Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

There’s nothing quite like coming home to the comforting aroma of Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup filling your kitchen. This rich, creamy soup is loaded with tender chicken, soft pillowy gnocchi, and fresh veggies in a velvety broth that tastes like pure comfort in a bowl.

I first discovered this recipe while trying to recreate my favorite restaurant soup at home, and it’s been a staple ever since. With minimal prep and the magic of a slow cooker, it’s the ultimate cozy meal for busy days.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Get ready to add this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup to your regular rotation! It’s not just delicious—it’s the perfect combination of hearty and effortless.

First off, this recipe couldn’t be easier. With just 15 minutes of prep, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, making it ideal for hands-off cooking during a busy day.

It’s also wonderfully creamy without being overly rich. The balance of chicken, vegetables, and gnocchi creates a satisfying dish that feels indulgent but not heavy.

The ingredients are budget-friendly and widely available. Plus, this recipe uses pantry staples like chicken broth, cream, and gnocchi, so you might already have everything you need.

Lastly, it’s incredibly versatile! Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a dish that reheats beautifully, this soup has you covered.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup lies in its combination of fresh ingredients and pantry staples. Here’s what makes this recipe shine:

Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Either works beautifully, but I prefer boneless, skinless thighs for their rich flavor and tenderness. Shred them easily with forks after cooking.

Gnocchi: These little potato dumplings are the star of the soup, adding a soft, chewy texture that makes every bite irresistible. I recommend using shelf-stable gnocchi for convenience.

Vegetables: A blend of onion, celery, carrots, and spinach adds flavor, color, and nutrition. The spinach is stirred in at the end for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Cream: Heavy cream makes the broth luxuriously silky. For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk.

Chicken Broth: The base of the soup, it provides a savory depth that ties all the flavors together. Use low-sodium broth if you prefer to control the salt levels.

Seasonings: A simple mix of garlic, thyme, and Italian seasoning gives this soup its signature cozy flavor.

Equipment: You’ll need a slow cooker and a sharp knife for prepping the ingredients. If you have an immersion blender, it’s helpful for thickening the soup, though not essential.

How to Make This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Creating this hearty and comforting soup is as easy as it gets. Follow these simple steps to bring it all together:

1. Prep the Ingredients
Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into small, even pieces. Mince the garlic and trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs or breasts.

2. Assemble the Slow Cooker
Add the chicken, vegetables (except spinach), chicken broth, and seasonings to the slow cooker. Give everything a gentle stir to combine.

3. Cook on Low or High
Set the slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. During this time, the chicken will become tender and flavorful, and the vegetables will soften.

4. Shred the Chicken
Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine.

5. Add the Gnocchi and Cream
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the gnocchi and heavy cream. Let them cook until the gnocchi is tender and cooked through.

6. Stir in the Spinach
Add the fresh spinach just before serving. It will wilt in the hot soup, adding a pop of color and freshness.

7. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with crusty bread or a simple side salad. Total prep and cook time come together for a meal that feels like a warm hug in every bite.

Storage Options

This soup is perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it for the best results:

Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen, making it even more delicious.

Freeze: While the soup freezes well, the gnocchi can become slightly soft after thawing. To freeze, omit the gnocchi, and add it fresh when reheating. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Reheat: Warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, add a splash of broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

Protein Swap: Use shredded rotisserie chicken for an even quicker version, or swap the chicken for turkey or sausage for a flavor twist.

Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with a can of drained white beans or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute cauliflower gnocchi or diced zucchini for the traditional gnocchi to cut down on carbs.

Add More Veggies: Stir in mushrooms, peas, or diced tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.

Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a little heat.

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility—feel free to experiment and create your perfect version of this comforting classic.

Enjoy your bowl of creamy, dreamy Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup! It’s the ultimate meal to savor, share, and repeat.

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