There’s something magical about a warm bowl of soup on a chilly evening. The aroma wafting through the house, the anticipation of that first spoonful—it’s pure comfort. My go-to for those cozy nights is this Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup. It’s creamy, hearty, and oh-so-easy to whip up. Perfect for busy days when you waGet ready to savor the ultimate comfort food with this Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup — a creamy, hearty, and effortlessly delicious dish that practically makes itself while you go about your day. Tender chunks of chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and fresh vegetables simmer together in a rich, velvety broth that’s infused with herbs and a touch of garlic. Perfect for busy days or cozy nights, this slow-cooker soup brings warmth and indulgence to your table with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to Customize: Add spinach, mushrooms, or your favorite herbs to make it your own.
Set It and Forget It: Let your crockpot do the work while you relax or focus on other things.
Creamy and Comforting: The luscious broth combined with soft gnocchi makes every spoonful irresistible.
Hearty Protein and Veggies: Tender chicken and nutritious vegetables create a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Perfect for Any Season: Cozy enough for chilly evenings, yet light enough for a comforting lunch.
Family-Friendly: Mild flavors and a smooth texture make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Tender, shredded chicken slow-cooked to juicy perfection forms the hearty base of this comforting soup. Here’s what you’ll need:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show! They become tender and flavorful as they cook.
Chicken broth: This adds depth and richness to the soup. Homemade is great, but store-bought works just fine.
Carrots: Diced for sweetness and color, they bring a lovely crunch to the mix.
Celery: Adds a subtle earthiness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Onion: Diced onions provide a savory base that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the soup with a warm, aromatic essence that’s hard to resist.
Dried thyme and oregano: These herbs add a fragrant touch, elevating the dish to new heights.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning, they help balance the flavors.
Heavy cream: This is what makes the soup luxuriously creamy. For a lighter option, consider half-and-half.
Gnocchi: These little potato dumplings are the perfect addition, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
Fresh spinach: A handful of spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition, wilting beautifully into the soup.
Fresh parsley: Chopped for garnish, it adds a fresh finish that brightens the dish.
Feel free to get creative! You can add other vegetables like peas or corn for extra flavor and nutrition. For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything available for printing.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by prepping your chicken and vegetables. Rinse the boneless, skinless chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry. Dice the carrots, celery, and onion into small pieces for even cooking. Mince the garlic finely to release its flavor. This step is crucial, as fresh ingredients will elevate your Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup to a whole new level of deliciousness. Trust me, the aroma alone will have you dreaming of dinner!
Step 2: Combine in the Crockpot
Now it’s time to layer everything in the crockpot. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom, followed by the diced carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic. Pour in the chicken broth, then sprinkle the dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper over the top. This layering technique ensures that the flavors meld beautifully as they cook. It’s like a flavor party in your crockpot, and everyone’s invited!
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook. If you’re short on time, choose the high setting for 3-4 hours. For a more leisurely approach, the low setting works wonders over 6-7 hours. Either way, the chicken will become tender and infused with all those lovely flavors. Just imagine coming home to that warm, inviting scent wafting through your house!
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. This method is quick and effective, ensuring that the chicken remains juicy. Return the shredded chicken back to the pot, mixing it with the other ingredients. You’ll be amazed at how easy this step is, and it’s a great way to get your hands involved in the cooking process!
Step 5: Add Cream and Gnocchi
Next, it’s time to make this soup creamy and comforting. Stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the broth. Then, add the gnocchi, which will soak up all that deliciousness. Cover the crockpot again and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes. This is when the magic happens, transforming your soup into a rich, velvety delight that’s hard to resist!
Step 6: Finish with Spinach
Finally, add the fresh spinach to the pot. Stir it in gently until it wilts, which should take just a couple of minutes. This step not only adds a pop of color but also boosts the nutritional value of your Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Once the spinach is wilted, it’s time to serve! Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for that perfect finishing touch.
Tips for Success
Prep your ingredients the night before to save time in the morning.
For extra flavor, sear the chicken in a pan before adding it to the crockpot.
Don’t skip the fresh herbs; they elevate the soup’s taste significantly.
Adjust the seasoning to your preference; taste before serving!
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
Equipment Needed
Crockpot: The star of the show! Any size will do, but a 6-quart is ideal.
Cutting board: Essential for prepping your veggies and chicken.
Sharp knife: A good knife makes chopping a breeze.
Measuring cups: Handy for precise ingredient amounts.
Serving ladle: Perfect for dishing out that creamy goodness!
Variations
Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for chickpeas or white beans for a hearty, plant-based version.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a bit of heat.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or dill for a unique flavor twist.
Cheesy Delight: Stir in some grated Parmesan cheese just before serving for an extra creamy texture.
Low-Carb Version: Replace gnocchi with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter meal.
Serving Suggestions
Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm, crusty baguette or garlic bread for dipping.
Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a light, balanced meal.
Wine: A glass of white wine, like Chardonnay, complements the creamy soup beautifully.
Presentation: Garnish with extra parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper for a pop of color.
FAQs about Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken breasts directly in the crockpot. Just increase the cooking time by about an hour. The slow cooker will work its magic, ensuring the chicken is tender and flavorful.
How can I make this soup dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version of this Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. This will still give you that creamy texture without the dairy.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in additional veggies like peas, corn, or bell peppers. They’ll add extra flavor and nutrition, making your soup even heartier.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup! Just make sure to leave out the gnocchi before freezing. Add them fresh when you reheat the soup for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
Cooking this Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is more than just preparing a meal; it’s about creating a warm, inviting atmosphere in your home. The rich, creamy texture and delightful flavors come together to make every spoonful a comforting hug. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or at a cozy gathering, this soup brings people together. It’s a dish that not only satisfies hunger but also warms the heart. So, grab your crockpot and let the magic happen. You’ll find that this recipe quickly becomes a cherished part of your culinary repertoire!
