Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

There's nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup on a chilly evening. With its creamy texture, tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a medley of fresh vegetables, this dish is the epitome of cozy, homemade goodness.

I first discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something easy yet satisfying. After that first spoonful, it quickly became a staple in our household. The best part? It’s made almost entirely in the slow cooker, making it as effortless as it is delicious.

Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Get ready to fall in love with a recipe that combines ease, flavor, and heartwarming comfort in every bite. This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup checks all the boxes for a perfect family meal.

First, it’s incredibly simple to prepare. With just a bit of chopping and a few pantry staples, you can set it and forget it. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you free to tackle your day.

This soup is also a budget-friendly option. Using ingredients like boneless, skinless chicken breasts, fresh gnocchi, and a handful of vegetables ensures a hearty, wholesome meal without breaking the bank.

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can easily swap ingredients to suit your preferences or use what you have on hand. It’s a great way to clear out the fridge and still create something spectacular.

And finally, the taste is out of this world. The creamy broth, tender chunks of chicken, soft gnocchi, and perfectly cooked vegetables create a symphony of flavors and textures in every spoonful.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup lies in its simple yet perfectly balanced ingredients. Each component contributes to the soup’s rich, satisfying flavor and texture.

Chicken breasts are the star protein of this dish. They cook gently in the slow cooker, becoming tender and juicy. If you prefer, chicken thighs can also be used for a slightly richer flavor.

Gnocchi, those delightful little potato dumplings, add heartiness and texture to the soup. Fresh gnocchi is best for this recipe as it cooks quickly and has the perfect consistency, but shelf-stable options work too.

The vegetables—a mix of diced carrots, celery, and onions—create a flavorful base. These classic aromatics are the backbone of many soups, lending both depth and sweetness.

Spinach is a must-have for that vibrant pop of color and a boost of nutrients. Baby spinach works beautifully because it wilts down quickly without becoming mushy.

The creamy broth comes together with chicken broth, heavy cream, and a touch of flour for thickening. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, though the soup may be slightly less rich.

You’ll also need basic pantry seasonings like garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper, which elevate the overall flavor.

How To Make This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Making Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup is as easy as it gets. Let me walk you through the process step by step for a foolproof result.

Start by placing chicken breasts, diced onions, carrots, and celery into the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth, and season with garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook on low for about 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it into bite-sized pieces. This ensures tender, evenly distributed chicken throughout the soup.

In a small bowl, whisk together some flour and heavy cream until smooth. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker to thicken the broth slightly.

Add the gnocchi and return the shredded chicken to the pot. Cover and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the gnocchi is soft and cooked through.

Finally, stir in the spinach, allowing it to wilt for a few minutes. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed before serving.

From start to finish, this recipe takes about 4-8 hours, depending on your slow cooker settings. What you’ll end up with is a soup so rich and flavorful, it tastes like you’ve been simmering it all day.

Storage Options

Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup stores beautifully, making it a great choice for meal prep or leftovers.

For refrigeration, transfer any leftover soup to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to maintain the creamy consistency.

To freeze, let the soup cool completely and transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Note that the gnocchi may become softer upon reheating, but the flavors will still be delicious.

When reheating frozen soup, it’s best to thaw it in the fridge overnight before warming it on the stovetop. Stir occasionally and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Variations and Substitutions

This soup’s versatility makes it a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. Here are a few ideas to try:

For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or white beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, opt for gluten-free gnocchi and use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the broth.

Add a touch of heat by stirring in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. It’s a fun way to spice things up without overpowering the soup.

You can also bulk up the veggies by adding diced zucchini, peas, or mushrooms. It’s an easy way to boost the nutritional value of the dish.

For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle in some freshly grated Parmesan cheese just before serving. It pairs beautifully with the creamy broth and gnocchi.

Whether you stick to the original recipe or make it your own, this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup is sure to become a household favorite. Give it a try and see why it’s so beloved!

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