If you’re searching for a soul-soothing meal that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl, look no further than this Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup. This recipe brings together tender shreds of chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and vibrant veggies in a luxuriously creamy broth—all gently simmered in your slow cooker with hardly any effort. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or meal prepping for the week, this soup is pure, comforting perfection and honestly, I can’t wait for you to try it.

Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is how nourishing and unfussy its ingredients are. Each one brings its own unique texture, color, and flavor, combining to create a hearty and satisfying meal that’s miles beyond anything you’ll find in a can.

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs make the base rich and satisfying—choose thighs for extra succulence.
Yellow Onion: Diced onion adds sweetness and depth to the broth as it slow-cooks.
Garlic: Minced fresh for aromatic undertones that permeate the entire soup.
Shredded Carrots: They lend a subtle sweetness and wonderful color to each spoonful.
Celery: Adds a touch of earthy flavor and a gentle crunch that softens as it cooks.
Chicken Broth: Use a good-quality broth as the soup’s backbone—homemade or store-bought both work.
Dried Thyme: Just one teaspoon gives the whole pot a warm, savory lift.
Salt: Enhances and balances all the individual ingredients.
Black Pepper: Provides a hint of welcome heat.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A pinch can kick things up if you enjoy a subtle warmth.
Potato Gnocchi: The star ingredient—those fluffy, pillowy dumplings soak up all the creamy flavor.
Baby Spinach: Tossed in at the end for beautiful green flecks and a nutritious boost.
Half-and-Half or Heavy Cream: Makes the soup irresistibly creamy and comforting.
Cornstarch (optional): For thickening, in case you crave a heartier texture.
Cold Water (if using cornstarch): To dissolve the cornstarch before mixing in.
Olive Oil or Butter (optional): Sautéing the veggies first infuses the soup with even more savory flavor.

How to Make Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables (Optional, but Flavorful!)

If you have a few spare minutes, start by heating olive oil or butter in a skillet and sautéing the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until they’re fragrant and slightly softened. This simple step unlocks wonderful caramelized notes that’ll deepen the flavor of your Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup.

Step 2: Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot

Place the chicken, your sautéed (or raw) veggies, chicken broth, thyme, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) into the crockpot. Give it all a gentle stir, nestling the chicken in so it cooks evenly and absorbs every bit of flavor.

Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours—your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing as the soup simmers. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is fork-tender and the veggies are perfectly soft.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken directly in the crockpot; it should fall apart effortlessly. Give everything a good stir so the flavorful chicken is woven throughout the broth.

Step 5: Add the Gnocchi

Now it’s time for the gnocchi magic! Stir in the potato gnocchi and set your slow cooker to high. Let it cook uncovered for about 30 more minutes, or until the dumplings are soft and pillowy.

Step 6: Finish with Spinach and Cream

Just before serving, toss in the baby spinach and pour in the half-and-half or heavy cream. Stir well and watch as the greens wilt and the soup transforms into something extra creamy and irresistible.

Step 7: Thicken, Taste, and Adjust

For an even richer Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup, whisk the cornstarch and cold water together, then stir into the soup. Cook 5 to 10 more minutes, until you reach your preferred thickness. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking before you ladle that goodness into bowls!

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Garnishes

The right garnish can elevate every bowl, making it look and taste restaurant-worthy. Try a shower of freshly grated Parmesan, a grind of black pepper, or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant pop of green. If you love heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes on top is fabulous!

Side Dishes

This soup is dreamy alongside slices of warm, crusty bread that are perfect for dunking or soaking up the last bit of creamy broth. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette also balances the richness, making the meal feel extra special and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup in rustic soup bowls with a swirl of cream for an elegant touch. For a fun family dinner, pour the soup into hollowed bread bowls, or serve mini portions in mugs for a cozy appetizer at a get-together. Let your presentation reflect just how inviting this soup really is!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making for a fabulous easy lunch or dinner the next day!

Freezing

Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup freezes quite well, but for best texture, freeze before you add the gnocchi, spinach, and cream. Simply cool the base, tuck it away in a freezer-safe container, and when you’re ready to enjoy, thaw then add those final ingredients as you reheat for the freshest taste.

Reheating

For the creamiest results, reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring often. If it seems too thick, just splash in a bit more broth or cream to bring it back to your favorite consistency.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just add the shredded cooked chicken to the crockpot when you add the gnocchi, then proceed as usual. You’ll have Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup on the table even faster.

Are there gluten-free options for this soup?

Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free gnocchi, which is widely available at most grocery stores. Everything else in the soup is naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy it!

What type Soup

Potato gnocchi is the classic choice for Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup, with its soft, pillowy texture. You can use either shelf-stable, refrigerated, or even homemade gnocchi—the choice is yours!

Can I use milk instead of half-and-half or cream?

While milk can be used in a pinch for a lighter soup, using half-and-half or heavy cream gives you that signature velvety finish. If you prefer to keep it light, try just a splash of cream for a little richness.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the chicken for canned white beans or extra veggies, and use a good vegetable broth. This way, you’ll have all the creamy comfort of Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup in a meatless version.

Final Thoughts

This soup is truly comfort food at its finest—the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again. I hope this Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup brings as much joy and warmth to your table as it does to mine. If you give it a try, don’t forget to make extra—you’ll be looking forward to those leftovers!

Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 12 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Warm up with a comforting bowl of Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup. This creamy soup is loaded with tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and healthy vegetables, making it the perfect meal for a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale

For optional sautéed vegetables:

1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup chopped celery

For soup:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
4 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 (16-ounce) package potato gnocchi
2 cups baby spinach
1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
1 tablespoon cold water (if using cornstarch)
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (optional, for sautéing vegetables)

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Instructions

Optional sautéed vegetables: In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter and sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for 4–5 minutes until softened.
Soup: Add chicken, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, chicken broth, thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is cooked through and tender. Shred the chicken in the pot using two forks. Stir in the gnocchi and cook on high for 30 minutes until tender. Add spinach and cream, stirring until the spinach wilts and the soup is creamy. For a thicker soup, mix cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl, then stir into the soup and cook an additional 5–10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

Notes

This soup is great with crusty bread or a simple side salad.
You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to shorten the cook time—just add it when you add the gnocchi.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours (on low)
Category: Soup
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American