Drizzle a Tablespoon of olive oil into the bottom of a large pot or large dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes, or until the sausage is browned all over and no pink remains. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked sausage to a separate bowl or plate. Drain excess fat from the pot, leaving about 1 tablespoon to cook the vegetables.
3 Tablespoons olive oil, 16 ounces Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
Return the pot to the heat stove over medium-high heat and add the onion and celery, using a spatula to scrape any brown bits from the sausage off the bottom of the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until soft and the onion is translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
1 small yellow onion, 3 ribs celery, 3-4 cloves garlic
Turn the heat down to medium-low and add 2 more Tablespoons of olive oil then sprinkle the flour or gluten-free flour on top and stir to coat the veggies in flour.
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour or 1:1 gluten-free flour
Slowly pour in the chicken stock, stirring constantly, then turn the heat up to medium-high and continue to stir and cook until the soup is thickened.
6 cups chicken broth/stock
Pour in the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Stir well then carefully add the ground sausage back in and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon fresh chopped thyme, pinch of red pepper flakes
Once it's boiling, add the cream, spinach, and gnocchi and cook for about 5 minutes, until the cream is dissolved, the spinach is wilted and the gnocchi floats to the top. Season with salt and pepper to taste then serve warm with fresh thyme and parmesan cheese.
1 (16-ounce) package store-bought or homemade gnocchi, 1 cup heavy cream or canned coconut cream, 3 cups fresh baby spinach, Salt & pepper to taste