for bright color and good-for-you stuff - buy it the day you're cooking
Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup Pin it
Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup | chefmelt.com

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Nail your kielbasa cooking:
Cut kielbasa at a slight angle for more crispy edges. Pick a thick-bottomed pot for better browning. Let the pieces sit still to get that golden outside. Take them out when they're crispy but still juicy.
Create your flavor foundation:
Use those tasty brown bits left from the kielbasa. Cook sun-dried tomatoes until they get all oily. Pour broth in slowly, scraping the pot bottom to get all the good stuff. Let everything bubble gently to mix flavors.
Get that creamy texture:
Turn heat down before you put cream in so it won't curdle. Cut your cream cheese into tiny chunks so it melts faster. Keep whisking till it's totally smooth. Add salt and spices bit by bit, tasting as you go.
Cook gnocchi just right:
Drop them into gently bubbling liquid. Stir carefully so they stay whole. They're done when they float up. Try one to make sure before moving on.
Put the finishing touches:
Mix in spinach little by little so it wilts evenly. Put kielbasa back in last so it stays crunchy. Check if you need more salt after everything's in. Let it sit a couple minutes before you dig in.
Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup Pin it
Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup | chefmelt.com

Smart Cooking Tricks

  • Heat up your Cajun spices in a dry pan first to wake up their flavors
  • Keep extra broth nearby to thin the soup if needed
  • Set aside some crispy kielbasa pieces to sprinkle on top

Prep Ahead Ideas

  • Cook the kielbasa until crispy and keep it separate to stay crunchy
  • Make the soup base up to three days early
  • Mix up big batches of Cajun spice to have on hand
  • Get your toppings ready ahead of time

My Soup Story

This soup has grown with me through my cooking adventures. What started as a quick fix for leftover kielbasa has turned into the dish my friends always ask for. I learn something new each time I make it about timing, spices, and how good it feels to share something tasty.

Keeping It Fresh

  • Keep your soup base apart from the gnocchi when storing
  • Store those crispy kielbasa bits separately until serving time
  • Add a splash of fresh cream when warming it up
  • Toss in new spinach right before eating leftover soup

Changing With The Seasons

  • Spring: Use young spinach leaves and fresh herb sprinkles
  • Summer: Toss in homegrown tomatoes
  • Fall: Switch to sturdier greens and more filling extras
  • Winter: Add winter veggies and extra warm spices

Our Family Routine

We've made this soup our Sunday night thing during cold months. My kids help cut kielbasa (I watch them closely), and everyone adds their own favorite toppings. I treasure these times around the stove, sharing the warmth and talking about our day.

Serving To Friends

  • Set out different toppings so guests can customize
  • Keep soup hot in a heavy pot
  • Offer several bread choices for dunking
  • Make both hot and mild versions for different tastes

Fixing Common Problems

  • If soup gets too thick, slowly stir in warm broth
  • If cream cheese gets lumpy, blend it smooth with a stick blender
  • If gnocchi clump together, add them in smaller batches
  • If spinach tastes too strong, balance it with a bit more cream

Tools You'll Need

  • Heavy pot or Dutch oven that heats evenly
  • Wooden spoon to scrape up tasty bits
  • Decent-sized ladle for serving
  • Grater for adding fresh garlic or cheese on top

Mixing Food Traditions

  • Smoky Polish kielbasa heritage
  • Soft Italian gnocchi goodness
  • Spicy Cajun flavor kick
  • Classic American creamy soup style

Balanced Nutrition

  • Protein: Comes from the kielbasa
  • Veggies: Spinach and tomatoes
  • Carbs: From the gnocchi
  • Calcium: Found in the dairy parts

Perfect For These Events

  • Family get-togethers
  • Sports watching parties
  • Relaxed dinner with friends
  • Celebrations during cold weather

Using Up Leftovers

  • Add more broth to make a lighter lunch next day
  • Mix in different veggies for something new
  • Use it as pasta sauce
  • Turn it into the base for a baked dish
Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup Pin it
Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup | chefmelt.com

Bringing People Together

I've seen amazing connections form when sharing this soup. Friends have tweaked it with their own ideas, making it part of their family meals too. It's become a way to bridge different food backgrounds, showing how good food can really connect us all.

Earth-Friendly Choices

  • Try to find kielbasa from nearby makers
  • Pick organic dairy when you can
  • Use whatever greens are in season
  • Save leftovers in glass containers

Last Thoughts

This Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup isn't just food - it's a reminder that comfort cooking can stick to tradition while still trying new things. It shows how simple foods, handled with care and creativity, can turn into something really special. Whether you're feeding your family, hanging with friends, or just treating yourself, this soup brings warmth, satisfaction, and a bit of food adventure.

Wrapping Up

I think this Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup really captures what makes today's comfort food so great - it honors classic ingredients while playing with new combinations. Every bowl tells a story about mixing food cultures and getting creative in the kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap the sausage?
Sure! Smoked sausage of any kind works, but kielbasa gives the classic flavor.
→ Why does it get thicker over time?
The soup thickens naturally because of the gnocchi starch. It’ll thicken more as it rests.
→ How can I make it milder?
Skip the red pepper flakes and scale back the Cajun spices to tone it down.
→ Can frozen gnocchi be used?
Absolutely! Just cook it a little longer—about one or two minutes extra.
→ What’s the best way to warm leftovers?
Reheat slowly on the stove and add extra broth or cream to adjust the texture if it’s too thick.

Kielbasa Gnocchi Dish

A creamy bowl of comfort with smoked kielbasa, tender gnocchi, tangy tomatoes, spinach, and Cajun seasoning in a velvety broth.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Main Dish Recipes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Base Ingredients

01 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped and soaked
02 1 small yellow onion, diced finely
03 1 ring (13.9 oz) kielbasa, cut into thick slices
04 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin)
05 2 tablespoons minced garlic

→ Liquids & Dairy

06 1 cup heavy cream
07 3 cups chicken broth
08 1 block (8 oz) softened cream cheese
09 2 cups water

→ Seasonings

10 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
11 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
12 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Add-Ins & Garnish

13 Chopped parsley for topping
14 Grated parmesan for finishing
15 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
16 16 ounces uncooked potato gnocchi

Instructions

Step 01

In a big pot, warm up the olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the kielbasa slices for 3-5 minutes on each side, until the edges turn crispy.

Step 02

Add the diced onion and the sun-dried tomatoes. Stir and sauté for 3-5 minutes until the onion looks soft. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for just a minute longer.

Step 03

Pour in the chicken broth, water, heavy cream, and sprinkle in the seasoning. Drop in the cream cheese, stirring patiently until it's completely mixed in.

Step 04

Put the gnocchi in the pot. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, and you'll know it’s ready when the gnocchi rise to the top.

Step 05

Add fresh spinach to the pot and simmer everything until the spinach has wilted. Serve with parsley and parmesan on top.

Notes

  1. Soup becomes thicker over time.
  2. You'll know the gnocchi is done once it floats to the surface.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large cooking pot

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy ingredients.
  • Includes gluten (from the gnocchi).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 672
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~