Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a cozy, hearty, and creamy dish that brings comfort food to the next level. Tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and vegetables simmer together in a savory broth that’s finished with a splash of cream for a soup that’s rich, filling, and family-friendly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chicken gnocchi soup is perfect for busy days. It’s made in the slow cooker, so the flavors develop beautifully while you go about your day. The soft gnocchi and shredded chicken soak up all the creamy goodness, making each spoonful satisfying and flavorful. It’s a complete meal in a bowl, ideal for meal prepping or weeknight dinners.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Carrots
- Celery
- Onion
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Italian seasoning
- Potato gnocchi
- Spinach
- Half-and-half or heavy cream
- Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
directions
- In a slow cooker, combine chopped onion, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken breasts, broth, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender.
- Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return to the pot.
- Stir in gnocchi and cook for an additional 30–45 minutes on high, or until gnocchi is tender.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Stir in half-and-half (or cream). For a thicker soup, whisk cornstarch with a little water and stir in before adding cream. Cook for a few more minutes until thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Servings and timing
Serves 6. Total time: 7–8 hours on low or 4–5 hours on high, with about 15 minutes of prep time.
Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken and add it in with the gnocchi for an even faster version.
- Make it dairy-free with a plant-based cream substitute.
- Add mushrooms or corn for extra texture and flavor.
- Substitute kale for spinach if desired.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the soup thickens too much. This soup can be frozen for up to 2 months, but note that the texture of gnocchi may soften further upon thawing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, just add it directly to the crockpot—no need to thaw.
How do I make this soup thicker?
Add a cornstarch slurry or use less broth and more cream for a thicker texture.
Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Yes, make it on the stovetop by simmering ingredients in a Dutch oven or large pot.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Only if you use gluten-free gnocchi. Always check ingredient labels.
What kind of cream should I use?
Half-and-half works well for a lighter version, but heavy cream gives a richer texture.
Can I prep this the night before?
Yes, add all the base ingredients to the crockpot insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Start cooking the next day.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely—thighs are even more flavorful and remain juicy.
Do I need to sauté the veggies first?
It’s optional, but sautéing the aromatics (onion, garlic) can deepen the flavor.
Can I add cheese to this soup?
Yes, stir in shredded Parmesan for an extra savory touch.
What’s the best way to shred the chicken?
Use two forks or a hand mixer for quick shredding.
Conclusion
Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate slow cooker comfort meal. Creamy, satisfying, and loaded with wholesome ingredients, it’s a dish the whole family will love. Whether you’re craving a warm bowl after a long day or looking for something cozy to prep ahead, this soup hits all the right notes—rich, hearty, and wonderfully easy.
Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–7 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
- Total Time: ~7 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This cozy, creamy chicken gnocchi soup is an easy slow-cooker meal made with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a mix of veggies in a rich, herby broth. It’s a healthier spin on a restaurant favorite and perfect for busy weeknights or chilly days.
Ingredients
-
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
-
1 small yellow onion, diced
-
2 carrots, peeled and diced
-
2 celery stalks, diced
-
3 garlic cloves, minced
-
1 teaspoon dried thyme
-
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
-
1/2 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
-
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
-
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
-
1 (15 oz) can light coconut milk or half-and-half
-
1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi
-
2 cups baby spinach
-
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
-
1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
-
Add to crockpot:
In the slow cooker, combine chicken, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. -
Cook:
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and vegetables are tender. -
Shred chicken:
Remove chicken from the crockpot, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot. -
Add gnocchi and milk:
Stir in gnocchi and coconut milk (or half-and-half). Cook on high for another 20–30 minutes, or until gnocchi is tender. -
Add spinach:
Stir in baby spinach and cook just until wilted, about 2–3 minutes. -
Optional thickening:
For a thicker soup, mix cornstarch and water, then stir into the soup. Cook for 5–10 more minutes until slightly thickened.
-
Serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls and enjoy warm!
Notes
-
You can use rotisserie chicken to save time—add it during the gnocchi step.
-
Make it dairy-free with coconut milk, or creamier with heavy cream.
-
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days (gnocchi may soften).
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *