Creamy Gnocchi Soup with Rosemary Bacon – The Ultimate Cozy Recipe

When the weather turns chilly and you’re craving something soul-soothing, nothing satisfies like a warm bowl of Creamy Gnocchi Soup with Rosemary Bacon. This indulgent, one-pot comfort dish brings together soft potato gnocchi, creamy herbed broth, hearty vegetables, and the game-changing topping—crispy rosemary-infused bacon. Whether you’re planning a quiet dinner, feeding the family, or prepping for a cozy weekend in, this gnocchi soup ticks all the boxes: it’s easy, versatile, and utterly satisfying.

Don’t miss our Loaded Baked Potato Soup if you love rich, hearty flavors like this!

Let’s dive into why this gnocchi soup is the perfect addition to your fall and winter meal rotation.

JUMP TO

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Gnocchi Soup with Rosemary Bacon

A cold-weather favorite packed with flavor

Few dishes hit the spot quite like a creamy soup when it’s cold outside. With every spoonful, this recipe brings comfort: pillowy gnocchi, tender vegetables, and a velvety broth that warms you from the inside out. The aromatic rosemary bacon adds a salty crunch that balances the rich creaminess. It’s the kind of bowl you’ll crave on repeat during the colder months.

This soup isn’t just about taste—it also smells amazing while cooking. Between the bacon sizzling in the pan and the fragrant herbs blooming in butter, your whole kitchen will feel like a warm hug.

Easy one-pot meal for busy nights

Life can get hectic, but dinner doesn’t have to be. This creamy gnocchi soup is a true one-pot wonder. Start with crisping the bacon, sauté your veggies, then simmer everything with broth, gnocchi, and cream. The whole dish comes together in under 45 minutes—minimal prep, zero hassle, and practically no cleanup.

It’s also adaptable for any cooking method. Want to set it and forget it? Use the slow cooker. Need dinner in 30? The Instant Pot’s got your back. However you make it, this soup delivers reliable flavor and texture every single time.

Better than Olive Garden’s – here’s why

While Olive Garden’s gnocchi soup is a cult favorite, this homemade version takes it a notch higher. It’s thicker, richer, and layered with more flavor. The fresh rosemary bacon alone sets it apart, infusing every bite with savory, herby magic.

Not to mention, when you cook at home, you control the quality of ingredients. Use organic veggies, gluten-free gnocchi, or dairy-free cream depending on your needs—this soup is easy to customize.

Check out our Creamy White Chicken Chili if you’re into rich, satisfying soups with a twist!

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make It Perfectly

The heart of the dish – gnocchi, kale, and creamy broth

Here’s what makes the base of this soup so irresistibly creamy and filling:

Ingredient	Why It Matters
Potato Gnocchi	Soft, chewy texture that soaks up flavor
Chicken Broth	The savory foundation of the soup
Heavy Cream	Adds that signature rich and silky finish
Kale	Adds texture, nutrients, and a subtle bitterness
Carrots & Celery	Classic aromatic veggies for depth
Onion & Garlic	Essential base flavor
Asiago or Parmesan	Melty cheese boost with a nutty note

Gnocchi takes center stage in this soup, offering a soft and fluffy texture unlike pasta. Choose store-bought for ease or homemade for special occasions.

Rosemary bacon – what makes this version shine

What separates this soup from the rest? The rosemary bacon. After rendering the bacon until crisp, chopped rosemary is added directly to the fat, where it fries to perfection. This infusion delivers two things: a depth of woodsy aroma and little golden bits of rosemary that cling to the bacon pieces.

Once crumbled over the soup, the salty crunch cuts the richness of the cream and complements the gnocchi beautifully.

Discover great ideas like our Sage Butter Pumpkin Cheese Ravioli to pair with this soup for a complete cozy Italian dinner.

Optional swaps and vegetarian tweaks

This soup is incredibly forgiving and customizable. Here are some quick substitution ideas:

Swap For	Try This Instead
Bacon	Smoked tempeh or coconut bacon (vegetarian option)
Heavy Cream	Coconut milk or plant-based cream for dairy-free
Chicken Broth	Vegetable broth for a vegetarian version

You can also add mushrooms for extra umami or stir in a handful of spinach in place of kale.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Creamy Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Pasta for another rich, velvety dinner idea.

How to Make Creamy Gnocchi Soup with Rosemary Bacon

Stovetop method step-by-step

This is the most classic and foolproof way to prepare the soup. You’ll need one large Dutch oven or soup pot.

