Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

This comforting, restaurant-style Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is pure cozy-in-a-bowl magic, perfect for weeknights or whenever you crave something soul-warming. Tender chicken simmers away with pillowy gnocchi, sweet carrots, vibrant spinach, and a luscious, creamy broth that feels like a hug. The best part? Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with a soup so crave-worthy, youโ€™ll be refilling your bowl before you know it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This lineup of ingredients keeps things deliciously simple, yet each element brings its own special touchโ€”creating layers of flavor, color, and texture in every spoonful of Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup.

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose these for tender, juicy bites that effortlessly shred after slow cooking.
  • Potato gnocchi: Store-bought or homemade, these little dumplings add hearty chew and soak up the creamy broth beautifully.
  • Yellow onion: Sautรฉed until sweet and soft, onions create a savory base for the soup.
  • Carrots: Sliced for subtle sweetness and vibrant color that brightens every bowl.
  • Celery: Classic aromatic that adds depth and a balancing crunch.
  • Minced garlic: Because truly great soups need that little kick of garlicky warmth.
  • Chicken broth: The backbone of the soupโ€”use low-sodium to control the saltiness, or homemade for extra love!
  • Dried thyme and basil: Herbs that bring a gentle earthiness and lift all the other flavors.
  • Salt and black pepper: To taste, because seasoning is everything.
  • Heavy cream: For that luscious, silky finish that makes every spoonful dreamy.
  • Fresh baby spinach: Stirred in at the end, it gives a pop of color and a dose of greens without overpowering the soup.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan (optional): For a salty, cheesy flourish at the finish lineโ€”donโ€™t skip it if youโ€™re a cheese lover.

How to Make Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Layer and Season

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker, then pile on the diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sprinkle the thyme, basil, salt, and black pepper over everything to make sure every ingredient gets a flavor hug right from the start. Pour the chicken broth over the top, and your work is practically done for now.

Step 2: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover and cook on low for 6โ€“7 hours or on high for 3โ€“4 hours. This is when the magic happensโ€”the chicken becomes unbelievably tender, the veggies soften, and all those gorgeous flavors mingle in the bubbling broth.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and give everything a good stir to distribute those juicy pieces of chicken throughout the soup.

Step 4: Add Gnocchi and Cream

Now itโ€™s time for the stars of Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soupโ€”the gnocchi and the cream. Stir the potato gnocchi right into the pot, along with the heavy cream, and crank the heat to high if itโ€™s not already. Let it cook uncovered for 20โ€“30 minutes, until the gnocchi are pillowy and cooked through, and the broth becomes thick and creamy.

Step 5: Stir in Spinach

Just before serving, add the fresh baby spinach. Stir gently until the leaves wilt into the hot soup, adding a beautiful pop of green and an extra layer of nutrition to your bowl.

Step 6: Finish and Enjoy

Ladle into bowls, top with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan if desired, and enjoy how all those ingredients come togetherโ€”no fancy steps, just pure comfort.

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For a bit of flair and flavor, top each bowl of Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup with a shower of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper, and maybe even some finely chopped fresh parsley for a bright finish.

Side Dishes

This soup absolutely loves being paired with a warm, crusty bread for dunkingโ€”the kind that soaks up all the creamy goodness. A crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables makes for a well-rounded meal thatโ€™s both satisfying and nourishing.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup in bread bowls for a playful twist, or ladle it into oversized mugs for an extra-cozy, fireside-worthy supper. Add a swirl of basil-infused olive oil for a restaurant-quality finish that impresses every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup can be refrigerated in a tightly sealed container for up to 3 days. Give it a gentle stir before serving, as the cream and broth may separate a bit but will quickly come back together with a reheat.

Freezing

While this soup is ultra-creamy and comforting, freezing it can sometimes cause the gnocchi to pick up a slightly different texture. If you do plan to freeze, try adding the gnocchi fresh when reheating for best results. Portion the soup into airtight containers and freeze for up to two months.

Reheating

To reheat, simply transfer the soup to a saucepan and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of extra broth or a little milk to loosen things up if needed, and heat just until steaming (not boiling) for best texture.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Just shred the rotisserie chicken and add it to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking, so it soaks up the flavor without drying out.

What kind of gnocchi works best?

Traditional potato gnocchi is ideal, but any kindโ€”homemade or store-boughtโ€”will do. Gluten-free gnocchi also works well if you have dietary needs.

Can I make Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup dairy-free?

You sure can! Swap the heavy cream for unsweetened coconut cream or a rich, dairy-free alternative. The soup may have a different flavor profile, but itโ€™s still delicious and creamy.

How do I keep the gnocchi from getting too soft?

Add the gnocchi towards the end of cookingโ€”about 30 minutes before serving. This keeps them tender without turning mushy, ensuring every bite has the perfect texture.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, frozen spinach can be used in place of fresh. Thaw and squeeze out excess water, then stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking for the same pop of color and nutrients.

Final Thoughts

I hope youโ€™ll treat yourself to a pot of Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup soonโ€”itโ€™s the kind of recipe that makes any day brighter, cozier, and more delicious. Whether youโ€™re hosting loved ones or just craving something soothing, this soup is always a win. Enjoy every creamy, comforting spoonful!

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Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 107 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
  • Total Time: 6 hours, 15 minutes (on low)
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Halal

Description

This cozy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting meal made easy in your slow cooker. Tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a medley of vegetables simmer together in a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for a family dinner or a warming lunch, this soup brings the feel of your favorite Italian restaurant right to your kitchen with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup carrots, sliced
  • 1 cup celery, chopped
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

For Finishing the Soup

  • 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi
  • 2 cups spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup half-and-half (or heavy cream for extra richness)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • 2 tablespoons cold water (if using cornstarch)

To Serve (Optional)

  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
  • Cracked black pepper, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Dice onion, mince garlic, slice carrots, and chop celery. Prepare chicken by trimming and cutting into large chunks or leaving whole if preferred (it will be shredded later).
  2. Layer and Start Cooking: Add chicken, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, chicken broth, dried thyme, basil, oregano, pepper, and salt into the crockpot. Stir briefly to combine.
  3. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through, and vegetables have softened.
  4. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts to a plate, shred using two forks, and return the chicken to the soup.
  5. Add Gnocchi: Stir in the gnocchi. Cover and cook on high for 20-30 minutes, or until the gnocchi are soft and floating.
  6. Add Cream and Spinach: Pour in the half-and-half (or cream) and add chopped spinach. Stir until spinach is wilted and soup is creamy. If a thicker soup is desired, whisk cornstarch with water to form a slurry and stir it into the soup. Cook an additional 5-10 minutes to thicken.
  7. Adjust and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls, garnish with Parmesan cheese and black pepper, and serve warm.

Notes

  • For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut cream for half-and-half.
  • Frozen gnocchi can be added directly; no need to thaw first.
  • You can use cooked rotisserie chicken; add during the last 30 minutes.
  • Soup thickens as it sits; add extra broth when reheating if needed.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 2 cups)
  • Calories: 340
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 820mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

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