Name: Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Soup with Fresh Basil Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 28 oz can fire roasted tomatoes; 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; 1 cup full-fat coconut milk (+ more for topping if desired); 16 oz package fresh or frozen gnocchi; 1 cup fresh basil (+ more for topping if desired)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 9 reviews

If you’re craving something wonderfully comforting and packed with flavor, this Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Soup with Fresh Basil Recipe is destined to become your new go-to. Imagine a luscious, fire-roasted tomato broth that’s smooth and smoky, swirling beautifully with pillowy gnocchi and fragrant fresh basil to create a cozy bowl perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s an easy recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a soul-satisfying meal that you’ll want to share with everyone you love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round black pan filled with a thick red sauce that has visible chunks of white onions and small pieces of herbs scattered throughout. The sauce looks rich and simmering, with a shiny surface showing some steam or slight bubbles. The pan is placed on a white marbled textured surface, with the pan’s handle and a little of the metal side visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the bright, fire-roasted tomatoes to the creamy coconut milk, every item is carefully chosen to elevate this soup from simple to spectacular.

Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a smooth, fruity richness as the base for sautéing.
Yellow onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth when softened.
Garlic cloves: Deliver an aromatic punch that warms up the entire soup.
Fire roasted tomatoes: Bring smokiness and vibrant tomato flavor that’s far from ordinary.
Vegetable broth: Lightly flavors the soup and provides the perfect cooking liquid.
Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
Brown sugar: Balances acidity and adds a hint of caramel sweetness.
Red pepper flakes: Give a gentle kick of heat for a bit of excitement.
Full-fat coconut milk: Creates the signature creamy texture and subtle tropical undertones.
Fresh or frozen gnocchi: The soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up all the luscious broth.
Fresh basil: Infuses the soup with bright, herbal freshness both inside and as a garnish.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Soup with Fresh Basil Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven, then add the diced yellow onion. Cook gently over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet, mellow flavor. Next, throw in the minced garlic and cook for an additional few minutes until it’s fragrant—this step sets the flavor foundation for the soup.

Step 2: Build the Broth

Pour in the fire roasted tomatoes, vegetable broth, salt, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it all meld together for about 10 minutes so that the smoky tomato essence fully develops and harmonizes with the other ingredients.

Step 3: Blend for Creaminess

Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth, leaving a few tomato chunks if you like some texture. This blending step transforms the broth into a velvety base that clings beautifully to the gnocchi later on, ensuring every spoonful is irresistibly creamy.

Step 4: Finish with Gnocchi and Basil

Bring the soup back to a boil, then add the coconut milk, gnocchi, and fresh basil. Simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until the gnocchi float to the top, signaling they’re perfectly cooked and tender. The basil infuses the final touches with a bright, herbal note leaving you with an unforgettable, fragrant soup.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Soup with Fresh Basil Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with creamy orange-red tomato gnocchi soup with visible pieces of gnocchi that are small and yellow with ridges. There are green spinach leaves scattered in the soup, and a swirl of white cream on top blends softly into the soup. A toasted slice of crusty bread with a golden-brown edge is partially dipped into the soup, resting on the side of the bowl. A silver spoon is placed in the bowl with its handle leaning out. The bowl is set on a wooden surface with a green basil leaf near it and a white cloth in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your bowl with extra fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor. A gentle drizzle of coconut milk adds a pretty swirl and extra creaminess, and freshly cracked black pepper wakes up the taste buds for that final zing.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with rustic toasted bread or crispy croutons for soaking up every last bit of that luscious broth. For a simple snack on the side, try some buttery crackers or a fresh garden salad to keep things light and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in charming rustic bowls to showcase its inviting color and texture. For a fun spin, ladle it into hollowed-out mini bread bowls, or layer it over a bed of sautéed greens for a heartier option. A sprinkle of vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast can add a savory twist if you want to mix things up.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Soup with Fresh Basil Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making the next day’s meal even better.

Freezing

It’s best to avoid freezing this soup because the gnocchi tend to become mushy when thawed, which can alter the texture and enjoyment of the dish. Instead, plan your servings so you can savor it fresh or within a couple of days.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If it thickens too much, stir in a little water or vegetable broth to bring it back to a smooth, creamy consistency that tastes just like freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use regular diced tomatoes instead of fire roasted tomatoes?

Absolutely! While fire roasted tomatoes add smokiness and depth, regular diced tomatoes will still give you a delicious, bright tomato flavor. You might lose that slight smoky nuance, but the soup will stay vibrant and tasty.

Is it okay to use frozen gnocchi in this recipe?

Yes, frozen gnocchi work perfectly here! Just remember they typically need a bit longer to cook—about 6 to 8 minutes instead of 3 to 4. Watch them closely so they don’t become too soft or mushy.

Can I make this soup vegan?

Definitely! This recipe is naturally vegan with the use of coconut milk instead of dairy and vegetable broth. It’s a comforting vegan delight full of rich flavors and creamy texture.

What if I don’t have an immersion blender?

No worries! You can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender to puree. Just be cautious with the hot liquid and hold the lid down with a kitchen towel to avoid spills.

Can I substitute fresh basil with dried basil?

While fresh basil offers the best aroma and vibrant flavor, dried basil can be used in a pinch. Add it earlier in the cooking process so its flavor can infuse the broth properly, but try to finish with some fresh if possible.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Soup with Fresh Basil Recipe. It’s simple, elegant, and bursting with flavors that warm you from the inside out. Whether you need a cozy solo dinner or a dish to impress friends and family, this soup is an absolute winner. Give it a go, and I promise it will quickly become a cherished classic in your recipe repertoire!

Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Soup with Fresh Basil Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need