Hearty Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

If you ask me, crockpot chicken gnocchi soup is one of those perfect comfort food recipes.

This creamy, Italian-inspired soup brings together tender pieces of chicken and soft potato gnocchi in a rich, herb-filled broth. Fresh vegetables and a touch of cream make it feel like a complete meal in a bowl.

It’s the kind of soup that practically cooks itself – just add everything to your slow cooker and let it do the work. The gnocchi gets nice and pillowy while the chicken becomes so tender it falls apart with your spoon.

It’s a cozy dish that works for any day of the week, especially when you want something warm and filling without much fuss.

What Kind of Gnocchi Should I Use?

For this soup recipe, shelf-stable potato gnocchi from the pasta aisle works perfectly and is the most convenient option. While fresh gnocchi from the refrigerated section can also be used, it’s typically more expensive and isn’t necessary since the gnocchi will be cooking in liquid anyway. Regular potato gnocchi is your best bet here – avoid flavored varieties or cheese-filled gnocchi as they might fall apart in the slow cooker. Just make sure not to add the gnocchi too early in the cooking process, as they only need a few minutes to cook through and can become mushy if overcooked.

Options for Substitutions

This cozy soup recipe is pretty adaptable – here are some handy swaps you can try:

• Chicken breasts: You can easily use chicken thighs instead – they stay even more tender in the slow cooker. Or save time by using rotisserie chicken, just add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Heavy whipping cream: For a lighter version, try half-and-half or whole milk mixed with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch instead of 1. For dairy-free options, full-fat coconut milk works well here.
• Potato gnocchi: While regular potato gnocchi is best for this recipe, you can use cauliflower gnocchi for a low-carb option. Just note that it might break down a bit more during cooking.
• Fresh spinach: Feel free to use frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) or swap in kale – just add a few minutes to the cooking time if using kale.
• Parmesan cheese: Romano or Asiago cheese work great as alternatives. If you’re out of hard Italian cheese, mild cheddar can work in a pinch, though it will change the flavor profile a bit.
• Ground thyme: Fresh thyme works well too – use about 3 sprigs. Or swap in Italian seasoning for a different but tasty twist.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest challenge when making crockpot chicken gnocchi soup is timing the addition of ingredients – adding the gnocchi too early can turn them mushy, so it’s best to wait until the last 30 minutes of cooking to add them in. Another common mistake is dumping the heavy cream in at the beginning, which can cause it to separate and create an unpleasant texture; instead, stir it in during the final hour of cooking along with the cornstarch slurry for the perfect creamy consistency. To keep the spinach bright and fresh-tasting, avoid adding it until the last 5-10 minutes of cooking time, and remember to taste and adjust the seasonings before serving since slow cooking can mellow out flavors over time. For the best results, dice your vegetables uniformly and cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces to ensure everything cooks evenly throughout the process.

What to Serve With Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

This cozy soup is already packed with veggies, protein, and pasta, so you don’t need anything too heavy on the side. A warm crusty baguette or some garlic breadsticks are perfect for soaking up the creamy broth. If you’re craving some extra greens, try a simple side salad with mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette dressing. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, serve some bruschetta topped with fresh tomatoes and basil as a starter – it’s a nice contrast to the rich, creamy soup.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: This cozy chicken gnocchi soup will stay good in the fridge for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. The gnocchi might absorb some of the liquid as it sits, but that’s totally normal – it just makes the soup a bit thicker!

Freeze: While you can freeze this soup, keep in mind that cream-based soups can sometimes separate when thawed. If you want to freeze it, store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Pro tip: freeze it without the cream and add fresh cream when reheating for the best results.

Reheat: Warm up your soup slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. If using the microwave, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each. If the soup seems too thick after storage, just add a splash of chicken broth or cream to thin it out.

Preparation Time	15-20 minutes
Cooking Time	180-360 minutes
Total Time	195-380 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 2200-2400
• Protein: 130-150 g
• Fat: 150-160 g
• Carbohydrates: 160-180 g

Ingredients

• 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces
• 1 stalk of celery, diced
• 1/2 white onion, diced
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground thyme
• 16 ounces potato gnocchi
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients and Add to Crock Pot

Begin by adding 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces, to a large crock pot.

Then add 1 stalk of diced celery, 1/2 diced white onion, and 1/2 cup of shredded carrots.

Follow with 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.

Step 2: Add Broth and Seasonings

Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth over the ingredients in the crock pot.

Add 1 teaspoon each of salt, pepper, and ground thyme.

This will infuse the chicken with savory flavors as it cooks.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Cover the crock pot and slow cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or opt for high setting to cook for 3 to 4 hours.

This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.

Step 4: Thicken the Soup and Add Gnocchi

In a separate bowl, stir 1 tablespoon of cornstarch into 2 cups of heavy whipping cream until well combined.

Once the initial cooking is complete, add this mixture to the crock pot along with 16 ounces of potato gnocchi.

Switch the crock pot to the high setting, cover, and cook until the potato gnocchi is cooked through, approximately 15 to 30 minutes.

Step 5: Add Spinach and Serve

Stir in 1 cup of fresh spinach just before serving.

Allow it to wilt slightly within the hot soup.

Serve the dish topped with 1 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and richness.

Enjoy your comforting, creamy chicken gnocchi soup!