Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is an absolute winter comfort food favorite. The creamy texture, paired with the tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi, creates a warm and satisfying meal that everyone will love. The spinach adds a fresh touch, balancing out the richness of the broth.

It’s the perfect dish for a cozy family dinner or a meal prep idea for the week. The slow-cooked flavors meld together beautifully, and with minimal effort required, you’ll be enjoying a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Whether you serve it with a side of warm bread or a light salad, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi

• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions:

1. In a crockpot, add the chicken breasts, onion, garlic, chicken broth, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper.

2. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

3. After the cooking time, remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred using two forks.

4. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.

5. Stir in the heavy cream, gnocchi, and spinach.

6. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes or until the gnocchi is tender.

7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 7 hours (if on low) | Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is one of those recipes that effortlessly combines comfort, convenience, and flavor. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, as it requires minimal preparation yet delivers a hearty, rich, and delicious bowl of soup. This recipe is ideal for anyone who’s looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that can be made with minimal effort, and the best part is that it can be cooked entirely in your slow cooker.

Why Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

When it comes to cooking for busy families or individuals, the slow cooker has become a go-to kitchen appliance. Not only does it save time, but it also enhances the flavors of ingredients by allowing them to slowly meld together. The Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is no exception. The chicken becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, the gnocchi turns soft and fluffy, and the spinach adds a burst of freshness. The creamy broth is infused with the flavors of garlic, onion, and dried herbs, creating a comforting meal that feels indulgent without being overly rich.

The Ingredients

This recipe uses everyday ingredients that you can find at most grocery stores. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients and their role in creating this comforting soup:

1. Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – The star of the dish. The chicken is cooked slowly to become incredibly tender and juicy, making it easy to shred for the soup.

2. Onion & Garlic – These aromatics form the foundation of the flavor profile in the soup. Their sweetness when slow-cooked adds depth to the broth.

3. Chicken Broth – The liquid base for this soup. Chicken broth adds savory flavor and richness, which is crucial for making a hearty, comforting soup.

4. Heavy Cream – Adds the creaminess that makes this soup so indulgent. It creates a velvety texture that coats the gnocchi and chicken beautifully.

5. Potato Gnocchi – Gnocchi adds the perfect amount of texture. They’re light and soft, and they soak up the flavors of the broth, making each bite comforting and satisfying.

6. Spinach – This leafy green adds a pop of color, nutrition, and freshness to the soup. It also balances the richness of the heavy cream and chicken.

7. Dried Thyme & Basil – These herbs give the soup an earthy, aromatic flavor. Thyme, in particular, is a staple in comforting, hearty dishes like this one.

8. Olive Oil – Used for sautéing the garlic and onion to release their flavors before adding them to the crockpot.

How to Make the Perfect Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Making this soup is as simple as adding your ingredients to the slow cooker and letting it do the work. The slow cooking process ensures that the flavors develop and meld together perfectly, making the chicken incredibly tender and the broth rich and flavorful.

Here’s a closer look at the steps involved:

1. Add the Chicken, Aromatics, and Broth
   Begin by placing the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Set the slow cooker to low and let it cook for 6-7 hours (or 3-4 hours on high). During this time, the chicken will cook thoroughly, and the aromatics will infuse the broth with savory flavors.

2. Shred the Chicken
   Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. This is an important step as shredded chicken allows for even distribution throughout the soup, giving each spoonful a bit of meat.

3. Add Cream, Gnocchi, and Spinach
   Now that your chicken is shredded, return it to the slow cooker along with the heavy cream, gnocchi, and spinach. Stir everything together to combine. The gnocchi will soak up the creamy broth as it cooks, becoming tender and fluffy.

4. Cook Until the Gnocchi is Tender
   Cover and cook the soup for an additional 30 minutes, or until the gnocchi is cooked through. This will give the gnocchi time to soften and absorb the flavors from the broth.

5. Taste and Adjust Seasoning
   Once the gnocchi is tender, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your taste.

The result is a creamy, hearty soup that will warm you up on a cold day. The combination of the chicken, gnocchi, spinach, and creamy broth is irresistibly delicious, and you can customize it with different seasonings or vegetables if desired.

The Best Way to Serve Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This soup is hearty enough to be served as a stand-alone dish. However, you can elevate the meal by serving it with some crusty bread for dipping or a side salad for extra freshness. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top adds a delightful cheesy finish, making each bite even more indulgent.

For a healthier twist, you can serve this soup with a side of roasted vegetables or a green salad to balance out the richness of the soup. If you have any leftovers, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and it reheats beautifully.

Variations to Try

While the recipe is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to customize the Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup to fit your preferences. Here are a few ideas:

• Use Different Proteins: If you prefer, you can swap out the chicken for turkey or pork. You could even use a vegetarian alternative such as tofu or tempeh.

• Make it Lighter: To reduce the richness of the soup, you can use half-and-half or a lower-fat milk alternative in place of heavy cream.

• Add More Veggies: You can add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or mushrooms to the soup for extra flavor and nutrition.

• Season to Taste: Don’t be afraid to play around with different herbs and spices. A dash of cayenne pepper or paprika can add a subtle heat, while a sprig of rosemary or a bay leaf can provide a fragrant touch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are a few reasons why this Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup should make its way into your regular recipe rotation:

• Minimal Effort: The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing you to focus on other things while the soup cooks.

• Comforting & Hearty: This soup is perfect for cold weather and will warm you up from the inside out.

• Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe makes a generous batch, which is perfect for meal prepping. You can store it in the fridge for a few days or freeze it for later use.

• Customizable: The recipe is easy to modify based on your preferences or what ingredients you have on hand.

Conclusion

Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a cozy, comforting dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or a lazy weekend. The slow-cooked chicken, creamy broth, and tender gnocchi make it a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. Whether you’re looking for something easy to throw together or a dish that can be customized to fit your dietary preferences, this soup checks all the boxes. It’s simple to make, absolutely delicious, and the ultimate comfort food that you’ll want to make time and time again.

Give this recipe a try, and you’ll see why it has become a favorite in so many households. The combination of creamy broth, juicy chicken, and soft gnocchi is bound to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.