If you’re searching for a heartwarming meal that marries creamy goodness with tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi, then Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is your new best friend. This dish brings comfort and rich flavor in every spoonful—your perfect cozy meal awaits! Its gentle simmer in the crockpot lets all the ingredients meld beautifully, creating a soup that’s both satisfying and easy enough for any busy day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cooking: Toss all ingredients in your crockpot and let it work its magic while you relax or tackle your day.
Rich and Creamy Texture: The velvety broth with soft gnocchi makes every bite deeply comforting and indulgent.
Hearty and Filling: With tender chicken and hearty vegetables, it stands out as a one-pot meal that satisfies hunger fully.
Versatile and Customizable: Adjust ingredients easily to suit dietary preferences or pantry availability without compromising flavor.
Perfect for Any Season: Cozy enough for chilly evenings, yet light enough for a comforting lunch anytime.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe stays wonderfully simple, combining essential ingredients that bring balanced flavor, vibrant color, and pleasing texture to your soup. Each item plays a crucial role, whether it’s the creamy base, tender chicken, or the tender gnocchi.

Chicken Breast or Thighs: Provides tender, juicy protein that soaks up the broth’s flavors beautifully.
Potato Gnocchi: Soft and pillowy dumplings that give the soup its signature texture and heartiness.
Carrots and Celery: Classic aromatic veggies that add subtle sweetness and freshness.
Spinach or Kale: Adds a pop of vibrant green and a nutrient boost with every spoonful.
Garlic and Onion: The foundational aromatics that build depth and warmth.
Chicken Broth: Rich and savory, it’s the base that carries all the flavors together.
Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: Creates a luscious, creamy finish that makes this soup indulgent.
Herbs and Spices: Thyme, basil, salt, and pepper enhance the flavor complexity.

Variations for Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

One of the best things about Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you want to swap out ingredients for dietary needs or add your favorite touches, it’s all about making the soup your own.

Make it Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or almond milk alternatives to keep it creamy without dairy.
Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with mushrooms or white beans for a hearty meatless meal.
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne to warm things up.
Different Greens: Substitute kale, swiss chard, or arugula for spinach to modify the flavor and texture.
Cheese Boost: Stir in some shredded parmesan or asiago for an extra layer of savory goodness.

Why Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Warms Hearts

How to Make Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Prep and Layer Ingredients

Start with chopped carrots, celery, onion, and garlic in the bottom of your crockpot. This creates a flavorful vegetable base. Add your chicken pieces on top and pour in chicken broth, making sure everything is submerged.

Step 2: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Set your crockpot to low and cook for 6-7 hours, or on high for about 3-4 hours. This slow simmer allows the chicken to become tender and the vegetables to soften perfectly.

Step 3: Add Gnocchi and Greens

About 20 minutes before serving, stir in potato gnocchi and fresh spinach. The gnocchi will cook quickly in the hot broth, becoming soft and pillowy, while the greens just wilt to maintain their vibrant color.

Step 4: Stir in Cream and Final Seasoning

Finally, add heavy cream or half-and-half and season with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or basil. Give it a gentle stir and let it warm through, creating a silky, rich soup ready to serve.

Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Use Fresh Gnocchi: Fresh gnocchi cooks more gently in the soup, preserving its soft texture.
Don’t Overcook Gnocchi: Add gnocchi towards the end of cooking because it can become mushy if cooked too long.
Cook Chicken Evenly: Place chicken evenly spaced in the crockpot for consistent cooking throughout.
Balance Cream and Broth: Adjust cream quantity to reach your desired richness without overpowering the broth.
Layer Flavors: Sauté garlic and onions before adding them to the crockpot to deepen the soup’s aroma and taste.

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Garnishes

Top with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a fresh, bright contrast. A sprinkle of grated parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil takes it to the next level of deliciousness.

Side Dishes

Serve with crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up every last drop of that creamy soup. A simple side salad can lighten the meal and add a crisp texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in rustic bowls for a cozy feel or in mini bread bowls for a fun twist. Adding a swirl of pesto or a dollop of sour cream as finishing touches can turn this soup into a gourmet experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep gnocchi separate if possible to prevent it from absorbing too much broth and becoming overly soft.

Freezing

Freeze soup without cream or gnocchi for best results, since dairy and soft dumplings can change texture after freezing. Add cream and gnocchi fresh when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive texture and flavor. Avoid high heat to keep the soup smooth and prevent curdling.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi in Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works well, but add it closer to the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming too mushy.

Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with mushrooms or beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian alternative.

How long does Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup keep in the fridge?

It stays fresh for about 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge.

Can I make this soup spicy?

Yes, you can add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce to give it a spicy kick without overwhelming the other flavors.

Do I have to use heavy cream?

No, you can substitute with half-and-half, coconut milk, or other non-dairy alternatives for a lighter or dairy-free version.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is one of those rare meals that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and full of comforting flavors that bring everyone around the table. Give this recipe a try—you’ll discover quickly why it’s a cozy favorite and a perfect go-to for any season.

Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Print Recipe

Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting meal combining tender chicken, soft potato gnocchi, and hearty vegetables simmered slowly to develop rich flavors. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for any season and can be customized to suit various dietary preferences.

Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

1.5 pounds chicken breasts or thighs, chopped or whole

Vegetables & Aromatics

2 cups carrots, chopped
2 cups celery, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups fresh spinach or kale

Base & Dairy

6 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

Carbohydrates

1 pound potato gnocchi (fresh preferred)

Herbs & Spices

1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prep and Layer Ingredients: Place chopped carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic in the bottom of your crockpot to form a flavorful vegetable base. Add the chicken pieces on top of the vegetables, then pour in chicken broth, ensuring ingredients are submerged.
Slow Cook to Tender Perfection: Set the crockpot to low heat and cook for 6-7 hours or use high heat for 3-4 hours. This slow simmer cooks the chicken thoroughly and softens the vegetables, allowing flavors to meld.
Add Gnocchi and Greens: About 20 minutes before serving, stir in the potato gnocchi and fresh spinach or kale. The gnocchi will cook and soften quickly while the greens wilt without losing their vibrant color.
Stir in Cream and Final Seasoning: Add heavy cream or half-and-half to the soup, then season with salt, pepper, and dried herbs like thyme and basil. Stir gently to combine and allow the soup to warm through, creating a smooth, creamy texture ready to serve.

Notes

Use fresh gnocchi for the best texture, adding it near the end of cooking to avoid mushiness.
Place chicken evenly in the crockpot to ensure consistent cooking.
Adjust the cream to broth ratio to achieve your preferred richness without overpowering the soup.
For deeper flavor, sauté garlic and onions before adding them to the slow cooker.
Store gnocchi separately if refrigerating leftovers to prevent it from absorbing too much broth.

Author: Lina
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Category: Soup
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (substitute gluten-free gnocchi)

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
Calories: 350
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: crockpot soup, chicken gnocchi soup, creamy chicken soup, slow cooker recipes, comfort food, easy dinner