A Hug in a Bowl – The Story Behind This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
There’s something magical about a thick, cheesy soup simmering on the stove when the air turns cool. This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is exactly that kind of comforting dish—rich, velvety, and packed with wholesome flavor. It’s a twist on the classic broccoli cheddar soup we all know and love, but with soft, pillowy gnocchi that make every spoonful more satisfying.
I started making this soup on busy weeknights because it’s hearty enough to count as a full meal but comes together quickly. The combination of tender broccoli, melted cheddar, and gnocchi creates the kind of creamy comfort that makes everyone at the table reach for seconds. You’ll notice how the aroma of butter, garlic, and cheese fills your kitchen—it’s impossible not to smile.
What You’ll Need to Make This Cozy Soup
This recipe uses simple, familiar ingredients that come together to create a deeply flavorful soup. Don’t skip the Dijon mustard—it adds a subtle tang that brings the whole pot to life.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt, adjust to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika, optional
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening, if needed)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Building the Flavor Base – Butter, Onion, and Garlic
Start by melting butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once it begins to sizzle, add the diced onion and cook until it turns translucent and slightly golden—about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, as garlic can turn bitter quickly.
At this point, your kitchen already smells incredible. This buttery base creates a flavorful foundation for everything that follows.
Cooking the Broccoli and Broth Together
Add the chopped broccoli florets and pour in the broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook until the broccoli is tender, about 8–10 minutes. I love using vegetable broth for a lighter taste, but chicken broth adds a lovely richness if that’s what you prefer.
You can decide how smooth or chunky you want your soup. For a creamy texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup—leaving a few bits of broccoli for a heartier bite.
Adding the Gnocchi – The Secret to a Hearty Texture
Once your broccoli is cooked to perfection, stir in the potato gnocchi. They cook directly in the soup, soaking up all the flavor from the broth. Gnocchi only need a few minutes to cook—they’ll start to float to the top when they’re ready.
This step turns your soup into a satisfying, complete meal. The gnocchi’s soft, doughy texture blends beautifully with the creamy cheese sauce that comes next.
Cream, Cheese, and That Irresistible Velvety Finish
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Add the Dijon mustard and smoked paprika for extra depth of flavor. Then, slowly sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan, stirring constantly until the cheese fully melts and the soup turns luxuriously creamy.
You’ll see it thicken naturally as the cheeses blend in. If you prefer it even thicker, mix the cornstarch and water together, then stir it into the soup and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
The result? A perfectly balanced, creamy base that hugs every gnocchi and broccoli floret.
Tips for the Creamiest, Dreamiest Soup
- Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Don’t let the soup boil after adding cheese. Gentle heat keeps it creamy, not grainy.
- Adjust the seasoning at the end. Cheese adds salt, so taste before adding more.
- For extra richness, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream if you prefer a lighter finish.
Serving and Storing Your Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
This soup is best enjoyed hot, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra cheese on top. I love serving it with warm crusty bread or homemade garlic rolls to soak up every last drop.
If you have leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it slowly on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much. Freezing isn’t ideal because of the dairy, but it will hold up for about a month if needed—just expect a slightly different texture.
Delicious Twists to Try Next Time
- Add protein: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked bacon, or diced ham for extra heartiness.
- Make it vegetarian: Use vegetable broth and skip any meat-based add-ins.
- Play with cheese: Try sharp white cheddar, Gruyère, or even a bit of cream cheese for variety.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper for a little kick.
Each version brings a slightly new personality to the same cozy, comforting base.
Nutrition Snapshot – Comfort Food with a Wholesome Side
While this soup is creamy and indulgent, it’s also loaded with broccoli, which provides vitamins A, C, and K along with fiber and antioxidants. The combination of real dairy, wholesome vegetables, and satisfying gnocchi makes it a well-rounded, comforting meal that feels both rich and nourishing.
Cozy Kitchen Q&A – Your Soup Questions Answered
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can! Add it directly to the hot broth—no need to thaw first. It cooks just as well and saves prep time.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk with a little extra cheese works well for a lighter version.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely. Make it a day ahead, store it in the fridge, and reheat gently before serving. Just avoid boiling so it stays smooth.
What kind of gnocchi works best?
Shelf-stable or refrigerated potato gnocchi both work perfectly. If you use frozen gnocchi, add a minute or two to the cooking time.
How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free gnocchi and check that your broth and Dijon mustard are certified gluten-free.
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is the kind of recipe that turns ordinary evenings into something special. It’s warm, flavorful, and effortlessly comforting—perfect for sharing or savoring solo with your favorite cozy blanket. Once you make it, you’ll want to keep it on repeat all season long.
