If you’re looking for a hearty, cozy meal that practically makes itself, you’re going to love this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with the most comforting aromas and leaves everyone asking for seconds. I absolutely love how this turns out thick and creamy, loaded with tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and fresh spinach—all mingling in a rich, flavorful broth. Trust me, once you try this, it might just become your new slow cooker staple.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-Off Cooking: You just dump ingredients, set it, and forget it—perfect for busy days.
- Comfort in Every Spoonful: Creamy, savory broth combined with tender chicken and gnocchi makes for the ultimate cozy soup.
- Family Favorite: My family always goes crazy for this one, and it’s a great way to sneak in veggies without complaints.
- Easy Cleanup: Using a slow cooker liner means minimal mess—one less thing to stress about!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe plays a role in creating that rich, comforting flavor you crave. I recommend choosing fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken broth for best results. Plus, the gnocchi adds an incredible pillowy texture that makes this soup extra special.
- Celery: Adds a subtle, savory crunch and depth to the soup’s base flavor.
- Carrot: Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color to brighten the soup.
- Onion: Its sweetness mellows and blends beautifully after hours of slow cooking.
- Dried parsley: A little herbaceous note that lifts the overall flavor.
- Minced garlic: Garlic is a must for that irresistible aroma and punch of flavor.
- Dried thyme: Earthy and subtle, thyme complements the chicken perfectly.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: They become tender and shred easily after slow cooking.
- Low sodium chicken broth: Using low sodium lets you control the saltiness better while adding a rich base.
- Heavy cream: Makes the soup luxuriously creamy without overpowering the flavors.
- Corn starch: Helps thicken the soup, giving it a perfect velvety texture.
- Small gnocchi: The star carb—soft and pillowy, soaking up all that delicious broth.
- Fresh spinach: Adds color and freshness, plus a dose of greens packed with nutrients.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: For stirring in at the end to add a nutty, savory finish.
Variations
I love making this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe my own by swapping in ingredients or adding new twists to keep it exciting. Feel free to customize according to what you have on hand or your family’s preferences—it’s so forgiving!
- Vegetable Boost: I sometimes add mushrooms or zucchini to sneak in extra veggies without changing the soup’s cozy vibe.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan—works surprisingly well!
- Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes brings a lovely warmth that my spice-loving friends adore.
- Herb Swap: Fresh rosemary or basil can replace thyme and parsley for a different herbal note that’s equally delicious.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Base and Layer Flavors
Start by lining your slow cooker with a liner if you have one—that beautiful ease of cleanup is worth it! Then add your chopped celery, carrot, onion, parsley, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to combine. Next, gently nestle in your chicken breasts, pressing them into the liquid so they absorb all those lovely flavors. This step sets the stage for a deeply flavorful soup.
Step 2: Slow Cook and Shred
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the veggies are tender and the chicken is cooked through and ready to shred. I sometimes remove the chicken to shred it on a cutting board for easier handling, but you can also shred it right in the pot. Just use two forks and be gentle to keep it nice and juicy.
Step 3: Creamy Goodness and Gnocchi Time
Whisk the heavy cream with the corn starch until smooth, then stir this mixture into the slow cooker along with the gnocchi. Cover and cook on high for an hour. This allows the gnocchi to cook until soft and the broth to thicken up into its signature creamy texture. Watching the soup come together here is honestly one of my favorite parts.
Step 4: Finish with Spinach and Parmesan
Finally, stir in the chopped spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. The spinach wilts down quickly, adding freshness and color, while the Parmesan brings everything together with a cheesy, nutty finish. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Now, it’s ready to serve—grab your favorite bowl and a spoon!
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Avoid Overcooking Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi near the end so it doesn’t turn mushy—one hour is usually just right.
- Shred Chicken Efficiently: Removing chicken from the slow cooker to shred helps keep broth clear and prevents over-shredding.
- Thicken with Care: Mix cornstarch with cream before adding to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy soup.
- Liner Magic: Using a slow cooker liner saved me so much scrubbing—definitely try it if you haven’t!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I adore topping this soup with a little extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a touch of crushed red pepper flakes works wonders if you want to elevate the experience a little.
Side Dishes
Crusty bread is my go-to companion here—especially warm, toasted baguette slices or a good garlic bread to mop up that luscious broth. For a lighter side, a simple mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette is a perfect contrast to the creamy soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or special occasion, I like serving this soup in rustic bread bowls—that always gets a wow! You can also add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or crispy prosciutto on top for a fun texture and flavor twist. Presentation-wise, bright herbs scattered on top make it feel fresh and festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend storing the soup separately from gnocchi if you can, as gnocchi can soak up too much broth and become mushy over time.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this soup a few times and had good success—it’s best to freeze it without the gnocchi, then add fresh gnocchi when reheating. This keeps the texture of your soup much nicer and prevents the gnocchi from becoming gummy.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally, to preserve that creamy texture. If it seems thick, adding a splash of broth or water helps loosen it up. Add fresh gnocchi here if you stored it separately or froze the soup without it.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but I recommend increasing the cooking time by about an hour on low or 30 minutes on high to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender before shredding.
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What type of gnocchi works best?
Small potato gnocchi, either fresh or frozen, works best because they cook evenly within the hour at the end and soak up the flavors of the soup beautifully.
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Can I skip the heavy cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version, though the texture won’t be quite as rich and creamy.
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How do I prevent the soup from becoming too salty?
Use low sodium chicken broth and add salt gradually, tasting at the end before adding more to avoid over-salting.
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Can I double this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe?
Depending on the size of your slow cooker, doubling the recipe might be possible, but make sure the ingredients don’t exceed two-thirds of your cooker’s capacity for safe cooking. Cooking times may also need to be adjusted slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe truly feels like a warm, welcoming hug in a bowl. I love how effortless it is—letting the slow cooker do the hard work while I go about my day—and how it brings my family together around the table. If you want a comforting, delicious meal that’s easy to prep and even easier to love, I can’t recommend this soup enough. Give it a try, and I bet you’ll be adding it to your weekly rotation, just like I have!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting, creamy dish made with tender chicken breasts, hearty vegetables, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy meal, it is slow-cooked to develop rich flavors and a thick, satisfying broth that pairs wonderfully with crusty bread.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Herbs
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
- ½ medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Protein
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
Liquids & Dairy
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 3 cups small gnocchi (500g)
- 1½ cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Line a 4-6 quart slow cooker with a Reynolds Kitchens® Slow Cooker Liner for easy cleanup.
- Add Ingredients: To the slow cooker, add chopped celery, carrot, onion, dried parsley, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Stir to combine. Place the chicken breasts on top and press them gently into the liquid.
- Slow Cook the Soup: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until vegetables are tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Shred Chicken: Carefully shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks, or remove it to a cutting board and chop finely. Return the chicken to the soup if removed.
- Thicken Soup & Add Gnocchi: In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and corn starch until smooth. Stir this mixture along with the gnocchi into the soup. Cover and cook on high for 1 hour until the gnocchi is tender and the broth has thickened slightly.
- Finish Soup: Stir in the fresh chopped spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!
- Cleanup: Remove the slow cooker liner for effortless cleaning.
Notes
- This soup is thick and creamy, with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and soft gnocchi for a hearty meal.
- For extra flavor, serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
- Using a slow cooker liner makes clean-up quick and easy without scrubbing the pot.
- Feel free to add other fresh herbs like basil or oregano for added aroma.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 488 grams
- Calories: 397 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 888 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.01 g
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 61 mg
