There's nothing quite like a bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup to warm you up on a chilly day. With its creamy base, tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a medley of vibrant vegetables, this dish is comfort food at its finest.

I first tried this soup at a local restaurant and immediately fell in love with its rich flavors and hearty ingredients. After a bit of experimenting, I was able to recreate it in my slow cooker, making it an easy, set-it-and-forget-it meal perfect for busy weeknights. Let’s dive into why this soup deserves a place in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite cozy dinner. This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup combines convenience and irresistible flavor in every bite.

First off, it’s incredibly simple to make. All the magic happens in the slow cooker, so you can go about your day while your dinner cooks itself. No need to stand over the stove!

This soup is also wonderfully filling. Thanks to the gnocchi and hearty chunks of chicken, it’s a complete meal in a bowl that satisfies even the hungriest appetites.

The flavor is out of this world. Creamy, savory, and perfectly seasoned, it strikes a balance between indulgence and wholesome goodness. Plus, the vegetables add a fresh, earthy touch that keeps it from feeling too heavy.

Lastly, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, everyone will be asking for seconds. And the best part? It’s versatile enough to tweak based on what you have on hand.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this recipe shine.

Chicken breasts serve as the protein base, adding tender, juicy bites throughout the soup. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor if you prefer.

Gnocchi is the star of the show. These soft, doughy dumplings soak up the creamy broth, making each bite incredibly satisfying. Look for shelf-stable gnocchi in the pasta aisle or use fresh if available.

Vegetables like carrots, celery, and spinach bring color, texture, and nutrition to the dish. The spinach wilts beautifully into the broth, adding a hint of green goodness without overpowering the flavor.

The broth and cream base is a mix of chicken broth and heavy cream, creating a luscious, velvety soup. For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or even evaporated milk.

A touch of Italian seasoning ties everything together, infusing the soup with aromatic herbs that complement the other ingredients perfectly. Don’t forget a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese to finish it off!

You’ll also need a slow cooker for this recipe. A 6-quart model works well, giving the ingredients plenty of room to cook evenly.

How To Make This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Making this soup is as easy as it gets. Here’s how to bring this comforting dish to life.

Start by prepping your ingredients. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, chop the vegetables, and measure out your broth and seasonings. This makes the cooking process seamless.

In your slow cooker, combine the chicken, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and chicken broth. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then stir everything together to evenly distribute the flavors. Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for 6-7 hours (or high for 3-4 hours if you’re short on time).

About 30 minutes before the soup is done, stir in the gnocchi and heavy cream. The gnocchi will cook quickly, becoming tender and pillowy in the hot broth. At the same time, add the spinach so it has a chance to wilt into the soup.

Once the gnocchi is cooked through, taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you like a thicker soup, you can create a slurry with cornstarch and water, then stir it in to achieve your desired consistency.

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve with crusty bread for dipping, and enjoy the warmth and comfort of this hearty dish.

Storage Options

This soup stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to keep it fresh.

If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making the soup even more delicious the next day.

For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a bit of room for expansion. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months.

When reheating, thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge. Heat it gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup seems too thick after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to thin it out.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some fun ways to switch things up.

For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. You’ll still get a creamy texture without the dairy.

Want to add more veggies? Mushrooms, zucchini, or peas would be delicious additions that blend seamlessly into the soup.

If you don’t have gnocchi, small pasta shapes like mini shells or ditalini can work in a pinch. Cook them separately and stir them in just before serving.

For extra protein, consider adding cooked and crumbled sausage or a can of white beans. Both options bring a different yet complementary flavor to the dish.

Feeling adventurous? Experiment with different herbs and spices. A pinch of nutmeg can enhance the creaminess, or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes can add a hint of heat.

No matter how you customize it, this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup is sure to become a favorite in your home. Give it a try and let the comforting flavors brighten your day!