1. Crisp the bacon in a dry pot over medium heat. Once it begins to brown, toss in chopped rosemary and let it fry in the bacon grease. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté aromatics: Drain excess grease, keeping about 1 tablespoon. Add olive oil and onion, cooking until soft. Stir in garlic, carrots, celery, thyme, basil, fennel, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook until fragrant.
3. Make it creamy: Stir in butter and flour to create a roux. Cook 1 minute, then add broth gradually. Simmer for 20 minutes until veggies are tender.
4. Add gnocchi and finish: Stir in heavy cream or milk, grated Asiago or Parmesan cheese, kale, and gnocchi. Simmer until the gnocchi is pillowy and soft.
5. Serve with toppings: Ladle into bowls and top with the reserved rosemary bacon and more cheese.

Check out our Chicken Pot Pie Soup for another comforting, creamy soup night favorite.

Slow cooker and Instant Pot instructions

Slow Cooker:

• Follow steps 1–2 on the stovetop.
• Transfer everything to the crockpot (including broth).
• Cook on low 6–8 hours or high 4–5 hours.
• In the last 15 minutes, stir in kale, cream, gnocchi, and cheese. Let it warm through and thicken slightly.

Instant Pot:

• Use sauté function to crisp bacon and cook vegetables as above.
• Add butter and flour, then stir in broth. Seal and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
• Use quick release. Switch back to sauté, then stir in cream, cheese, gnocchi, and kale.
• Simmer until the gnocchi is soft and the kale is wilted.

Don’t miss our Crockpot Spicy Queso Beef Chili if you love set-it-and-forget-it dinners.

Storage, reheating, and leftover tips

This soup holds up well in the fridge but needs care with the gnocchi.

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers up to 4 days in an airtight container. For best results, remove gnocchi before refrigerating to avoid mushiness. Reheat soup first, then stir gnocchi back in.
• Freezer-friendly? Technically yes, but without gnocchi. Freeze the base and add gnocchi fresh when reheating.
• Reheat: Use a pot over medium-low heat to maintain creaminess. Avoid boiling or microwaving too long.

Looking for a lighter dinner idea? Try our Veggie Pot Pie Soup — all the comfort, none of the heaviness.

Expert Tips to Elevate Flavor and Texture

Don’t skip the rosemary bacon finish

That crispy rosemary bacon is more than a topping—it’s the flavor spark that ties the entire soup together. The saltiness balances the creamy broth while the rosemary deepens the herbal notes in the base. For vegetarians, frying rosemary in olive oil still offers that fragrant crunch.

Tips for ultra-creamy texture

Want that dreamy, velvety texture? Follow these tricks:

• Use a roux (butter + flour) before adding broth.
• Use full-fat dairy like heavy cream or whole milk.
• Grate your own cheese for smooth melting—pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents that can clump.
• Don’t overboil once dairy is added—gentle simmering keeps everything smooth.

Discover great ideas like our Italian Wedding Soup if you’re craving more Italian-style comfort food.

Best sides to serve with this soup

No bowl of creamy gnocchi soup is complete without a dunkable side. Here are perfect pairings:

Side Dish	Why It Works
Crusty Artisan Bread	For soaking up the broth
Garlic Butter Rolls	Rich and indulgent pairing
Simple Side Salad	Balances the richness with freshness
Roasted Veggies	Adds a smoky, earthy component

Want to go all out? Add a light pasta or roasted chicken as a second course for guests.

Nutritional Profile and Serving Info

Calorie breakdown and portion size

This soup may be indulgent, but it’s also packed with nourishing ingredients. Here’s a general estimate for one hearty serving (based on six servings total):

Nutritional Element	Amount (Per Serving)
Calories	~1200 kcal
Protein	26g
Carbs	62g
Fat	86g
Fiber	5g
Sugar	6g

Remember, calories can vary depending on the gnocchi brand, cream used, and optional ingredients added.

Is it freezer-friendly?

Yes, but with a smart tip: freeze without the gnocchi. Potato-based gnocchi tend to become mushy after freezing. Instead, freeze the creamy broth and veggie base. When ready to eat, reheat and stir in freshly cooked gnocchi.

Allergen notes

This soup contains:

• Dairy (cream and cheese)
• Gluten (unless using gluten-free gnocchi and flour)
• Pork (bacon)

To make it allergen-friendly:

• Use dairy-free cream alternatives
• Swap bacon for coconut or tempeh bacon
• Choose gluten-free gnocchi and thicken with cornstarch

FAQs About Creamy Gnocchi Soup with Rosemary Bacon

Conclusion: Why This Soup Deserves a Spot on Your Weekly Menu

Creamy, cozy, and brimming with flavor—Creamy Gnocchi Soup with Rosemary Bacon is more than a recipe; it’s a winter ritual. With its one-pot simplicity, bold Italian-inspired taste, and rich, herb-laced broth, this soup satisfies every craving. Whether you go stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, this recipe adapts to your lifestyle and keeps things delicious every time.

Don’t miss our Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe if you’re looking for another luscious, comforting bowl.

Print