Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Ready in: 7 hours 30 minutes · Serves: 6 · Technique: Slow Cooking · Storage: Airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Quick Answer

This creamy, herbaceous Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is easy to prepare and perfect for chilly nights.

As the brisk New York City air begins to chill and holiday festivities draw near, I find myself searching for comforting, soul-warming recipes that bring both joy and nourishment to my family. One dish that has become a staple in my autumn cooking repertoire is the Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup. This dish is not only easy to prepare but envelops you in a creamy, herbaceous warmth that truly feels like a hug in a bowl.

A Cozy Holiday Treat

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare in a slow cooker, allowing you to enjoy your day while it cooks.
• Rich and creamy texture that warms you from the inside out.
• Nutritious ingredients like fresh spinach, carrots, and chicken make this a wholesome meal.
• Perfect for leftovers; it tastes even better the next day!
• Great for festive gatherings, bringing comfort to holiday meals.

Ingredients

This hearty Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup uses simple, wholesome ingredients that create a deliciously comforting dish.

Protein

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables

• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach

Broth and Seasoning

• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Pasta and Dairy

• 1 package (16 ounces) potato gnocchi
• 1 cup heavy cream

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley, for garnish

How to Make Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Step-by-Step)

This crockpot soup is as simple as it is delicious—just follow these steps for a cozy meal any day.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. The sweet scent of sautéed onions fills the air – a promising start!

Step 2: Introduce the Vegetables

Add the garlic and carrots, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until they soften. The vibrant orange of the carrots and the pungent garlic create a delightful aroma that makes my kitchen feel truly inviting.

Step 3: Combine in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the sautéed mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker and nestle the chicken breasts on top. Pour in the chicken broth, and sprinkle with dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. I love the earthy scent of thyme as it adds depth to the soup.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The anticipation builds as the aroma of the chicken and herbs wafts through my apartment, making it nearly impossible to resist peeking inside.

Step 5: Add the Gnocchi

Once the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily with a fork, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the cooker and stir in the gnocchi and fresh spinach. The gnocchi will puff and expand, turning soft and tender as it absorbs the delicious broth.

Step 6: Creamy Finish

Finally, pour in the heavy cream and stir until well combined. Just before serving, I love to sprinkle fresh parsley on top for that pop of color and an extra hint of freshness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Chicken: If you cook the chicken for too long, it can become dry and stringy. Aim for the ideal cooking time!
• Skipping the Sauté Step: Sautéing the onion, garlic, and carrots before adding them to the slow cooker enriches the flavors, making the difference between a good soup and an unforgettable one.
• Adding Gnocchi Too Early: Gnocchi cooks quickly; adding it too soon can lead to mushy dumplings. Wait until the last 30 minutes of cooking to add them in.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• For a lighter version, substitute half and half or a plant-based cream for the heavy cream.
• Feel free to add additional spices such as red pepper flakes if you want to add a kick to your soup.
• This soup freezes beautifully! Portion it into airtight containers for easy meals later.

Variations

• Swap chicken for diced turkey for a post-Thanksgiving twist.
• Use vegetable broth and tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Incorporate other vegetables like peas or corn for added texture and flavor.

How to Serve

• Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
• Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
• Offer grated parmesan cheese on the side for those who enjoy an extra layer of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: Prepare the soup base and store in the fridge until you’re ready to add the gnocchi and cream.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up if it has thickened.
• Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully! Portion it into airtight containers for easy meals later, and it can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Recipe Notes / What I Learned

This soup not only satisfies my craving for comfort on chilly NYC nights but also holds up well in the fridge, making it a perfect Thanksgiving or Christmas meal pre-preparation option. I found that it tastes even better the next day, allowing those flavors to meld beautifully!

Yield and Serving Size

Yield: 8 servings · Serving Size: 1 cup

Nutrition Snapshot

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~320 calories · 14g protein · 30g carbs · 16g fat

Amberly Vahn

Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

A creamy, herbaceous soup made with chicken, gnocchi, and fresh vegetables that warms you from the inside out.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Group: Protein

• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Group: Vegetables

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach

Group: Broth and Seasoning

• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp. dried thyme
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper

Group: Pasta and Dairy

• 1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi
• 1 cup heavy cream

Group: For Garnish

• fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Crockpot 6-quart recommended
• Skillet for sautéing
• Wooden spoon for stirring

Method

 

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil. Once hot, add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and carrots, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until they soften.
3. Transfer the sautéed mixture to a slow cooker and nestle the chicken breasts on top. Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle with thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. Once chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks. Return to the cooker and stir in gnocchi and fresh spinach.
6. Pour in heavy cream and stir until well combined. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Overcooking the chicken can result in dryness. Sautéing the vegetables enhances the flavor of the soup.

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