If you’re looking for a soul-warming meal that’s rich, comforting, and effortless to prepare, look no further than this Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe. It’s a luscious blend of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh greens, and fragrant herbs, all slow-cooked to perfection. This soup offers the ideal balance of creamy texture and hearty flavors that will hug you from the inside out, making it an absolute favorite for chilly nights or anytime you crave that cozy homemade vibe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential to crafting the perfect Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s the gentle sweetness of carrots, the aromatic herbs, or the creamy finish that delights every spoonful.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, tender and easy to shred after slow cooking.
- 6 cups chicken broth: The flavorful base that brings everything together.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth to the soup.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A fragrant herb that complements the chicken beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Adds earthiness and a hint of piney freshness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Offers mild heat and complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: A gentle kick to brighten the broth.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates the creamy texture that makes this soup irresistible.
- 1/2 cup milk: Lightens the cream slightly for perfect richness.
- 2 cups baby carrots, sliced: Adds sweetness and a tender bite.
- 1 cup celery, chopped: Brings a fresh crunch and aromatic base.
- 1 (16 ounce) package gnocchi: Pillowy dumplings that soak up the luscious broth.
- 2 cups spinach, chopped: Adds a pop of green and fresh flavor.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, savory finish that melds everything together.
How to Make Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Chicken and Broth
Start by placing your boneless skinless chicken breasts right at the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour in the rich chicken broth, making sure the chicken is submerged. This creates a flavorful foundation that will infuse the meat as it cooks slowly.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Herbs
Diced onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, and rosemary all join the slow cooker next. Sprinkle these over the broth and chicken along with salt, black pepper, and a touch of crushed red pepper flakes. These ingredients build layers of flavor that simmer beautifully over time.
Step 3: Slow Cook and Shred the Chicken
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low heat for six hours. By the end, your chicken breasts will be tender and shreddable. Remove them carefully and shred the meat with two forks before returning it to the pot, ready to soak up even more deliciousness.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables and Continue Cooking
Stir in the sliced baby carrots and chopped celery. These vegetables add texture, sweetness, and that classic comforting soup feel. Let everything cook together on low heat for an extra hour, ensuring the veggies become soft but still hold their shape.
Step 5: Incorporate Gnocchi and Finish with Cream and Cheese
Now for the fun part—adding the gnocchi! Toss the package directly into the crockpot and cook covered for 20 to 30 minutes until the gnocchi is tender and plump. Then, stir in chopped spinach, heavy cream, milk, and grated Parmesan cheese. The soup becomes irresistibly creamy and vibrant with just a final stir. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
How to Serve Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of fresh parsley, an extra pinch of Parmesan, or a crack of black pepper really elevate this soup. They add a burst of color and fresh bursts of flavor that make every bowl feel special.
Side Dishes
Serve your creamy crockpot chicken gnocchi soup with crusty bread or garlic breadsticks for dipping. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables round out the meal nicely, balancing the richness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, ladle the soup into rustic bowls and top with microgreens or edible flowers. A swirl of olive oil or a dusting of smoked paprika can also add an unexpected twist to delight your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its creamy texture and fresh flavors for easy reheating.
Freezing
While the gnocchi can become a bit soft after freezing, you can still freeze the soup without it and add fresh gnocchi when you reheat. Store the soup base in freezer-safe containers for up to three months.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming. Add any extra milk or cream as needed to restore its silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken can speed up the process—just add it after you’ve cooked the broth with the vegetables and then proceed with adding gnocchi and cream.
What can I substitute for gnocchi?
If you can’t find gnocchi, small pasta shapes like mini shells or ditalini work well. Just adjust the cooking time as these will cook faster than gnocchi.
Is this soup spicy?
Only mildly, thanks to the crushed red pepper flakes. You can leave them out or add more depending on your spice tolerance.
Can I make this soup vegan or dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute heavy cream and milk with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan. Replace chicken with vegetables or plant-based protein for a vegan twist.
How thick is this soup?
This soup is wonderfully creamy but still broth-based, striking a perfect balance between a hearty stew and a light soup, making it incredibly satisfying.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like settling in with a big bowl of this Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe on a cozy afternoon or chilly evening. With its perfect blend of tender chicken, soft gnocchi, fresh veggies, and rich creaminess, it’s a dish that feels like a warm hug in bowl form. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with your loved ones—it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection!
Print
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 6h 30m
- Total Time: 6h 50m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy crockpot chicken gnocchi soup is a comforting, hearty meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken breasts slowly cooked with aromatic herbs, vegetables, and soft gnocchi create a rich and flavorful soup finished with creamy milk, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese for an irresistible smooth texture.
Ingredients
Chicken & Broth
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups chicken broth
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cups baby carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
Dairy & Cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 1 (16 ounce) package gnocchi
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker to form the base of the soup.
- Add Broth: Pour 6 cups of chicken broth evenly over the chicken breasts to cover and start the cooking process.
- Add Onion: Add the diced medium onion to the slow cooker to provide aromatic depth to the broth.
- Add Garlic: Mince the garlic cloves and incorporate them into the slow cooker for added flavor.
- Add Thyme: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon dried thyme over the ingredients to infuse herby notes.
- Add Rosemary: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon dried rosemary to complement the thyme and enhance aroma.
- Add Salt: Add 1/2 teaspoon salt to season the broth and ingredients.
- Add Black Pepper: Add 1/4 teaspoon black pepper for a mild heat and seasoning balance.
- Add Red Pepper Flakes: Add 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to introduce a subtle spiciness.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently stir the broth and seasonings to mix well without disturbing the chicken too much.
- Cook Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 6 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them with two forks to create bite-sized pieces.
- Return Chicken: Place the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker to integrate with the soup.
- Add Carrots: Add 2 cups of sliced baby carrots to introduce sweetness and texture.
- Add Celery: Add 1 cup chopped celery for a slight crunch and freshness.
- Mix Vegetables: Stir the carrots and celery into the soup to combine evenly.
- Cook Vegetables: Cover the slow cooker and continue cooking on low for another hour until the vegetables soften.
- Add Gnocchi: Add the entire 16-ounce package of gnocchi directly into the slow cooker.
- Stir Gnocchi: Mix the gnocchi into the soup so it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors.
- Cook Gnocchi: Cover and cook for 20 to 30 minutes until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through.
- Add Spinach: Stir in 2 cups chopped spinach to add color, nutrients, and freshness at the end of cooking.
- Add Cream: Pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream and stir into the soup for a rich, smooth texture.
- Add Milk: Add 1/2 cup milk to lighten and balance the creaminess of the soup.
- Add Parmesan: Stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated, which thickens and flavors the soup.
- Season Soup: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed to suit your preference.
- Serve: Ladle the creamy crockpot chicken gnocchi soup hot into bowls and enjoy a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, reduce the broth slightly or add extra Parmesan cheese.
- Vegetables can be swapped or added according to preference, such as mushrooms or peas.
- Gnocchi can be substituted with small pasta like mini shells or tortellini if desired.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control spiciness, or omit for a milder soup.
