Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Soup

If your brain is doing that end-of-day thing where it can’t decide between “I want something cozy” and “I refuse to do dishes,” this Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Soup is here to rescue you. It’s warm, rich, and tomato-y in the best way—like a hug you can eat with a spoon.

And because life is complicated enough (hello, picky eaters and never-ending schedules), we’re keeping this one simple, weeknight-friendly, and dairy-free without sacrificing that creamy, satisfying vibe. Yes, you can have it all. No, you don’t need five separate pans to do it.

I love recipes that feel a little “wow” but cook like “no big deal.” This one’s exactly that.

Why You’ll Love This Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Soup

  • Big comfort, low effort. One pot. No drama.
  • Creamy without dairy. This is where the Dairy-Free Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Soup magic really shines.
  • Hearty enough for dinner. Gnocchi + chickpeas = a soup that actually fills you up.
  • Perfect for meal prep. It reheats like a dream (more on that below).
  • Flexible for real life. Swap greens, adjust spice, use what you’ve got.

This soup is what I make when I want something that tastes like I tried harder than I did.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the stew

  • 1 to 2 tsp avocado oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup diced sun-dried tomatoes
  • 6 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp fennel seeds
  • 1/4 to 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 5 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 6 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves only
  • 1 package shelf-stable gnocchi (about 1 lb)
  • 2 cups chopped kale

For the vegan cream

  • 1 cup cashew cream or canned coconut milk (see note)

For garnish and finishing

  • 3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Note (cashew cream): Soak 3/4 cup raw cashews in hot water for 30 minutes, drain, then blend with 1/4 cup water + pinch of salt until smooth.

How to Make Dairy-Free Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics

Heat a large pot over medium heat and add 1 to 2 tsp avocado oil.

Add the diced onion plus a pinch of salt. Sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
This is the part where your kitchen starts smelling like you definitely have your life together.

Step 2: Cook bell pepper and sun-dried tomatoes

Add the diced red bell pepper and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 2 minutes, just to start softening everything and waking up those flavors.

Step 3: Build the flavor base

Stir in the crushed garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Add tomato paste and cook 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly. You’re caramelizing it a little—this is where the soup gets that “restaurant depth” without restaurant prices.

Sprinkle in smoked paprika, fennel seeds, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté another minute so the spices toast and bloom.

Step 4: Simmer with chickpeas and tomatoes

Add the chickpeas and stir to coat in that flavorful base.

Pour in:

  • crushed tomatoes
  • vegetable broth
  • nutritional yeast
  • thyme leaves

Stir, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 15 minutes.
This is your built-in break time. You can clean up… or you can stare into space like a tired queen. Both are valid.

Step 5: Finish with gnocchi, greens, and cream

Stir in:

  • cashew cream or coconut milk
  • shelf-stable gnocchi
  • chopped kale
  • chopped parsley

Cook until the gnocchi is tender (follow your package timing—usually just a few minutes).

Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. I love a little extra black pepper here for a stronger kick.

Serve warm, and try not to fall face-first into the bowl.

Close-up of creamy Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Soup with tender gnocchi, basil ribbons, cracked black pepper, and dairy-free “parmesan” on top.
Creamy, cozy Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Soup—pillowy gnocchi, herby basil, and rich tomato goodness in every spoonful.

Aneta’s Tips for Maximum Soup Joy

  • Don’t rush the tomato paste step. Those 2–3 minutes make the flavor deeper and slightly sweet—like you’ve been simmering all day.
  • Cashew cream = super creamy. Coconut milk = creamy with a subtle coconut note. Both work, so pick your vibe.
  • Want it thicker? Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes after adding the gnocchi.
  • Kale too “kale-y” for your household? Spinach works great—stir it in at the end so it doesn’t overcook.
  • If your soup looks a little weird before the cream goes in… congratulations, you’re cooking. It always looks a bit chaotic right before it becomes delicious.

A Little Personal Story From My Kitchen

This soup became a repeat in my house after one of those weeks where everything felt like it needed “just one more thing” from me—work, family, life, the laundry pile giving me side-eye. I wanted comfort food, but I also wanted to keep it dairy-free and still filling.

