This comforting Crock Pot Chicken & Gnocchi Soup brings together tender shredded chicken, pillowy gnocchi dumplings, and fresh vegetables in a rich, herb-infused broth. Inspired by the beloved Italian-American classic, this slow cooker version delivers all the flavor with minimal effort, creating a hearty, restaurant-quality soup that’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or weekend meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Let your slow cooker do most of the work while you go about your day
• Rich Flavor Development: The extended cooking time allows herbs and ingredients to meld together perfectly
• Versatile Comfort Food: Easily customizable to dietary needs and personal preferences
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal dishes and cleanup required for a complete meal
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop

Ingredients

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly as they shred easily after slow cooking. Alternatively, use chicken thighs for more flavor or pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Yellow Onion: Provides aromatic foundation for the soup. Sweet onions can be substituted for a milder flavor profile.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic delivers the best flavor punch, but jarred minced garlic works in a pinch if you’re short on time.
• Chicken Broth: The backbone of this soup – use organic or homemade broth for the best flavor. Vegetable broth can be substituted for a different flavor profile.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates the luxurious, velvety texture that makes this soup so comforting. For a lighter option, half-and-half can work, though the soup won’t be quite as rich.
• Corn Starch: Optional thickening agent that creates a silky consistency. Arrowroot powder works as a grain-free alternative.
• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and bright color. Pre-shredded carrots from the store save preparation time.
• Celery: Contributes essential aromatic flavor and slight crunch. Include some of the tender leaves for extra flavor.
• Spinach: Fresh baby spinach adds color, nutrition, and a mild flavor. Kale or Swiss chard make excellent substitutions for a different texture and nutrient profile.
• Herbs: Dried parsley, thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder create the classic flavor profile. Fresh herbs can be substituted at a 3:1 ratio for more vibrant flavor.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for bringing all flavors together – adjust to your personal preference.
• Gnocchi: These pillowy potato dumplings are the star of the show. Regular, whole wheat, or gluten-free varieties all work beautifully depending on dietary needs.

Variations

Creamy Dairy-Free Version

Transform this soup into a dairy-free delight by replacing heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or your favorite plant-based cooking cream. The coconut adds a slight sweetness that pairs surprisingly well with the herbs, while cashew cream provides a neutral base that mimics the richness of dairy. Add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a subtle “cheesy” flavor boost.

Tuscan-Inspired Upgrade

Take this soup to the next level with Mediterranean flair by adding sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Finish with fresh basil and a drizzle of quality olive oil for an elevated experience that transports you straight to Tuscany. The acidic notes from the tomatoes balance beautifully with the creamy base.

Protein-Packed Alternative

For a higher protein version, incorporate white beans such as cannellini or navy beans along with the chicken, or substitute Italian sausage for part of the chicken. This creates a more substantial soup that can stand alone as a complete meal, perfect for active families or meal prep. The beans also add a lovely textural contrast to the soft gnocchi.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Add chicken broth, diced onion, chopped celery, shredded carrots, minced garlic, and all dried herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper) to your slow cooker. If using raw chicken breasts, nestle them into the liquid mixture. Cover and cook on high heat for 4½ hours, allowing the flavors to meld while the chicken becomes tender and easily shreddable.

Step 2: Cook the Gnocchi and Prep the Chicken

When approximately 30-45 minutes of cooking time remains, prepare the gnocchi according to package directions, typically boiling them until they float to the surface (about 2-3 minutes). Meanwhile, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks on a cutting board. The chicken should be tender enough to pull apart easily. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker along with the cooked gnocchi.

Step 3: Finish and Thicken the Soup

In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream and cornstarch until smooth with no lumps remaining. This slurry will help thicken your soup to a silky consistency. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker, then add the chopped fresh spinach. Stir gently to incorporate all ingredients, being careful not to break apart the tender gnocchi. Allow the soup to continue cooking for the remaining time until the spinach has wilted and the soup has thickened slightly. Taste and adjust seasonings before serving hot.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t overcook the gnocchi – they only need a few minutes in boiling water and will continue to soften in the hot soup. Overcooked gnocchi can become mushy.
• For a time-saving shortcut, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts. Simply shred and add it with the gnocchi during the last 30 minutes.
• The cornstarch slurry is optional but creates a thicker, more restaurant-style soup. Make sure to mix it thoroughly with cold cream before adding to avoid lumps.
• To reduce fat content without sacrificing creaminess, substitute half of the heavy cream with evaporated milk.
• For deeper flavor development, sauté the onions, celery, and carrots before adding them to the slow cooker. This extra step caramelizes their natural sugars for enhanced sweetness.
• Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried herbs at a ratio of about 3:1 (3 tablespoons fresh = 1 teaspoon dried) for a brighter flavor profile.

How to Serve

Serve this comforting soup in wide, shallow bowls that showcase all the beautiful ingredients. Top each portion with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a few cracks of black pepper, and a small handful of fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and fresh flavor. For a complete meal, pair with a crisp side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or serve alongside crusty artisan bread or garlic bread for dipping into the creamy broth. For a special touch, drizzle each serving with a small amount of high-quality olive oil just before serving.

Make Ahead

This soup is excellent for meal planning and actually improves in flavor after a day in the refrigerator. To make ahead, you have several options:

Prepare the soup completely up to 2 days in advance, but cook the gnocchi separately and add it only when reheating to prevent them from becoming overly soft. Store the finished soup (without gnocchi) in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

For longer storage, freeze the soup base without the cream, spinach, and gnocchi for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stovetop, adding freshly cooked gnocchi, cream, and spinach during the last few minutes of heating.

For a quick weeknight dinner preparation, chop all vegetables and measure spices in advance, storing them in separate containers until you’re ready to start the slow cooker in the morning.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

For food safety reasons, it’s best to thaw chicken completely before adding it to the slow cooker. Frozen chicken may remain at an unsafe temperature for too long during the cooking process. If you’re short on time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken added during the last 30 minutes instead.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply use certified gluten-free gnocchi, which is available in many supermarkets, or make your own using gluten-free flour. Also double-check your chicken broth, as some brands may contain gluten as a stabilizer. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

My soup isn’t as thick as I’d like. How can I thicken it?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can increase the cornstarch to 2 tablespoons, mixed with a small amount of cold cream or water before adding to the hot soup. Alternatively, remove some of the cooked vegetables and broth, blend until smooth, then return to the pot for a naturally thickened soup that’s full of flavor.

Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

Yes! Use the sauté function to cook the vegetables first, then add remaining ingredients except cream, spinach, and gnocchi. Pressure cook on high for 12 minutes with quick release, then shred chicken. Switch to sauté function, add cooked gnocchi, spinach, and cream-cornstarch mixture, and simmer until thickened.

Conclusion

This Crock Pot Chicken & Gnocchi Soup captures the essence of comfort food with its creamy texture, tender chicken, and pillowy gnocchi, all infused with aromatic herbs and fresh vegetables. The slow cooker method transforms simple ingredients into something truly special while keeping your hands-on time to a minimum. Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy weeknight, meal prepping for the days ahead, or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this recipe delivers every time. Give it a try – your kitchen will smell amazing, and everyone will be asking for seconds!

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