Have you ever tasted a dish that felt like a warm hug in the middle of a chaotic day? That’s exactly what this chicken gnocchi soup crockpot recipe is for me. I first discovered the joys of chicken gnocchi soup on a snowy evening at a small Italian bistro. The soup was creamy, hearty, and packed with pillowy gnocchi that melted in my mouth. It was love at first bite.
Fast forward a few winters later, I found myself missing that exact flavor. Between juggling school runs, work deadlines, and the general chaos of life, I knew I needed a recipe that wouldn’t require me to stand by the stove for hours. And that’s how my version of this slow cooker chicken gnocchi soup was born—a no-fuss, set-it-and-forget-it recipe that brings restaurant-quality comfort to your home.
This dish has since become my family’s go-to comfort food during cold months. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone sigh with relief after a long day. Plus, there’s something magical about knowing that dinner is cooking itself while I’m ticking things off my never-ending to-do list.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This crockpot chicken gnocchi soup is the culinary equivalent of your favorite cozy sweater—warm, comforting, and impossible to resist.
- Ridiculously Easy to Make: If you can chop a few veggies and toss ingredients into a crockpot, you’ve already mastered this recipe.
- A Crowd Favorite: Whether you’re cooking for picky kids or hosting a casual dinner, this soup never fails to impress. Everyone loves the soft, pillowy gnocchi paired with tender chicken and creamy broth.
- Great for Busy Days: You can prep everything in the morning, let it cook all day, and come home to a ready-to-serve meal.
- Nutritious and Delicious: Packed with protein, veggies, and comforting carbs, this soup is a wholesome choice for the whole family.
- Leftovers Are a Win: The flavors deepen overnight, making this soup even better the next day.
Seriously, this soup checks all the boxes: quick, easy, comforting, and downright delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 package gnocchi (16 oz)
- 1 cup spinach (fresh, roughly chopped)
- 1 cup carrots (diced or shredded)
- 1 cup celery (diced)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment:
- A large crockpot or slow cooker
- A sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Cooking Instruction:
How to Make the Perfectly Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Prep the Ingredients: Start by chopping the carrots, celery, onion, and spinach. Mince the garlic.
- Layer in the Crockpot: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Add the chopped veggies, garlic, thyme, basil, and chicken broth.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the crockpot, shred it using two forks, and return it to the pot.
- Add Cream and Gnocchi: Stir in the heavy cream and gnocchi. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes on high or until the gnocchi are tender.
- Add Spinach: Toss in the chopped spinach and stir until wilted. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread or crackers.
Notes
- Thicken the Broth: If you prefer a thicker soup, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes.
- Flavor Boost: Add a dash of nutmeg or grated Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to revive the soup’s texture.
- Customizable Ingredients: Swap chicken breasts for thighs for richer flavor. Use kale instead of spinach or add mushrooms for an earthy touch.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option..
Macronutrients (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~310
- Protein: ~25g
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Fat: ~10g
Bonus Pro Tips
- Thicken the Soup: For an extra creamy texture, whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch into the cream before adding it to the crockpot.
- Sauté Your Aromatics: For a deeper flavor, sauté the onions, garlic, and celery in a little olive oil before adding them to the crockpot.
- Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh basil or thyme, toss them in at the end for a pop of brightness.
- Make It Extra Cheesy: Stir in shredded Parmesan or Asiago cheese right before serving.
- Don’t Skip the Spinach: It adds a lovely freshness and balances the creaminess of the soup.
Q: What to serve with this soup?
A: This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, garlic knots, or a fresh side salad. If you’re feeling indulgent, serve it alongside grilled cheese sandwiches.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prep all the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. In the morning, toss everything into the crockpot and let it cook while you go about your day.
Q: What can I use if I don’t have gnocchi?
A: No gnocchi? No problem! Swap it with diced potatoes, tortellini, or even small pasta like orecchiette or shells.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, but it’s best to freeze the soup before adding the cream and gnocchi. Add those ingredients fresh when reheating to maintain the best texture.
Q: How can I make this soup lighter?
A: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and swap out traditional gnocchi for whole wheat or cauliflower gnocchi.
This Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is more than a recipe; it’s a warm hug on a cold day. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s destined to become a family favorite. So grab your crockpot and let’s get cooking!
What do you think? Ready to try this comforting classic? Let me know how it turns out! 😊
