There’s something magical about a simmering pot of Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup, filling your kitchen with cozy Italian aromas and the promise of a creamy, comforting bowl. This one-pot wonder combines pillowy potato gnocchi, hearty veggies, warming herbs, and a splash of cream, making it as irresistible for busy weeknights as for laid-back weekends. Whether you’re a soup lover or just searching for something uniquely satisfying, this recipe transforms simple pantry ingredients into a soul-hugging masterpiece.

Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering everything for Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup couldn’t be simpler, but don’t let the ease fool you! Each ingredient brings a layer of depth to the finished dish, from fresh vegetables adding sweetness and crunch to fragrant herbs that send classic Italian flavor right to your table.

Olive oil: Just a tablespoon is enough to sauté the veggies and coax out their savory notes.
Yellow onion: Diced for a sweet, aromatic base that melts into the broth.
Garlic cloves: Nothing says Italian comfort food quite like a double hit of minced garlic.
Carrots: Peeled and sliced for pops of color and gentle earthiness.
Celery: Sliced to deliver background flavor and a bit of crunch.
Canned diced tomatoes (with juice): Provides tang and a subtle sweetness in every spoonful.
Tomato paste: Six ounces add rich tomato depth and lovely color.
Vegetable or chicken broth: Four cups make up the hearty backbone of the soup; use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Dried basil: A teaspoon infuses the soup with fragrant, herbal notes.
Dried oregano: Adds quintessential Italian zest; don’t skip it!
Thyme: Just a touch rounds out the flavor with an earthy finish.
Salt and black pepper: Classic seasoning to bring everything together—taste as you go!
Shelf-stable potato gnocchi: These chewy dumplings turn lush and tender in the slow cooker.
Fresh spinach or kale: Chopped leaves add nutrition and a vibrant green hue.
Heavy cream or half-and-half: The key to luscious, velvety richness; feel free to sub with milk for a lighter touch.
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): A generous sprinkle on top is pure Italian-inspired joy!

How to Make Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies

Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add your diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook them together for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the veggies soften and your kitchen fills with sweetness and warmth. This little bit of upfront work brings out deep flavor, setting the stage for the whole soup.

Step 2: Build the Base in the Slow Cooker

Once your veggie mixture is perfectly tender, move it straight into your crock pot. Pour in the diced tomatoes with all their juices, tomato paste (for that gorgeous color and body), and your choice of broth. Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, thyme, plus salt and black pepper. A quick stir is all it takes to bring the ingredients together, turning your crock pot into a bubbling cauldron of Italian comfort.

Step 3: Simmer Low and Slow

Now comes the most hands-off part: set your crock pot to low and let it cook for 6 to 7 hours, or crank it to high and cook for 3 to 4 hours if you’re in a hurry. During this time, the flavors deepen, the veggies grow even more tender, and your house will smell absolutely incredible. This is what makes Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup so easy—just let the slow cooker do its thing!

Step 4: Add the Gnocchi, Greens, and Cream

About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, stir in the potato gnocchi, chopped spinach or kale, and the heavy cream (or your dairy of choice). Return the lid to let the soup gently finish cooking. The gnocchi will plump up and become perfectly tender, while the greens wilt into the velvety broth. It’s a moment where you’ll want to peek in and maybe steal a taste!

Step 5: Taste, Finish, and Enjoy

Just before serving, give your Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup a good stir. Taste the broth and adjust with another pinch of salt or pepper if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and, if desired, top each with a shower of grated Parmesan. Serve hot, and get ready for everyone at the table to ask for seconds!

How to Serve Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup

Garnishes

A final flourish can take your soup to new heights! Sprinkle bowls with freshly grated Parmesan for a salty finish, add torn basil leaves for a fresh burst, or drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top for beautiful shine and richness.

Side Dishes

This hearty soup shines alongside hunks of crusty Italian bread, warm focaccia, or a green salad tossed in simple vinaigrette. For a true Italian feast, pair with antipasto platters or some roasted garlic bruschetta on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup in big mugs for cozy nights or ladle it into shallow bowls for a rustic, European vibe. Hosting guests? Try mini portions in espresso cups as an appetizer—it’s a conversation starter every time!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover soup into airtight containers and store them in the fridge for up to three days. The soup will thicken somewhat as it sits—just give it a good stir before reheating. The flavors meld even more overnight, making lunchtime leftovers a real treat.

Freezing

While you can freeze Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup, keep in mind that the gnocchi and cream can change in texture after thawing. For the best results, freeze the base without the gnocchi or cream, then add them fresh when you reheat. Always cool the soup completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.

Reheating

Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of broth or cream to return it to your preferred consistency. You can also microwave individual bowls, stirring halfway through, for quick and easy comfort.

FAQs

Can I use homemade gnocchi instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! If you have homemade potato gnocchi, feel free to use them—they’ll add a deliciously tender and pillowy bite. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as fresh gnocchi tend to cook even faster than the shelf-stable kind.

How can I make this soup dairy-free?

Swap the heavy cream for a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk. Skipping the Parmesan or using a vegan cheese will keep the soup completely dairy-free without losing creaminess.

Is it possible to add protein?

Definitely! Stir in cooked Italian sausage, shredded rotisserie chicken, or drained white beans when you add the gnocchi and greens. These additions boost the heartiness and appeal of Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup.

Can I prepare this soup on the stovetop?

Yes, you can! After sautéing the veggies, combine everything in a large pot, simmer for about 30–40 minutes until the veggies are tender, then follow the same steps for adding the gnocchi, greens, and cream. It shaves some time off but still delivers big flavor.

Why did my soup get thicker after sitting?

That’s totally normal. Gnocchi tend to absorb some of the broth as they sit, making the soup heartier (and sometimes thicker) on Day 2. Just stir in a splash of extra broth or milk when you reheat to restore its original glorious texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving that just-right combination of ease, heartiness, and soul-warming flavor, Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup needs a place on your recipe list. Dive in with your favorite garnishes, share it with friends or family, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular request at your table!

Crock Pot Italian Style Gnocchi Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

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

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Description

A comforting and flavorful soup featuring tender gnocchi, hearty vegetables, and Italian herbs, all simmered to perfection in a crock pot. This creamy and satisfying dish is perfect for chilly days and easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetable Base:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced

Soup Ingredients:

1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon thyme
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 (16-ounce) package shelf-stable potato gnocchi
2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

Garnish:

Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened.
Combine Ingredients: Transfer sautéed vegetables to the crock pot. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Add Gnocchi and Greens: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in gnocchi, spinach or kale, and heavy cream. Cover and cook until gnocchi is tender and greens are wilted.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup, adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve: Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

For a lighter version, use milk or a dairy-free alternative instead of cream.
You can also add Italian sausage or white beans for extra protein.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; the soup may thicken as it sits.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: Soup
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Italian-American