This easy Gnocchi and Sausage recipe combines two of my favorite things: kielbasa smoked sausage and potato pillows of goodness called gnocchi.
It’s easy, hearty and delicious, perfect for a quick comfort food fix. It works for a busy weeknight with quick prepping. If you use the Instant Pot, you simply set the time and relax while it does all the work for you.
- What is Gnocchi?
- How do you pronounce Gnocchi?
- Where to find Kielbasa?
- Can I cook this on a stove top?
- Recipe
What is Gnocchi?
I love gnocchi! Have you not seen it? It’s usually in the pasta aisle, usually tucked away on the top shelf. They’re packaged in vacuum sealed bags. Be sure to pick up more than one because they’ve been in short supply lately.
Gnocchi is often called “pillowy gnocchi”. They’re like little dumplings. Little potato dumplings. One of these days, I’m going to learn how to make them myself.
I’ve never had homemade gnocchi and I can only imagine how much I would love it even more.
No Added Flour
This soup is so thick that you will think that it has added flour to make almost a gravy. You could use it as a dip for breadsticks, it’s so thick.
There isn’t any added flour. I believe it’s a natural occurrence from using the potato gnocchi. It’s the starch from the pasta that produce this wonderful creamy, gravy-like soup.
How Do You Pronounce Gnocchi?
Not sure how to pronounce gnocchi? I did some research and there are two different acceptable ways. It’s kind of like herb and herb.
Pronounce it as either NYO-KEE or NO-KEE, with a silent “G” like in gnat. The first is sort of Italian-ish and the second is more American-ish. Take your pick!
Where to Find Kielbasa?
I’ve had some questions about where to find kielbasa. It’s in the refrigerator section of the store, with things like cold cuts and bacon.
It may be called Smoked Sausage or Polska Kielbasa. You can find it available in pork, beef or even turkey, with lower fat and calories.
Ingredients
There aren’t many ingredients but it’s still very hearty with the gnocchi. Try it with some leftover chicken instead of the kielbasa, if you prefer. If you want to use Italian sausage, cook it first before adding.
This soup will start with all the usual culprits of onion, carrots, celery and cloves.
Next, add in some of my favorite things:
- Kielbasa Smoked Sausage
- Potato Gnocchi
- Spinach
I much prefer creamy soups and this soup is no exception. To make it creamy, I’ve added in a little bit of half-n-half after cooking. Try using canned evaporated milk, cream or even regular milk, if you prefer.
How to Substitute Half N Half
If you don’t have half n half, you can use half heavy cream and half milk.
I’ve added in the chopped spinach at the end as well. It’s just a personal preference. I prefer the spinach to be just a little wilted instead of fully cooked during pressure cooking.
Steps for Easy Cooking
Remember to start off by placing your Instant Pot on saute so you can start cooking the vegetables. It will start smelling yummy right away.
Add the sliced kielbasa. I’ve sliced the kielbasa sausage at a straight line, but feel free to cut it up the way you want. You can make sort of angled slices if you want to get fancy. Try chopping the slices into quarters, if you prefer smaller pieces.
Like most of my Instant Pot recipes, you just cook the vegetables then dump everything in. Stir and cook.
If you want some extra flavor, try adding a little bit of “Better Than Bouillon”. It adds deliciousness and this gorgeous golden color.
If you don’t have an Instant Pot, have a look at this 6-Quart Instant Pot (aff link) which we use. We’ve had it for several years and it still works great.
Can I Cook This on the Stove Top?
As it turns out, this recipe became so popular that I’ve had requests for stove top too.
Begin sauteeing the vegetables as you would for the Instant Pot. Use the instructions up to #4. Add the sausage and chicken stock. Bring it to a boil then add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions. Remove from heat then stir in the half n half and spinach. Cover to let the spinach wilt a bit, about 10 minutes, then serve.
More Instant Pot Recipes
I would be lying to you if I told you that I like the Instant Pot because I *love* the Instant Pot. It’s become such a focal point in my recipes because of its ease of use.
I’m a new cook but even I recognize how easy it is to dump everything in the pan and leave it alone instead of constantly checking and stirring something on the stove.
Browse all our Instant Pot Recipes or choose one of these.
- Creamy Tuscan Soup Instant Pot
- Instant Pot Hearty Beef Barley Stew
- Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings
I think I’ll try to make homemade gnocchi next time and I found a potato gnocchi recipe at Spend with Pennies that looks great.
Recipe
Gnocchi and Sausage Soup Recipe (+video)
Equipment
- 6-quart Instant Pot Pressure Cooker
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 large Onion chopped
- 2 Carrots chopped
- 2 Celery Stalks chopped
- 3 Garlic Cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 tablespooon Better Than Bouillon, Chicken optional
- 14 ounces Kielbasa sliced
- 17 ounces Potato Gnocchi
- 3 cups Chicken Stock
- ½ cup Half n Half
- 1 cup Baby Spinach fresh, chopped
Instructions
- Chop and mince all vegetables as directed. Slice kielbasa smoked sausage in circles (discs).
- Press the Saute button on the Instant Pot to begin cooking in saute mode. Add olive oil. Add chopped onion, celery, carrots and garlic. Add salt and pepper. Stir frequently until onions are fragrant, about 3 minutes. If you're using the chicken bouillon, stir it in and allow it to incorporate fully.
- Press the Cancel button on the Instant Pot to reset.
- Add sliced sausage, gnocchi and chicken stock. Stir. Check the Instant Pot lid to ensure the seal is in place and nothing is blocking the vent. Place lid on top and set lever to Sealing. Press the Manual button on the Instant Pot and set to high for 3 minutes, then natural release. The entire cook time will be about 25 minutes.
- Press the Cancel button to reset or remove cord. Add half n half and chopped spinach. Stir. Put on lid and let steam naturally (while Instant Pot is off) for 10 minutes.
Video
Notes
Can I Cook This on the Stove Top?
Yes! Begin sauteeing the vegetables as you would for the Instant Pot. Use the instructions up to #4. Add the sausage and chicken stock. Bring it to a boil then add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions. Remove from heat then stir in the half n half and spinach. Cover to let the spinach wilt a bit, about 10 minutes, then serve.Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. All amounts are estimates and 24Bite® takes no responsibility for actual figures since calculations vary by packaging and supplier. Please calculate the amounts yourself based on package labeling if you have specific dietary requirements. 24Bite®, Kim Guzman or Christian Guzman shall not be liable for adverse reactions or any other outcome resulting from the use of recipes or recommendations on this website or actions you take as a result. 2019-2026 Kim Guzman and Christian Guzman. All rights reserved. 24Bite®
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Such a delicious soup recipe. The addition of the sausage made it so hearty!
I just love t his soup already! It looks absolutely delicious and very yummy! The creamy sauce makes this so enticing and tempting! A stuffed soup that everyone will love! A perfect soup for such cold weather!
I love how easy and tasty this soup recipe is.
This is a perfect soup for me, especially during cold weather.
What a tasty combination! I agree–gnocchi are definitely little bites of heaven!