I first made this soup in my instant pot, so let’s start by saying that you can make it multiple ways; dutch oven, instant pot, or even slow cooker. The first time I made it was sans any vegetables, and with hamburger, so just like pizza, “Top it how you like it.” You get to pick any of your pizza ‘toppings’ as long as you have the general pizza flavors!
The girlfriends and I ate this version over a fire pit, while socially distancing, and they loved this particular combo. I added the zucchini (although less of a typical pizza topping), and spinach, to try to get a little extra healthy food in there. (Plus, I knew my 6 year old, who won’t eat zucchini or spinach, will eat it in a soup… Perfect for family dinner leftovers!)
This soup has all the flavors of pizza, but a healthier option!
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 package ground sausage (use hamburger if needed)
- 1 jar marinara sauce (of your choice)
- 1 box Chicken stock. (Use water if needed.)
- 1/2 package (about 2 ounces) sliced pepperoni, quartered
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
- 1 large, or two small zucchini, quartered
- 1 package gnocchi
- 3 ounces fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions:
In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil. Sauce onion and sausage. (drain fat once cooked if needed.)
Add to the large pot, marinara, chicken stock, pepperoni, garlic, basil, and oregano. Bring to a boil.
Add zucchini about 5-7 minutes longer than gnocchi requires.
Add gnocchi (and spinach) and cook according to gnocchi package.
Adjust salt and pepper to taste. (if needed)
Top warm soup with mozzarella cheese (and extra pepperoni if you choose!) Allow to melt (or put under broiler.)
Serve warm.
Roast 'n Relish 