The first time I made it, I expected everyone to politely eat it. Instead, there was that rare, magical sound: silence—the “everyone is too busy eating to talk” kind. That’s how I knew this one belonged on Chicken Magic Recipes.

FAQs About Dairy-Free Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Soup

Can I make this Dairy-Free Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Soup ahead of time?

Yes! It’s great for meal prep. Just know the gnocchi will soak up broth as it sits, so it may thicken overnight. When reheating, add a splash of broth to loosen it up.

How do I store leftovers?

Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave.

Can I freeze it?

You can, but gnocchi can get a little soft after freezing and thawing. If you want freezer-friendly results, freeze the soup before adding the gnocchi, then add fresh gnocchi when reheating.

What can I use instead of kale?

Spinach, Swiss chard, or even chopped baby kale all work. Use what you’ll actually eat—no guilt greens allowed.

Is coconut milk going to make it taste like coconut?

A little, yes—especially if it’s full-fat. If you want a more neutral “creamy tomato” flavor, go with cashew cream.

Bowl of creamy Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Soup with pillowy gnocchi, tomato pieces, basil on top, and cracked black pepper.
A hearty bowl of Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Soup—creamy, dairy-free, and loaded with soft gnocchi, herbs, and rich tomato flavor.

Cozy Nights Start With Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Soup

If you’ve been craving something warm and hearty that doesn’t demand your whole evening, this Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Soup is your answer. It’s creamy, bold, and satisfying in that “I feel cared for” kind of way—without the dairy, without the fuss, and without a sink full of pans.

Make it once, and I have a feeling it’ll become one of those recipes you keep in your back pocket for busy nights, chilly weather, or anytime you need a bowl of comfort that tastes like magic.

More Cozy Recipes to Try Next

And hey—if you make this Dairy-Free Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Soup, I’d love to hear what you think! Please leave a quick review and tap your star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ below—your feedback helps other readers find their new favorite cozy dinner.

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Bowl of creamy Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Soup with pillowy gnocchi, tomato pieces, basil on top, and cracked black pepper.

Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Soup


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  • Author: Aneta
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Creamy, cozy, and totally dairy-free—this Sun Dried Tomato Gnocchi Soup is a one-pot dinner packed with chickpeas, kale, and pillowy gnocchi.


Ingredients

Scale

For the soup

  • 1 to 2 tsp avocado oil

  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1 red bell pepper, diced

  • 1/4 cup diced sun-dried tomatoes

  • 6 cloves garlic, crushed

  • 1 tbsp tomato paste

  • 2 tsp smoked paprika

  • 1/2 tsp fennel seeds

  • 1/4 to 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained

  • 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes

  • 5 cups vegetable broth

  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast

  • 6 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves only

  • 1 package shelf-stable gnocchi (about 1 lb)

  • 2 cups chopped kale

For the vegan cream

  • 1 cup cashew cream or canned coconut milk

For garnish (optional)

  • 3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley


Instructions

  1. Sauté onion: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add avocado oil, then onion and a pinch of salt. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

  2. Add pepper + sun-dried tomatoes: Stir in bell pepper and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook 2 minutes.

  3. Build flavor: Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Stir in tomato paste and cook 2–3 minutes, stirring often. Add smoked paprika, fennel seeds, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook 1 minute.

  4. Simmer: Add chickpeas, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, and thyme. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook 15 minutes.

  5. Finish: Stir in vegan cream, gnocchi, kale, and parsley. Cook until gnocchi is tender (per package instructions). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Cashew cream: Soak 3/4 cup raw cashews in hot water for 30 minutes, drain, then blend with 1/4 cup water + pinch of salt until smooth.

Coconut milk option: Use full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest texture (it may add a mild coconut note).

Make it spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce at the end.

Leftovers: Gnocchi thickens the soup as it sits—add a splash of broth when reheating.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 390 kcal
  • Sugar: 11 g
  • Sodium: 861 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Fiber: 9 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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