If you’re searching for a cozy, comforting meal that practically makes itself, look no further than this delightful Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe. It’s packed with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and vibrant veggies all swimming in a creamy, savory broth that hugs you from the inside out. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just need a no-fuss dinner that’ll wow the family, this soup recipe strikes the perfect balance between hearty and wholesome with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe lies in its simple, well-chosen ingredients. Each one brings something special — the chicken lends protein and richness, fresh vegetables add color and texture, and the gnocchi offers a unique, soft bite that makes every spoonful a joy. Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting classic.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Use whichever you prefer; thighs add more richness, breasts keep it lean.
- 1 cup carrots, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 cup celery, diced: Offers a fresh, slightly crisp texture that balances the creaminess.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Brings depth and a touch of natural sweetness once cooked.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that warm, aromatic undertone.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The flavorful foundation that ties everything together.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that lifts the soup with herbal notes.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Crucial for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
- 16 oz potato gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that absorb the broth beautifully—refrigerated, frozen, or shelf-stable all work.
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1/2 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained): Adds a lovely pop of green and important nutrients.
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half): Makes the soup luxuriously creamy; feel free to adjust based on your preference.
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (optional, for sautéing): Optional step to elevate flavor by gently cooking the veggies before slow cooking.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Sauté the Vegetables
Start by dicing the carrots, celery, and onion into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic cloves finely, too. If you want to enrich the depth of flavor, this is the perfect time to lightly sauté the veggies in olive oil or butter until fragrant and just softened. This step is optional but adds a lovely caramelized note that you’ll notice in every spoonful.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Now it’s the easy part. Place the chicken, sautéed or raw veggies, minced garlic, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper straight into your crockpot. This layering of fresh and fragrant ingredients is what makes this Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe so effortlessly delicious.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. This slow simmer is what tenderizes the chicken to fall-apart softness and lets all those flavors mingle beautifully. You’ll know the chicken is ready when it’s fully cooked and shreddable.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is tender, carefully remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. This shredding makes it wonderfully easy to eat and well-distributed throughout the soup. After shredding, return the chicken to the crockpot, letting it soak up more of the delicious broth.
Step 5: Add the Gnocchi and Spinach
Stir in the gnocchi and fresh spinach (or thawed frozen spinach) to the crockpot. Cook on HIGH for another 30 minutes or so until the gnocchi is tender and the spinach is beautifully wilted. This step adds the decisive comforting element to the soup with soft textures and a lovely green lift.
Step 6: Finish with Cream
To finish, stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half for richness, then let the soup warm through for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. This final touch transforms the broth into a silky, indulgent bath for all your ingredients and makes this Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe truly irresistible.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishes, fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil are phenomenal for a burst of freshness. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can add a lovely nutty savoriness. For an extra touch of texture, consider adding a few toasted pine nuts on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty, but pairing it with warm, crusty bread or garlic knots makes the meal extra satisfying. A simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette also pairs nicely to balance the richness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress a little, serve this Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe in rustic bread bowls to soak up every last drop. Alternatively, portion it into individual oven-safe crocks and top each with a small puff pastry lid for a fun, elevated presentation that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps very well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in airtight containers to maintain freshness and flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheating gently on the stove helps keep the cream from separating.
Freezing
You can freeze Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe, but to preserve the best texture, store the soup without the gnocchi. Freeze the broth, chicken, and veggies in an airtight container for up to 2 months, and add fresh gnocchi when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the soup slowly over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Add in the gnocchi fresh when reheating frozen soup leftovers for best texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.
What type of gnocchi works best?
Refrigerated or frozen potato gnocchi works perfectly in this soup, but shelf-stable varieties can also be used. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as some may cook faster.
Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
Yes! You can swap the heavy cream for a coconut milk or cashew cream alternative. The flavor will be slightly different but still creamy and delicious.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot instead of a crockpot?
You can, but you’ll want to adjust the cooking time significantly, cooking on manual high pressure for about 15 minutes and using natural release. Add the gnocchi and spinach at the end as in the original recipe.
How do I prevent the gnocchi from getting mushy?
Adding the gnocchi towards the end of the cooking time and only cooking it for about 30 minutes on high helps maintain a pleasant texture without it turning mushy.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is a true gift to anyone who loves easy, warm, and satisfying meals. It’s a crowd-pleaser with a rich, creamy broth, tender chicken, and gnocchi that makes every bite special. I can’t wait for you to experience how effortlessly comforting and delicious this soup is, especially on those days you want dinner ready and waiting without a fuss. Give it a try and watch it quickly become your go-to comfort food!
Print
Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup features tender shredded chicken simmered with vegetables, Italian seasoning, and creamy broth, finished with soft potato gnocchi and fresh spinach. Perfect for a hearty, easy-to-make meal that cooks itself throughout the day.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Vegetables
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1/2 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
Liquids & Dairy
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
Pantry & Seasonings
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 16 oz potato gnocchi (refrigerated, frozen, or shelf-stable)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (optional, for sautéing)
Instructions
- Prep Vegetables: Dice the carrots, celery, and onion, and mince the garlic. For enhanced flavor, optionally sauté these vegetables in olive oil or butter until softened.
- Add to Crockpot: Place the chicken breasts or thighs into the crockpot, then add the prepared vegetables, minced garlic, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and easily shreddable.
- Shred Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back to the crockpot and stir to incorporate.
- Add Gnocchi & Spinach: Stir in the potato gnocchi and fresh spinach into the soup. Continue cooking on HIGH for 30 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender and the spinach is wilted.
- Finish with Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Let the soup warm through for an additional 10 to 15 minutes before serving to create a creamy and comforting finish.
Notes
- If you prefer a richer soup, use heavy cream; for a lighter option, substitute with half-and-half.
- Optionally sautéing the vegetables before adding to the crockpot boosts their flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
- The cooking time may vary based on your slow cooker; ensure the chicken is cooked through and tender for best results.
- Potato gnocchi can be refrigerated, frozen, or shelf-stable—adjust cooking time slightly if using frozen gnocchi.
- For a thicker soup, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
