Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe for Chilly-Day Comfort

Warm comfort meets creamy chicken gnocchi soup in a slow-cooking marvel that promises pure delight.

Soft pillowy gnocchi float alongside tender chicken pieces in a velvety broth.

Rich flavors develop gradually throughout the day as ingredients meld together.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment for busy home cooks seeking delicious meals.

Hearty ingredients create a luxurious texture that feels like a culinary hug.

Delicate herbs and robust seasonings dance together, promising a soul-satisfying experience.

You’ll love how simple ingredients transform into an extraordinary meal with minimal effort.

Grab a spoon and savor every comforting, creamy bite of this irresistible soup.

Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup That Warms the Soul

  • A Slow Cooker Delight quickly transforms weeknight dinners into hassle-free meals.
  • Simply toss ingredients into the crockpot and walk away, letting the appliance do all the hard work while delivering rich, satisfying results.
  • Perfect for picky eaters and busy households, this soup adapts easily with kid-friendly gnocchi and nutritious spinach that blends seamlessly into a creamy, comforting dish.
  • Prepare the entire recipe in under 15 minutes, with most cooking time happening hands-off, making it ideal for working parents or anyone seeking delicious, stress-free cooking solutions.

Everything You Need for Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Protein Base:
  • Chicken: Hearty main protein providing substantial texture and flavor, preferably boneless and skinless.
  • Chicken Broth: Rich liquid base supporting soup's overall flavor profile, low-sodium recommended for better salt control.
Aromatics and Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders with deep aromatic qualities, fresh varieties preferred.
  • Carrots, Celery: Classic soup vegetables adding nutrition and traditional mirepoix character, crisp and fresh recommended.
Seasoning and Herbs:
  • Thyme, Italian Seasoning: Herb blend creating depth and Mediterranean-style warmth, dried herbs work perfectly.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers, kosher salt preferred for balanced seasoning.
Soup Enrichment:
  • Half-and-Half: Creamy component adding richness and smooth texture, room temperature helps prevent curdling.
  • Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings providing comforting starch element, store-bought or fresh work well.
Final Touch Ingredients:
  • Spinach: Fresh green addition offering color and nutrients, baby spinach recommended for tenderness.
  • Cornstarch: Optional thickening agent for adjusting soup consistency, mixed with water before adding.
Garnish:
  • Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Parsley: Optional finishing touches for added flavor and visual appeal, freshly grated cheese preferred.

Making Chicken Gnocchi Soup in the Crockpot

Step 1: Toss Everything Into The Slow Cooker

Grab your crockpot and combine these ingredients:
  • Whole chicken breasts
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic
  • Chopped carrots
  • Sliced celery
  • Fresh thyme
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Chicken broth

Let these ingredients mingle and soak together.

Step 2: Slow Cook The Magical Blend

Cover the crockpot and set it to LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken should become wonderfully tender and infused with incredible flavors.

Step 3: Transform The Chicken

Pull out the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the bubbling mixture.

Step 4: Introduce Pillowy Gnocchi And Creamy Goodness

Gently stir in soft gnocchi and half-and-half. Switch the crockpot to HIGH and let everything simmer for 30-45 minutes until gnocchi becomes perfectly tender.

Step 5: Add Fresh Green Touches

Fold in fresh spinach leaves and let them wilt for 5-10 minutes. For a thicker consistency, mix cornstarch with water and stir into the soup.

Step 6: Serve With Love

Ladle the soup into warm bowls. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley on top for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips to Make Chicken Gnocchi Soup Rich and Creamy

  • Maximize Chicken Tenderness: Avoid overcooking by checking chicken at the lower end of recommended time range to prevent dry, tough meat.
  • Customize Thickness: Adjust soup consistency by gradually adding cornstarch slurry, stirring continuously to achieve desired thickness without lumps.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Sauté onions, garlic, and herbs briefly before adding to crockpot to enhance overall taste profile and release aromatic compounds.
  • Accommodate Dietary Needs: Swap regular gnocchi with gluten-free varieties and use dairy-free half-and-half for lactose-intolerant or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Prep Ahead Strategy: Chop vegetables and measure seasonings night before to streamline morning cooking process and reduce day-of kitchen prep time.

Storing Leftover Chicken Gnocchi Soup Right

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chilled for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Transfer soup to a pot, warm over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add splash of chicken broth if soup seems too thick.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover loosely. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

Best Sides for Chicken Gnocchi Soup

  • Select a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the soup's creamy texture and cut through its richness.
  • Serve alongside garlic bread or toasted ciabatta slices to soak up the delicious broth and add a satisfying crunch.
  • Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or oregano on top to enhance the Italian-inspired flavors and add a bright, aromatic touch.
  • Add extra grated Parmesan or crumbled goat cheese as a final topping to intensify the soup's creamy, savory profile.

Flavorful Variations for Gnocchi Soup Lovers

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular gnocchi with gluten-free potato gnocchi, ensuring all seasonings and broth are also gluten-free certified.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap half-and-half with coconut milk or unsweetened almond cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
  • Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute chicken with white beans or extra-firm tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a protein-packed meatless option.
  • Low-Carb Option: Replace gnocchi with cauliflower gnocchi or spiralized zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the soup's creamy texture.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup FAQ List

  • What ingredients make this chicken gnocchi soup different from other soup recipes?

The combination of gnocchi with chicken creates a heartier, more filling soup that’s packed with more texture and substance compared to traditional chicken soup.

  • Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

  • Is this soup healthy?

This soup offers a balanced meal with protein from chicken, vegetables like carrots and spinach, and carbohydrates from gnocchi. It provides nutrients while being comforting and delicious.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

While the current recipe is chicken-based, you could substitute chicken with vegetable broth and plant-based protein like tofu or white beans to create a vegetarian version.

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Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 67 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comforting crockpot chicken gnocchi soup offers a warm Italian-inspired embrace for hungry souls. Creamy potato dumplings and tender chicken mingle with hearty vegetables, promising delicious simplicity you’ll crave on chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Vegetables and Herbs:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • ½ cup chopped celery
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Liquids and Thickeners:

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 ½ cups half-and-half (or heavy cream)
  • 1 (16 ounces) package potato gnocchi
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

Seasonings:

  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Toppings:

  • Grated Parmesan
  • Fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Assemble the foundational ingredients in the crockpot, combining raw chicken, diced aromatic vegetables, fragrant herbs, and seasoning with rich chicken broth to create a robust flavor base.
  2. Allow the mixture to slowly simmer and develop complex flavors, maintaining a low temperature until the chicken becomes supremely tender and easily separable.
  3. Extract the chicken from the liquid and meticulously shred the meat using two forks, then reintroduce the delicate protein strands back into the warming liquid.
  4. Gently incorporate soft, pillowy gnocchi and smooth half-and-half into the soup, elevating the texture and creating a luxurious creamy consistency.
  5. Introduce fresh spinach leaves, allowing them to wilt delicately into the soup and contribute a vibrant green color and nutritional boost.
  6. For those desiring a more substantial soup, discretely blend cornstarch with water to create a subtle thickening agent that enhances the overall body of the dish.
  7. Carefully transfer the aromatic soup into serving vessels, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and optional chopped parsley to add a final layer of flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Swap chicken for rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken to reduce overall cooking time and simplify preparation.
  • Replace half-and-half with whole milk or dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk for lighter or vegan versions.
  • Use gluten-free gnocchi to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for increased nutrition and texture variety.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 67 hours (low) or 34 hours (high)
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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