Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Introduction
Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a cozy, creamy meal filled with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh vegetables, and flavorful herbs. The slow cooker does most of the work, making this soup wonderfully convenient for busy days. A creamy broth gives every spoonful a rich, comforting texture without requiring complicated steps. Serve it with warm garlic bread or crusty dinner rolls for an easy and satisfying family dinner.
⏱️ Prep Time
15 minutes
๐ณ Cook Time
5 hours
๐ Total Time
5 hours 15 minutes
๐ก️ Oven Temperature
N/A — Stovetop
๐งฉ Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken breasts: Provide tender, hearty protein as they slowly cook in the broth. Substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- Gnocchi: Adds soft, pillowy bites and makes the soup extra filling. Substitute with small pasta such as orecchiette.
- Chicken broth: Creates the flavorful soup base. Substitute with vegetable broth for a different flavor.
- Heavy cream: Gives the soup its rich, creamy texture. Substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Spinach: Adds color and freshness while wilting beautifully into the soup. Substitute with kale.
- Carrots and celery: Add sweetness, texture, and classic soup flavor. Substitute with additional vegetables such as peas or mushrooms.
❓ TIPS SECTION
- Add the gnocchi near the end of cooking so it stays soft without becoming overly mushy.
- Shred the chicken while it is still warm for easier, more even pieces.
- Add the cream toward the end of cooking to help prevent curdling.
- For thicker soup, let it sit uncovered for several minutes after adding the gnocchi and cream.
๐งบ Ingredients You'll Need
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 package (16 ounces) potato gnocchi
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
๐ฉ๐ณ Step-by-Step
- Add the ingredients: Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender enough to shred.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the cooked chicken and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir well.
- Add the cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently to combine. Allow the soup to heat for about 10 minutes.
- Cook the gnocchi: Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package directions, usually about 3–5 minutes, until tender and floating.
- Finish with spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until wilted. Taste and adjust the seasoning, then serve hot.
๐ฟ Garnish & Serving
- Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley.
- Add a little cracked black pepper for extra flavor.
- Serve with warm garlic bread or crusty dinner rolls for dipping.
๐ง Storage
Let the soup cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. The gnocchi may absorb some broth as it sits, so add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating to loosen the soup.
⏰ Make Ahead
The chicken, vegetables, broth, and seasonings can be slow-cooked ahead of time. For the best texture, add the cream, gnocchi, and spinach shortly before serving.
๐ Variations
- Bacon Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon for smoky flavor and extra richness.
- Mushroom Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Add sliced mushrooms with the vegetables for an earthy twist.
- Spicy Chicken Gnocchi Soup: Add red pepper flakes and a pinch of cayenne for gentle heat.
๐ฝ️ Serving Pairings
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy broth.
- Dinner Rolls: Serve warm, buttery rolls alongside the soup.
- Green Salad: Pair with a crisp salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for balance.
This creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is an easy, comforting dinner that delivers rich flavor with minimal hands-on cooking.
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