Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

There’s something so comforting about a warm, creamy bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup on a chilly day. The velvety broth, tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a medley of vegetables create a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. This recipe is a perfect balance of hearty and light, making it a go-to option for family dinners or meal prep.

I first tried this soup at a popular Italian restaurant, but I knew I had to recreate it at home. After a few tries, I discovered that the slow cooker method brings out incredible depth of flavor while making the process practically effortless. Let’s dive into why this will be your new favorite soup recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Get ready to fall in love with the easiest way to enjoy a restaurant-quality soup at home. This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup combines irresistible flavor with total convenience.

First off, it’s a set-it-and-forget-it recipe. Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker in the morning, and by dinnertime, you’ll have a rich, creamy soup that tastes like you’ve been working on it all day.

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Whether you want to lighten it up with more veggies or make it extra indulgent with heavy cream, it’s easy to customize to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

Lastly, it’s a crowd-pleaser. From picky eaters to those with more adventurous palates, everyone loves the mix of tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and creamy broth. Pair it with crusty bread, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to earn rave reviews.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this soup lies in its combination of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe because they cook tenderly in the slow cooker and shred easily. You could also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
• Gnocchi: These soft, potato-based dumplings are the star of the show. Store-bought gnocchi work wonderfully here, but if you’re feeling ambitious, homemade gnocchi would elevate the dish even more.
• Vegetables: A classic mirepoix (carrots, celery, and onion) lays the flavor foundation for this soup. Spinach adds a fresh, vibrant touch at the end of cooking.
• Cream: Heavy cream or half-and-half adds a luscious creaminess to the soup. For a lighter version, try using whole milk or a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream.
• Chicken Broth: A good-quality chicken broth is key for a flavorful base. You can also use homemade broth for an even richer taste.
• Seasonings: Garlic, thyme, and parsley bring a subtle but essential flavor boost, while salt and pepper round everything out. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving!

You’ll also need a 6-quart slow cooker to handle the soup’s volume comfortably.

How To Make This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Creating this delicious soup is as easy as layering the ingredients and letting your slow cooker do the work. Here's how to make it step-by-step:

1. Prep the Base Ingredients
   Start by adding the chicken breasts, carrots, celery, onion, minced garlic, and dried thyme to the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring everything is submerged. Set your slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
2. Shred the Chicken
   Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and give it a good stir.
3. Cook the Gnocchi
   About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the gnocchi. Cover and cook on high until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through, about 20-30 minutes.
4. Finish with Spinach and Cream
   Just before serving, stir in the fresh spinach and heavy cream. The spinach will wilt quickly in the hot soup, and the cream will create a silky, luxurious texture.
5. Serve and Enjoy
   Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve with warm bread or crackers.

This soup takes about 6-8 hours of cooking time on low, with just 10-15 minutes of active prep. It’s the perfect hands-off recipe for a busy day.

Storage Options

One of the best things about this soup is how well it keeps, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prep.

• Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious.
• Freeze: If you want to freeze the soup, leave out the gnocchi and spinach, as they don’t freeze well. Add them fresh when reheating. The soup base can be frozen for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
• Reheat: Warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup is its flexibility. Here are some easy ways to make it your own:

• Make it vegetarian: Swap the chicken for mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Add more veggies: Toss in diced zucchini, peas, or even corn for extra color and nutrition.
• Use rotisserie chicken: Short on time? Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken. Add it in during the last hour of cooking.
• Dairy-free version: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a cashew cream for a dairy-free option.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ingredients and adjust to your family’s preferences – that’s the joy of cooking at home!

With its rich flavors, effortless prep, and comforting textures, this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or bringing it to a potluck, it’s a dish that always impresses. Happy cooking!

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