Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe
This Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting bowl of warmth that combines tender potato gnocchi, sharp cheddar cheese, and aromatic herbs in a rich tomato and vegetable broth. Perfect for chilly days, it’s an easy stovetop soup that melds savory flavors with velvety texture, garnished with fresh parsley for a bright finish.
- Author: Sophie
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Dairy
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Pasta
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the onion and cook for an additional 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter.
- Simmer Soup Base: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the canned diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir in dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes to develop flavors.
- Add Cream: Slowly stir in the heavy cream into the soup base until fully incorporated, creating a rich and creamy texture.
- Melt Cheese: Gradually add shredded sharp cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring constantly until all the cheese has melted completely and the soup is smooth.
- Season: Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference.
- Cook Gnocchi: While the cheese is melting, cook the potato gnocchi separately according to package instructions, usually boiling in salted water until they float to the surface (approximately 2-3 minutes). Avoid overcooking to maintain their texture.
- Combine Gnocchi and Soup: Drain the gnocchi well and gently stir them into the hot soup, combining evenly.
- Heat Through: Let the soup and gnocchi simmer together for another 2-3 minutes to heat the gnocchi fully and blend the flavors.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately to enjoy its creamy comfort.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for a richer, more savory soup.
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Gnocchi should be cooked just until they float to keep a soft but firm texture; overcooking makes them mushy.
- If you want to lighten the soup, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the soup will be less creamy.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can be used instead of dried for a brighter flavor.
Keywords: cheddar gnocchi soup, creamy soup, gnocchi recipe, comforting soup, tomato cheese soup, easy stovetop soup