Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi Soup

When fall rolls around and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm, hearty bowl of soup. This Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, velvety, and bursting with seasonal flavors. With pillowy gnocchi, tender kale, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious butternut squash broth, it’s a one-pot dinner that’s as satisfying as it is cozy.

This soup embodies all the things we love about fall cooking: the sweet earthiness of butternut squash, the rich umami from mushrooms or sausage, and the freshness of greens. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, weekend family dinners, or when you need a little extra comfort on a busy weeknight. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this soup promises a rich, flavorful experience in every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and Comforting: The partially blended butternut squash creates a silky, velvety broth.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
• Nutritious and Filling: Packed with vegetables, gnocchi, and optional protein like sausage.
• Vegetarian-Friendly: Easily adapted for vegan diets using coconut milk and nutritional yeast.
• Versatile: Swap mushrooms for your favorite sausage or add other seasonal vegetables.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for weeknight dinners, cozy nights in, or entertaining friends.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe yields 4 servings, broken into the soup base, gnocchi, and garnishes.

For the Soup Base:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (or sausage substitute)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 3 cups cubed butternut squash
• 1 tsp rosemary
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Gnocchi & Greens:

• 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi
• 1 cup chopped kale

For the Creamy Finish & Garnish:

• 1 cup half-and-half or coconut milk
• Grated vegetarian parmesan-style cheese or nutritional yeast for garnish

Tools & Equipment Needed

To make this cozy soup, gather the following:

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Immersion blender or potato masher (optional, for partially blending the soup)
• Ladle for serving

Optional: a small bowl for mixing garnishes before sprinkling on top.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté Mushrooms or Sausage

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms or your preferred sausage substitute. Cook until golden and crisp. Remove from the pot and set aside to maintain texture.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon rosemary, ½ teaspoon thyme, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Cook for 1–2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and fill your kitchen with a savory aroma.

Step 3: Add Broth and Butternut Squash

Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth and add 3 cups cubed butternut squash. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes until the squash is tender. Use a potato masher or immersion blender to partially blend the soup, creating a creamy base while leaving some chunks for texture.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi

Add the 16 oz package of potato gnocchi to the soup. Simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface, indicating they’re cooked through.

Step 5: Add Greens

Stir in 1 cup of chopped kale and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted. This adds freshness, color, and extra nutrients to the soup.

Step 6: Make It Creamy

Reduce heat to low and stir in 1 cup of half-and-half or coconut milk. Return the cooked mushrooms or sausage to the pot, gently mixing them in. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Serve hot in bowls, topped with grated vegetarian parmesan-style cheese or nutritional yeast. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Vegan Option: Use coconut milk instead of half-and-half and nutritional yeast in place of parmesan.
• Extra Vegetables: Add carrots, celery, or roasted red peppers for more texture and flavor.
• Protein Boost: Include cooked sausage, chicken, or tofu for a heartier meal.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika enhances depth.
• Texture Preference: Blend more of the soup for a fully creamy texture, or leave it chunkier for a rustic feel.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This soup is rich and savory with the subtle sweetness of butternut squash. Mushrooms or sausage provide umami depth, while kale and sun-dried tomatoes add freshness and tang. The half-and-half or coconut milk rounds out the flavors for a creamy, satisfying bowl.

Suggested Side Dishes:

• Crusty bread or garlic rolls for dipping
• Simple arugula or mixed green salad
• Roasted root vegetables for a heartier autumn meal

Nutritional Overview (Estimated Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320 kcal
Protein	9 g
Carbohydrates	33 g
Fat	18 g
Saturated Fat	5 g
Unsaturated Fat	11 g
Fiber	5 g
Sugar	7 g
Sodium	480 mg
Cholesterol	25 mg

Dietary Notes: Vegetarian-friendly. Can be made vegan with coconut milk and nutritional yeast. Gluten-free if using gluten-free gnocchi.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Advance Prep: Cube butternut squash and chop vegetables ahead of time.
• Freezing: The soup can be frozen for up to 1 month. Add cream and gnocchi when reheating for optimal texture.
• Reheating: Heat gently on the stove over low heat and stir in a splash of broth to maintain creaminess.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes! Just adjust cooking time slightly until tender.

2. Can I make this soup fully creamy?
Use an immersion blender or blender to puree more of the soup, leaving just enough texture from gnocchi and vegetables.

3. Can I substitute kale?
Spinach or Swiss chard works well as alternatives.

4. Is this soup gluten-free?
Check your gnocchi package; gluten-free gnocchi works perfectly.

5. How can I make it more filling?
Add sausage, chicken, beans, or extra gnocchi for a heartier dish.

6. Can I prepare it in advance?
Yes. Store the soup base in the fridge for up to 3 days, then add gnocchi and cream just before serving.

Cooking Timeline (at a Glance)

Task	Time
Prep	15 minutes
Sauté mushrooms & onions	5–7 minutes
Simmer butternut squash	15–20 minutes
Cook gnocchi & kale	5 minutes
Add cream & finish	3–5 minutes
Serve	Immediately

Total Time: ~45 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in deep bowls for a hearty presentation.
• Sprinkle with extra nutritional yeast or parmesan for a cheesy finish.
• Pair with a slice of rustic bread or garlic toast to soak up the creamy broth.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegan Butternut Gnocchi Soup: Use coconut milk and nutritional yeast; omit any animal-based cheese.
2. Sausage Variation: Replace mushrooms with cooked Italian sausage for a meaty flavor.
3. Roasted Veggie Boost: Add roasted carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes to the soup base.
4. Herb-Enhanced: Stir in fresh sage or thyme for a deeper, aromatic fall flavor.

Ingredient Spotlight

Butternut Squash: Rich in natural sweetness, fiber, and vitamins, it forms the creamy backbone of this soup. Roast or cube evenly for even cooking.

Potato Gnocchi: Pillowy and tender, gnocchi absorbs flavors from the broth while adding a comforting, chewy texture. Use fresh or store-bought, but cook according to package directions.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Partially blending the soup gives a creamy texture without losing the rustic feel.
• Add gnocchi last to avoid overcooking.
• Wilt greens gently to preserve color and nutrients.
• Taste and adjust seasoning at the end—salt, pepper, and herbs elevate the flavor.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Soup Base: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Gnocchi: Add fresh or frozen gnocchi at the time of serving.
• Freezing: Freeze the soup base without cream or gnocchi for up to 1 month. Reheat gently and add creamy components when ready to serve.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320 kcal
Protein	9 g
Carbohydrates	33 g
Fat	18 g
Fiber	5 g
Sugar	7 g
Sodium	480 mg

Dietary Notes: Vegetarian-friendly, vegan-adaptable, nut-free, and gluten-free if using the right gnocchi.

Expanded Conclusion

Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi Soup is the perfect autumn or winter comfort food. Creamy, hearty, and packed with seasonal flavors, it’s a one-pot wonder that delivers both nutrition and indulgence. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this soup promises a cozy, satisfying experience in every spoonful.

Gather your ingredients, warm up the pot, and treat yourself to this creamy, flavorful bowl of comfort. Your taste buds (and your soul) will thank you.

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