If you’re in the mood for a steaming bowl of comfort that feels like a warm hug, this Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is just what you need! It’s rich, creamy, loaded with pillowy gnocchi, tender bites of chicken, and a rainbow of fresh veggies. The slow cooker does most of the work, filling your kitchen with the scent of Italian herbs and garlic, so all you need to do is ladle up and dig in. Whether you’re a soup fanatic or just want a meal that the whole family will ask for again and again, this is that pot of gold at the end of a busy day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is in its simplicity — humble ingredients become something extraordinary together. From savory broth and aromatic herbs to creamy half-and-half and leafy spinach, each adds its own magic touch.
- Chicken breasts: Lean, juicy, and perfect for soaking up all the flavors as they cook until perfectly shreddable.
- Onion: Finely diced for a sweet, mellow base that builds flavor right from the start.
- Carrots: Add a splash of color and a touch of natural sweetness.
- Celery: Brings that essential savory crunch and deepens the soup’s flavor profile.
- Garlic: Minced to release bold, aromatic notes that bring the whole pot to life.
- Dried thyme: Just a teaspoon offers perfect earthy undertones that tie everything together.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of classics like oregano and basil, instantly turning this into an Italian-inspired masterpiece.
- Salt: Enhances every other ingredient and makes the flavors pop.
- Black pepper: For just the right touch of gentle heat in every spoonful.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: A rich, savory base that lets you control the saltiness of your finished soup.
- Half-and-half or heavy cream: Adds creamy decadence — choose cream for extra velvet or half-and-half for a lighter, yet still dreamy broth.
- Potato gnocchi: Soft, satisfying little dumplings that float beautifully and turn the soup extra hearty.
- Fresh spinach: Roughly chopped to wilt perfectly and add a burst of color and nutrition.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts right in, giving salty, cheesy depth to every bite.
- Cornstarch mixed with water (optional): A simple slurry stirred in at the end thickens the soup if you want it extra creamy.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Step 1: Layer Everything in the Crockpot
Start by placing your chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, dried thyme, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and pour in the chicken broth. Give everything a gentle stir to distribute the aromatics. This is the flavor foundation for your Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup, and with all those veggies and seasonings nestled around the chicken, you know delicious things are about to happen!
Step 2: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover the crockpot and let it work its magic. Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This gentle simmering makes the chicken tender and infuses the broth with all the hearty flavors of the vegetables and Italian herbs. Your kitchen will begin to smell like you’ve invited an Italian grandma over!
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through, take it out with tongs and shred it right on a plate or cutting board using two forks. Shredding the chicken helps it blend into the soup, so every spoonful is filled with tender bites. Put the shredded chicken back into the crockpot and stir gently to mix with the veggies and broth.
Step 4: Add Cream, Gnocchi & Spinach
Pour in your half-and-half (or cream), potato gnocchi, and chopped spinach. Stir to combine. Switch the slow cooker to high and cook for another 20 to 30 minutes. This step lets the gnocchi cook until pillowy and the spinach wilt to emerald perfection. If you’d like your Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup to be extra thick and creamy, stir in the cornstarch slurry during the last 10 minutes.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and give everything a final stir. The cheese will melt into the broth, making it rich and deeply savory — the perfect finishing touch. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then ladle up generous bowls of creamy goodness!
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Garnishes
For that finishing flourish, top each bowl with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan, a crack of fresh black pepper, and some chopped fresh parsley or basil if you like. A drizzle of good olive oil can also add a touch of gloss and flavor that feels straight out of an Italian trattoria.
Side Dishes
This soup begs for a hunk of crusty bread—think warm baguette or soft dinner rolls—perfect for dunking into that creamy broth. A fresh side salad with a lemony vinaigrette brightens up the meal, balancing out the soup’s richness. For a heartier spread, consider pairing with roasted veggies or a simple antipasto platter.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual gathering, set up a “soup bar” with toppings like crispy bacon bits, more grated cheese, and fresh herbs. You can even serve Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup in bread bowls for extra wow-factor, or portion it into small mugs or cups for a delightful appetizer at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply transfer the cooled soup to airtight containers and refrigerate. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, making lunch or dinner prep absolutely effortless.
Freezing
You can freeze Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup, but keep in mind that the textures of gnocchi and cream may change slightly after thawing. If you know you’ll be freezing a batch, try adding the gnocchi and dairy after reheating, for the freshest taste and texture.
Reheating
Gently reheat soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s thickened too much in the fridge, just add a splash of broth or milk until it’s silky again. Stir well to keep everything creamy and delicious!
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken in Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
Absolutely! Just add shredded rotisserie chicken during the final 30 minutes along with the gnocchi and spinach to keep it tender and flavorful without overcooking.
Is it possible to make this soup gluten free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free potato gnocchi, the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free. Always check labels to be certain!
Can I swap out the spinach for something else?
Kale, Swiss chard, or even chopped escarole all work beautifully in this recipe. They’ll add their own unique flair and nutrition to your Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup.
What can I use instead of heavy cream or half-and-half?
Evaporated milk or whole milk are lighter substitutions that still create a creamy, dreamy soup. You might want to use the optional cornstarch slurry to maintain a thicker texture.
How do I make this vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth, skip the chicken, and add in a can of drained white beans for protein, along with plenty of gnocchi and veggies!
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is pure comfort in a bowl and truly one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again. I hope you’ll try it soon and let it brighten even the busiest weekday with cozy Italian-inspired flavor. Here’s to big bowls, warm kitchens, and making memories around the table!
Print
Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting and creamy dish perfect for chilly days. Loaded with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables, this soup is a hearty meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Chicken Soup:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- 1 (16-ounce) package potato gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional for thickening)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken Soup: In the crockpot, combine chicken, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is cooked through.
- Shred Chicken: Remove chicken, shred, and return to the crockpot.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in half-and-half, gnocchi, and spinach. Cover and cook on high for 20-30 minutes until gnocchi is tender and soup is slightly thickened.
- Optional Thickening: If desired, stir in cornstarch slurry during the last 10 minutes for a creamier consistency.
- Serve: Add Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use evaporated milk or whole milk instead of cream.
- This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread or a side salad.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
