Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Easy Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe for Comfort

Comfort wraps around you like a warm hug with this creamy crockpot chicken gnocchi soup that promises pure culinary bliss.

Tender potato dumplings float in a silky broth packed with hearty chunks of chicken and vibrant vegetables.

Rich flavors meld together slowly, creating a soul-warming dish perfect for chilly evenings.

Weeknight dinners just got easier with this hands-off cooking approach that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.

Our simple method guarantees a delectable meal without hours of kitchen labor.

Soft gnocchi absorb the savory essence of herbs and seasonings, turning each spoonful into a delightful experience.

This recipe invites you to savor a bowl of pure, homemade comfort that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Is A Comforting Favorite

  • Unlock Effortless Comfort: Crockpot cooking transforms this chicken gnocchi soup into a hands-off meal that practically prepares itself, letting you enjoy delicious comfort without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like switching spinach for kale or adding extra vegetables makes this recipe wonderfully adaptable to whatever you have on hand, perfect for busy home cooks.
  • Quick Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and nutritious vegetables, this soup appeals to both kids and adults, creating a satisfying meal everyone will love without complicated preparation.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Using simple, readily available ingredients and requiring just basic chopping and stirring, this recipe welcomes even novice cooks to create a restaurant-worthy soup with minimal culinary skills.

Everything Needed For Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Protein Base:
  • Chicken: Tender, flavorful protein that adds substance to the soup.
  • Chicken Broth: Essential liquid base for creating rich soup flavor.
Vegetables and Herbs:
  • Onion, Garlic: Foundational aromatics that provide deep, savory undertones.
  • Carrots, Celery: Classic soup vegetables that add nutrition and texture.
  • Thyme, Italian Seasoning: Herbal blend that enhances overall soup complexity.
  • Spinach: Light, fresh green that adds color and nutritional boost.
Creamy and Thickening Ingredients:
  • Half-and-Half: Creamy element that gives soup luxurious texture.
  • Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that make the soup hearty and satisfying.
  • Cornstarch, Water: Optional thickening agents for desired soup consistency.
Seasoning and Garnish:
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings for balanced flavor.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Optional tangy, salty topping for extra richness.
  • Fresh Parsley: Optional fresh herb for bright garnish.

Simple Instructions For Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Prep the Flavor Base

Grab your crockpot and toss in these delicious ingredients:
  • Chicken breasts
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic
  • Chopped carrots
  • Sliced celery
  • Dried thyme
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Chicken broth

Nestle all these goodies together, creating a flavor-packed foundation for your soup.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Chicken

Cover the crockpot and let the magic happen. Cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours. You’re looking for chicken that’s so tender it falls apart with a gentle touch.

Step 3: Shred and Return the Chicken

Carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot. Using two forks, gently pull the chicken apart into soft, bite-sized pieces. Slide the shredded chicken back into the brothy wonderland.

Step 4: Add Pillowy Gnocchi and Creamy Goodness

Introduce the soft, plump gnocchi to your soup. Pour in half-and-half for that luxurious, creamy texture. Crank the heat to high and let everything mingle for 30-45 minutes until the gnocchi becomes perfectly tender.

Step 5: Wilt in Fresh Greens

Toss in fresh spinach leaves and watch them dance and wilt into the soup. If you’re craving a thicker consistency, here’s a pro tip:
  • Mix cornstarch with a splash of water
  • Stir the mixture into the soup
  • Let it simmer for a few extra minutes until it reaches your desired thickness

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. For an extra touch of deliciousness, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley on top. Your comfort food masterpiece is ready to warm hearts and satisfy hunger!

Tips To Get Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

  • Optimize Chicken Tenderness: Ensure chicken stays moist by using boneless, skinless chicken breasts and avoiding overcooking, which can make the meat tough and dry.
  • Customize Vegetable Variations: Swap or add vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or peas to boost nutrition and create a personalized soup experience.
  • Control Soup Consistency: Adjust thickness by adding more or less cornstarch slurry, or use less liquid if you prefer a heartier soup texture.
  • Explore Dietary Adaptations: Substitute half-and-half with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or use gluten-free gnocchi to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast Italian seasoning in a dry pan before adding to the crockpot to intensify the herbs' aromatic qualities and create a more robust taste profile.

How To Store Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Safely

  • Preserve your delicious crockpot chicken gnocchi soup with care.
  • Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
  • Properly stored soup will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Gnocchi tends to absorb liquid, so you might need to add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to restore the original consistency.
  • Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
  • When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  • Avoid repeated reheating, as this can affect the texture of the chicken and gnocchi.
  • For best quality, consume frozen soup within 1-2 months and always check for any signs of spoilage before serving.

