Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

There’s something undeniably comforting about coming home to the aroma of a hearty soup simmering in the crockpot. Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup wraps you in warmth with every spoonful. Tender shredded chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and slivers of sweet carrot all swimming in a velvety, creamy broth — it’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug from the inside out. Perfect for chilly days, family dinners, or lazy Sundays, this soup is a cozy classic you’ll want to make again and again.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born out of a cold evening when I needed something easy, comforting, and satisfying — all without having to stand by the stove for hours. Inspired by a popular restaurant version, I wanted to recreate that same creamy richness at home with a little less effort. The slow cooker made it possible to toss everything in, walk away, and return to a soul-soothing dinner.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Chicken and gnocchi soup has roots in Italian-American cuisine, combining the heartiness of a traditional Italian gnocchi dish with the soothing appeal of a creamy soup. Gnocchi, which means “lumps” in Italian, are soft dough dumplings typically made with potatoes. While the original version might be cooked on the stovetop, the crockpot adaptation brings modern convenience to this old-world comfort.

Why You’ll Love Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This soup isn’t just cozy — it’s versatile, affordable, and oh-so-satisfying.

Versatile: Enjoy it as a light lunch or a hearty dinner. You can tweak the ingredients based on what’s in your fridge.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, pantry staples like broth, carrots, and gnocchi without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and the crockpot does most of the work while you go about your day.
Customizable: Want more veggies? Go ahead. Need it dairy-free? Easy fix. It adapts beautifully.
Crowd-Pleasing: Kids, adults, picky eaters — everyone loves a creamy chicken soup.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Pre-chop everything or make the full soup a day ahead for even deeper flavor.
Great for Leftovers: Reheats like a dream and tastes even better the next day.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Want that restaurant-quality finish every time? Here’s what makes the magic happen:

• Use boneless chicken thighs for maximum tenderness and flavor.
• Don’t add the gnocchi or cream too early. Let the chicken cook fully first.
• Sautéing your onion, garlic, and celery before adding to the crockpot adds amazing depth.
• Use a good-quality broth — it makes or breaks the soup base.
• For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of grated parmesan at the end.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Keep it simple — you won’t need much:

Crockpot (slow cooker): The star of the show, for set-it-and-forget-it cooking.
Chef’s knife: For chopping carrots, celery, and onion with ease.
Cutting board: A sturdy surface for prepping your veggies and chicken.
Mixing spoon or ladle: To stir and serve that creamy goodness.
Measuring cups/spoons: For getting the balance of cream, broth, and seasonings just right.

Ingredients in Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Everything works in harmony to create the perfect spoonful. Here are the stars of the dish:

1. Chicken thighs: 1½ pounds, boneless and skinless. Adds deep, savory flavor and stays moist.
2. Potato gnocchi: 16 ounces. These fluffy dumplings soak up all that creamy broth.
3. Carrots: 1 cup, sliced. Adds color, sweetness, and texture.
4. Celery: 1 cup, chopped. Brings a subtle, aromatic crunch.
5. Yellow onion: 1 medium, diced. Creates the aromatic flavor base.
6. Garlic: 3 cloves, minced. Adds warmth and depth.
7. Chicken broth: 4 cups. The savory liquid foundation of the soup.
8. Heavy cream: 1 cup. Gives the soup that silky, rich texture.
9. Olive oil: 1 tablespoon. Used for sautéing aromatics.
10. Fresh spinach: 2 cups, roughly chopped. Adds vibrant green color and gentle earthiness.
11. Salt: 1½ teaspoons. Essential for seasoning the whole pot.
12. Black pepper: ½ teaspoon. Adds a little kick.
13. Dried thyme: ½ teaspoon. Infuses a cozy herbaceous note.

Ingredient Substitutions

No stress if you’re missing something — this soup is flexible.

Chicken thighs: Chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken.
Heavy cream: Half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk.
Spinach: Kale or Swiss chard.
Yellow onion: Shallots or red onion.
Olive oil: Butter or avocado oil.
Gnocchi: Small pasta like orzo or mini shells.

Ingredient Spotlight

Potato Gnocchi: These pillowy bites bring comforting starch and a unique texture that pasta just can’t replicate.

Heavy Cream: A splash of this rich dairy lifts the soup from everyday to indulgent, making the broth luscious and smooth.

