Nothing says pure comfort quite like a steaming bowl of Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Imagine plush potato gnocchi, juicy shredded chicken, sweet carrots and celery, and a swirl of creamy broth gently simmered with fragrant herbs—all slow-cooked to perfection with barely any effort from you. It’s hearty enough for chilly nights yet light enough for year-round cravings. If ever there was a recipe to warm both your belly and your soul, this is it.

Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one melds together in the slow cooker, infusing flavor and luxurious texture into every spoonful. Here’s what makes this soup so irresistibly good:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The foundation of the soup, they become tender and easy to shred after slow cooking.
Chicken broth: The savory, liquid gold that infuses everything with flavor—opt for low sodium if you like to control the salt.
Heavy cream: Adds dreamy creaminess and depth, transforming a simple soup into something silkier and more luxurious.
Onion, chopped: Brings sweetness and depth that balances the heartiness of the other ingredients.
Garlic, minced: That subtle bite and aroma—don’t skip it!
Carrots, peeled and diced: Sweet pops of color and gentle crunch in every bite.
Celery, diced: Earthy and aromatic, celery is a timeless soup classic.
Dried thyme: Gentle herby flavor that enhances the chicken and adds a cozy note.
Dried basil: For that signature Italian-inspired aroma and taste.
Salt: Essential for seasoning every layer—taste and adjust as you like.
Black pepper: Just the right amount of edge to round out the flavor.
Refrigerated potato gnocchi: Pillowy, tender bites that give the soup its unique character.
Fresh spinach, chopped: Wilts gently into the hot broth, adding color and nutrition at the finish.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and the perfect final touch for richness.

How to Make Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Layer the Base Ingredients

Start by piling your chicken breasts into the bottom of your crockpot, then top with chicken broth, onions, garlic, carrots, celery, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Give everything a gentle stir—a few seconds is all it takes. This initial mix allows the flavors to start mingling and ensures every spoonful captures those aromatic herbs and tender veggies.

Step 2: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic

Set your crockpot: cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. During this time, the chicken soaks up all the herb and veggie goodness while turning fork-tender. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken easily shreds and the vegetables are wonderfully soft.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Carefully remove the chicken breasts and place them on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred each piece—it should come apart with almost no effort (thank you, slow cooker!). Return the shredded chicken directly to the pot, along with any juices that escaped during shredding.

Step 4: Add the Cream and Gnocchi

Pour in the heavy cream and tip in the refrigerated potato gnocchi. Give everything a good stir so the gnocchi nests down into the flavorful broth. Switch your crockpot to high and cook for another 30 minutes. The gnocchi will become tender and perfectly chewy—no need to precook it!

Step 5: Add the Final Touches

Almost there! Just before serving, stir in the fresh spinach and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. The heat of the soup will wilt the spinach within minutes and melt the cheese into a savory finish. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if desired, then serve piping hot.

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Garnishes

Take your bowl from tasty to show-stopping with a few simple garnishes. A generous dusting of extra Parmesan, a swirl of cream, and a scatter of freshly cracked black pepper all add a flourish. If you love a pop of color, a few sprigs of chopped fresh basil or parsley can really brighten things up—and hint at the flavors inside.

Side Dishes

This Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a powerhouse meal on its own, but pairing it with a crusty baguette or chewy sourdough turns it into a soul-warming feast. For a lighter touch, add a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to balance the creamy soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting a dinner or craving something different? Try serving the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls—guaranteed to wow your guests. Ladle the soup into pretty mugs for a cozy, fireside meal, or top each serving with a few homemade croutons for crunch. The soup’s creamy base also makes an incredible dip with toasted crostini at parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors often deepen as it rests—just be aware the gnocchi may soak up more broth and become softer over time.

Freezing

To freeze, ladle cooled soup (without the gnocchi if possible) into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. If you’re prepping ahead, consider adding fresh gnocchi after thawing and reheating to maintain their best texture since frozen gnocchi can get mushy.

Reheating

Reheat soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring gently until heated through. Add a splash of extra broth or cream to loosen the consistency if it’s thickened in the fridge. If using the microwave, use short bursts and stir often to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I make Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup with leftover rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Just reduce the initial cooking time since your chicken is already cooked. Add shredded rotisserie chicken in the last hour of cooking to avoid overcooking, then proceed as usual with the cream and gnocchi.

Is Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup gluten-free?

Yes—if you use gluten-free gnocchi, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Double-check broth and ingredient labels to ensure everything is safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I use frozen gnocchi?

You can, but refrigerated gnocchi tends to deliver the best, pillowy texture in this soup. If using frozen, no need to thaw; just add an extra 5–10 minutes of cooking time after adding to the crockpot.

Can I swap out the vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to use kale instead of spinach, toss in diced potatoes for more heartiness, or stir in peas for a pop of sweetness and color. This soup adapts beautifully to whatever you have on hand.

Will coconut cream work instead of heavy cream?

If you’re dairy-free or adventurous, full-fat coconut cream can work, but it will lend a slight coconut aroma. The soup will still be creamy, but the flavor profile will shift a little—surprisingly delicious if you like trying new twists!

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the mood for a meal that’s as soothing as a big, warm hug, give this Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup a spot on your table. Each bowl is packed with flavor, comfort, and the kind of heart you only get from food made at home. I can’t wait for you to dig in—enjoy every spoonful!

Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup that is perfect for a cozy night in. This easy slow cooker soup is filled with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and nutritious vegetables in a flavorful broth.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Soup:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups chicken broth
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Additions:

1 cup heavy cream
1 (16 oz) package refrigerated potato gnocchi
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Prepare the Soup Base: In the crockpot, combine chicken, broth, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Shred the Chicken: Remove cooked chicken, shred it, and return it to the crockpot.
Finish the Soup: Stir in cream and gnocchi. Cook on high for 30 minutes. Add spinach and Parmesan before serving.