What Goes Great With Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

  • Savor Rustic Italian Bread Pairing: Crusty Italian bread or focaccia perfectly complements the creamy soup, allowing you to soak up every delicious drop while adding a delightful textural contrast.
  • Enhance with Crisp White Wine: A medium-bodied Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the soup's richness, providing a refreshing palate cleanser that elevates the entire dining experience.
  • Create a Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a light mixed green salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette to balance the soup's creamy texture and add a bright, tangy element to your meal.
  • Finish with Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil on top to boost the soup's aromatic profile and add a pop of fresh, green flavor that ties the entire dish together.

Easy Variations For Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

  • Rustic Tuscan Fusion: Swap spinach for kale, add sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle with crispy pancetta for an authentic Italian countryside feel.
  • Spicy Southwest Kick: Replace Italian seasoning with chili powder, add diced jalapeños, and top with cilantro and pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern profile.
  • Creamy Herb Garden Edition: Incorporate fresh rosemary and sage, use heavy cream instead of half-and-half, and garnish with extra chopped herbs for an elevated herbal experience.
  • Mediterranean Seafood Style: Substitute chicken with shrimp or white fish, mix in kalamata olives, and finish with crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired version.

Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup FAQs

  • What makes this chicken gnocchi soup different from other soup recipes?

This crockpot version is super easy and hands-off. Unlike traditional stovetop soups, you simply add ingredients and let the slow cooker do all the work, creating a rich, creamy soup with minimal effort.

  • Is this soup healthy?

Yes! It’s packed with vegetables like carrots, celery, and spinach, providing nutrients and fiber. The chicken offers lean protein, making it a balanced meal that’s both delicious and nutritious.

  • Can I make this soup if I'm not an experienced cook?

Absolutely! This recipe is beginner-friendly. The crockpot does most of the cooking, and the steps are straightforward. Even novice cooks can create a restaurant-quality soup with minimal cooking skills.

  • How can I customize this soup to my taste?

You can easily swap spinach for kale, use different herbs, or add more vegetables. The recipe is flexible and forgiving, so feel free to experiment and make it your own personal comfort dish.

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Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 7 hours
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty crockpot chicken gnocchi soup delivers Italian-inspired comfort straight from your kitchen. Creamy, rich broth with tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi promises warm satisfaction for busy home cooks craving delicious simplicity.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 lb (454 grams) boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Vegetables:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded carrots
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) chopped celery
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) fresh spinach, chopped

Liquids and Seasonings:

  • 4 cups (960 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) half-and-half (or heavy cream for richer flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Other Ingredients:

  • 1 (16 ounces/454 grams) package potato gnocchi
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

Optional Toppings:

  • Grated Parmesan
  • Fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Combine tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and fragrant herbs in the crockpot, creating a flavorful base for the soup by layering chicken, diced onions, minced garlic, chopped carrots, sliced celery, thyme, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  2. Pour chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring all components are well-submerged and evenly distributed throughout the cooking vessel.
  3. Set the crockpot to low temperature and allow the mixture to simmer gently, transforming raw ingredients into a rich, cohesive broth over 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken becomes fork-tender.
  4. Carefully extract the cooked chicken from the liquid and use two forks to shred the meat into delicate, bite-sized pieces, then return the shredded chicken to the simmering broth.
  5. Introduce soft, pillowy gnocchi into the soup, stirring gently to prevent sticking, and slowly incorporate half-and-half to create a creamy, luxurious texture.
  6. Continue cooking for an additional 30-45 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to absorb flavors and become perfectly tender.
  7. Delicately fold fresh spinach leaves into the soup, letting them wilt naturally and add a vibrant green color to the dish.
  8. If a thicker consistency is desired, create a quick slurry by mixing cornstarch with water, then stir into the soup and cook briefly until the liquid reaches the preferred thickness.
  9. Serve the steaming soup in warm bowls, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

  • Swap chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for a vegetarian version that maintains the soup’s creamy texture and hearty feel.
  • Use gluten-free gnocchi to make this recipe celiac-friendly without compromising the comforting soup’s delicious flavor profile.
  • Reduce sodium by choosing low-sodium chicken broth and controlling salt levels during seasoning for a heart-healthy adaptation.
  • Prep vegetables the night before to streamline morning cooking and ensure quick, stress-free meal preparation in the crockpot.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

  • Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
  • Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.

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