Creamy Gnocchi Soup with Rosemary Bacon Recipe

I absolutely love how this Creamy Gnocchi Soup with Rosemary Bacon Recipe warms you from the inside out on chilly days. The combination of tender gnocchi, savory bacon, and fresh herbs like rosemary creates a comforting, rich soup that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whenever I want a cozy dinner that feels special but doesn’t require a ton of fuss, this recipe is my go-to.

You’ll find that the flavors meld beautifully as the soup simmers, giving it a homemade depth that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or hosting friends, this Creamy Gnocchi Soup with Rosemary Bacon recipe hits all the right notes — creamy, herbaceous, and just a little indulgent. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients combine to give you layers of flavor and a luscious creamy texture — fresh herbs, hearty vegetables, and that crispy rosemary-infused bacon really make this soup sing. When shopping, I recommend picking fresh rosemary and thyme for the best aroma and taste.

• Bacon: Thick-cut works best here, providing that crispy, smoky crunch you’ll love in your soup.
• Fresh Rosemary: Adds an aromatic woodsy flavor; chop it finely to distribute the flavor evenly.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil boosts the base flavors when sautéing the veggies.
• Yellow Onion: Provides sweetness and depth to the soup’s flavor profile.
• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and body; chop them uniformly for even cooking.
• Celery Stalks: Contributes freshness and subtle complexity.
• Garlic: Use fresh minced or grated garlic to get that punch of flavor without the bitterness.
• Fresh Thyme Leaves: Brings earthy notes that pair perfectly with rosemary and bacon.
• Dried Basil: Adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor; dried works well here for convenience.
• Fennel Seeds: A pinch adds a subtle anise-like flavor that brightens the soup without overpowering.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Just a tiny pinch gives a gentle warmth to balance the creaminess.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
• Salted Butter: Helps thicken and enrich the soup’s base.
• All-Purpose Flour: For creating the perfect roux that thickens the broth beautifully.
• Low Sodium Vegetable Broth: You can adjust the salt easily and control the soup’s depth with a good broth.
• Roughly Chopped Kale: Adds color, texture, and a nutritional boost that balances the richness.
• Canned Coconut Milk, Heavy Cream, or Whole Milk: Your choice for creaminess — I personally love coconut milk for a subtle hint of sweetness.
• Grated Parmesan or Asiago Cheese: A sharp, savory kick that melts perfectly into the soup.
• Fresh Potato Gnocchi: The star starch that makes this soup indulgently satisfying.

Variations

I love experimenting with this creamy gnocchi soup to make it fit our mood or dietary needs. Feel free to swap out ingredients or add your twist to keep it exciting — it’s a very forgiving recipe!

• Dairy-Free Option: Using canned coconut milk instead of cream gives it a slightly tropical, luscious texture without dairy, perfect for sensitive tummies.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and use smoked paprika for that smoky flavor; it still delivers great depth.
• Spice it Up: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne if you like things a little hotter — my husband swears by it!
• Seasonal Greens: Try substituting kale with spinach or Swiss chard, depending on what’s fresh and available.

How to Make Creamy Gnocchi Soup with Rosemary Bacon Recipe

Step 1: Crisp the Rosemary Bacon

Start by heating your dutch oven over medium heat and cook the chopped bacon until it’s nice and crisp, about 5 minutes. The trick I discovered is adding the fresh rosemary during the last minute of cooking — it infuses the bacon fat with an amazing aroma without burning the herbs. Once done, scoop out the bacon and set it aside, but keep about a tablespoon of that flavorful bacon grease in the pot. This step lays the essential flavor foundation for the soup.

Step 2: Sauté Your Vegetables and Herbs

Next, add extra virgin olive oil to the pot along with the chopped onion and cook until golden, roughly 5 minutes. Then, stir in carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, basil, fennel seeds, crushed red pepper flakes, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook everything for another 5 minutes until the mix smells fragrant — this part is key because it deepens your soup’s flavor without needing hours of simmering.

Step 3: Make the Roux and Add Broth

Stir in the butter and let it melt, then sprinkle in flour and cook for about a minute—this roux thickens your soup later on. Slowly pour in 4 cups of low sodium vegetable broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes until the carrots are tender and the broth has thickened slightly.

Step 4: Stir in Gnocchi, Kale, and Cream

About 10 minutes before serving, add the roughly chopped kale, your choice of cream (coconut milk, heavy cream, or whole milk), the grated parmesan, and the fresh potato gnocchi. If the soup feels a little too thick, just add more broth until it reaches your preferred consistency. Cook until the gnocchi is tender and the kale has wilted—this usually takes about 10 minutes. Finish by seasoning to taste.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy with Rosemary Bacon

Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle the crispy rosemary bacon on top, along with extra parmesan if you like. I swear this little finish elevates every bite. Serve warm, ideally with a crusty bread that you can dunk into the creamy broth. Trust me, your family will ask for seconds!

How to Serve Creamy Gnocchi Soup with Rosemary Bacon Recipe

Garnishes

I always top this soup with extra crispy rosemary bacon and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan — it adds fantastic texture and cheesy richness. Sometimes, I add a few fresh thyme leaves or a tiny drizzle of chili oil if I want a little heat. These little touches make a big difference in presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair this soup with a crusty baguette or garlic bread for dipping—my family loves using bread to soak up every last bit. A simple mixed green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness nicely too. For a heartier meal, roasted Brussels sprouts or sautéed green beans work really well.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I serve this soup in individual mini pumpkin bowls during fall — it’s festive and fun! Another idea is to garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a fresh pop of color. And if you want to get fancy, swirl in a bit of basil pesto or drizzle balsamic glaze on top right before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Creamy Gnocchi Soup with Rosemary Bacon in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the bacon separate if you want it to stay crisp and add it just before reheating to avoid sogginess. When I first tried storing it all together, the bacon lost its delightful crunch, so this little trick makes a big difference.

Freezing

Freezing this soup can be a bit tricky because the gnocchi can get mushy after thawing. If you plan to freeze, I recommend leaving out the gnocchi and kale and adding them fresh after reheating. Freeze the base soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. That way, you can enjoy the soup anytime without sacrificing texture.

Reheating

When reheating, I gently warm the soup on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Add extra broth or milk if it thickens too much. Finally, stir in fresh gnocchi and kale and cook just until tender. Adding the crispy bacon last keeps that wonderful texture intact.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Gnocchi Soup with Rosemary Bacon Recipe is one of those dishes I turn to when I want comfort food that feels homemade and a bit special. It’s rich, satisfying, and the perfect way to showcase the fresh rosemary and crispy bacon I always have on hand. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do — it’s truly a recipe that brings warmth and smiles around the table.

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