Hearty Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Homemade Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort wraps around you like a warm blanket with this creamy chicken gnocchi soup that simmers effortlessly in the crockpot.

Soft pillowy gnocchi float in a rich, velvety broth packed with tender chicken and vibrant vegetables.

Each spoonful promises pure comfort and satisfaction, blending classic flavors with homemade warmth.

The slow cooker does all the hard work, melding ingredients into a soul-soothing meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Weeknight dinners never tasted so good with this simple yet luxurious soup.

Tender chunks of chicken and plump gnocchi create a delightful texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to fall in love with this hearty, delicious soup that turns an ordinary evening into something special.

Ways To Dish Out Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

  • Cozy Comfort Companions: Crusty bread slices or toasted garlic bread perfectly complement the soup's creamy texture, soaking up the rich broth and adding delightful crunch.
  • Hearty Soup Sidekick: A crisp green salad with light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the soup's warmth, balancing the meal's richness and adding nutritional variety.
  • Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra Parmesan or add a dollop of shredded mozzarella on top for enhanced cheesy goodness, creating deeper flavor layers and melty indulgence.
  • Wine Pairing Perfection: Choose a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the soup's creaminess and elevate the dining experience with subtle sophistication.

Storing Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Right

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention.
  • Freezing Strategy: Portion soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion. Freeze for 23 months, excluding dairy and gnocchi for best texture when reheating.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Chop vegetables and shred chicken in advance, storing separately to cut down cooking time during busy weekdays. Refrigerate prepped ingredients for up to 2 days.
  • Reheating Wisdom: Warm soup gently on stovetop, adding splash of chicken broth to restore creamy consistency. Avoid microwave to prevent separating cream and maintain soup's silky texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

Total Time: 7 hours

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 7

Stuff Needed For Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

For Protein and Base:
  • Chicken: Hearty protein that becomes tender and flavorful, choose boneless skinless chicken breasts for easy shredding.
  • Chicken Broth: Creates rich liquid foundation, opt for low-sodium varieties to control saltiness.
For Aromatic Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic: Build deep flavor base, select fresh firm onions and plump garlic cloves for maximum taste.
  • Carrots, Celery: Add sweet and earthy undertones, choose crisp and bright-colored vegetables for best texture.
For Seasoning and Herbs:
  • Thyme, Italian Seasoning: Provide classic herbal warmth, use dried herbs for consistent flavor distribution.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers, freshly ground black pepper offers more vibrant taste.
For Creamy Components:
  • Half-and-Half: Creates luxurious silky texture, room temperature prevents curdling.
  • Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that add comforting substance, store-bought saves time.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Spinach: Adds fresh green color and nutritional boost, baby spinach wilts quickly.
  • Cornstarch: Optional thickening agent for desired soup consistency, mix with cold water before adding.
For Optional Garnish:
  • Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Parsley: Provides final flavor burst and visual appeal, grate cheese just before serving.

Tools To Prep Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

  • Crockpot: Slow cooker essential for easy, hands-off cooking of the soup.
  • Two Forks: Perfect for shredding chicken directly in the crockpot.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately add herbs and seasonings.
  • Measuring Cups: Precise measurement for broth and half-and-half.
  • Cutting Board: Space for chopping vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
  • Ladle: Convenient for serving soup into individual bowls.
  • Small Bowl: Helpful for mixing cornstarch and water if thickening soup.

How To Prepare Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

  • Toss Everything In

Grab your crockpot and dump in chicken chunks, diced onions, minced garlic, sliced carrots, chopped celery, and herbs. Pour chicken broth over the top to create a flavorful liquid base.

  • Let It Simmer

Cover and walk away. Let the crockpot work its magic on low heat for several hours until chicken becomes super tender and falls apart easily.

  • Shred and Return

Pull out the chicken and break it into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Drop the shredded meat back into the soupy mixture.

  • Create Creamy Goodness

Pour in soft gnocchi and cream, allowing everything to meld together. The gnocchi will absorb all those delicious flavors while becoming perfectly soft.

  • Add Fresh Greens

Toss in fresh spinach leaves and let them gently wilt into the soup. If you want a thicker consistency, mix a quick cornstarch slurry and stir it through.

  • Serve and Savor

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Sprinkle some Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley on top for an extra touch of deliciousness.

Tips That Help For Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

  • Perfect Texture Tricks: Use store-bought or homemade gnocchi for consistent results, ensuring they're not overcooked to maintain a soft, pillowy texture.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap half-and-half with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lactose-free version that still delivers creamy richness.
  • Protein Power Boost: Replace chicken with white beans or rotisserie chicken for faster preparation, or add extra shredded chicken for a more protein-packed meal.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute gnocchi with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles to create a lighter, lower-carbohydrate soup that's equally delicious and satisfying.
  • Flavor Enhancement: Add a splash of white wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking to introduce depth and a subtle kick to the soup's overall taste profile.
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Hearty Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Hearty Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe


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4.5 from 32 reviews

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

Description

Cozy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup delivers hearty Italian-inspired comfort in one simple recipe. Creamy broth, tender chicken, and pillowy gnocchi combine for a satisfying meal you’ll want to savor again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth
  • 1.5 cups (360 ml) half-and-half or heavy cream
  • 1 cup (240 ml) spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup (240 ml) shredded carrots
  • 1 16 oz (454 g) package potato gnocchi
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • ½ cup (120 ml) chopped celery
  • 2 tbsps cornstarch
  • 2 tbsps water
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Grated Parmesan (optional)
  • Fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Base: Layer chicken, onions, garlic, carrots, celery, thyme, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in the crockpot, creating a robust foundation for the soup.
  2. Liquid Foundation: Pour chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring complete coverage and even distribution throughout the cooking vessel.
  3. Slow Transformation: Configure the crockpot to low temperature for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, allowing ingredients to meld and chicken to become supremely tender.
  4. Meat Preparation: Remove chicken, shred into delicate fragments using two forks, then reintroduce to the simmering broth.
  5. Creamy Enhancement: Gently incorporate gnocchi and half-and-half, stirring carefully to prevent clumping and create a velvety texture.
  6. Final Touches: Continue cooking for 30-45 minutes, enabling gnocchi to absorb flavors and spinach to wilt naturally, adding vibrant color and nutrients.
  7. Texture Adjustment: If desired, create a cornstarch slurry to thicken the soup, stirring briefly until reaching optimal consistency.
  8. Presentation: Ladle into warm bowls, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for an elegant culinary finish.

Notes

  • Optimize Chicken Texture: Trim any excess fat from chicken breasts before adding to crockpot to prevent greasy soup and ensure lean, tender meat.
  • Prevent Gnocchi Mushiness: Add gnocchi during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking to maintain their delicate texture and prevent them from becoming overly soft or disintegrating.
  • Control Soup Consistency: Use cornstarch slurry sparingly – start with 1 tablespoon mixed with cold water and gradually incorporate to avoid over-thickening the soup’s creamy base.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast dried herbs like thyme and Italian seasoning in a dry pan for 30-60 seconds before adding to the crockpot to intensify their aromatic qualities and boost overall taste profile.
  • 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: 7
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 860 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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