Name: Broccoli Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons butter; 1 small white or sweet onion, chopped (or 1/2 of a medium onion); 2 cloves garlic, minced; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup whole milk; 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 teaspoons prepared Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 large carrot, scrubbed and shredded; 3 cups raw broccoli florets, stems trimmed and florets cut to bite size; 16 ounces potato gnocchi; 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

If you’re looking for a soul-warming bowl that marries tender gnocchi with bright, cheesy broccoli goodness, look no further than this Broccoli Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe. It’s everything you love about traditional broccoli cheddar soup, but with pillowy gnocchi adding a delightful twist that turns it into a truly comforting meal. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you simply crave a cozy, cheesy indulgence, this soup hits all the right notes with creamy texture, vibrant veggie bites, and satisfying melt-in-your-mouth cheese. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become one of your favorite go-to dishes for any season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a small wooden board placed on a white marbled surface, filled with four types of chopped or shredded ingredients arranged in four sections: bright green broccoli florets on the left center, pale yellow gnocchi pieces on the right bottom, a pile of mixed shredded yellow and white cheese at the right top, and a small heap of thin orange carrot sticks on the white marbled surface to the bottom left of the board; the textures vary from soft and smooth gnocchi to fluffy cheese and crisp broccoli. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple ingredients is the key here, but each one plays a crucial role, lending layers of flavor, creamy texture, and visual appeal to your Broccoli Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe. From rich dairy to fresh veggies and hearty gnocchi, let’s break down why each matter.

Butter: Creates a luscious base to sauté vegetables and build depth right from the start.
White or sweet onion: Adds gentle sweetness and savory notes to balance the soup’s richness.
Garlic: Infuses the broth with warm, aromatic undertones that enhance every bite.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasoning to brighten and round out all the flavors.
All-purpose flour: Forms the backbone of the thick, creamy cheese sauce without lumps.
Whole milk: Provides smoothness and body, essential for that velvety broth.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the soup flavorful but allows the cheese and veggies to shine.
Heavy cream: Boosts richness for the ultimate comforting, indulgent texture.
Prepared Dijon mustard: Adds a mild tang that lifts the cheesy flavors beautifully.
Worcestershire sauce: A secret umami kick that deepens the savory profile.
Large carrot: Offers sweetness and color contrast while blending seamlessly.
Broccoli florets: The star veggie with bright green color and tender yet crisp bite.
Potato gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up the soup and bring satisfying heartiness.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Gives that classic tangy, melty cheese flavor, vital for this soup’s signature taste.

How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Build the Roux

Start by melting the butter over medium heat in a large pot. Toss in the chopped onions and cook until they turn beautifully soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic along with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to coax out their fragrant flavors. Next, sprinkle the flour over the aromatic mixture and stir continuously for a couple of minutes, creating a roux that will give your soup that luscious thickness. This step is where your creamy base quietly begins to take shape.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Béchamel

Gradually whisk in the milk, adding it in thirds to incorporate fully each time. Patience here pays off because a smooth, lump-free sauce is the secret to perfect soup texture. Once the milk melds in, pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk everything together to combine. Turn the heat to medium-high and bring your soup base to a gentle boil while stirring frequently to prevent any scorching. This ensures a silky finish and keeps every spoonful rich and indulgent.

Step 3: Add Veggies and Simmer

Once your base is bubbling delicately, stir in the shredded carrot and bite-sized broccoli florets. Reduce the heat slightly to maintain a lively simmer. Let everything cook together for about 10 minutes—this will soften the veggies just enough so they keep a bit of texture without becoming mushy. Stir often to marry all those flavors beautifully and keep the dairy from sticking.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi

While the broccoli cooks, bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil and add the potato gnocchi. These little clouds usually cook quickly—about 3 minutes—until they float to the surface, which is your green light to drain them gently and set aside. Their soft, delicate chew will be the perfect complement to the creamy soup base.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Test the broccoli for tenderness and adjust seasoning as needed. Lower the heat to avoid boiling, and let the soup settle for a few minutes. Then, fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese gradually, stirring constantly until everything melts into a luxuriously smooth concoction. Finish by adding the cooked gnocchi and gently stirring to unite all the components. Taste one last time and tweak with salt and pepper if necessary. Now you have a bowl of pure comfort!

How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe

A white pot filled with creamy, light orange sauce that has small green broccoli pieces and thin orange carrot strips mixed throughout; there are small, round, ridged pale yellow gnocchi pieces placed on top of the sauce in the middle of the pot, all sitting on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a welcome pop of fresh green, brightening the rich soup. For extra indulgence, sprinkle a little extra grated sharp cheddar cheese on top or a pinch of crispy cooked bacon for smoky contrast. A dash of cracked black pepper right before serving elevates the comforting flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or soft dinner rolls—perfect for sopping up every last creamy drop. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing counterpoint, balancing the richness. For a heartier meal, consider roasting some garlic or herb-infused veggies alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls, turning this classic into a festive centerpiece. Alternatively, drizzle a swirl of pesto or a touch of chili oil atop the bowl for a vibrant color and flavor contrast. Serving individual portions in small ramekins makes a charming appetizer or party starter that friends will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Broccoli Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the dairy and gnocchi, it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

While you can freeze this soup, keep in mind that gnocchi’s texture may soften further upon thawing. For best results, freeze the soup base separately without the gnocchi. When ready to enjoy, thaw fully, reheat gently on the stove, and add freshly cooked gnocchi just before serving.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring frequently to avoid scorching. If the soup thickens too much, loosen it with a splash of milk or broth. Adding a fresh handful of cheese when warming will help restore the creamy consistency and that delightful cheesy flavor.

FAQs

Can I substitute the potato gnocchi with another pasta?

Absolutely! While gnocchi is traditional here and offers a unique soft texture that pairs wonderfully with the creamy soup, you can use small pasta shapes like shells or mini penne if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is this soup vegetarian-friendly?

This recipe uses chicken broth by default for flavor depth, but you can easily swap it for a vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian. The taste will remain delicious and comforting with that change.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Making a dairy-free version would require some tweaks—using plant-based milk and cream substitutes along with dairy-free cheese alternatives. Keep in mind the flavor and creaminess will be a bit different, but it’s definitely possible with the right ingredients.

How do I prevent the soup from becoming too thick?

If the soup thickens too much during cooking or reheating, simply stir in a bit more broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency. Frequent stirring helps maintain even texture and prevents scorching at the bottom of the pot.

What’s the best way to shred cheese for this soup?

I highly recommend using a block of cheese and shredding it fresh yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives to keep it from clumping, which can affect melting quality. Freshly shredded sharp cheddar melts more smoothly and gives that deliciously creamy texture you want.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so wonderfully satisfying about this Broccoli Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe that it quickly becomes a comforting classic in your recipe rotation. The tender gnocchi nestled in creamy, cheesy broccoli-rich broth creates a heartwarming meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. I can’t wait for you to try it—you might just find yourself making it again and again, no matter the season.