The gentle richness of coconut milk paired with the savory depth of tomato and herbs transforms this Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Soup into a comforting, soul-warming dish. Lightly spiced and generously aromatic, it’s everything you want in a bowl when the temperatures drop.
This recipe is a weeknight hero—ready in under 40 minutes, made in just one pot, and easily adaptable to suit dietary needs. Whether you’re craving something hearty but meatless, or looking for a dairy-free comfort meal, this soup is a nourishing staple that will quickly become a favorite.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1/2 tsp dried thyme
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1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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1/4 cup tomato paste
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1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
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3 cups vegetable broth
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1 cup canned full-fat coconut milk (or heavy cream)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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16 oz store-bought or homemade gnocchi
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1 handful fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
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Add chopped onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes, until translucent.
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Stir in garlic, oregano, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
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Add tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
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Pour in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
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Reduce heat and let simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
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Add gnocchi and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the top and are tender.
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Stir in coconut milk (or heavy cream), chopped basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Simmer for another 2 minutes.
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Serve hot, garnished with extra basil if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 365 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Magic of Comfort Food: Why Tomato Gnocchi Soup Stands Out
There’s something truly special about comfort food—it’s nostalgic, warming, and always hits the spot. Among the many cozy dishes that fall into this category, Tomato Gnocchi Soup deserves a seat at the top. Rich in flavor and satisfying in texture, it brings together the rustic charm of tomato soup with the heartiness of pillowy gnocchi. Whether you’re curled up on the couch with a blanket or serving a family-style dinner, this soup fits any cozy occasion perfectly.
Origins of Tomato-Based Soups and the Rise of Gnocchi
Tomato soup has deep roots in many culinary traditions. From Italy’s pappa al pomodoro to Spain’s salmorejo, the humble tomato has been transformed in countless ways to become the base of hearty soups. Gnocchi, on the other hand, is a traditional Italian dumpling often made from potatoes and flour, beloved for its soft, chewy bite.
Combining these two staples in one dish is both logical and indulgent. The acidity and depth of the tomato broth pair beautifully with the gnocchi’s rich, doughy texture. It’s a modern fusion that still honors its traditional roots.
Why You’ll Love This Tomato Gnocchi Soup
This soup offers an incredible blend of taste and texture. The broth is creamy, slightly tangy from the tomatoes, and infused with herbs like oregano and thyme. Coconut milk or heavy cream adds a velvety smoothness, making it both indulgent and satisfying without feeling overly heavy.
The gnocchi cooks directly in the soup, soaking up all the flavors while also thickening the broth slightly. What you get is a comforting, almost stew-like texture that feels luxurious with every spoonful. Plus, the addition of fresh basil gives a pop of brightness that balances the savory components beautifully.
Perfect for Any Dietary Lifestyle
One of the highlights of this dish is how easily adaptable it is. Using full-fat coconut milk makes this recipe completely dairy-free and vegan-friendly. If you’re not avoiding dairy, feel free to use heavy cream or even add a sprinkle of Parmesan on top for extra richness.
Gluten-free eaters can use gluten-free gnocchi (widely available in many stores), and meat-lovers could also adapt the recipe by adding crumbled sausage or pancetta. The flexibility of this soup makes it an ideal choice for households with mixed dietary needs.
One-Pot Wonder for Busy Weeknights
With minimal prep and just one pot, Tomato Gnocchi Soup is a time-saving solution for busy evenings. The entire dish comes together in around 35 minutes, making it perfect for those nights when you want something warm and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen or cleaning up afterward.
You start with aromatics like onion and garlic, layer in spices and tomato paste for depth, then simmer it all into a rich broth. Drop the gnocchi in, and within minutes, the dish is ready to serve. It’s streamlined, efficient, and foolproof—even for beginner cooks.
Flavor Profile and Texture
The base of the soup is both savory and slightly sweet, thanks to the slow simmering of tomatoes and onions. Tomato paste deepens the umami notes, while coconut milk smooths out the acidity, resulting in a harmonious and well-rounded flavor. The use of dried herbs like oregano and thyme brings a warm, earthy element, and red pepper flakes (optional) add just the right touch of heat.
The gnocchi themselves are soft yet toothsome, offering a contrast to the silky broth. Each bite delivers a full-bodied experience: creamy, tangy, herby, and comforting.
A Great Make-Ahead Meal
This soup stores well in the fridge, making it an excellent option for meal prep. The flavors deepen as it sits, and you can simply reheat a portion whenever you need a quick and hearty meal. If you plan to make it ahead, you might want to slightly undercook the gnocchi to avoid them becoming too soft when reheated.
You can also freeze the soup, although gnocchi may change texture slightly after thawing. To avoid this, you could freeze the soup base separately and add fresh gnocchi when reheating.
Pairing Ideas and Serving Suggestions
Tomato Gnocchi Soup can certainly stand on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. A slice of crusty sourdough bread or a grilled cheese sandwich makes a classic accompaniment. For a lighter meal, serve it with a fresh green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess of the soup.
To elevate the dish even more, garnish with freshly cracked black pepper, a swirl of olive oil, or some vegan Parmesan cheese. A pinch of chili flakes can also enhance the flavor for those who like it spicy.
Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved
Despite its sophisticated flavor profile, this soup is incredibly family-friendly. Kids love the soft gnocchi and mild tomato flavor, and the creamy texture makes it easy to eat. It’s also a sneaky way to include more vegetables in their diet, especially when paired with a side salad or some roasted veggies.
If you’re cooking for picky eaters, you can blend the soup base to make it smoother and more consistent in texture—then stir in the gnocchi at the end. It’s a great way to cater to everyone’s preferences without making separate meals.
A Staple Recipe for All Seasons
While this soup is especially perfect for fall and winter, it works beautifully year-round. Tomatoes offer a burst of brightness that makes the dish appealing even in spring or early summer, especially when paired with fresh basil. It’s light enough for warmer weather but hearty enough to satisfy in the cold.
You can even tweak the herbs and add-ins based on the season—think rosemary and sage in winter, or lemon zest and fresh parsley in spring. The versatility of this soup means it will stay in rotation no matter the time of year.
Conclusion: A Bowl Full of Comfort and Flavor
Tomato Gnocchi Soup isn’t just another soup recipe—it’s an experience in a bowl. Creamy, herby, and bursting with flavor, it marries the heartiness of Italian gnocchi with the bold, comforting notes of tomato soup. The best part? It’s fast, flexible, and totally adaptable to your dietary needs.
Whether you’re making it for a weeknight family dinner, meal-prepping for the week, or serving guests something warm and elegant, this dish delivers every time. Add it to your go-to recipe collection—you won’t regret it.