Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

If any soup could be called a cozy hug in a bowl, it’s Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Creamy, hearty, and brimming with plump gnocchi, tender bites of chicken, and colorful vegetables, this beloved comfort dish will quickly become a family favorite. Slow-cooked to perfection, it fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and rewards your patience with a meal that feels like pure, soul-warming bliss—with hardly any effort. Whether you’re snuggling up on a winter evening or feeding a hungry crowd, you’ll love coming back to your slow cooker for seconds (and thirds!) of this classic recipe.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish is all about using simple, familiar ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. Each item in the lineup plays a key role, adding flavor, texture, and just the right pop of color to make Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup shine in every spoonful.

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook up tender and flavorful in the crockpot—just shred before serving for the perfect bite.
• Potato Gnocchi: These pillowy dumplings add delightful heartiness and soak up all that creamy goodness.
• Carrots: Sliced carrots not only give subtle sweetness but also bathe the soup in a beautiful orange hue.
• Celery: Chopped celery adds quintessential soup flavor and pleasant crunch.
• Onion: Diced onion brings out savory aromatics that deepen the taste of the broth.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the base with warmth and a flavorful kick.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Broth keeps things light while still allowing you to control the soup’s saltiness.
• Half and Half: For ultimate creaminess, this blend adds richness without making the soup too heavy.
• Baby Spinach: Stirring in spinach at the end wilts it perfectly and adds a pop of gorgeous green.
• Italian Seasoning: This blend delivers balanced herbal notes that bring the soup to life.
• Salt & Black Pepper: A sprinkle of each ensures perfect seasoning in every bite.
• Olive Oil: Sautéing veggies in a splash of olive oil boosts their savory notes and texture.

How to Make Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and cook just until the veggies are tender and the onion is translucent. This quick step ensures your soup gets a deep flavor foundation, rather than just tossing everything in raw.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot

Transfer the sautéed veggies to your crockpot, then nestle in the chicken breasts. Pour over the chicken broth, sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, and give everything a gentle stir. The slow cooker will do the heavy lifting from here! Pop on the lid and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and veggies are soft.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is done, remove it to a cutting board and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the crockpot so every spoonful is packed with tender meat. This step boosts that classic comforting texture Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is known for.

Step 4: Add Gnocchi and Spinach

Stir in the potato gnocchi and fresh spinach, pressing everything gently so it gets coated in the rich broth. Let the soup cook for another 30 minutes on high (or until the gnocchi are cooked through and fluffy and the spinach is wilted). This is where the soup takes on its heartiness!

Step 5: Stir in the Cream

Finally, pour in the half and half and stir gently. Let the soup cook uncovered on high for another 10 to 15 minutes, just to heat through and blend everything together. Be careful not to let the soup boil at this stage—just simmer gently for that signature creamy finish.

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Garnishes

A good garnishing moment transforms the soup from homey to restaurant-worthy. Try chopped fresh parsley or basil, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, and a generous pinch of black pepper. For an extra creamy touch, a swirl of extra half and half right before serving looks beautiful and tastes divine.

Side Dishes

Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup shines as a meal on its own, but it’s even more comforting alongside crusty bread or garlic toast. For a lighter touch, serve with a simple green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette, or plate up a scoop of antipasto for a classic Italian spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For weeknight cozy vibes, ladle the soup into big mugs and bring them to the couch for movie night. For a dinner party, serve Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup in small bowls as a first course, garnished with edible flowers or microgreens. Little ones love dipping toasted breadsticks right into the bowl, making it a family-friendly favorite too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover soup cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup stays fresh and tasty for up to four days. The flavors just keep improving, so lunch the next day will be even more delicious!

Freezing

Because of the creamy base and gnocchi, this soup doesn’t freeze as perfectly as brothy recipes. If you do want to freeze it, try freezing just the base before stirring in the gnocchi and half and half. Later, reheat, then add fresh gnocchi and cream for best texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and to keep the cream nice and smooth. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring often for even warming.

FAQs

Can I make Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup with rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Just skip cooking chicken in the crockpot—add shredded rotisserie chicken during the last hour so it warms through without drying out, and you’ll have a quick shortcut version with all the same cozy flavor.

Can I use homemade gnocchi instead of store-bought?

Homemade gnocchi can be used and will add an extra homemade touch, just be sure to adjust for cooking time as it may cook a bit faster than packaged gnocchi. Either way, the result is luscious and satisfying.

Can I lighten up this soup?

For a lighter version, swap the half and half with whole milk or use a combination of evaporated milk and broth. You can also add extra veggies or choose leaner poultry for a wholesome twist on the classic Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup.

Is this soup gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free potato gnocchi, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels to be sure if you’re cooking for someone with gluten allergies.

What if my soup is too thick?

If your Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup gets thicker than you’d like, simply add a splash more chicken broth or half and half until you reach your desired consistency, reheating gently so the cream doesn’t separate.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a bowl of pure, soul-satisfying comfort, this Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup truly delivers. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again, whether for busy weeknights or special gatherings. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own family favorite—happy cooking!

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