Instructions for Making Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Alright, let’s dive into the delicious process. This recipe is all about layering flavor and letting the slow cooker do the heavy lifting.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   No preheating needed for the crockpot, but warm a skillet on the stove if you plan to sauté the aromatics first (highly recommended).
2. Combine Ingredients:
   Add diced onion, garlic, carrots, celery, chicken, salt, pepper, thyme, and olive oil into the crockpot.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Give everything a gentle stir in the crockpot to evenly distribute ingredients. Pour in the chicken broth.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Cover and set your crockpot to low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Let that chicken soak up all the goodness.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   About 30 minutes before serving, shred the chicken directly in the pot using two forks. Add gnocchi and heavy cream. Stir and cover again.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Right before serving, stir in the chopped spinach. Let it wilt gently in the hot broth.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Ladle into warm bowls. Optional: top with grated parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra punch.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

This soup is all about contrasts. The gnocchi are soft and chewy, the shredded chicken is tender and juicy, and the broth is rich and velvety. The spinach adds a fresh, earthy bite that cuts through the cream, while the carrots and celery bring subtle crunch. Every spoonful is a balance of comforting creaminess and vibrant freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Let’s make it foolproof and flavorful:

• Use a slow cooker liner for easier cleanup.
• Add the gnocchi last so they don’t overcook or fall apart.
• Stir the cream slowly to prevent curdling.
• Let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving for better consistency.

What to Avoid

Even the best dishes can trip you up. Here’s what to steer clear of:

• Don’t add spinach too early — it will turn mushy and gray.
• Avoid overcrowding the crockpot. Use a 6-quart size or larger.
• Don’t skip seasoning. Taste the broth before serving and adjust as needed.
• Never use frozen gnocchi straight from the freezer. Let them thaw for even cooking.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 410
Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This is a dream dish for prepping ahead. You can chop all your veggies and store them in an airtight container up to 2 days in advance. The cooked soup stores beautifully in the fridge for 3–4 days. To freeze, cool completely and store in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, stirring in a splash of broth or cream if it thickens.

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This soup shines with warm, crusty bread on the side — think garlic knots or a rustic sourdough. Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies. For a cozier vibe, serve it in mugs and curl up on the couch.

Creative Leftover Transformations

• Chicken Gnocchi Pot Pie: Add leftovers to a puff pastry shell and bake.
• Creamy Casserole: Mix with rice and top with cheese for a bubbly bake.
• Soup Pasta Bake: Stir into cooked penne, top with mozzarella, and broil.

Additional Tips

• Add a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the creamy base.
• Top each bowl with a drizzle of olive oil for richness.
• Use homemade broth for extra depth of flavor.
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Make It a Showstopper

Serve in a large white ceramic bowl to highlight the color of the broth and veggies. Garnish with a swirl of cream and a sprinkle of black pepper or parmesan. A sprig of fresh thyme on top adds an elegant, herby flair.

Variations to Try

• Spicy Gnocchi Soup: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño.
• Mushroom Twist: Swap chicken for mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
• Italian Sausage Gnocchi: Use ground sausage instead of chicken.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk instead of cream.
• Basil Pesto Finish: Stir in a spoonful of pesto right before serving.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
A1: Absolutely. Just be sure it’s not frozen when adding it to the crockpot.

Q2: How do I thicken the soup more?
A2: Stir in a cornstarch slurry or add a bit more gnocchi to absorb the broth.

Q3: Can I make this dairy-free?
A3: Yes, substitute the cream with full-fat coconut milk for a creamy texture.

Q4: What if I don’t have fresh spinach?
A4: Frozen spinach works, just thaw and squeeze out excess water first.

Q5: Do I need to sear the chicken first?
A5: It’s optional, but it adds more flavor if you have the time.

Q6: Is this soup freezer-friendly?
A6: Yes, but freeze before adding gnocchi and cream for best results.

Q7: How can I add more protein?
A7: Add a can of white beans or toss in some extra shredded chicken.

Q8: Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?
A8: Yes, simmer in a large pot for about 30 minutes until chicken is cooked.

Q9: What’s the best way to reheat?
A9: Gently warm on the stove, adding broth if it’s too thick.

Q10: Can I make this gluten-free?
A10: Use gluten-free gnocchi and check broth labels for hidden gluten.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup to make you feel at home. With its rich creaminess, soft dumplings, and cozy flavors, it’s the kind of meal you’ll crave on repeat. Trust me, this one’s a total game-changer — whether it’s your first time making it or your fifteenth. Go ahead, scoop up a bowl, and let it warm you from the inside out.

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