If you have a cozy night in mind or need a warm hug in a bowl, this Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is exactly the kind of comforting, flavorful soup you’ll want to make again and again. Imagine tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, fresh spinach, and a rich broth infused with herbs all slowly cooked to perfection right in your crockpot. It’s a meal that feels special but requires almost no effort, perfect for busy days or lazy weekends when you want something nourishing and homemade without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is all it takes to bring this delightful soup together. Each component plays its part, from the veggies adding sweetness and crunch to the herbs layering in savory aromatics that build depth.
- 1/2 medium yellow onion (diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and foundational flavor.
- 1 cup grated carrots: Brings natural sweetness and a vibrant pop of color.
- 3 medium sticks celery (sliced): Introduces a refreshing, crisp texture and aromatic base.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The hearty protein that makes the soup satisfying and filling.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for enhancing all the flavors evenly.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Creates the rich, savory liquid base without overwhelming saltiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried garlic powder: Adds deep, mellow garlic notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a gentle earthy flavor that complements chicken beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary: Lends an aromatic pine-like fragrance for complexity.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): For a fresh burst of garlic that’s more vibrant than powder alone.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or 2 for thicker soup): Thickens the soup slightly for a creamy mouthfeel without cream.
- 1 (12-oz) can evaporated milk: Adds creaminess and richness while keeping it light.
- 1 (17.5-oz) package gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up all the delicious broth.
- 3 cups baby spinach: Brings a fresh, green pop of nutrition and a subtle earthiness.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Step 1: Place vegetables and chicken in slow cooker
Begin by layering your diced onion, grated carrots, and sliced celery at the bottom of your crockpot. These vegetables create a flavorful bed and infuse the entire soup with their natural sweetness and aroma. Next, season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper generously and nestle them on top of the veggies. This layering lets the chicken slowly soak in the flavors while the broth hits it in the next step.
Step 2: Add seasoned broth
In a measuring jug, whisk together low-sodium chicken broth with dried garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, and fresh minced garlic. Pour this fragrant, savory mixture slowly over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring every piece gets bathed in those lovely herbs and garlic. This step is where the magic base flavor of the soup truly begins to develop.
Step 3: Slow cook
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours or LOW for 7 to 8 hours, depending on your schedule. The low and slow cooking method tenderizes the chicken and lets the flavors meld beautifully, creating a deeply comforting and aromatic broth. The scent wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible.
Step 4: Shred chicken
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked and tender, carefully lift it out onto a wooden board. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized strips. This shredded chicken will mix effortlessly back into the soup later, giving you tender, juicy bites in every spoonful.
Step 5: Finish cooking
In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch into the evaporated milk until smooth. Pour this creamy mixture back into the crockpot, along with the shredded chicken and package of gnocchi. Stir everything gently to combine, then cover and cook the soup for another 45 minutes on HIGH. This gives the gnocchi time to plump up and absorb the savory broth, while the soup thickens to a lovely, creamy consistency without needing heavy cream.
Step 6: Add spinach and serve
Just before serving, stir in the fresh baby spinach until it wilts down. This adds a burst of color, freshness, and nutrition to the dish. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired, then ladle out generous bowls of this hearty, soul-warming soup and enjoy immediately.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your soup experience, consider topping it with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a few torn basil leaves. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice touch of richness or heat, turning each bowl into an inviting masterpiece that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
This soup shines wonderfully alongside warm, crusty bread or garlic knots, perfect for soaking up every last bit of the luscious broth. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast and rounds out the meal for a balanced dinner that feels special yet effortlessly put together.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out small pumpkins for fall gatherings. You can also add a finishing touch of fresh herbs chopped finely on top or swirl in a spoonful of pesto for added flavor layers. Presentation can turn a simple soup into a charming, crowd-pleasing centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cool it completely before storing to maintain the best texture and safety.
Freezing
While the soup is delicious fresh, freezing it requires a bit of care because gnocchi can become mushy. It’s best to freeze the soup without gnocchi and spinach, then add them fresh when reheating. Store the soup base in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup base gently on the stove or in the microwave until hot, then stir in fresh spinach and uncooked gnocchi. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the gnocchi is tender and spinach is wilted. This ensures the best taste and texture every time you enjoy leftovers.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed and shred as you would with breasts.
Is there a substitute for evaporated milk?
You can substitute half-and-half or light cream for evaporated milk, but keep in mind it may change the richness slightly. For a dairy-free option, coconut milk works nicely with a subtle twist in flavor.
Can this soup be made on the stovetop?
Yes, you can cook the vegetables and chicken in a large pot on medium heat, then add broth and seasonings. Simmer until chicken is cooked, shred it, then add the milk, cornstarch, gnocchi, and spinach. It will taste fantastic but might need closer attention than the slow cooker method.
How thick should the soup be?
The thickness is adjustable by the amount of cornstarch you add. One tablespoon gives a gentle creaminess, while two tablespoons create a thicker, stew-like texture—whichever suits your preference.
Can I freeze the fully prepared soup?
It’s best to freeze without the gnocchi and spinach to preserve texture. Add fresh gnocchi and spinach when reheating after thawing so everything stays perfect.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re craving a comforting meal or looking to impress with minimal effort, this Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe is a heartfelt winner every time. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and vibrant veggies slow-cooked into an herb-scented broth is pure joy in a bowl. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover your new favorite cozy dinner!
Print
Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (slow cooker on LOW) or 4-5 hours (slow cooker on HIGH) plus 45 minutes finishing time
- Total Time: 8 hours 45 minutes (LOW) or 5 hours 15 minutes (HIGH)
- Yield: 6 to 6.6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and comforting Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and soft gnocchi, all simmered slowly in a creamy broth. Perfect for an easy, satisfying meal that requires minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 cup grated carrots (2–3 medium if shredding fresh)
- 3 medium sticks celery, sliced (about 1 cup)
- 3 cups baby spinach (add more or less to taste)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Protein
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Liquids & Dairy
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (12-oz) can evaporated milk
Dry Seasonings & Others
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (use 2 tablespoons for thicker soup)
- 1 (17.5-oz) package gnocchi
Instructions
- Place vegetables and chicken in slow cooker: Place the diced onion, grated carrots, and sliced celery at the bottom of the slow cooker. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides, then lay them on top of the vegetables.
- Add seasoned broth: In a measuring jug, combine the chicken broth, dried garlic powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and minced garlic. Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the crockpot.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for 4-5 hours, or on LOW for 7-8 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Shred chicken: Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker to a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Finish cooking: Whisk the cornstarch into the evaporated milk until smooth. Stir the milk mixture, shredded chicken, and gnocchi into the soup. Cover and cook for another 45 minutes on HIGH, until the gnocchi are tender and the soup thickens.
- Add spinach and serve: Stir in the baby spinach until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use 2 tablespoons of cornstarch instead of 1 for a thicker soup consistency.
- Baby spinach can be adjusted based on preference; add more for extra greens.
- Gnocchi can be substituted with small pasta like tortellini if desired.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid overcooking the gnocchi.
